Inspection Systems

Abstract

To ensure sufficient time for testing a subject in an testing system. [Solution] The inspection system 1 is provided with a conveying line 32 that conveys a plurality of specimens 5, an imaging section 40 that is provided on the conveying line 32 and that photographs the plurality of specimens 5 and acquires image data V(k) for each of the specimens 5, an image acquisition section 110 that stores the image data in a database section 120, a warehouse system 50 that accumulates the specimens 5 after being photographed and then transports them out, an inspection section 130 that outputs a judgment result D(k) indicating whether each specimen 5 corresponding to the image data stored in the database section 120 is a good product 5A or a defective product 5B, a sorting command section 140 that outputs a sorting command signal SEL(m) based on the judgment result, and a sorting section 64 that supplies good products 5A of the plurality of specimens 5 to a good product line 72 and supplies defective products 5B to a defective product line 75 based on the sorting command signal.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system. [Background technology]

[0002] As background art in this technical field, the abstract of the following Patent Document 1 states, "[Problem] It is desired to identify each mass-produced product, and to appropriately utilize the test results obtained on the production line for analysis and verification at a later point in time. [Solution] An IC chip 2 is attached to each mass-produced product 1. This IC chip 2 stores an ID number. The ID number is a product-specific number assigned to each product. Meanwhile, products are inspected during or after production, and this test data and test results are classified by product by ID number and stored as a database. These are then searched for and used for verification and analysis at a later stage for product verification. In addition, since inspection and sorting on the inspection line 3 are performed at different positions (timings), an ID reader 9 is provided for this timing, and this record is later referred to in order to match the timing, and the test results are referenced from the ID attached to the test specimen." [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2004-37259 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the above-mentioned technology, since the inspection carried out on the production line is subject to significant time constraints, it may be difficult to secure sufficient time for the inspection. The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and has an object to provide an examination system that can ensure sufficient time for examining a subject. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, an inspection system of the present invention includes a transport line for transporting a plurality of inspected objects, an imaging unit provided on the transport line for photographing the plurality of inspected objects and acquiring image data for each of the inspected objects, an image acquisition unit for storing the image data in a database unit, a warehouse system for accumulating the inspected objects after being photographed and then transporting them out, an inspection unit for outputting a determination result indicating whether each of the inspected objects corresponding to the image data stored in the database unit is a pass or a fail, a sorting command unit for outputting a sorting command signal based on the determination result, and a sorting unit for supplying the pass products of the plurality of inspected objects to a pass line and supplying the fail products to a fail line based on the sorting command signal. a counting unit that outputs a count value that is a result of counting the number of the test specimens carried out from the warehouse system; Equipped with the image acquisition unit stores the image data in a database unit in association with an imaging sequence, the warehouse system has a function of removing the subjects in the order in which they were stored, and the sorting command unit outputs a sorting command signal corresponding to the count value based on the determination result corresponding to the count value, The present invention is characterized in that the processing in the warehouse system and the processing in the inspection unit are executed in parallel. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, a sufficient time can be ensured for testing a subject. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an inspection system according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is a schematic front view of a product according to a second embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an inspection system according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an inspection system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a schematic front view of a product and a dummy product in a third embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a computer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] [Overview of the embodiment] By applying the contents of the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, it is considered possible to perform 100% in-line inspection at a speed equivalent to the manufacturing speed of the test objects in a production line for the test objects, and to sort the test objects into good and bad ones. However, in recent years, the production capacity of the test objects has been improving. For this reason, when performing 100% in-line inspection, the time that can be spent on the inspection of each test object becomes limited. In order to realize the in-line inspection while dealing with this limitation, it is necessary to apply a more high-performance and expensive inspection device, or to use a method such as parallelizing the inspection device.

[0009] For this reason, in the embodiment described below, an image of a specimen is captured inline, image data is acquired, and the specimen is stored in a warehouse system. Then, inspection based on the acquired image data is performed separately offline. Then, the specimen after inspection is released from the warehouse system, and sorted into good / defective products according to the inspection results. In order to store specimens in the warehouse system in this way, it is necessary to maintain the identity of the "imaged specimen," the "specimen stored in the warehouse system," and the "specimen released from the warehouse system."

