Boring core imaging system

Abstract

This system provides a boring core imaging system that reduces the workload on the operator and enables the creation of continuous core images with uniform quality. [Solution] The boring core imaging system comprises a housing 3 that partitions an imaging space A capable of housing a core box B, a dedicated stand 1 equipped with a light source 4 capable of illuminating the core box B and a camera 5 capable of imaging the core C placed in the core box B, and an image editing unit 2 that selects core images of the core C captured by the camera 5 and stitches together the selected core images to create a continuous core image. At least one side of the housing 3 is provided with an opening and closing door 7 that allows the core box B to be moved in and out of the imaging space A, and the remaining side is formed with a wall 6 that can diffusely reflect the light of the light source 4 within the imaging space A.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a boring core photographing system capable of simply and efficiently photographing a boring core and processing and analyzing the photographed images.

Background Art

[0002] (Boring Survey) Boring (excavation) survey is one of the basic and general-purpose geological surveys, and is an important operation for checking ground conditions during the design and construction of civil engineering structures, buildings, etc., and disaster surveys (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1). Specifically, a deep narrow hole is drilled in the ground, and the collected soil and bedrock are directly observed to investigate the composition of the stratum, soil properties, strength and groundwater level in detail.

[0003] (Observation of Boring Core) The collected material obtained in this boring survey (hereinafter also referred to as "boring core" or "core") is arranged and stored in a special box (hereinafter also referred to as "core box") in the order of excavation depth, and then observation work is performed.

[0004] (Conventional Observation Method) A conventional observation method is shown in the flowchart on the left side (prior art) of FIG. 6. Conventionally, first, at a survey site or an office, a boring core is photographed for each core box using a digital camera or the like (core photographing step). Thereafter, the photographed image data is transferred from the digital camera to a personal computer in the office (data transfer step). Representative images are selected for each depth from the image data stored in the personal computer, and these representative images are adjusted to have a predetermined size and brightness (image editing step). Then, the representative images with adjusted sizes and the like are arranged in order of depth to create a continuous core image (continuous image creating step). Thereafter, an electronic medium product including the continuous core image is prepared (product preparing step), and the process is completed.

[0005] (Problem 1 in Conventional Observation Methods) Conventional observation methods involve each step being performed separately (specifically, in different locations or on different equipment), and it takes an extremely long time (for example, nearly 120 minutes) for all the work to be completed.

[0006] (Problem 2 in conventional observation methods) Furthermore, when photographing boring cores, the shooting environment is not consistent, such as shooting on-site (outdoors) or in the office, resulting in significant differences in brightness and size from image to image. This not only makes the image editing process time-consuming, but also raises concerns that the quality may vary greatly depending on the operator's skill level and experience. Moreover, when determining the color tone classification of the edited images, the evaluation is based on the observer's subjective judgment while referring to a color sample called the Standard Soil Color Book. Therefore, there are concerns that the results may vary depending on the observer, and the quantitative accuracy remains highly questionable. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] "Draft Guidelines and Commentary on the Preparation of Boring Logs and Handling / Storage of Boring Cores," June 2015, Social Infrastructure Information Standardization Committee, Japan Federation of Geological Survey Associations, [Retrieved July 9, 2026], Internet<https: / / www.zenchiren.or.jp / koukai / pdf / kaisetsu2017_7.pdf> [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] This invention was made in view of these circumstances, and aims to provide a boring core imaging system that reduces the workload of the operator and can produce continuous core images with uniform quality. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] After diligent consideration, the inventors conceived the idea that by using a dedicated mount equipped with a light source and camera, it would be possible to photograph the core regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. Furthermore, they realized that each image captured by this dedicated mount could be edited by an image editing unit into a predetermined format (type and size), and only the necessary images could be stitched together in depth order to automatically generate a series of core photographs. They found that by implementing the specific structure and image processing requirements to achieve this idea into the system, the above-mentioned problems could be successfully resolved.

