Counting device, counting method and program

Abstract

To provide a technique for more accurate counting when counting using a captured image of an edge of a counting object.SOLUTION: A counting apparatus includes a processing unit that processes a captured image captured from a side of an end of each of a plurality of counting objects which are aligned such that each of the end extends in a first direction and are arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction and counts the number of the counting objects. The processing unit performs averaging processing that calculates an average value of image pixel values in a region extending in the first direction and the second direction in the captured image while moving in the region over the second direction, and counting processing that counts the number of the counting objects using the average value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a counting device, a counting method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a device that photographs the edges of a plurality of stacked objects to be counted with a camera and counts the number of the objects to be counted using the photographed result.

[0003] Patent document 1 discloses a counting method in which multiple folded sheets of paper are imaged with a television camera, and the number of non-shadowed areas at each component point that makes up one horizontal scanning line is added up to count the number of sheets of paper.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses a banknote counting method including an imaging step, a removal step, a histogram generating step, and a bundle counting step. Patent Document 2 discloses that the bundle counting step counts the number of piles in the histogram as the number of bundles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-002701 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2015-055991 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There is a demand for technology that can count the number of items using images captured of the edges of counting objects such as stacked nylon plastic bags or cards, even when there is dirt or dust on the edges or the edges are not clearly shading.

[0007] The present disclosure provides a technique for more accurate counting when counting using a captured image of an edge of an object to be counted. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present disclosure relates to a counting device that includes a processing unit that processes an image of a plurality of counting objects, each of whose ends is aligned to extend in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, captured from the side of the ends, to count the number of the counting objects, and the processing unit performs an averaging process that calculates an average value of pixel values ​​in an area in the captured image that extends in the first direction and the second direction, across the second direction while moving through the area, and a counting process that counts the number of the counting objects using the average value. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, when counting is performed using a captured image of an edge of an object to be counted, counting can be performed with higher accuracy. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of an example of a counting device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit of an example of a counting device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a control unit of an example of a counting device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the counting device according to the present embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing of the counting device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing of the counting device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing of the counting device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing of the counting device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing of the counting device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of processing of the counting device according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that, in the description of the specification and drawings relating to each embodiment, components having substantially the same or corresponding functional configurations may be given the same reference numerals to avoid redundant description. In addition, in order to facilitate understanding, the scale of each part in the drawings may differ from the actual scale.

[0012] In the directions of parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, vertical, up / down, left / right, etc., deviations are permitted to the extent that they do not impair the functions and effects of the embodiments. The shape of the corners is not limited to right angles and may be rounded in an arch shape. Parallel, right angle, orthogonal, horizontal, and vertical may include approximately parallel, approximately right angle, approximately orthogonal, approximately horizontal, and approximately vertical.

[0013] <Counting device 1> 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a counting device 1, which is an example of a counting device according to this embodiment. The counting device 1 is a device that captures images of a plurality of counting objects T using an imaging unit 11, imports the captured images, and displays the number of counting objects T on a screen by performing software processing. The counting objects T are, for example, pouch bags, empty envelopes, envelopes with contents, folded paper, postcards, cards, etc.

[0014] For ease of explanation, an XYZ Cartesian coordinate system is set in Fig. 1. For coordinate axes perpendicular to the paper surface of the drawing, a cross in a circle on the coordinate axis indicates that the direction into the paper surface is positive. However, this coordinate system is defined for the purpose of explanation and does not limit the attitude of the counting device 1, etc.

[0015] In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the X-axis and Y-axis are parallel to the mounting surface 10b of the glass window 10a of the mounting portion 10c. The X-axis is the axis in the arrangement direction of the counting objects T. The Y-axis is the axis in the spread direction of the counting objects T. The Z-axis is the axis perpendicular to the X-axis and Y-axis.

[0016] The counting device 1 includes an imaging unit 11, an illumination unit 12, and a control unit 15 inside a housing 10. The counting device 1 further includes a display operation unit 21, a printing unit 22, an external input / output unit 23, and a power supply unit 25. The imaging unit 11, the illumination unit 12, the display operation unit 21, the printing unit 22, the external input / output unit 23, and the power supply unit 25 are connected to the control unit 15.

