Specimen photography device, specimen photography system, and specimen photography method in the specimen photography system

Abstract

To provide a device that images a rotating specimen easily and at low cost and efficiently monitors the state change of the specimen.SOLUTION: A specimen imaging device 11 includes: a specimen support part 12 rotatably provided around an axis O of a rotating shaft and supporting a specimen 100B; a drive part 13 for rotationally driving the specimen support part 12 around the axis O; and a camera 15 provided on the specimen support part 12 and imaging the specimen 100B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a specimen imaging device, a specimen imaging system, and a method for imaging a specimen in the specimen imaging system. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, a tire durability tester uses a camera to capture images of a tire rotated at high speed under load, and monitors changes in the state of the tire due to deformation, damage, and the like, based on the captured images (video). When capturing images of various test specimens, including tires, while they are rotating, the test specimen is captured with a stationary camera. This creates a relative speed difference between the camera and the test specimen, which makes it easy for the test specimen to blur in the captured image. In contrast, if a high-speed camera or a strobe is used for capture, the blur of the test specimen in the captured image can be reduced. However, capturing images using a high-speed camera or a strobe is costly.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a mounting base for mounting a device such as a camera is rotated around a rotation axis by a rotation mechanism that rotates 360 degrees. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 2-63297 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for the development of technology that can easily and inexpensively photograph a rotating specimen and efficiently monitor changes in the condition of the specimen.

[0006] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a specimen photography device, a specimen photography system, and a method for photographing a specimen in a specimen photography system that can easily and at low cost photograph a rotating specimen and efficiently monitor changes in the condition of the specimen. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the specimen photography device of the present disclosure comprises a specimen support part that is rotatably arranged around the axis of a rotation shaft and supports a specimen, a drive part that rotates the specimen support part around the axis, and a camera that is arranged on the specimen support part and photographs the specimen.

[0008] The specimen photographing system according to the present disclosure includes a specimen photographing device as described above, and a monitoring device that monitors the state of the specimen based on image data captured by the camera.

[0009] The method for photographing a specimen in a specimen photography system according to the present disclosure is a method for photographing a specimen in a specimen photography system as described above, and includes the steps of rotating the specimen together with the specimen support part, photographing the specimen while rotating with the camera provided on the specimen support part, and monitoring the condition of the specimen based on the photographed image of the specimen. Effect of the Invention

[0010] According to the specimen photography device, specimen photography system, and specimen photography method in the specimen photography system disclosed herein, a rotating specimen can be photographed easily and at low cost, and changes in the condition of the specimen can be efficiently monitored. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a specimen imaging device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 11 is a cross-sectional elevation view of a specimen imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a specimen imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a specimen photography system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a hardware configuration of a monitoring device of a specimen photography system according to a third and fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a monitoring device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] A figure showing an example of an image of a specimen displayed on a display device of a specimen system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for photographing a specimen in a specimen photographing system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram of a monitoring device according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing the steps of a method for photographing a specimen in a specimen photographing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a detailed procedure of a step of monitoring the state of a specimen in a method for photographing a specimen in a specimen photographing system according to a fourth embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0012] Hereinafter, a specimen imaging device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. First Embodiment (Configuration of the specimen photography device) As shown in FIG. 1, the specimen photographing device 1 includes a specimen support section 2, a drive section 3, a camera 5, and a camera support member 7.

[0013] The specimen support part 2 supports the specimen 100A. The specimen support part 2 is formed, for example, in a disk shape. The specimen support part 2 is provided along a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis 2s extending in the axis O direction. In this embodiment, the rotation axis 2s is provided with the axis O aligned along the vertical up-down direction. As a result, the specimen support part 2 is provided along a horizontal plane. The specimen support part 2 is fixed to one end of the rotation axis 2s. The specimen support part 2 is provided rotatably around the axis O together with the rotation axis 2s. One surface side of the specimen support part 2 is a specimen support surface 2f. The specimen support part 2 has the specimen support surface 2f facing vertically upward, for example. The specimen support part 2 may be arranged so that the specimen support surface 2f faces, for example, in the horizontal direction. The specimen 100A is fixed to the specimen support surface 2f using a fixing fixture (not shown) or the like.

[0014] The drive unit 3 rotates the specimen support unit 2 around the axis O. The drive unit 3 is, for example, a motor, and is provided at the other end of the rotation shaft 2s. The drive unit 3 rotates the rotation shaft 2s and the specimen support unit 2 around the axis O at a predetermined number of rotations.

[0015] The camera 5 is provided on the specimen support part 2. The camera 5 photographs the specimen 100A supported on the specimen support surface 2f of the specimen support part 2. The camera 5 is provided on the specimen support part 2 via a camera support member 7. The camera 5 supported by the camera support member 7 is disposed radially inward with respect to the specimen 100A, centered on the axis O. The camera support member 7 supports the camera 5 at a position spaced apart from the specimen support part 2 in the direction of the axis O of the rotation axis 2s. The camera 5 is provided so as to photograph a direction inclined toward the specimen support surface 2f side toward the radially outward direction. The camera 5 photographs the specimen 100A from the radially inner side. The camera 5 rotates around the axis O together with the specimen support part 2 and the specimen 100A.