[0010] In other words, this invention has the following configurations and features, for example. (Aspect 1) A dedicated stand comprising: an enclosure that partitions a shooting space capable of housing a core box; a light source capable of illuminating the core box; and a camera capable of photographing the core placed inside the core box; An image editing unit selects core images of the core captured by the camera and stitches together the selected core images to create a continuous core image. A boring core imaging system equipped with, At least one side of the housing is provided with an opening and closing door that allows the core box to be moved in and out of the shooting space, and the remaining side has walls formed that can diffusely reflect the light of the light source within the shooting space. A boring core imaging system characterized by the following features. (Aspect 2) The bottom surface inside the enclosure is formed to the dimensions corresponding to the core box, The camera is located in the center of the ceiling surface inside the enclosure. The core image captured by the aforementioned camera ensures a resolution of 1 mm or higher. A boring core imaging system according to embodiment 1, characterized in that (Aspect 3) The system further includes an image display unit capable of displaying multiple core images and a sequence of core images created by the image editing unit. A boring core imaging system according to embodiment 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Aspect 4) The image editing unit further includes a color determination unit that identifies an analysis region from the continuous core image, performs a color tone determination on the analysis region, and outputs a color tone determination result. A boring core imaging system according to embodiment 1 or 2, characterized by the above. (Appendix 5) The color determination result obtained by the color determination unit is output or saved as an XML file. The boring core imaging system according to embodiment 4, characterized in that (Aspect 6) The image editing unit includes a soil analysis unit that uses the continuous core image and information related to the continuous core image to perform soil analysis on the continuous core image and output the soil analysis result. The boring core imaging system according to embodiment 4, characterized in that (Aspect 7) The aforementioned soil type interpretation unit is further equipped with an interpretation dictionary that has been trained using machine learning to determine the correspondence between multiple reference images and reference soil type classifications. The aforementioned information includes positional information corresponding to the analysis region obtained during the color tone determination, By comparing the aforementioned information with the corresponding relationships in the interpretation dictionary, the soil classification corresponding to the analysis area is identified as the soil type interpretation result. A boring core imaging system according to embodiment 6, characterized in that (Pattern 8) The soil analysis results obtained by the soil analysis unit are output or saved as an XML file. A boring core imaging system according to embodiment 7, characterized in that [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the boring core imaging system of this invention, the core box is stored in a dedicated stand that maintains a constant imaging environment, and the core box is photographed by a camera located at a predetermined position on the ceiling. As a result, the size and brightness of each captured core image are always constant. Furthermore, these core images can be easily and automatically stitched together in the image editing department, making it possible to create a continuous core image with uniform quality.

[0012] According to the imaging system of the present invention, most of the work load in core image capturing and image adjustment, which is unavoidable in conventional imaging methods, is reduced, so that work efficiency is greatly improved. Specifically, the present invention makes it possible to reduce the on-site imaging time from about 1 hour in the conventional method to 30 minutes at the shortest, and reduce the subsequent working time in the office from about 1 hour in the conventional method to about 30 seconds to 5 minutes (30 seconds at the shortest).

[0013] According to the imaging system of the present invention, the environment during core imaging is constant, and image adjustment work is also automatically performed in a computer, so concerns about problems that may occur in conventional methods (for example, quality fluctuation or degradation caused by differences in operators' skill levels and experience) are eliminated. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a schematic diagram showing the boring core imaging system of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram showing a core box disposed on the bottom surface of a housing. [Figure 3] It is a diagram showing a screen display unit when creating a continuous core image. [Figure 4] It is a diagram showing a screen display unit when performing color tone analysis from a continuous core image. [Figure 5] It is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an image editing unit. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing advantages of the present invention over a conventional boring core imaging method. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0015] Hereinafter, the technical content of the novel boring core imaging system of the present invention will be described based on the following specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments in any way. EXAMPLE

[0016] (Outline of the boring core imaging system of this invention) Figure 1 shows a schematic of the boring core imaging system (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "imaging system") of the present invention (embodiment). This imaging system photographs the boring core C (hereinafter also simply referred to as the "core") packed in the core box B, processes the captured image, and performs image analysis such as color determination of the core C. The illustrated imaging system, viewed from a broad perspective, consists of a dedicated stand 1 and an image editing unit 2.

[0017] (Configuration of the dedicated mounting frame) The dedicated stand 1 comprises a housing 3 that partitions a shooting space A capable of housing the core box B, a light source 4 capable of illuminating the core box B, and a camera 5 capable of photographing the core C placed inside the core box B. Furthermore, the dedicated stand 1 may be provided with a work table 1a and legs 1b with casters 1c. This allows the shooting system to be moved to any location in the office or warehouse for shooting work. Also, by making the housing 3 detachable from the work table 1a, the components of the dedicated stand 1 can be separated and loaded into the cargo area of ​​a mobile vehicle such as a large commercial van, and taken to the site or destination. Figure 2 shows the core box B placed on the bottom surface 3a of the housing 3 of the dedicated stand 1.

