Handheld device

Abstract

Provided is a handheld device capable of simply and accurately performing an appearance inspection of a valve. 【Solution means】The handheld device is for imaging a valve in an imaging device. The handheld device includes a cylindrical housing that forms a closed space for imaging between a connection part and the imaging device. The handheld device includes a light source that irradiates light to the connection part through the closed space. The handheld device includes a lens disposed between a half mirror and the imaging device in the closed space. The handheld device includes a handle connected to the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a handheld device for performing an appearance inspection of a valve.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus for inspecting the appearance of an object to be inspected having a curved surface by image processing.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Conventionally, for valves in chemical plants such as gas plants, appearance inspections such as scratches or cracks have been performed by visual inspection or image processing. Since the valves in chemical plants are arranged at various positions within the plant and various reflections occur due to natural light or indoor lighting, etc., there is a problem that it is impossible to easily and accurately inspect the appearance of the valves. However, in the prior art, no effective and appropriate means for solving the above problems has been provided.

[0005] The present disclosure solves the above problems and aims to provide a handheld device capable of easily and accurately performing an appearance inspection of a valve.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The handheld device of the present disclosure is for performing an appearance inspection of a valve by imaging the valve in an imaging device. The handheld device of the present disclosure is attached to the imaging device, surrounds a connection portion of the valve in front of the imaging device, and includes a cylindrical housing that forms a closed space for imaging between the connection portion and the imaging device. The handheld device of the present disclosure includes a light source that irradiates light to the connection portion through the closed space. The handheld device of the present disclosure includes a half mirror that is disposed in the closed space, reflects light from the light source and guides it to the connection portion, and transmits light reflected from the connection portion and guides it to the imaging device. The handheld device of the present disclosure includes a lens that is disposed between the half mirror and the imaging device in the closed space. The handheld device of the present disclosure includes a handle connected to the housing.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a handheld device capable of simply and accurately inspecting the appearance of a valve.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

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Figure 7

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a handheld device 1 which is an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing the external structure of the handheld device 1. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing the internal structure of the handheld device 1. FIG. 3 is a schematic view showing one aspect of the process of attaching the handheld device 1 to the valve 5.

[0011] The handheld device 1 is configured to perform an appearance inspection of the valve 5 by imaging the valve 5 with the imaging device 3. The imaging device 3 can be any device on the condition that it is capable of imaging still images or moving images. For example, a digital camera, a USB camera, an Internet camera, or a camera attached to a portable terminal such as a smartphone can be adopted. The valve 5 is provided, for example, in a chemical plant such as a gas plant. The valve 5 has a connection part 5a that forms an interface of the valve 5.

[0012] The handheld device 1 includes a housing 10. The housing 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape. The housing 10 can adopt any outer shape on the condition that it is formed in a cylindrical shape. The housing 10 has, for example, a first cylindrical member 10a having a hollow rectangular column shape and a second cylindrical member 10b having a hollow cylindrical shape connected to the first cylindrical member 10a. The housing 10 is formed of a synthetic resin such as ABS resin (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene resin). In the housing 10, the second cylindrical member 10b may be integrally formed with the first cylindrical member 10a or may be detachably connected to the first cylindrical member 10a.

[0013] The housing 10 is formed so as to be attached to the imaging device 3. In the housing 10, for example, an end of the first cylindrical member 10a is attached so as to cover a lens part of the imaging device 3. Note that the housing 10 may be directly attached to the imaging device 3 or may be attached to the imaging device 3 via an arbitrary attachment mechanism.

[0014] Also, the housing 10 is formed so as to surround the connection part 5a of the valve 5 in front of the imaging device 3. In the housing 10, for example, an end of the second cylindrical member 10b is formed so as to surround the connection part 5a of the valve 5.