[0010] In order to maintain the identity of such specimens, it is possible to attach an IC chip storing an ID number to each specimen, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example. Even if ID numbers are not assigned to specimens, it is possible to maintain the identity by guaranteeing "first in, first out" in the warehouse system, that is, by matching the order in which specimens are stored in the warehouse with the order in which they are removed from the warehouse. Therefore, in the embodiment described below, the warehouse system ensures sufficient time for testing specimens while maintaining the identity of the specimens.

[0011] [First embodiment] Configuration of the First Embodiment FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of an inspection system 1 according to the first embodiment. 1, the inspection system 1 includes an input line 30, a conveying line 32, a conveying line 34, an imaging unit 40, a warehouse system 50, a conveying line 60, a counting unit 62, a sorting unit 64, a non-defective product line 72, a labeler 74, a defective product line 75, a defective product tray 76, a shipping line 78, and a control device 100. The control device 100 also includes an image acquisition unit 110, a database unit 120, an inspection unit 130, and a sorting command unit 140.

[0012] The carry-in line 30 transports the product 5 (specimen) manufactured by a manufacturing device (not shown) to the transport line 32. The product 5 is, for example, a container such as a vial, an ampule, or a syringe filled with a liquid as the content. However, the product 5 is not limited to the above-mentioned examples. The transport line 32 transports the product 5 transported from the carry-in line 30 to the transport line 34. An imaging unit 40 is provided midway along the transport line 32. The imaging unit 40 photographs the product 5 passing therethrough and acquires the image data.

[0013] The warehouse system 50 is a warehouse system capable of automatic loading and unloading, storing the products 5 that have been brought in, and unloading the products 5 in the order in which they were brought in. In other words, the warehouse system 50 guarantees "first in, first out." The warehouse system 50 performs an accumulation process for the products 5 that have been brought in. Here, "accumulation process" refers to arranging the products 5 that have been brought in in a predetermined order on flat pallets (not shown), and stacking the pallets on which the products 5 have been arranged vertically. By performing this accumulation process, the warehouse system 50 is able to store a large number of products 5 in a relatively small space.

[0014] The products 5 carried out from the warehouse system 50 are transported to the sorting unit 64 via the transport line 60. The counting unit 62 counts the number of products 5 carried out to the transport line 60, and supplies the resulting count value m (photographing sequence) to the control device 100. The control device 100 supplies the sorting unit 64 with a sorting signal SEL(m) indicating whether the product 5 with the count value m is a non-defective product 5A or a defective product 5B, by processing described below.

[0015] Based on this selection signal SEL(m), the sorting unit 64 transports the non-defective products 5A to the non-defective product line 72 and transports the defective products 5B to the defective product line 75. The defective products 5B are then collected in a defective product tray 76 via the defective product line 75. In addition, the labeler 74 affixes a product label (not shown) to the non-defective products 5A supplied via the non-defective product line 72, and transports them to shipping equipment (not shown) via a shipping line 78. In this shipping equipment, processes such as assembling boxes to store the non-defective products 5A, inserting the non-defective products 5A and instructions into the assembled boxes, and packaging are performed.

[0016] The image acquisition unit 110 in the control device 100 counts the number of photographed products 5 from the number of image data acquired from the photographing unit 40, and acquires the resulting count value k. Then, the image acquisition unit 110 stores the acquired image data in the database unit 120 as image data V(k) corresponding to the count value k. If the number of photographed products 5 is N, then the count value k falls within the range of "1≦k≦N". As a result, the database unit 120 stores N pieces of image data V(k).

[0017] The inspection unit 130 performs inspection, i.e., pass / fail judgment, on image data V(k) in the range of "1≦k≦N" and obtains a judgment result D(k) corresponding to each image data V(k). The judgment result D(k) is information indicating whether the product 5 having the count value k is a pass product 5A or a defective product 5B. The sorting command unit 140 receives the count value m from the counting unit 62 and supplies the above-mentioned sorting signal SEL(m) to the sorting unit 64 based on the judgment result D(m) corresponding to this count value m.