[0016] The image data captured by the camera 5 is output to the outside by a data output unit (not shown). The data output unit (not shown) outputs the image data to the outside by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. The image data output to the outside is acquired by an external display device such as a monitor. The external display device such as a monitor displays the image captured by the camera 5 based on the acquired image data. This makes it possible to observe the change in state of the specimen 100A that occurs when the specimen 100A is rotated based on the displayed image.

[0017] (Action and effect) In this embodiment, the camera 5 of the specimen photographing device 1 is provided on the specimen support part 2 that supports the specimen 100A. Therefore, when the driving part 3 rotates the specimen support part 2 around the axis O of the rotation axis 2s, the specimen 100A and the camera 5 rotate together with the specimen support part 2. As a result, there is no relative speed difference between the camera 5 and the specimen 100A, and the camera 5 can photograph the rotating specimen 100A in a state as if it were stationary. Therefore, the rotating specimen 100A can be photographed with good image quality without using a high-speed camera or a strobe, and the change in the state of the specimen 100A can be easily monitored. As a result, it is possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the rotating specimen 100A and efficiently monitor the change in the state of the specimen 100A.

[0018] Moreover, the camera support member 7 allows the camera 5 to be disposed at a position spaced apart in the axial direction O of the rotation shaft 2s from the specimen 100A supported by the specimen support part 2. Therefore, an image that is easy to observe of the rotating specimen 100A viewed from a position spaced apart in the axial direction can be captured.

[0019] Second Embodiment Next, a specimen imaging device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In the second embodiment, components similar to those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. (Configuration of specimen photography device) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the specimen photographing device 11 includes a specimen supporting section 12, a driving section 13, a camera 15, a camera supporting member 17, and a data output section 19.

[0020] The specimen support part 12 supports the specimen 100B. In this embodiment, the specimen 100B is a tire, and is, for example, an annular shape with an opening 100g formed in the center. The specimen support part 12 is formed, for example, in a disk shape. The specimen support part 12 is provided along a plane perpendicular to a rotation axis 12s extending in the axis O direction. In this embodiment, the rotation axis 12s is provided with the axis O aligned along the vertical up-down direction. As a result, the specimen support part 12 is provided along a horizontal plane. The specimen support part 12 is fixed to one end of the rotation axis 12s. The specimen support part 12 is provided so as to be rotatable around the axis O integrally with the rotation axis 12s. One surface side of the specimen support part 12 is a specimen support surface 12f. The specimen support part 12 has the specimen support surface 12f facing, for example, vertically upward. The specimen support portion 12 may be arranged so that the specimen support surface 12f faces, for example, horizontally. The specimen 100B is fixed to the specimen support surface 12f using a fixing fixture (not shown) or the like.

[0021] The driving unit 13 rotates the specimen support part 12 around the axis O. The driving unit 13 is, for example, a motor, and is provided at the other end of the rotating shaft 12s. The driving unit 13 rotates the rotating shaft 12s and the specimen support part 12 around the axis O at a predetermined number of rotations.

[0022] The camera 15 includes a photographing section 15a and a main body section 15b. The photographing section 15a includes an image sensor and photographs an image. The photographing section 15a may photograph a still image or a moving image. The main body section 15b is connected to the photographing section 15a via a connection cable 15c. The main body section 15b controls the operation of the photographing section 15a. The main body section 15b receives the image photographed by the photographing section 15a. The main body section 15b has a memory (not shown) that records the image photographed by the photographing section 15a. The camera 15 is provided on the specimen support section 12. The camera 15 is provided on the specimen support section 12 via a camera support member 17.

[0023] The camera support member 17 is attached via a base 17d to the specimen supporting surface 12f of the specimen supporting portion 12. The camera support member 17 integrally includes a first supporting portion 17a and a second supporting portion 17b.

[0024] The first support portion 17a protrudes and extends in the axial direction O from the specimen support portion 12. The first support portion 17a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction O. The first support portion 17a is provided in the center of the specimen support portion 12. The specimen 100B is disposed radially outward of the first support portion 17a in the radial direction Dr. The first support portion 17a protrudes in the axial direction O further than the specimen 100B.

[0025] The second support portion 17b is provided so as to be continuous with the first support portion 17a and to have a larger diameter outward in the radial direction Dr. The second support portion 17b curves and extends outward in the radial direction Dr as it moves away from the specimen support surface 12f in the axis O direction. The second support portion 17b has a facing portion 17t that faces, in the axis O direction, a side surface (tire sidewall surface) 100s facing upward in the specimen 100B arranged on the specimen support surface 12f. The facing portion 17t is formed along a plane that intersects with the axis O direction. In this embodiment, the facing portion 17t is formed along a horizontal plane perpendicular to the axis O direction. As a result, the facing portion 17t is arranged so as to cover the side surface 100s of the specimen 100B from above.

[0026] The second support part 17b supports the photographing part 15a of the camera 15. The photographing part 15a is fixed to the opposing part 17t of the second support part 17b. As a result, the photographing part 15a is disposed at a position facing the side surface 100s of the specimen 100B in the direction of the axis O. Such photographing parts 15a are provided at intervals in the circumferential direction around the axis O. Each photographing part 15a photographs the side surface 100s of the specimen 100B from a position away from the side surface 100s in the direction of the axis O. The photographing parts 15a are disposed such that at least a part of the photographing range of each photographing part 15a overlaps with each other so that the entire specimen 100B can be photographed. In this embodiment, for example, four photographing parts 15a are provided.