[0018] (Enclosure) The housing 3, which functions as a shooting booth, is surrounded by walls 6 so that a shooting space A is formed inside it. In this embodiment, the walls 6 are made of metal such as stainless steel, which can diffusely reflect the light from the light source 4 within the shooting space A. However, the walls 6 are not limited to the above material as long as the mechanical rigidity of the shooting booth is ensured and appropriate diffuse reflection of light is obtained during shooting.

[0019] (Opening and closing doors) Furthermore, at least one side of the housing 3 does not have a wall 6, and an opening / closing door 7 is provided that allows the core box B to be moved in and out of the shooting space A. In the illustration, as an example of the opening / closing door 7, a white roll-up curtain is installed on the upper front of the housing 3, and when photographing the core C, the curtain portion of the roll-up curtain 7 is pulled down to the bottom surface 3a of the housing 3 to completely close off the shooting space A. This blocks external light from entering the shooting space A, ensuring a uniform shooting environment at all times. Note that the opening / closing door 7 is not limited to the above embodiment, and for example, a hinged door that opens on one side or both sides, a sliding door that opens and closes the front and rear windows, or a folding door such as an accordion curtain may be used. Also, the color of the inner wall surface of the opening / closing door 7 is not limited to white, as long as it can appropriately scatter and reflect the light from the light source 4 within the shooting space A.

[0020] Preferably, the bottom surface 3a inside the housing 3 is formed with dimensions corresponding to the arrangement of the core box B. More specifically, as shown in Figure 2, it is preferable that the bottom surface 3a has an area that allows for the placement of the core box B, along with the subject display panel B1 (which can be placed inside the top lid of the open core box B) and the depth display panel B2 (which can be placed on either side of the core box B) when photographing the core C. This allows the imaging system to capture a core image P that includes not only the core C housed in the core box B, but also the subject display panel B1 and the depth display panel B2.

[0021] (Workspace) As described above, a workbench 1a with a predetermined thickness and rigidity may be used as a base for fixing the housing 3. The workbench 1a may be longer than the width of the housing 3 and may have extensions 1d that protrude from either the left or right side of the housing 3, or both. These extensions 1d may be used as a workspace when using the shooting system, and for example, as shown in the figure, a PC terminal (personal computer) that serves as the image editing unit 2 may be placed on it.

[0022] (Core box) Core box B is usually made of wood, and its length (internal dimensions) is typically around 103 cm to allow for the storage of core C every 100 cm (in compliance with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism guidelines). The overall width and height (depth) of core box B will vary according to the borehole diameter (and the diameter of the core C actually extracted from it). The subject display plate B1 may include the subject of the survey, the boring name, the core box number, the section depth, the survey period, and the name of the survey company. The depth display plate B2 usually has a scale (numbers) corresponding to the boring depth.

[0023] (light source) White LED lighting can be used as the light source 4. In the illustrated example, multiple straight-tube white LED lights are used. More specifically, white LED lights are laid along each edge of the bottom surface 3a and the top surface 3b (both rectangular surfaces) inside the housing 3, and a total of eight light sources 4 are used. By confining and diffusely reflecting the light emitted from the light sources 4 installed in this way between the inner wall surface of the housing 3 and the inner wall surface of the opening / closing door 7, white light similar to natural light can be diffused throughout the entire shooting space A inside the housing 3.

[0024] (Camera for filming) It is preferable that the camera 5 is located in the center of the ceiling surface 3b inside the housing 3. This ensures that the camera 5 is fixed in a predetermined position directly above the core box B when taking pictures. It is preferable that the camera 5 and the lens (not shown) mounted thereon have performance (specifications) such that the core image P obtained when the core C is photographed has a resolution of 1 mm or more.

[0025] (Indoorization and standardization of the shooting environment) By providing a dedicated mounting frame 1 and camera 5 with the configuration described above, indoor shooting becomes possible, eliminating constraints on weather, time of day, and location, and significantly improving work efficiency. Furthermore, because the shooting environment is standardized, variations in the quality of the resulting core images P are reduced, improving recording accuracy. This is also desirable in terms of improving the accuracy of color tone judgment and soil type interpretation during image analysis of the core images P after shooting.