[0017] The counting device 1 has a glass window 10a on the top of a housing 10. The glass window 10a has a mounting surface 10b on the outside of the housing 10. The objects to be counted T are placed on the mounting surface 10b of the glass window 10a. The counting device 1 has pressing jigs 31 and 32 that sandwich and hold the objects to be counted T placed on the glass window 10a. The portion of the glass window 10a having the mounting surface 10b on which the objects to be counted T are placed is referred to as a mounting portion 10c.

[0018] The counting objects T are placed on the placement portion 10c in a line in the X-axis direction, i.e., the arrangement direction. That is, a plurality of counting objects T are placed on the placement surface 10b of the placement portion 10c in a line in the X-axis direction (arrangement direction). The counting objects T are aligned so that their ends extend in the Y-axis direction and arranged in the X-axis direction. The counting objects T are placed on the placement portion 10c so that they spread in the Y-axis and Z-axis directions. The Y-axis direction, which is parallel to the placement surface 10b and intersects with the X-axis direction, may be referred to as the spread direction of the counting objects T.

[0019] [Imaging unit 11] The imaging unit 11 is a camera that images the end TF where the ends of the multiple counting objects T placed on the glass window 10a are lined up. That is, the imaging unit 11 images the multiple counting objects T from the end side. Specifically, the imaging unit 11 images the multiple counting objects T in the +Z direction of the Z axis direction. The imaging unit 11 is, for example, a monochrome area camera having 5 million pixels, approximately 2500 pixels in the horizontal direction and 2000 pixels in the vertical direction. The imaging unit 11 images the counting objects T placed on the placement surface 10b of the glass window 10a through the glass window 10a.

[0020] A lens 11a is attached to the imaging unit 11. The horizontal field of view of the imaging unit 11 when capturing an image using the lens 11a is, for example, 25 millimeters. Therefore, the length of one pixel is approximately 10 micrometers. Note that the horizontal field of view of the imaging unit 11 is not limited to 25 millimeters, and may be appropriately set, for example, between 20 millimeters and 150 millimeters depending on the object to be measured.

[0021] [Lighting section 12] The illumination unit 12 illuminates the counting object T when the imaging unit 11 captures an image. The illumination unit 12 is, for example, a light emitting diode, a light bulb, a discharge tube, a fluorescent lamp, or the like.

[0022] [Control Unit 15] The control unit 15 controls the entire counting device 1. The control unit 15, for example, captures imaging data from the imaging unit 11. Then, the control unit 15 performs image processing on the captured imaging data and counts the counting objects T. The control unit 15 controls the illumination unit 12. The control unit 15 also controls the display operation unit 21, the printing unit 22, and the external input / output unit 23.

[0023] 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control unit 15 of a counting device 1, which is an example of a counting device according to this embodiment. The control unit 15 is, for example, a computer. The control unit 15 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 53. The CPU 51 operates based on a program stored in the ROM 53.

[0024] The control unit 15 also includes an imaging interface (imaging IF (Interface)) 54. The imaging unit 11 is connected to the imaging interface 54. The control unit 15 also includes an I / O (Input / Output) interface (I / O IF (Interface)) 55. The display operation unit 21, the printing unit 22, and the external input / output unit 23 are connected to the I / O interface 55.

[0025] [Display operation section 21] The display operation unit 21 accepts input from a user. The display operation unit 21 is used, for example, for setting input. The display operation unit 21 also displays information such as images to the user. The display operation unit 21 is used, for example, for displaying counting results and processed images. The display operation unit 21 is, for example, a display with a touch panel.

[0026] [Printing Department 22] The printing unit 22 prints and outputs the counting results, etc. on paper. The printing unit 22 is, for example, a printer. Note that the printing unit 22 may be omitted.

[0027] [External input / output section 23] The external input / output unit 23 is used when connecting to an external device, such as a display device or a computer.