[0027] The main body 15b of the camera 15 is disposed on the inside in the radial direction Dr of the cylindrical first support part 17a. The main body 15b is fixed to the specimen support part 12 on the inside in the radial direction Dr of the first support part 17a.

[0028] Further, on the inside in the radial direction Dr of the first support part 17a, there are arranged devices (not shown) used when a test is performed by rotating the specimen 100B, and a power supply part 20 that supplies power to these devices and the main body part 15b. These devices and the power supply part 20 are fixed to the specimen support part 12 on the inside in the radial direction Dr of the first support part 17a. Here, a battery that stores power can be used as the power supply unit 20. By using a battery as the power supply unit 20, there is no need to provide wiring for supplying power from the outside to the devices and the main body unit 15b. In addition to the battery, the power supply unit 20 may also be provided with a configuration for storing power in the battery by wireless power supply without using external wiring. As a means for wirelessly supplying power to the battery, for example, a solar power generation panel may be provided on the second support portion 17b, etc., and the power generated by irradiating the solar power generation panel with light may be stored in the battery.

[0029] The data output unit 19 outputs data of the image captured by the camera 15 to the outside, for example, by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. The image data output to the outside is acquired by an external display device such as a monitor. The external display device such as a monitor displays the image captured by the camera 15 based on the acquired image data. This makes it possible to observe the change in state of the specimen 100B that occurs when the specimen 100B is rotated based on the displayed image.

[0030] (Action and effect) In this embodiment, the camera 15 of the specimen photographing device 11 is provided on the specimen support part 12 that supports the specimen 100B. Therefore, when the drive part 13 rotates the specimen support part 12 around the axis O of the rotation shaft 12s, the specimen 100B and the camera 15 rotate together with the specimen support part 12. As a result, there is no relative speed difference between the camera 15 and the specimen 100B, and the camera 15 can photograph the rotating specimen 100B in a state as if it were stationary. Therefore, the rotating specimen 100B can be photographed with good image quality without using a high-speed camera or a strobe, and the change in the state of the specimen 100B can be easily monitored. As a result, it is possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the rotating specimen 100B and efficiently monitor the change in the state of the specimen 100B.

[0031] Furthermore, the camera support member 17 allows the camera 15 to be disposed at a position spaced apart in the direction of the axis O of the rotation shaft 12s from the specimen 100B supported by the specimen support part 12. Therefore, an image that is easy to observe of the rotating specimen 100B as seen from a position spaced apart in the direction of the axis O can be captured.

[0032] The camera support member 17 is integrally provided with a first support portion 17a and a second support portion 17b. As a result, the second support portion 17b supporting the camera 15 faces the specimen 100B at a position spaced apart from the specimen 100B in the direction of the axis O. This allows the camera 15 to face the specimen 100B directly from the direction of the axis O, making it possible to efficiently observe the specimen 100B during rotation.

[0033] Moreover, the main body 15b related to the camera 15, other devices, the power supply unit 20, etc. can be arranged on the inside in the radial direction Dr of the cylindrical first support part 17a. Moreover, if the specimen 100B is damaged during rotation, fragments of the specimen 100B are mainly scattered outward in the radial direction Dr due to centrifugal force. Since the specimen 100B is arranged on the outside in the radial direction Dr of the cylindrical first support part 17a, it is possible to prevent fragments of the specimen 100B from entering the inside in the radial direction Dr of the cylindrical first support part 17a. Moreover, the second support portion 17b, which expands from the first support portion 17a outward in the radial direction Dr, covers the specimen 100B at a position spaced apart in the direction of the axis O. In the unlikely event that the specimen 100B is broken during rotation, the second support portion 17b can prevent the specimen 100B from scattering into fragments in the direction of the axis O.

[0034] Moreover, by providing only the photographing unit 15a of the camera 15 on the second support unit 17b, it is possible to reduce the rotation moment acting on the camera support member 17 that rotates together with the specimen support unit 12 due to the mass of the camera 15. Moreover, by making the photographing unit 15a as light as possible and making the main body unit 15b heavier and providing it inside the first support unit 17a in the radial direction Dr, it is possible to suppress the influence of the rotation moment due to the weight of the photographing unit 15a and the main body unit 15b.

[0035] Furthermore, by providing the power supply unit 20 in the specimen support unit 12, there is no need to install wiring from outside the specimen photography device 11 to supply power to the camera 15 provided in the specimen support unit 12, thereby reducing the wiring effort.

[0036] <Third embodiment> Next, a specimen imaging device and a specimen imaging system according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 4 to Fig. 8. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. (Configuration of the test specimen photography system) As shown in FIG. 4, the specimen photographing system 10C includes a specimen photographing device 11, a monitoring device 60C, and a display device 90.