[0018] Here, various specific examples of the inspections performed by the inspection unit 130 will be described. In this embodiment, it is sufficient if the judgment result D(k) can be determined between the time when the photographing unit 40 acquires image data of the product 5 and the time when the product 5 is carried out from the warehouse system 50. Therefore, various inspection methods such as those described below can be adopted.

[0019] Inspection method #1: The image data V(k) are displayed sequentially on a display, and an inspector visually judges whether the image is good or bad, and records the inspection results in the database unit 120. This method allows time for the inspector to carry out the inspection at leisure, reducing the burden on the inspector. It also allows the inspector to make judgments on an ad-hoc basis, such as by determining the inspection content on an ad-hoc basis. Furthermore, visual inspection does not need to be carried out in a factory or the like where the inspection system 1 is installed, and can be carried out, for example, in an overseas factory or at a private home via the Internet.

[0020] Inspection method #2: A general inspection device is applied as the inspection unit 130, and this inspection device judges the quality of the product 5 based on the image data V(k). According to this embodiment, since sufficient time for inspection can be secured, a slow and inexpensive inspection device can be applied.

[0021] Inspection method #3: A general computer is applied as the inspection unit 130, and the quality of the product 5 is judged based on the image data V(k) by software processing. Methods such as image comparison and machine learning can be applied to the software processing. According to this embodiment, since sufficient time can be secured for the inspection, a slow and inexpensive computer can be applied. In addition, since there is no restriction on the inspection location, it is also possible to execute the software processing in a server room or via the Internet.

[0022] Inspection method #4: The above-mentioned inspection methods #1 to #3 may be performed in parallel, and the results of each may be collected and a comprehensive pass / fail judgment may be made. In this case, for example, the visual inspection results by an inspector may be given priority, or the judgment may be made by majority vote.

[0023] Operation of the First Embodiment Fig. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the first embodiment. In Fig. 2, the white arrows indicate the flow of the product 5, and the dashed dotted lines indicate the flow of information. 2, a manufacturing device (not shown) manufactures a product 5. Next, in step S4, the photographing unit 40 and the image acquisition unit 110 of the control device 100 acquire image data V(k) corresponding to the count value k.

[0024] Next, in step S6, the warehouse system 50 performs an accumulation process for the products 5 for which the image data V(k) has been acquired. That is, the products 5 are arranged on flat pallets, and these pallets are stacked vertically. Next, in step S8, the warehouse system 50 performs a storage process for the products 5. That is, the products 5 are kept stationary for a predetermined time (e.g., one hour) or more.

[0025] Next, in step S10, the inspection unit 130 performs an inspection process. That is, the image data V(k) is inspected by image analysis to obtain a judgment result D(k). In this embodiment, since the image data V(k) is stored in the database unit 120, the processing period of steps S2 to S8 can be separated from the processing period of step S10. Therefore, for example, the processing of steps S2 to S8 may be performed during the day when the warehouse system 50 and the like are operating, and the inspection process of step S10 may be performed at night when the warehouse system 50 and the like are stopped.

[0026] Next, in step S20, the warehouse system 50 performs a carry-out process to carry out the products 5 for which the inspection process has been completed, onto the conveyor line 60. Next, in step S22, the sorting command unit 140 and the sorting unit 64 perform a sorting process to sort the products 5 into good products 5A and defective products 5B. That is, the sorting unit 64 carries out the good products 5A to the good product line 72, and carries out the defective products 5B to the defective product line 75.

[0027] Next, in step S24, the labeler 74 performs label attachment processing on the non-defective products 5A conveyed from the non-defective product line 72. Next, in step S26, shipping equipment (not shown) performs shipping processing on the non-defective products 5A to which the labels have been attached.

[0028] As described above, the inspection process of step S10 can be performed, for example, at night. In this case, the processes of steps S2 to S8 may be performed on the products 5 manufactured on the day, and in parallel with this, the processes of steps S20 to S26 may be performed on the products 5 manufactured the previous day and stored in the warehouse system 50. In this way, according to this embodiment, the processes in the warehouse system 50 (steps S6, S8, S20) and the process in the inspection unit 130 (step S10) can be performed in parallel. This makes it possible to ensure sufficient time for the inspection process of step S10, and realize precise inspection.