[0015] As described above, the housing 10 is attached to the imaging device 3, and by surrounding the connection portion 5a of the valve 5, a closed space 10c is formed between the connection portion 5a and the imaging device 3. The closed space 10c is a space where light from outside the housing 10 such as natural light or indoor lighting is blocked, and is used for imaging the connection portion 5a by the imaging device 3.

[0016] The handheld device 1 includes a light source 11. The light source 11 is formed to irradiate light onto the connection portion 5a of the valve 5 through the closed space 10c. The light source 11 is preferably formed by one or more light emitting diodes 11a. The light source 11 can adopt a light source in any form according to the inspection object and purpose, and preferably, one of a parallel light source, a ring light source, and a point light source can be adopted. The parallel light source is also called coaxial epi-illumination. By adopting the parallel light source as the light source 11, it is possible to irradiate the connection portion 5a of the valve 5 evenly. Note that the light source 11 can be configured to emit light of any color, and for example, but not limited to, can be configured to emit white, red, or blue light.

[0017] The light source 11 is preferably detachably attached to the first cylindrical member 10a, and the light from the light source 11 is incident on the closed space 10c of the housing 10 through the hole 10a1 provided in the first cylindrical member 10a. Note that the light source 11 may be non-detachable from the housing 10.

[0018] The handheld device 1 includes a half mirror 12. The half mirror 12 is disposed in the closed space 10c of the housing 10. The half mirror 12 is formed to reflect the light from the light source 11 and guide it to the connection portion 5a of the valve 5. For example, the half mirror 12 is disposed in the closed space 10c so as to reflect the light incident from the hole 10a1 of the first cylindrical member 10a of the housing 10 toward the connection portion 5a. Also, the half mirror 12 is formed to transmit the light reflected from the connection portion 5a and guide it to the imaging device 3. The half mirror 12 is formed of, for example, but not limited to, an acrylic resin or glass.

[0019] The handheld device 1 includes a lens 13. The lens 13 is an optical component formed such that the principal ray on the object side of the lens 13, i.e., on the side of the valve 5, is parallel to the optical axis. The lens 13 is disposed between the half mirror 12 and the imaging device 3 in the closed space 10c of the housing 10. For example, the lens 13 is disposed in the closed space 10c of the first cylindrical member 10a of the housing 10. The lens 13 is formed, for example, but not limited to, as a telecentric lens made of acrylic resin or glass.

[0020] The handheld device 1 includes a handle 14. The handle 14 is connected to the housing 10. For example, the handle 14 is connected to the first cylindrical member 10a of the housing 10. The housing 10 is formed of a synthetic resin such as, for example, ABS resin. Note that the handle 14 may be integrally formed with the housing 10 or may be detachably connected to the housing 10.

[0021] Preferably, the handle 14 has an input device 14a for remotely operating the imaging device 3. The input device 14a has, for example, buttons. The input device 14a is formed to transmit a signal for operating, for example, the imaging timing of the imaging device 3 to the imaging device 3 via wireless communication such as bluetooth (registered trademark) by pressing a button.

[0022] As shown in FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b), when the handheld device 1 is attached to the valve 5, it is preferable that the gap between the outer peripheral surface 5a1 of the connection portion 5a of the valve 5 and the inner wall 10b1 of the second cylindrical member 10b of the housing 10 is as small as possible. However, depending on the specifications of the valve 5, the gap between the outer peripheral surface 5a1 of the connection portion 5a and the inner wall 10b1 of the housing 10 may become large.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of attaching the handheld device 1 to the valve. As shown in FIG. 4, the handheld device 1 preferably further includes an adapter 15. The adapter 15 is detachably attached to the housing 10. The adapter 15 is formed, for example, so as to close a gap between the inner wall 10b1 of the second cylindrical member 10b of the housing 10 and the outer peripheral surface 5a1 of the connection portion 5a of the valve 5. The adapter 15 is formed of, for example, a synthetic resin such as ABS resin, or an elastic material such as synthetic rubber, without limitation.