[0037] As in the second embodiment, the specimen photographing device 11 photographs the specimen 100B with a camera 15 provided on the specimen support part 12 that supports the specimen 100B. A data output part 19 of the specimen photographing device 11 transfers the image data photographed by the camera 15 to an external monitoring device 60C by wireless communication. Camera 15 may convert the image quality (number of pixels) of the image captured by camera 15 to low quality (fewer pixels) and transfer the converted image data to monitoring device 60C. This reduces the amount of data transferred from data output unit 19 to monitoring device 60C, allowing for faster communication. In this case, camera 15 stores the high quality image data before the return in a built-in memory (not shown).

[0038] (Hardware configuration diagram) The monitoring device 60C monitors the state of the specimen 100B based on the image data captured by the camera 15. As shown in Fig. 5, the monitoring device 60C is a computer including a CPU 61 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 62 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 63 (Random Access Memory), a HDD 64 (Hard Disk Drive), and a signal receiving module 65. The signal receiving module 65 receives data from the data output unit 19.

[0039] (Function block diagram) As shown in FIG. 6, monitoring device 60C includes an image acquisition unit 81, an area designation receiving unit 82, and a monitoring unit 83, as a result of CPU 61 of monitoring device 60C executing a program stored in advance in the device itself. The image acquisition unit 81 is a signal receiving module 65 in terms of hardware, and acquires (receives) image data from each camera 15.

[0040] The area designation receiving unit 82 displays the image of the specimen 100B captured by the camera 15 on the display device 90 based on the data received by the image acquisition unit 81. When the operator of the monitoring device 60C performs a predetermined operation, the area designation receiving unit 82 receives designation of an area A to be monitored on the image displayed on the display device 90 as shown in FIG. 7. The designated area A may be a part of the image of the specimen 100B, or the entire area displayed on the display device 90. The area A may be designated so as to include a portion where a scratch or crack has occurred, for example, when the operator visually checks the image displayed on the display device 90 while rotating the specimen 100B and recognizes that a scratch or crack has occurred on the specimen 100B. The area designation receiving unit 82 may also receive designation of items to be monitored within the area A by the operator, such as scratches or cracks, width or length of deformation, and amount of displacement.

[0041] The monitoring unit 83 monitors the state change of the specimen 100B during rotation by using an appropriate image processing technique for the region A designated by the region designation receiving unit 82 among the images whose data is acquired by the image acquisition unit 81. For example, the monitoring unit 83 monitors state changes such as scratches, cracks, and deformations that have occurred in the specimen 100B in the region A. For this purpose, the monitoring unit 83 compares a plurality of images taken at a predetermined time interval, for example, and detects changes that have occurred in the region A between a plurality of images taken before and after in time. In addition, when the monitoring unit 83 receives designation of items to be monitored in the region A from the region designation receiving unit 82, the monitoring unit 83 may issue an alarm, perform an emergency stop of the specimen photography device 11, or the like, when the width, length, and displacement amount of scratches, cracks 100K, deformations 100F, and the like in the region A exceed a predetermined management value (threshold value).

[0042] (Procedure for photographing test specimens) As shown in Figure 8, a method S1 for photographing a specimen 100B in a specimen photography system 10C according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step S3 of rotating the specimen 100B, a step S4 of photographing the specimen 100B, and a step S5 of monitoring the condition of the specimen 100B.

[0043] In step S3 of rotating the specimen 100B, the drive unit 13 rotates the specimen support unit 12 at a predetermined number of rotations around the axis O. As a result, the specimen 100B is rotated together with the specimen support unit 12.

[0044] In step S4 of photographing the specimen 100B, the rotating specimen 100B is photographed by each of the multiple cameras 15 provided on the specimen support part 12. The image data of the specimen 100B photographed by each camera 15 is transferred to the data output part 19. The data output part 19 outputs the transferred image data to the external monitoring device 60C by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi.

[0045] In step S5 of monitoring the state of the specimen 100B, the state of the specimen 100B is monitored based on the captured image of the specimen 100B. In this step S5, the image acquisition unit 81 of the monitoring device 60C acquires (receives) the image data output from the data output unit 19. Based on the data received by the image acquisition unit 81, the monitoring device 60C displays the image of the specimen 100B captured by the camera 15 on the display device 90. When the operator of the monitoring device 60C performs a predetermined operation, the area designation receiving unit 82 receives designation of the area A to be monitored on the image displayed on the display device 90. The monitoring unit 83 uses an appropriate image processing technique to monitor changes in the state of the rotating specimen 100B for the area A of the image specified by the area specification receiving unit 82. If scratches, cracks 100K, widths, lengths, displacements, etc. of deformations 100F in area A exceed predetermined management values ​​(threshold values), the monitoring unit 83 issues an alarm, makes an emergency stop of the specimen photography device 11, etc.

[0046] (Action and effect) In this embodiment, the specimen photographing system 10C includes a monitoring device 60C that monitors the state of the specimen 100B based on the image data captured by the camera 15. This makes it possible to easily monitor the state of the rotating specimen 100B based on the images captured by the specimen photographing device 11 without using a high-speed camera or strobe photography.