[0028] [Power supply section 25] The power supply unit 25 converts the power supplied to the counting device 1 and supplies it to each component of the counting device 1 .

[0029] [Pressing fixture 31 and pressing fixture 32] The pressing jigs 31 and 32 are jigs for stably holding the counting objects T placed on the glass window 10a. The pressing jigs 31 and 32 hold the counting objects T so that they are lined up in the X-axis direction (line-up direction). Furthermore, the pressing jigs 31 and 32 hold the counting objects T so that the ends of the counting objects T are aligned parallel to the Y-axis direction (spreading direction).

[0030] In addition, a light-shielding cover may be provided on the housing 10 so as to cover the pressing jig 31, the counting objects T, and the pressing jig 32.

[0031] <Processing of the control unit 15 of the counting device 1> Next, a description will be given of the processing of the counting device 1, specifically, the processing of the control unit 15 of the counting device 1. Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the processing performed by the control unit 15 of the counting device 1, which is an example of a counting device according to this embodiment.

[0032] The control unit 15 has an image acquisition unit 61 , a preprocessing unit 62 , a region averaging unit 63 , a binarization unit 64 , and a counting unit 65 .

[0033] [Image acquisition unit 61] The image acquiring unit 61 acquires images captured by the imaging unit 11 from the imaging unit 11. The image acquiring unit 61 acquires captured images of a plurality of counting objects aligned so that their respective ends extend in the Y-axis direction and arranged in the X-axis direction intersecting the first direction, captured from the end side.

[0034] [Preprocessing section 62] The pre-processing unit 62 processes the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 61 so as to facilitate processing in subsequent steps. The pre-processing unit 62 performs image processing such as gamma correction, brightness correction, contrast correction, filter processing, morphology processing (opening processing, closing processing, etc.), and geometric transformation processing.

[0035] The filtering process is, for example, a median filter, a sharpening filter, etc. Furthermore, a positive-negative conversion process, etc. may be performed as the filtering process. The filtering process is not limited to one filtering process, and a combination of multiple filtering processes may be used.

[0036] When performing contrast correction, for example, a sigmoid function may be used to correct the contrast.

[0037] If the captured image is tilted, the image may be subjected to a geometric transformation, for example, an affine transformation, to correct the tilt.

[0038] Furthermore, the pre-processing unit 62 may cut out and process a part of the image acquired by the image acquiring unit 61. For example, a plurality of regions, for example, three regions, may be extracted from the image acquired by the image acquiring unit 61, and the counting process of the counting objects T may be performed in each of the plurality of regions.

[0039] When counting the counting objects T in a plurality of regions, if the counting results in the plurality of regions do not match, for example, an error may be displayed and the counting may be performed again.

[0040] [Area averaging unit 63] The area averaging unit 63 moves a rectangular area that is long in the direction in which the end faces extend in the arrangement direction, and calculates the average of the pixel values ​​of the pixels included in the rectangular area.

[0041] [Binarization section 64] The binarization unit 64 binarizes the result of averaging performed by the area averaging unit 63. The binarization process is, for example, adaptive binarization. Note that the binarization process is not limited to adaptive binarization, and binarization may be performed using a predetermined pixel value as a threshold, or other methods may be applied.

[0042] [Counting Division 65] The counting unit 65 uses the binarized result from the binarization unit 64 to count the number of count objects T, for example, by counting the number of places where dark points change to bright points.

[0043] Next, the counting process of the counting objects T in the counting device 1, i.e., the counting method, will be described with reference to a flowchart. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are flowcharts showing the process of the counting device 1, which is an example of the counting device according to this embodiment. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 show the procedure executed in the control unit 15.

[0044] First, the user aligns the objects to be counted T and places them on the glass window 10a of the counting device 1. Then, the user uses the pressing jigs 31 and 32 to fix the objects to be counted T on the glass window 10a. The user operates the display operation unit 21 to cause the counting device 1 to start the counting process. Note that the counting device 1 may automatically start the counting process, for example, when it detects that the objects to be counted T have been fixed on the glass window 10a.