[0024] The adapter 15 has, for example, a cylindrical portion 15a having a hollow cylindrical shape, and a flange portion 15b having a hollow disk shape that is continuous with one end in the axial direction of the cylindrical portion 15a and projects outward in the radial direction from the cylindrical portion 15a. When the adapter 15 is attached, the cylindrical portion 15a is inserted into the second cylindrical member 10b of the housing 10 until the flange portion 15b abuts against the end of the second cylindrical member 10b. Also, the connection portion 5a of the valve 5 is inserted into the adapter 15. In FIG. 4(b), the gap between the inner wall 10b1 of the housing 10 and the outer peripheral surface 5a1 of the connection portion 5a is closed by the cylindrical portion 15a.

[0025] Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the effect of performing an appearance inspection of the valve 5 using the handheld device 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a schematic view showing a comparative example without using the handheld device 1 and an example using the handheld device 1. In the comparative example shown in FIG. 5(a), the connection portion 5a of the valve 5 was imaged by the imaging device 3 without using the handheld device 1. In the example shown in FIG. 5(b), the connection portion 5a of the valve 5 was imaged by the imaging device 3 using the handheld device 1.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a photograph showing the imaging result of the connection part 5a of the valve 5 without scratches or cracks. FIG. 6(a) is a photograph showing the imaging result of the connection part 5a without scratches or cracks in a comparative example without using the handheld device 1. FIG. 6(b) is a photograph showing the imaging result of the connection part 5a without scratches or cracks in an embodiment using the handheld device 1. Region A1 indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 6(a) corresponds to region A2 indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 6(b).

[0027] In the comparative example of FIG. 6(a), due to the reflection of light from the outside such as natural light or indoor lighting, the brightness of the connection part 5a becomes non-uniform. Therefore, in the visual inspection or image processing of the region with non-uniform brightness as shown in region A1, there is a possibility of misidentifying that there are scratches or cracks in the connection part 5a of the valve 5. However, in the embodiment of FIG. 6(b), the connection part 5a is uniformly irradiated by the light from the light source 11. Also, the housing 10 blocks the light from the outside such as natural light or indoor lighting, and is not affected by the light from the outside. Therefore, as shown in region A2, even in the region where the brightness of the connection part 5a is non-uniform in the comparative example, the reflection from the connection part 5a becomes uniform, so the brightness becomes uniform.

[0028] Therefore, by using the handheld device 1 to perform an appearance inspection of the valve 5, it is possible to avoid the possibility of misidentifying that there are scratches or cracks in the connection part 5a of the valve 5 in visual inspection or image processing.

[0029] FIG. 7 is a photograph showing the imaging result of the connection part 5a of the valve 5 with scratches or cracks. FIG. 7(a) is a photograph showing the imaging result of the connection part 5a with scratches or cracks in a comparative example without using the handheld device 1. FIG. 7(b) is a photograph showing the imaging result of the connection part 5a with scratches or cracks in an embodiment using the handheld device 1. Region B1 indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 7(a) corresponds to region B2 indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 7(b).

[0030] In the comparative example of FIG. 7(a), due to reflection of light from the outside such as natural light or indoor lighting, the brightness of the connection part 5a becomes irregular. Therefore, in visual inspection or image processing of the region where the brightness appears uniform as shown in region B1, there is a possibility of misidentifying that there are no scratches or cracks in the connection part 5a of the bulb 5 due to the influence of reflection of light from the outside.

[0031] However, in the embodiment of FIG. 7(b), the connection part 5a is uniformly irradiated with light from the light source 11. Further, the housing 10 blocks light from the outside such as natural light or indoor lighting, and is not affected by light from the outside. Therefore, as shown in region B2, even in the region where the brightness of the connection part 5a appears uniform in the comparative example, the portion where the reflection from the connection part 5a becomes non-uniform is imaged.

[0032] Therefore, by performing an appearance inspection of the bulb 5 using the handheld device 1, it is also possible to avoid the possibility of misidentifying that there are no scratches or cracks in the connection part 5a of the bulb 5 in visual inspection or image processing.