[0047] Also, as in the second embodiment, the camera 15 of the specimen photographing device 11 is provided on the specimen support part 12 that supports the specimen 100B. Therefore, when the drive part 13 rotates the specimen support part 12 around the axis O of the rotation shaft 12s, the specimen 100B and the camera 15 rotate together with the specimen support part 12. As a result, there is no relative speed difference between the camera 15 and the specimen 100B, and the camera 15 can photograph the rotating specimen 100B in a state as if it were stationary. Therefore, the rotating specimen 100B can be photographed with good image quality without using a high-speed camera or a strobe, and the change in the state of the specimen 100B can be easily monitored. As a result, it is possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the rotating specimen 100B and efficiently monitor the change in the state of the specimen 100B.

[0048] In the photographing method S1 of the specimen 100B in the specimen photographing system 10C of this embodiment, the specimen 100B is rotated together with the specimen support part 12. This makes it possible to easily monitor changes in the state of the specimen 100B during rotation based on images photographed by the camera 15 that rotates together with the specimen 100B of the specimen photographing device 11. As a result, it becomes possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the specimen 100B during rotation and efficiently monitor changes in the state of the specimen 100B.

[0049] <Fourth embodiment> Next, a specimen imaging device and a specimen imaging system according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 4, 5, and 9 to 11. In the fourth embodiment, components similar to those in the first to third embodiments are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. (Configuration of the test specimen photography system) As shown in FIG. 4, a specimen photographing system 10D includes a specimen photographing device 11 and a monitoring device 60D. As in the second and third embodiments, the specimen photographing device 11 photographs the specimen 100B with a camera 15 provided on the specimen support part 12 that supports the specimen 100B. A data output part 19 of the specimen photographing device 11 transfers the image data photographed by the camera 15 to an external monitoring device 60D by wireless communication.

[0050] (Hardware configuration diagram) The monitoring device 60D monitors the state of the specimen 100B based on the image data captured by the camera 15. As shown in Fig. 5, the monitoring device 60D is a computer including a CPU 61 (Central Processing Unit), a ROM 62 (Read Only Memory), a RAM 63 (Random Access Memory), a HDD 64 (Hard Disk Drive), and a signal receiving module 65. The signal receiving module 65 receives detection signals from the sensors 51.

[0051] (Function block diagram) As shown in FIG. 9, the CPU 61 of the monitoring device 60D executes a program stored in advance in the device, so that the monitoring device 60D has the following components: an image acquisition unit 71, an image memory unit 72, a status change detection unit 73, a judgment unit 75, and a result output unit 76.

[0052] The image acquisition unit 71 is a signal receiving module 65 in terms of hardware, and acquires (receives) image data from each camera 15 . The image storage unit 72 is the HDD 64 in terms of hardware, and stores an initial image in which the initial state of the specimen 100B is recorded.

[0053] The state change detection unit 73 detects a state change of the specimen 100B during rotation based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 71. In this embodiment, the state change detection unit 73 detects a state change of the specimen 100B by comparing the initial image of the specimen 100B stored in the image storage unit 72 with an image based on the image data.

[0054] The determination unit 75 determines the state of the specimen 100B based on the detection result of the state change of the specimen 100B detected by the state change detection unit 73. For example, when the detection result of the state change of the specimen 100B detected by the state change detection unit 73 indicates that, for example, a crack has occurred in the specimen 100B, the determination unit 75 can determine that an abnormality has occurred in the specimen 100B. The determination result made by the determination unit 75 is stored in the image storage unit 72 together with an image of the specimen 100B, and can be referred to as necessary. The result output unit 76 outputs the result of the determination made by the determination unit 75 to an external display device 90 .

[0055] (Procedure for photographing test specimens) As shown in FIG. 10, a method S10 for photographing a specimen 100B in a specimen photography system 10D according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step S20 for photographing an initial image, a step S30 for rotating the specimen 100B, a step S40 for photographing the specimen 100B, and a step S50 for monitoring the condition of the specimen 100B.

[0056] In step S20 of photographing an initial image, the specimen 100B is supported by the specimen support portion 12 of the specimen photographing device 11. Next, the specimen 100B is photographed by each of the multiple cameras 15 provided on the specimen support portion 12. The image data of the specimen 100B photographed by each camera 15 is transferred to the data output portion 19. The data output portion 19 outputs the transferred image data to the external monitoring device 60D by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi. The image acquisition portion 71 of the monitoring device 60D acquires (receives) the image data output from the data output portion 19. The acquired image data is stored by the image storage portion 72 as an initial image in which the initial state of the specimen 100B is recorded.

[0057] In step S30 of rotating the specimen 100B, the drive unit 13 rotates the specimen support unit 12 at a predetermined number of rotations around the axis O. As a result, the specimen 100B, for which capture of the initial image has been completed, is rotated together with the specimen support unit 12.

[0058] In step S40 of photographing the specimen 100B, the rotating specimen 100B is photographed by each of the multiple cameras 15 provided on the specimen support part 12. The image data of the specimen 100B photographed by each camera 15 is transferred to the data output part 19. The data output part 19 outputs the transferred image data to the external monitoring device 60D by wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or Wi-Fi.

[0059] In step S50 of monitoring the state of the specimen 100B, the state of the specimen 100B is monitored based on the captured image of the specimen 100B. As shown in FIG. 11, in step S50, the image acquisition unit 71 of the monitoring device 60D acquires (receives) image data output from the data output unit 19 (step S51).