[0026] (Core photography) When photographing core C inside core box B with the aforementioned camera 5, the shooting process can be easily carried out by selecting the screen of the PC terminal, which also serves as the image editing unit 2 (specifically, the icons on the application that make up part of the image editing unit 2), with the cursor or pressing down with the return key. Since multiple core boxes B containing core C are obtained in a single boring survey, the shooting process is carried out by sequentially replacing the core boxes B placed on the bottom surface 3a inside the enclosure 3.

[0027] (Editing the core image) The image editing unit 2 acquires and stores information about the core image P of core C captured by camera 5, and then, as shown in Figure 3, can sequentially display the core image P in the first frame D1 within the image display unit 21 (in this embodiment, the display of a PC terminal). If multiple core images P are acquired, a certain maximum number of core images P (for example, 8) may be displayed in parallel within the first frame D1. If more than the maximum number of core images P are acquired, the core images P may be displayed by switching the screen within the first frame D1 for each maximum number of images. In this way, for example, the 1st to 8th captured core images P can be displayed in parallel within the first frame D1, or the 9th and subsequent captured core images P can be displayed in parallel.

[0028] (Selection of core image) The image editing unit 2 has the function of selecting core images P necessary for creating the continuous core image P' described later from among the core images P displayed in the first frame D1. In the illustrated example, the image editing unit 2 is provided with a second frame D2, an add button AD, and a return button DL within the aforementioned image display unit 21. The operator of the shooting system of this invention can select any core image P (necessary for future editing) from among the multiple core images P displayed in the first frame D1 using a cursor, etc., and then press down the add button AD to display the core image P in the second frame D2 as well. If a core image P that has been deemed necessary and displayed in the second frame D2 is later deemed unnecessary, the operator can select the core image P using a cursor, etc., and press down the return button DL to return to only the first frame D1.

[0029] (Core image synthesis) Furthermore, the image display unit 21 is further provided with an image synthesis button BT1 and a third frame D3. By pressing down the image synthesis button BT1, a continuous core image P' can be created by synthesizing the core images P collected in the second frame D2, and this can be displayed in the third frame D3. The third frame D3 is also provided with an image save button BT3, which can be pressed down to save the continuous core image P' to the memory unit 24 of the image editing unit 2 (for example, in the memory of a PC terminal).

[0030] (Creation of continuous core images) In creating this continuous core image P', the portion showing the subject display board B1 may be used only from the representative core image (for example, the first core image P selected), while the portion showing the subject display board B1 may be deleted from the other core images P, and only the portion showing core C may be used and concatenated vertically. Alternatively, all core images P may be configured to use and concatenate only the portion showing core C, with the portion showing the subject display board B1 being read from a separate image file. The processing related to the creation of the continuous core image P' is performed in the image synthesis unit 22 within the image editing unit 2 (see Figure 5).

[0031] (Color tone determination of continuous core images) In addition, the image editing unit 2 preferably includes a color determination unit 23, as shown in Figure 5, which identifies an analysis region from the continuous core image P' in the boring depth direction and determines the color tone of the analysis region. The color determination unit 23 performs color extraction in each analysis region according to a standard soil color chart, as described later.

[0032] (Input of the lower depth of each soil layer and the color value from the standard soil color chart) The color determination unit 23 uses the lower depth of each soil layer and the Munsell color system color values ​​of each color sample listed in the standard soil color chart for color tone analysis. These parameters are input and stored as known values ​​in the storage unit 24 (for example, memory) within the image editing unit 2 before color tone analysis.

[0033] (Definition of lower end depth in this invention) The composition and type of soil typically differ in the direction of the boring survey (i.e., the depth direction), and are evaluated by dividing them in the depth direction. The lower end depth of each soil layer is the position in the depth direction with the ground surface as the reference (zero). For example, when the operator observes the continuous core image P', the lower end position where the uppermost soil layer ends from the ground surface (for example, 0.45m in the first row of the table in the fifth frame D5 of Figure 4) is entered as the lower end depth of that soil layer, and the lower end position where the second soil layer ends (1.60m in the second row of the table) is entered as the lower end depth of that soil layer, and so on, until the lower end position of the deepest soil layer shown in the continuous core image P' (12.20m in the eleventh row of the table) is entered, thereby saving the lower end depth of each soil layer in the memory unit 24.

[0034] (Munsell notation) Furthermore, the "Munsell color system" is an international color standard that quantitatively classifies colors by arranging the basic attributes of color—hue, lightness, and saturation—on a scale with equal intervals.