[0045] Next, the imaging unit 11 captures an image of the end TF of the object to be counted T (step S10, a process of capturing an image of the end of the object to be counted by the imaging unit (imaging process, imaging process, imaging procedure)). Specifically, the control unit 15 controls the imaging unit 11 to capture an image of the end TF of the object to be counted T. Then, the image acquisition unit 61 of the control unit 15 acquires an image from the imaging unit 11. The image acquisition unit 61 acquires an image captured from the end side of a plurality of objects to be counted that are aligned so that their respective ends extend in the Y-axis direction and are arranged in the X-axis direction intersecting the first direction.

[0046] FIG 6 shows image IMG1, which is an example of an image acquired by image acquisition unit 61 from imaging unit 11. Image IMG1 is an image (captured image) of end TF of counting object T. Arrow DX in FIG 6 indicates a direction (arrangement direction DX) corresponding to the arrangement direction (X-axis direction in FIG 1) of counting objects T in the captured image (image IMG1). Arrow DY in FIG 6 indicates a direction (spreading direction DY) corresponding to the spread direction (Y direction in FIG 1) of counting objects T in the captured image (image IMG1).

[0047] In image IMG1, bright pixels are lined up in a line in the spread direction DY of the counting objects T. Also in image IMG1, linear rows of bright pixels are lined up at approximately equal intervals in the arrangement direction DX of the counting objects T. Each row of bright pixels corresponds to one edge of the counting objects T. Therefore, the number of counting objects T can be counted by counting the number of rows of bright pixels in the arrangement direction of the counting objects T.

[0048] Next, the captured image is preprocessed (step S20, a process of preprocessing the captured image). Specifically, the preprocessing unit 62 of the control unit 15 performs preprocessing on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 61 from the imaging unit 11. The contents of the preprocessing may be set using the display operation unit 21, for example.

[0049] Next, the average pixel values ​​of the pixels contained in the rectangular region in which the preprocessed image is set is calculated (step S30, process of averaging the preprocessed image over a rectangular region (averaging process, averaging process, averaging procedure)). In the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 61 from the imaging unit 11, bright pixels are lined up in the spread direction DY of the objects to be counted T. Therefore, the counting device 1 takes advantage of the fact that bright pixels are lined up in the spread direction DY of the objects to be counted T, and averages over a rectangular region that is long in the spread direction of the objects to be counted T and shorter in the line-up direction than the thickness of the objects to be counted T.

[0050] 7 shows image IMG2, which is an example of an image acquired by image acquisition unit 61 from imaging unit 11. When image acquisition unit 61 actually acquires an image, as shown in area A1 of image IMG2, dust attached to the counting objects T may be captured. Also, as shown in area A2 of image IMG2, depending on the stacking state of the counting objects T, the boundaries may not be captured clearly.

[0051] By averaging over a rectangular area, the counting device 1 can suppress the effects of dust as shown in area A1 in Fig. 7. Also, the counting device 1 can emphasize the difference in brightness between pixels in the arrangement direction when the boundary is not clearly visible as shown in area A2 in Fig. 7.

[0052] 5 is a flowchart showing details of the process (averaging process) in step S30. When the averaging process in step S30 is started, a rectangular area is set at the edge of the target area to be processed in the preprocessed image, specifically, at the edge of the arrangement direction DX of the counting objects T (step S31, a process of setting a rectangular area at the edge of the target area (setting process, setting process, setting procedure)).

[0053] 8 is a diagram illustrating rectangular areas. A rectangular area WA1 is set at the end of the image IMG3 in the arrangement direction DX.

[0054] It is desirable that the length of the rectangular area in the arrangement direction DX be equal to or less than one-third the thickness of the counting object T. For example, if the thickness of the counting object T is 140 micrometers and one pixel is 10 micrometers, the width in the arrangement direction DX is set to four pixels, or a width equivalent to 40 micrometers.

[0055] In addition, the length of the rectangular region in the spreading direction DY is preferably longer than the arrangement direction DX, since the length is averaged in the spreading direction of the counting objects T. For example, the length of the rectangular region in the spreading direction DY is preferably 10 times or more longer than the length of the arrangement direction DX.