[0060] Next, the state change detection unit 73 detects a state change of the specimen 100B during rotation based on the image data acquired by the image acquisition unit 71 (step S52). The state change detection unit 73 detects a state change of the specimen 100B by comparing the initial image of the specimen 100B stored in the image storage unit 72 with an image based on the acquired image data. At this time, the state change detection unit 73 may extract the difference between the initial image and the newly captured image by image processing using an image difference filter. The state change detection unit 73 detects scratches, cracks 100K, deformations 100F, etc. that have occurred in the specimen 100B by comparing and analyzing the extracted image differences.

[0061] Next, the judgment unit 75 judges the state of the specimen 100B based on the detection result of the state change of the specimen 100B detected by the state change detection unit 73 (step S53). For example, if the detection result of the state change of the specimen 100B detected by the state change detection unit 73 shows that, for example, scratches, cracks 100K, deformations 100F, etc., occurring in the specimen 100B do not exceed a predetermined control value (threshold value), the judgment unit 75 makes a "normal judgment" that the specimen 100B is normal. In addition, if, for example, scratches, cracks 100K, deformations 100F, etc., occurring in the specimen 100B exceed a predetermined control value (threshold value), the judgment unit 75 can make an "abnormal judgment" that an abnormality has occurred in the specimen 100B. Furthermore, when the abnormality occurring in the specimen 100B exceeds a preset upper limit value, the determination unit 75 can make an "emergency determination" that the abnormality is at an emergency level that requires an emergency stop of the operation of the specimen imaging device 11. The result output unit 76 outputs the result of the determination by the determination unit 75 to the external specimen imaging device 11.

[0062] Next, the determination unit 84 checks the determination result in step S53 (step S55). If the result of the determination by the determination unit 85 is a "normal determination" that no abnormality has occurred, the process returns to step S51, and the above series of processes are repeated every time a new image is transmitted from the specimen imaging device 11.

[0063] Furthermore, in step S55, if the judgment by the judgment unit 85 is that, for example, scratches, cracks 100K, deformations 100F, etc., occurring in the specimen 100B exceed a control value (threshold value), an "abnormal judgment" is issued to indicate that an abnormality has occurred by sound, lighting of a lamp, displaying information on a display device 90 such as a monitor, etc. (step S55). Also, in step S55, if the judgment is that, for example, scratches, cracks 100K, deformations 100F, etc., occurring in the specimen 100B exceed a predetermined upper limit value, an "emergency judgment" is issued, and the operation of the specimen imaging device 11 is urgently stopped (step S56).

[0064] (Action and effect) In this embodiment, the specimen photographing system 10D includes a monitoring device 60D that monitors the state of the specimen 100B based on the image data captured by the camera 15. This makes it possible to easily monitor the state of the rotating specimen 100B based on the images captured by the specimen photographing device 11 without using a high-speed camera or strobe photography.

[0065] In addition, monitoring device 60D further includes a state change detection unit 73 and a determination unit 75. This makes it possible to determine the state of the specimen 100B by detecting changes in the state of the specimen 100B during rotation based on images captured by the camera 15 that rotates together with the specimen 100B of the specimen photography device 11. As a result, it becomes possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the specimen 100B during rotation and efficiently monitor changes in the state of the specimen 100B.

[0066] Moreover, the state change detection unit 73 detects a state change of the specimen 100B by comparing the initial image of the specimen 100B stored in the image storage unit 72 with an image based on the image data. This makes it possible to easily detect a change in state of the specimen 100B from its initial state by comparing the image captured by the specimen imaging device 11 with the initial image.

[0067] Furthermore, according to the photographing method S10 of the specimen 100B in the specimen photographing system 10D as described above, it is possible to easily monitor changes in the state of the rotating specimen 100B without using a high-speed camera or strobe photography, based on images photographed by the camera 15 that rotates together with the specimen 100B of the specimen photographing device 11. As a result, it is possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the rotating specimen 100B, and efficiently monitor changes in the state of the specimen 100B.

[0068] Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as described in the claims, as well as the scope and gist of the invention. The order of the above steps can be changed as appropriate.

[0069] <Additional Notes> The specimen imaging devices 1, 11, the specimen imaging systems 10C, 10D, and the imaging methods S1, S10 of the specimen 100B in the specimen imaging systems 10C, 10D described in the respective embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.

[0070] (1) The specimen photography device 1, 11 of the first embodiment is provided with specimen support parts 2, 12 that are rotatably arranged around an axis O of rotation axes 2s, 12s and support specimens 100A, 100B, drive parts 3, 13 that rotate the specimen support parts 2, 12 around the axis O, and cameras 5, 15 that are arranged on the specimen support parts 2, 12 and photograph the specimens 100A, 100B. Examples of the specimens 100A and 100B include tires and various rotors. An example of the drive unit 3, 13 is a motor.