[0029] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment will be described. In the description of each embodiment, the same reference numerals are used to designate parts corresponding to those in the other embodiments described above, and the description thereof may be omitted. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the product 5 in the second embodiment. The product 5 includes a bottle 82, a cap 84, and a liquid (not shown) that is the content of the bottle 82. The cap 84 is provided with an identification information display field 86 on which identification information ID that uniquely identifies the product 5 is printed. The identification information display field 86 may be provided in another location, for example, on the top surface of the cap 84, as long as it does not interfere with the inspection of the product 5. Instead of providing the identification information display field 86, an IC tag (not shown) may be attached to the cap 84, as shown in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0030] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of an inspection system 2 according to the second embodiment. The following describes the differences from the inspection system 1 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment. In the inspection system 2, a photographing unit 42, a warehouse system 52, and an ID acquisition unit 68 (identification information acquisition unit) are provided instead of the photographing unit 40, warehouse system 50, and counting unit 62 in the inspection system 1. The photographing unit 42 photographs the products 5 passing through the conveyor line 32, acquires the image data, and reads out the identification information ID from the identification information display field 86 of the products 5 (see FIG. 3).

[0031] Furthermore, the ID acquiring unit 68 acquires the identification information ID from the identification information display field 86 of the product 5 sent out from the warehouse system 50 to the conveyor line 60. The identification information ID read out by the ID acquiring unit 68 is particularly referred to as sent-out identification information IDm. Furthermore, the warehouse system 52 accumulates and stores the products 5, similar to the warehouse system 50 in the inspection system 1. However, in the warehouse system 52, it is not necessary to guarantee the "first in, first out" of the products 5.

[0032] Moreover, the image acquiring unit 110 in the inspection system 2 acquires image data and the identification information ID from the photographing unit 42. Then, the image acquiring unit 110 stores the image data in the database unit 120 as image data V(ID) corresponding to the identification information ID.

[0033] The inspection unit 130 acquires the judgment result D(ID) corresponding to the image data V(ID) for all the identification information ID. However, the inspection unit 130 in the inspection system 2 does not judge the range of the identification information display field 86 on the cap 84 of the product 5 as defective. The sorting command unit 140 receives the discharge identification information IDm from the ID acquisition unit 68, and supplies a sorting signal SEL(IDm) to the sorting unit 64 based on the judgment result D(IDm) corresponding to the discharge identification information IDm. As a result, the sorting unit 64 sends out the non-defective product 5A to the non-defective product line 72 and sends out the defective product 5B to the defective product line 75 based on the sorting signal SEL(IDm). The configuration of the inspection system 2 other than that described above is the same as that of the inspection system 1 of the first embodiment.

[0034] According to this embodiment, it is possible to associate the photographed image data V(ID) with the determination result D(ID) based on the identification information ID given to the product 5. Therefore, as described above, in the warehouse system 52, it is not necessary to guarantee the "first in, first out" of the products 5, and the management of the products 5 can be simplified compared to the warehouse system 50 of the first embodiment.

[0035] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an inspection system 3 according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the inspection system 3 is similar to that of the inspection system 1 (see FIG. 1) of the first embodiment, except for the points described below. First, in the inspection system 3, a simulated product mixing section 22 (simulated specimen mixing section) is provided instead of the carry-in line 30 (see FIG. 1) of the inspection system 1. The simulated product mixing section 22 selects either the product 5 or the simulated product 6 (simulated specimen) and carries it out to the transport line 32. The product 5 and the simulated product 6 will be described in detail later.

[0036] 5, products 5 (including both non-defective products 5A and defective products 5B) are represented by white circles, and dummy products 6 are represented by hatched circles. The dummy product mixing section 22 delivers one dummy product 6 every time M products 5 are delivered to the conveyor line 32. Here, the number M is a natural number in the range of "3" to "10000", for example, and the number M does not necessarily have to be constant. Moreover, in the inspection system 3, a control device 200 is provided instead of the control device 100.