[0035] (Analysis area identification unit and analysis execution unit) Furthermore, the color determination unit 23 includes an analysis region identification unit 23a capable of demarcating any range within the image region of the continuous core image P', as shown in Figure 5, and a color tone analysis execution unit 23b that digitizes the image information obtained for each range demarcated by the analysis region identification unit 23a (hereinafter also referred to as the "analysis region") using a Munsell display system, compares these digits with the color values ​​of the color samples in the standard soil color chart, and extracts the closest color value.

[0036] (Operations to start color analysis) Once the continuous core image P' is created, the operator can proceed with the color analysis by pressing the color analysis start button BT2 in the third frame D3, as shown in Figure 3. This press switches the screen of the image display unit 21 as shown in Figure 4, displaying the fourth frame D4, which can display the continuous core image P' to be analyzed, and the fifth frame D5, which can display the color judgment result of the continuous core image P' after the analysis has been performed.

[0037] Furthermore, in Figure 4, the image file reading unit I1, the parameter file reading unit I2, and the parameter file storage unit I3 are located above the fifth frame D5. The image file reading unit I1 allows the user to select the storage location for the continuous core image P', read the continuous core image P' of the analysis target (arbitrary), and display it in the fourth frame D4. The parameter file reading unit I2 can acquire data related to the lower depth of each soil layer corresponding to the continuous core image P' of the analysis target, as well as data related to the analysis area described later, and display it in the fifth frame D5.

[0038] Furthermore, a sixth frame, D6, is provided below the fifth frame, D5. In this sixth frame, when the cursor is placed on the continuous core image P' within the fourth frame, D4, and an arbitrary range is selected (partitioned), its position information (the X and Y coordinates of the upper left corner in the case of a rectangular range, and the width and height of the rectangle) is displayed. If the selected range is deemed suitable as an analysis area, pressing the range partitioning button BT6 allows the range to be identified and saved as an analysis area. At this time, by comparing the above position information with the lower depth data, it is also possible to determine which soil layer the range belongs to. Note that the number of analysis areas selected within a single soil layer is not limited to one. For example, if the color or type of soil differs slightly within a soil layer, multiple analysis areas can be set and saved by shifting the selected range.

[0039] In this way, by reading the continuous core image P' to be analyzed and identifying the lower depth and data related to each analysis region (location information) in each soil layer corresponding to the image P', it is possible to cut out any range within the continuous core image P' as an analysis region and associate it with which soil layer this analysis region is located within.

[0040] In color analysis, the image of each analysis area (specified range) is quantified using the Munsell color system, and this is compared with the color values ​​(Munsell color system) of the standard soil color chart. The closest color sample can then be determined as the color tone of the image. Once the color tones of all analysis areas have been determined in this way, the data related to these color tones can be saved (for example, in XML format) in the memory of the PC terminal, which functions as the storage unit 24, or displayed on the display in the form of a list.

[0041] In the example shown in Figure 4, when the color analysis execution button BT4 at the top of frame D5 is pressed, the color analysis of all previously specified analysis areas is performed, and the results are displayed in a table within frame D5. The second column of the table displays the lower depth [m] of the soil layer to which each analysis area belongs, and each cell in the third column displays the color result of the analysis area. As an example of the color result, a color name conforming to the sample color of the standard soil color chart (e.g., olive black) or a Munsell color system value (e.g., 5Y 3 / 1) may be displayed, or the background color of the cell may be displayed in a color corresponding to the color result.

[0042] Furthermore, by pressing the XML save button BT5 in the fifth frame D5, you can output and save the color tone results in XML format. Since the color tone results in XML format can be used as basic information when creating a borehole log, which is one of the boring survey reports, importing this into a general-purpose (publicly known) borehole log creation application can significantly improve the efficiency of boring survey work.

[0043] (Interpretation of soil type) Furthermore, the image editing unit 2 of this invention preferably includes a soil type interpretation unit 25 that interprets the soil type of the continuous core image P' using a continuous core image P' and information related to the continuous core image P' (for example, positional information and lower end depth data corresponding to each analysis region obtained during color tone analysis), as shown in Figure 5. This allows the soil type interpretation unit 25 to interpret the soil type for each analysis region set and extracted from the continuous core image P' during color tone analysis. The obtained soil type results may be displayed in a classification that conforms to the soil classification standards. The "soil classification standards" are based on Table 1 in "Standards for the Use of Excavated Soil" issued by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (Minister's Secretariat, Technical Research Division, August 10, 2006). For example, the major classifications of soil types include, but are not limited to, organic soil (O), cohesive soil (C), sandy soil (F), and gravelly soil (G).