[0071] The cameras 5, 15 of the specimen photographing devices 1, 11 are provided on the specimen support parts 2, 12 that support the specimens 100A, 100B. Therefore, when the drive parts 3, 13 rotate the specimen support parts 2, 12 around the axis O of the rotation axes 2s, 12s, the specimens 100A, 100B and the cameras 5, 15 rotate together with the specimen support parts 2, 12. As a result, there is no relative speed difference between the cameras 5, 15 and the specimens 100A, 100B, and the cameras 5, 15 can photograph the rotating specimens 100A, 100B in a state as if they were stationary. Therefore, the rotating specimens 100A, 100B can be photographed with good image quality without using a high-speed camera or a strobe, and changes in the state of the specimens 100A, 100B can be easily monitored. As a result, it becomes possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the rotating specimens 100A and 100B, and efficiently monitor changes in the state of the specimens 100A and 100B.

[0072] (2) The specimen photography device 1, 11 of the second aspect is the specimen photography device 1, 11 of (1), further comprising a camera support member 7, 17 that supports the camera 5, 15 at a position spaced apart from the specimen support part 2, 12 in the direction of the axis O of the rotation axis 2s, 12s.

[0073] As a result, the cameras 5 and 15 can be disposed at positions spaced apart in the axis O direction of the rotation shafts 2s and 12s from the specimens 100A and 100B supported by the specimen supports 2 and 12 by the camera support members 7 and 17. Therefore, images of the rotating specimens 100A and 100B viewed from positions spaced apart in the axis O direction can be captured that are easy to observe.

[0074] (3) A specimen photography device 11 according to a third aspect is the specimen photography device 11 of (2), in which the camera support member 17 integrally includes a first support portion 17a extending from the specimen support portion 12 in the direction of the axis O, and a second support portion 17b extending from the first support portion 17a in the radial direction Dr of the rotation axis 12s and supporting the camera 15.

[0075] As a result, the second support portion 17b supporting the camera 15 faces the specimen 100B at a position spaced apart from the specimen 100B in the direction of the axis O. This allows the camera 15 to face the specimen 100B directly from the direction of the axis O, making it possible to efficiently observe the specimen 100B during rotation.

[0076] (4) A fourth aspect of the specimen photography device 11 is the specimen photography device 11 of (3), wherein the first support portion 17a is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the direction of the axis O, the specimen 100B is arranged radially outside the first support portion 17a in the radial direction Dr, and the second support portion 17b is arranged with a larger diameter than the first support portion 17a and radially outward in the radial direction Dr.

[0077] This allows devices related to the camera 15 to be arranged on the inside in the radial direction Dr of the cylindrical first support part 17a. If the specimen 100B is broken during rotation, fragments of the specimen 100B are mainly scattered outward in the radial direction Dr due to centrifugal force. Since the specimen 100B is arranged on the outside in the radial direction Dr of the cylindrical first support part 17a, it is possible to prevent fragments of the specimen 100B from entering the inside in the radial direction Dr of the cylindrical first support part 17a. Moreover, the second support portion 17b, which expands from the first support portion 17a outward in the radial direction Dr, covers the specimen 100B at a position spaced apart in the direction of the axis O. In the unlikely event that the specimen 100B is broken during rotation, the second support portion 17b can prevent the specimen 100B from scattering into fragments in the direction of the axis O.

[0078] (5) The specimen photography device 11 of the fifth aspect is the specimen photography device 11 of (4), wherein the camera 15 is provided on the second support part 17b and includes a photography unit 15a that photographs the specimen 100B, and a main body part 15b that is provided radially inside Dr of the first support part 17a and receives image data photographed by the photography unit 15a.

[0079] As a result, by providing only the photographing portion 15a of the camera 15 on the second support portion 17b, the rotational moment acting on the camera support member 17, which rotates together with the specimen support portion 12, due to the mass of the camera 15 can be reduced.

[0080] (6) The specimen photography device 11 of the sixth aspect is any one of the specimen photography devices 11 of (1) to (5), and further includes a power supply unit 20 provided on the specimen support portion 12 and supplying power for operating the camera 15. An example of the power supply unit 20 is a battery.

[0081] This eliminates the need to install wiring from outside the specimen imaging device 11 to supply power to the camera 15 provided on the specimen support part 12, thereby reducing the effort required for wiring.

[0082] (7) The specimen photography device 11 of the seventh aspect is any one of the specimen photography devices 11 of (1) to (6), and further includes a data output unit 19 that outputs data of the image captured by the camera 15 to the outside via wireless communication.

[0083] This eliminates the need for a cable for outputting image data from the data output unit 19 to the outside, and reduces the effort required for providing a cable leading from the rotating specimen support unit 12 to the outside.

[0084] (8) The specimen photography system 10C, 10D relating to the eighth aspect includes a specimen photography device 11 of any one of (1) to (7) and a monitoring device 60C, 60D that monitors the condition of the specimen 100B based on image data captured by the camera 15.

[0085] This makes it possible to easily monitor the state of the rotating specimen 100B based on the images captured by the specimen photographing device 11 without using a high-speed camera or strobe photography.

[0086] (9) A specimen photography system 10D according to a ninth aspect is the specimen photography system 10D of (8), wherein the monitoring device 60D further includes a state change detection unit 73 that detects a change in the state of the specimen 100B based on the image data, and a judgment unit 75 that makes a judgment about the state of the specimen 100B based on the detection result of the change in the state of the specimen 100B detected by the state change detection unit 73.