[0037] FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of the product 5 and the dummy product 6 in the third embodiment. The product 5 in this embodiment includes a bottle 82 and a cap 84, similar to those in the second embodiment (see FIG. 3), but the cap 84 does not include an identification information display field 86. The dummy product 6 in this embodiment also includes a bottle 82 and a cap 84, similar to the product 5 in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the cap 84 of the dummy product 6 is provided with an identification information display field 86 that displays an identification information ID, similar to the product 5 in the second embodiment. This identification information ID uniquely identifies the dummy product 6. Note that, instead of providing the identification information display field 86, an IC tag (not shown) may be attached to the cap 84, similar to the product 5 in the second embodiment.

[0038] 5, the inspection system 3 is provided with an imitation product detection unit 66 (imitation specimen detection unit) that detects the imitation product 6 on the non-defective product line 72 and the defective product line 75. The imitation product detection unit 66 detects the imitation product 6 based on whether or not an identification information display field 86 is provided on the cap 84 (see FIG. 6), and reads out the identification information ID of the imitation product 6 from the identification information display field 86.

[0039] The control device 200 also includes elements similar to those of the control device 100 (see FIG. 1) in the first embodiment. The image acquisition unit 110 stores image data V(k) corresponding to the total count value k of the products 5 and the dummy products 6 in the database unit 120. The inspection unit 130 acquires a judgment result D(k) corresponding to each image data V(k) in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0040] Here, the inspection unit 130 in this embodiment performs pass / fail judgment on the image data V(k) including the part of the cap 84. That is, the inspection unit 130 compares the standard appearance of the cap 84 with the appearance of the cap 84 included in the image data V(k), and if there is a large difference between the two, the judgment result D(k) for the image data V(k) is determined to be "defective product 5B". If the image data V(k) is data for a simulated product 6, the cap 84 is provided with an identification information display field 86 (see FIG. 6), and therefore is clearly different from the standard appearance of the cap 84 in a normal product 5. Therefore, the inspection unit 130 judges the simulated product 6 to be a defective product 5B, and the judgment result D(k) is also determined to be "defective product 5B".

[0041] The control device 200 in the inspection system 3 further includes a simulated product recognition unit 210 and a matching unit 250. The simulated product recognition unit 210 determines whether the image data V(k) of the count value k is data of the product 5 or the simulated product 6, based on whether the image data V(k) includes an image of the identification information display field 86. If the image data V(k) is data of the simulated product 6, the identification information ID is read from the identification information display field 86 and is output as the identification information ID(k) corresponding to the count value k.

[0042] The collation unit 250 accumulates the identification information ID(k) output from the simulated product recognition unit 210. The collation unit 250 then compares the detection result of the simulated product detection unit 66 with the recognition result of the simulated product recognition unit 210 to determine whether or not the "first-in, first-out" system in the warehouse system 50 is being properly maintained. As described above, the inspection unit 130 recognizes the simulated product 6 as "a defective product 5B." Therefore, if the inspection system 3 is normal, all the simulated products 6 should be sent to the defective product line 75 together with the actual defective products 5B, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0043] If the dummy product 6 is transported to the non-defective product line 72 and the dummy product detection unit 66 detects this, it means that some kind of abnormality has occurred in the inspection system 3. For example, it is possible that some kind of failure has occurred in the warehouse system 50, causing the "first-in, first-out" rule to no longer be maintained. Therefore, in this case, the collation unit 250 issues an alarm to the effect that an error has occurred.

[0044] Furthermore, if the inspection system 3 is normal, the appearance order of the identification information ID(k) recognized by the simulated product recognition unit 210 should match the appearance order of the identification information ID recognized by the simulated product detection unit 66 in the defective product line 75. If a mismatch occurs in the appearance order of the identification information ID, this also means that some kind of error has occurred in the inspection system 3. Therefore, in this case as well, the collation unit 250 issues an alarm to the effect that an error has occurred. The configuration of the inspection system 3 other than that described above is the same as that of the inspection system 1 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 1).

[0045] In this manner, in this embodiment, dummy products 6 are appropriately mixed into the products 5 being transported on the transport line 32, so that if a fault occurs in the warehouse system 50 and the "first in, first out" rule is not maintained, an alarm can be issued to that effect.