[0044] (Dictionary for interpreting soil types) The soil type interpretation unit 25 is equipped with an interpretation dictionary 25a that has been machine-learned using AI or the like to establish the correspondence between numerous reference core images 251 and soil type classifications 252 before interpretation is performed (see Figure 5). It is preferable to use only highly accurate image data for the reference images 251, such that the soil type classification judgment does not change regardless of which worker evaluates it. As machine learning models, representative models in the field of image recognition such as CNN (Convolutional Neural Network) and ViT (Vision-Transformer) can be used.

[0045] Then, when the continuous core image P' and the XML file obtained from the color analysis (containing data for each analysis region) are loaded into the comparison determination unit 25b of the soil type interpretation unit 25, the image of each analysis region is compared with the correspondence between the reference image 251 and the soil type classification 252 contained in the interpretation dictionary 25a, and the closest soil type classification is assigned. In addition, a confidence score is obtained, which quantifies how confident the machine learning model is in the above interpretation (assignment).

[0046] These interpretation results can be output in XML format, saved and transmitted as an XML file to the storage unit 25c, and can also be loaded into a columnar section creation application.

[0047] Furthermore, since the interpretation dictionary 25a of the soil interpretation unit 25 requires processing power to machine-learn data on a large amount of reference images 251, as shown in Figure 5, the soil interpretation unit 25 may be separated from the PC terminal where the image editing unit 2 is stored and made into a web application (software usable on a web browser) that can be connected via an internet line N. For example, the acquisition of continuous core images P' and the color tone analysis work may be performed on a dedicated stand 1 and the PC terminal that serves as the image editing unit 2 placed next to it, and then the soil interpretation work of the continuous core images P' may be performed by accessing the soil interpretation unit 25 via the internet line N from that PC terminal or another PC terminal in the office.

[0048] The configuration and features of the imaging system according to the embodiment have been explained above with reference to the drawings. Now, let's touch upon the flow of the method for capturing continuous core images P' using this imaging system and the subsequent image processing.

[0049] First, the core box B containing the core C to be photographed is placed on the bottom surface 3a of the dedicated stand 1 (housing 3), and the subject display board B1 and depth display board B2 are placed around the core box B (step S1). The camera 5 inside housing 3 is powered on, and the image editing unit 2, which is a photo-taking and image synthesis application built into the PC terminal, is started (step S2). The curtain portion of the opening / closing door 7 is pulled down to completely close the shooting space A (step S3). The shooting button in the photo-taking and image synthesis application is pressed down to photograph the core box B and save the core image P (step S4). If there are n core boxes B to be used for the investigation, the target to be photographed is changed and steps S1 to S4 are repeated n times.

[0050] Once all core boxes B have been photographed, the photo-compositing application, which functions as the image editing unit 2, selects multiple core images P to be composited and combines them to create a continuous core image P' (step S5). To proceed to color tone determination, the range to be analyzed within the continuous core image P' is specified sequentially (step S6). Then, the color tone analysis execution button BT4 is pressed down to perform the color tone analysis (step S7), and the color tone analysis results are displayed on the image display unit 21. The results are output and saved as an XML file or similar for future columnar section creation or soil interpretation work (step S8).

[0051] To proceed with soil analysis, the user accesses and launches the soil analysis application (soil analysis unit 25) via the internet connection N from a PC terminal that is part of the imaging system or another PC terminal (for example, a PC terminal in an office away from the imaging system) (step S9). Then, the user inputs the continuous core image P' and an XML file containing each analysis area (specified range) obtained from the color analysis (step S10). Then, by pressing the soil analysis button (not shown) and executing soil analysis in the comparison analysis unit 25b (step S11), the results of the soil classification for each analysis area are displayed. The results are output as an XML file or similar for future columnar section creation and saved in the storage unit 25c (step S12).