[0087] This makes it possible to determine the state of the specimen 100B by detecting changes in the state of the specimen 100B during rotation based on images captured by the camera 15 that rotates together with the specimen 100B of the specimen photography device 11. As a result, it becomes possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the specimen 100B during rotation and efficiently monitor changes in the state of the specimen 100B.

[0088] (10) A specimen photography system 10D according to a tenth aspect is the specimen photography system 10D of (9), wherein the monitoring device 60D further includes an image memory unit 72 that stores an initial image in which an initial state of the specimen 100B is recorded, and the state change detection unit 73 detects a state change of the specimen 100B by comparing the initial image of the specimen 100B stored in the image memory unit 72 with an image based on data of the image.

[0089] This makes it possible to easily detect a change in state of the specimen 100B from its initial state by comparing the image captured by the specimen imaging device 11 with the initial image.

[0090] (11) The method S1, S10 for photographing a specimen 100B in a specimen photography system 10C, 10D relating to the 11th aspect is a method S1, S10 for photographing a specimen 100B in any one of the specimen photography systems 10C, 10D of (8) to (10), and includes steps S3, S30 of rotating the specimen 100B together with the specimen support part 12, steps S4, S40 of photographing the specimen 100B during rotation with the camera 15 provided on the specimen support part 12, and steps S5, S50 of monitoring the condition of the specimen 100B based on the photographed image of the specimen 100B.

[0091] This makes it possible to easily monitor changes in the state of the rotating specimen 100B without using a high-speed camera or strobe photography, based on images taken by the camera 15 that rotates together with the specimen 100B of the specimen photography device 11. As a result, it becomes possible to easily and inexpensively photograph the rotating specimen 100B, and efficiently monitor changes in the state of the specimen 100B. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1... Test specimen photography device 2, 12...Specimen support part 2f, 12f…Specimen support surface 2s, 12s...Rotation axis 3, 13…Drive unit 5, 15…Camera 7, 17…Camera support member 10C, 10D... Test specimen photography system 11... Test specimen photography device 15a…Photography section 15b…Main body 15c…Connection cable 17a...first support part 17b...Second support part 17d…base 17t...Opposing part 19...Data output section 20...Power supply section 60C, 60D…Monitoring device 61…CPU 62...ROM 63…RAM 64…HDD 65…Signal receiving module 71...Image acquisition unit 72...Image storage section 73...Status change detection unit 75…Judgment section 76...Result output section 81...Image acquisition unit 82…Area designation reception section 83...Monitoring Department 85…Judgment section 90…Display device 100A, 100B…Specimen 100F…Transformation 100K…crack 100g…opening 100s…Side A…Area Dr…Radial direction O…Axis line S1, S10: Method of photographing specimen in specimen photography system S20: Step of taking an initial image S3, S30: Steps for rotating the specimen S4, S40: Steps for photographing the test specimen S5, S50: Steps for monitoring the condition of the test specimen S51: Step of acquiring image data S52: Step for detecting changes in the state of the rotating specimen S53: Step for determining the condition of the specimen S54: Step to confirm the result of the judgment S55: Step to issue an alarm S56: Step for urgently stopping the specimen photographing device

Claims

1. A specimen support part that is rotatably provided around an axis of the rotation shaft and supports the specimen; A drive unit that rotates the specimen support unit around the axis; A camera provided on the specimen support portion for photographing the specimen; a camera support member that supports the camera at a position spaced apart from the specimen support portion in the axial direction of the rotation shaft; The camera support member includes: A first support portion formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction and extending from the specimen support portion in the axial direction; a second support portion that is integral with the first support portion and that is provided with a larger diameter outward in the radial direction, extends from the first support portion in a radial direction of the rotation shaft, and supports the camera, The specimen is disposed radially outward of the first support portion. Test specimen photography device.

2. The camera includes: An imaging unit provided on the second support unit and configured to image the specimen; a main body portion provided radially inside the first support portion and receiving data of an image captured by the imaging portion; 2. The specimen imaging device according to claim 1.

3. a power supply unit provided on the specimen support unit and supplying power for operating the camera; Further equipped 3. The specimen imaging device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. a data output unit that outputs data of the image captured by the camera to an external device via wireless communication; Further equipped 4. A specimen imaging device according to claim 1.

5. A specimen imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A monitoring device that monitors the state of the specimen based on the image data captured by the camera. Specimen photography system.

6. The monitoring device includes: A state change detection unit that detects a state change of the specimen based on the image data; A determination unit that determines a state of the specimen based on a detection result of the state change of the specimen detected by the state change detection unit. The specimen photographing system according to claim 5 .

7. The monitoring device includes: Further comprising an image storage unit for storing an initial image in which an initial state of the specimen is recorded; The state change detection unit detects a state change of the specimen by comparing an initial image of the specimen stored in the image storage unit with an image based on the image data. The specimen photographing system according to claim 6.

8. A method for photographing a specimen in the specimen photographing system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, rotating the specimen together with the specimen support; Taking an image of the rotating specimen by the camera provided on the specimen support part; and monitoring a state of the specimen based on the captured image of the specimen. A method for photographing a specimen in a specimen photography system.

Images