[0033] As described above, the handheld device 1 includes a cylindrical housing 10 that is attached to the imaging device 3, surrounds the connection part 5a of the bulb 5 in front of the imaging device 3, and forms a closed space 10c for imaging between the connection part 5a and the imaging device 3.

[0034] According to this configuration, light from the outside such as natural light or indoor lighting is blocked, and the connection part 5a can be imaged without being affected by light from the outside, so that the appearance inspection of the bulb 5 can be accurately performed.

[0035] The handheld device also includes a light source that irradiates light to the connection part 5a through the closed space 10c.

[0036] According to this configuration, the connection part 5a is uniformly irradiated with light from the light source 11, so that the appearance inspection of the bulb 5 can be accurately performed.

[0037] Further, the handheld device includes a lens 13 disposed between the half mirror 12 and the imaging device 3 in the closed space 10c.

[0038] According to this configuration, since the light from the light source 11 can be uniformly irradiated onto the connection portion 5a parallel to the optical axis, the appearance inspection of the valve 5 can be accurately performed.

[0039] In addition, the handheld device 1 includes a handle 14 connected to the housing 10, so that the appearance inspection of the valve 5 can be easily performed.

[0040] Moreover, the handle 14 has an input device 14a for remotely operating the imaging device 3, so that the operation of the imaging device 3 can be simplified.

[0041] In addition, the light source 11 includes one of a parallel light source, a ring light source, and a point light source, so that an arbitrary form of light source corresponding to the inspection object and purpose can be adopted.

[0042] Further, the handheld device 1 is detachably attached to the housing 10 and includes an adapter 15 that closes a gap between the inner wall 10b1 of the housing 10 and the outer peripheral surface 5a1 of the connection portion 5a.

[0043] According to this configuration, even when the specifications of the valve 5 are different, the light from the outside such as natural light or indoor lighting can be blocked, and the connection portion 5a can be imaged without being affected by the outside light. Therefore, the appearance inspection of valves with various specifications can be accurately performed.

[0044] Note that in the above-described embodiment, the valve 5 has been described as being provided in a chemical plant such as a gas plant, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the valve 5 may be provided in a gas cylinder or may be for other industrial uses.

[0045] Further, the handheld device 1 may include an imaging device 3. Further, the imaging device 3 may have a display or the like for displaying an image captured by the imaging device 3. Further, the imaging device 3 may have an aperture or the like provided in the lens.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0046] 1 Handheld device, 3 Imaging device, 5 Valve, 5a Connection part, 5a1 Outer peripheral surface, 10 Housing, 10a First cylindrical member, 10a1 Hole, 10b Second cylindrical member, 10b1 Inner wall, 10c Closed space, 11 Light source, 11a Light emitting diode, 12 Half mirror, 13 Lens, 14 Handle, 14a Input device, 15 Adapter, 15a Cylindrical part, 15b Flange part.

Claims

1. 1. A handheld device for visually inspecting a valve by imaging the valve with an imaging device, comprising: a cylindrical housing attached to the imaging device, surrounding a connection portion of the valve in front of the imaging device, and forming a closed space for imaging between the connection portion and the imaging device; a light source that irradiates the connection portion with light through the closed space; a half mirror that is disposed in the closed space and reflects light from the light source to guide it to the connection portion and transmits the light reflected from the connection portion to guide it to the imaging device; a lens disposed between the half mirror and the imaging device in the closed space; a handle connected to the housing; Equipped Handheld devices.

2. The handle has an input device for remotely operating the imaging device. The handheld device of claim 1 .

3. The light source includes one of a parallel light source, a ring light source, and a point light source.

3. A handheld device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. An adapter that is detachably attached to the housing and closes a gap between an inner wall of the housing and an outer peripheral surface of the connection portion. Further equipped 3. A handheld device according to claim 1 or 2.

Images