[0046] [Computer Configuration] 7 is a block diagram of a computer 980. Each of the control devices 100, 200, etc. in the first to third embodiments described above includes one or more computers 980 shown in FIG. 7, a computer 980 includes a CPU 981, a storage unit 982, a communication port 983, an input / output port 984, and a media port 985. Here, the storage unit 982 includes a RAM 982a, a ROM 982b, and an SSD (Solid State Drive) 982c. The communication port 983 is connected to a communication circuit 986. The input / output port 984 is connected to an input / output device 987. The media port 985 reads and writes data from a recording medium 988.

[0047] The ROM 982b stores an IPL (Initial Program Loader) executed by the CPU, etc. The SSD 982c stores application programs, various data, etc. The CPU 981 executes application programs, etc. loaded from the SSD 982c to the RAM 982a to realize various functions. The inside of the control devices 100 and 200 shown in Figs. 1, 4, and 5 above shows, as blocks, the functions realized mainly by application programs, etc.

[0048] [Variations] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The above-mentioned embodiment is exemplified to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to those having all the configurations described. In addition, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of one embodiment with the configuration of another embodiment, and it is also possible to add the configuration of another embodiment to the configuration of one embodiment. In addition, it is possible to delete a part of the configuration of each embodiment, or to add or replace other configurations. In addition, the control lines and information lines shown in the figure show those that are considered necessary for explanation, and do not necessarily show all the control lines and information lines necessary on the product. In reality, it may be considered that almost all the configurations are connected to each other. Possible modifications of the above-mentioned embodiment are, for example, as follows.

[0049] (1) The hardware of the control devices 100 and 200 in each of the above embodiments can be realized by a general-purpose computer. Therefore, the programs for executing the various processes described above may be stored on a storage medium (a computer-readable storage medium on which a program is recorded) or distributed via a transmission path.

[0050] (2) In the above embodiment, the various processes described above are described as software-based processes using programs. However, some or all of the processes may be replaced with hardware-based processes using an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), etc.

[0051] (3) The various processes executed in the above-described embodiments may be executed by a server computer via a network (not shown), and the various data stored in the above-described embodiments may also be stored in the server computer.

[0052] [Effects of the embodiment] As described above, the inspection systems 1, 2, and 3 of the above-described embodiments include a conveyance line 32 that conveys a plurality of specimens (5), an imaging unit 40, 42 that is provided on the conveyance line 32 and that images the plurality of specimens (5) and acquires image data (V(k), V(ID)) for each of the specimens, an image acquisition unit 110 that stores the image data (V(k), V(ID)) in a database unit 120, a warehouse system 50, 52 that accumulates the specimens (5) after being imaged and then carries them out, and a system that determines whether each of the specimens (5) corresponding to the image data (V(k)) stored in the database unit 120 is a non-defective product 5A or a defective product 5B. The inspection unit 130 outputs a judgment result (D(k), D(ID)) indicating whether the subject is B, a sorting command unit 140 outputs a sorting command signal (SEL(m), SEL(IDm)) based on the judgment result (D(k), D(ID)), and a sorting unit 64 supplies a non-defective product 5A of the multiple subjects (5) to a non-defective product line 72 and a defective product 5B to a defective product line 75 based on the sorting command signal (SEL(m), SEL(IDm)), and the processing in the warehouse systems 50, 52 (steps S6, S8, S20) and the processing in the inspection unit 130 (step S10) can be performed in parallel. In this way, in each embodiment, the processing in the warehouse systems 50, 52, which accumulates and then carries out the subjects (5) after being photographed, and the processing in the inspection unit 130 can be performed in parallel, so that sufficient time can be secured for inspection in the inspection unit 130.

[0053] Moreover, as in the inspection systems 1 and 3 of the first and third embodiments, the image acquisition unit 110 stores the image data (V(k)) in the database unit 120 in association with the imaging sequence (k), the warehouse system 50 has a function of unloading the specimens (5) in the order in which they were stored, and further includes a count unit 62 that outputs a count value m that is a result of counting the number of specimens (5) unloaded from the warehouse system 50, and it is more preferable that the sorting command unit 140 outputs a sorting command signal (SEL(m)) corresponding to the count value m based on the determination result (D(m)) corresponding to the count value m. In this way, by the warehouse system 50 unloading the specimens (5) in the order in which they were stored, it is possible to maintain the identity between the photographed specimens (5) and the specimens (5) to be sorted, even if identification information is not assigned to the specimens (5).