[0052] Thus, by using the imaging system of this invention, as shown on the right side of Figure 6 (this technology), it is possible to streamline a series of operations from imaging the core C to generating continuous core images P' and subsequent image editing (color analysis and soil type interpretation) by making full use of digital technology (DX). Furthermore, since the series of operations can be completed simply by replacing the core box B and operating a button, variations in the imaging quality of the core images P and the color judgment results due to the operator's skill level are less likely to occur. [Industrial applicability]

[0053] According to the boring core imaging system of this invention, the core box is stored in a dedicated stand that maintains a constant imaging environment, and the core box is photographed by a camera located at a predetermined position on the ceiling. As a result, the size and brightness of each captured core image are always constant. Furthermore, these core images can be easily and automatically stitched together in the image editing department, making it possible to create a continuous core image with uniform quality.

[0054] The imaging system of this invention significantly improves work efficiency because it reduces the majority of the workload involved in capturing core images and adjusting images, which were unavoidable with conventional imaging methods. Specifically, this invention can reduce on-site imaging time from the conventional approximately one hour to as little as 30 minutes, and subsequent work time in the office from the conventional approximately one hour to about 30 seconds to 5 minutes (as little as 30 seconds).

[0055] According to the present invention's imaging system, the environment during core imaging is constant, and image adjustment work is performed automatically within the computer, thus eliminating concerns such as problems that may occur with conventional methods (for example, variations or deterioration in quality due to differences in the operator's skill level or experience).

[0056] Thus, the boring core imaging system of this invention has very high industrial applicability and utility. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0057] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d Dedicated stand, workbench, legs, casters, extension 2 Image Editing Department 3,3a,3b Housing, bottom, ceiling 4 light source 5 Cameras 6 walls 7. Opening / closing door (roll-up curtain) 21 Image display section 22 Image Synthesis Unit 23, 23a, 23b Color determination unit, analysis area identification unit, color tone analysis execution unit 24 Memory section 25, 25a, 25b, 25c Soil type interpretation unit, interpretation dictionary, comparison and determination unit, memory unit 251,252 Reference images, Reference soil classification A shooting space B, B1, B2 core boxes, subject display board, depth display board C boring core D1, D2, D3 Slot 1, Slot 2, Slot 3 D4, D5, D6 4th slot, 5th slot, 6th slot AD Add button DL Return button BT1, BT2, BT3 image synthesis button, analysis start button, image save button Buttons for executing BT4, BT5, and BT6 color analysis, saving as XML, and dividing into color ranges. I1, I2, I3 Image file reading unit, parameter file reading unit, parameter file saving unit P,P' core image, continuous core image N Internet connection

Claims

1. A dedicated stand comprising: an enclosure that partitions a shooting space capable of housing a core box; a light source capable of illuminating the core box; and a camera capable of photographing the core placed inside the core box; An image editing unit selects core images of the core captured by the camera and stitches together the selected core images to create a continuous core image. A boring core imaging system equipped with, At least one side of the housing is provided with an opening and closing door that allows the core box to be moved in and out of the shooting space, and the remaining side has walls formed that can diffusely reflect the light of the light source within the shooting space. A boring core imaging system characterized by the following features.

2. The bottom surface inside the enclosure is formed to the dimensions corresponding to the core box, The camera is located in the center of the ceiling surface inside the enclosure. The core image captured by the aforementioned camera ensures a resolution of 1 mm or higher. The boring core imaging system according to feature 1.

3. The system further includes an image display unit capable of displaying multiple core images and a sequence of core images created by the image editing unit. The boring core imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

4. The image editing unit further includes a color determination unit that identifies an analysis region from the continuous core image, performs a color tone determination on the analysis region, and outputs a color tone determination result. The boring core imaging system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is the same as described in claim 1 or 2.

5. The color determination result obtained by the color determination unit is output or saved as an XML file. The boring core imaging system according to feature 4.

6. The image editing unit includes a soil analysis unit that uses the continuous core image and information related to the continuous core image to perform soil analysis on the continuous core image and output the soil analysis result. The boring core imaging system according to feature 4.

7. The aforementioned soil type interpretation unit is further equipped with an interpretation dictionary that has been trained using machine learning to determine the correspondence between multiple reference images and reference soil type classifications. The aforementioned information includes positional information corresponding to the analysis region obtained during the color tone determination, By comparing the aforementioned information with the corresponding relationships in the interpretation dictionary, the soil classification corresponding to the analysis area is identified as the soil type interpretation result. The boring core imaging system according to feature 6.

8. The soil analysis results obtained by the soil analysis unit are output or saved as an XML file. The boring core imaging system according to feature 7.

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