[0054] Moreover, as in the inspection system 2 of the second embodiment, the imaging unit 42 further includes a function of acquiring the identification information ID assigned to each of the subjects (5), the image acquiring unit 110 stores the image data (V(ID)) in the database unit 120 in association with the identification information ID, and further includes an identification information acquiring unit (68) that acquires the discharge identification information IDm that is the identification information ID of the subject (5) discharged from the warehouse system 52, and the sorting command unit 140 more preferably outputs a sorting command signal (SEL(IDm)) based on the determination result (D(ID)) corresponding to the discharge identification information IDm. This makes it unnecessary to match the order in which the subjects (5) are brought into the warehouse system 52 with the order in which they are taken out, thereby simplifying the management of the subjects (5).

[0055] Moreover, like the inspection system 3 of the third embodiment, it is more preferable to further include a simulated specimen mixing section (22) that mixes a plurality of specimens (5) with a plurality of simulated specimens (6) determined to be defective products 5B by the inspection section 130 and supplies the mixed specimens to the conveying line 32. In this way, by checking whether or not the defective product line 75 contains any simulated specimens (6), an abnormality in the inspection system 3 can be detected.

[0056] Moreover, it is more preferable that the inspection system 3 further includes a mock specimen detection unit (66) that detects when a mock specimen (6) is supplied to the non-defective line 72. This makes it possible to detect an abnormality in the inspection system 3 by checking whether or not the non-defective line 72 contains a mock specimen (6).

[0057] Moreover, in the inspection system 3, the simulated specimen detection unit (66) has a function of acquiring the identification information ID given to each of the simulated specimens (6) supplied to the defective line 75, and more preferably further includes a collation unit 250 that monitors the appearance order of the identification information ID. In this way, by monitoring the appearance order of the identification information ID on the defective line 75, an abnormality in the inspection system 3 can be detected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1,2,3 Inspection System 5 Product (subject) 5A Good product 5B Defective product 6 Simulated product (simulated object) 22 Simulated product mixing section (simulated specimen mixing section) 32 Conveyor Line 40,42 Photography Department 50,52 Warehouse system 62 Counting section 64 Sorting Department 66 Simulated product detection unit (simulated specimen detection unit) 68 ID acquisition unit (identification information acquisition unit) 72 Quality Line 75 Defective Product Line 110 Image acquisition unit 120 Database Department 130 Inspection Department 140 Selection Command 250 Collation Department k Count value (shooting order) m count value ID Identification information IDm Export identification information

Claims

1. A transport line for transporting a plurality of specimens; an imaging unit provided on the transport line and configured to image the plurality of subjects and acquire image data of each of the subjects; an image acquisition unit that stores the image data in a database unit; a warehouse system that accumulates and then carries out the subject after the subject has been photographed; an inspection unit that outputs a determination result indicating whether each of the specimens corresponding to the image data stored in the database unit is a non-defective product or a defective product; A sorting command unit that outputs a sorting command signal based on the determination result; a sorting unit that supplies the non-defective products among the plurality of inspection objects to a non-defective product line and supplies the defective products to a defective product line based on the sorting command signal; a counting unit that outputs a count value that is a result of counting the number of the test specimens carried out from the warehouse system, the image acquisition unit stores the image data in a database unit in association with a shooting order; the warehouse system has a function of removing the specimens in the order in which they were stored; the sorting command unit outputs a sorting command signal corresponding to the count value based on the determination result corresponding to the count value, The process in the warehouse system and the process in the inspection unit are executed in parallel.

1. An inspection system comprising:

2. The method further includes a mock specimen mixing section that mixes a plurality of mock specimens that are determined to be defective by the inspection section into a plurality of specimens and supplies the mixed specimens to the transport line.

2. The inspection system according to claim 1 .

3. The apparatus further includes a mock specimen detection unit that detects when the mock specimen is supplied to the non-defective line.

3. The inspection system according to claim 2.

4. the mock specimen detection unit has a function of acquiring identification information assigned to each of the mock specimens supplied to the defective product line, A collation unit that monitors the order of appearance of the identification information is further provided.

4. The inspection system according to claim 3.

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