[0056] The length of the arrangement direction DX and the spreading direction DY of the rectangular regions may be set by the user. The region to be averaged is not limited to a rectangular region. For example, if the counting object T is inclined with respect to the Y-axis direction in FIG. 1, the region may be a parallelogram with one side aligned along the inclination direction of the end of the counting object T.

[0057] Next, the average value of pixel values ​​in the rectangular region is calculated (step S32, a process of calculating the average value of pixel values ​​in a rectangular region (region averaging process, region averaging process, region averaging procedure)). In FIG. 8, the average pixel value is calculated for pixels of image IMG3 included in rectangular region WA1.

[0058] Next, the rectangular area is moved by one pixel in the arrangement direction DX (step S33, a process of moving the rectangular area by one pixel (moving process, moving process, moving procedure)). In FIG. 8, the rectangular area is shifted (moved) in the arrangement direction DX, i.e., in the direction of the arrow DA. In FIG. 8, the rectangular area in the nth (n is an integer equal to or greater than 1) processing is represented as rectangular area WAn.

[0059] Then, it is determined whether processing has been completed for all of the target regions (step S34, a step of determining whether processing has been completed for all regions). If processing has been completed for all regions (Yes in step S34), the averaging step ends. If processing has not been completed for all regions (No in step S34), the process returns to step S32 and is repeated. By repeating steps S32 to S33, the average value in the rectangular region is calculated across the arrangement direction DX.

[0060] 4, the area averaging unit 63 forms an average image based on the averaging result in step S30 (step S40, a step of forming an average image using the averaging result). Specifically, the average value obtained in step S30 is extended in the spreading direction DY to form an average image (see FIG. 10).

[0061] Next, the average image is converted into a binary image (step S50, a process of converting an average image into a binary image (binarization process, binarization process, binarization procedure)). Specifically, the binarization unit 64 binarizes the average image formed by the area averaging unit 63 to form a binary image. The binarization means may be, for example, adaptive binarization or binarization using a specific threshold value.

[0062] Next, the number of stripes is counted from the binary image (step S60, process of counting the number of stripes from the binary image (binary counting process, binary counting process, binary counting procedure)). Specifically, the counting unit 65 counts the number of stripes that correspond to the edges of the counting objects T using the binary image formed by the binarization unit 64. The binary image becomes an image with stripes in the arrangement direction DX. The stripes correspond to the edges of the counting objects T. Therefore, the number of counting objects T is counted by counting the number of stripes arranged in the arrangement direction DX.

[0063] Next, the number of counting objects T is calculated from the result of counting the number of stripes (step S70, a step of calculating the number of counting objects from the counting result). Specifically, the counting unit 65 regards the counted number of stripes as the number of counting objects T.

[0064] In the above process, a binarization process is performed when counting the counting objects T, but the number may be counted by finding an inflection point of the average result after step S30 without performing the binarization process. As shown by way of examples of steps S40, S50, S60, and S70, the process of counting the number of counting objects T using the average value found in the averaging process of step S30 is sometimes called a counting process (counting process, counting procedure).

[0065] The control unit 15 may, for example, cause the display operation unit 21 to display the counted number of counting objects T. The control unit 15 may also, for example, cause the printing unit 22 to print and output the counted number of counting objects T. Furthermore, the control unit 15 may, for example, cause the external input / output unit 23 to output the counted number of counting objects T to an external device.

[0066] The results of processing by the counting device 1 are shown in Figures 9 and 10. Figure 9 shows the image IMG4 acquired by the image acquisition unit 61. Figure 10 shows the average image IMG5 generated by the area averaging unit 63.

[0067] 9, image IMG4 contains linear dust AS1 with high brightness, and linear dust AS2 and dust AS3 with low brightness. The average image IMG5 can remove the effects of the dust AS1, dust AS2, and dust AS3 by averaging them over a rectangular area.

[0068] The Y-axis direction and the spreading direction DY are first directions, the X-axis direction and the alignment direction DX are second directions, and the control unit 15 is an example of a processing unit.

[0069] [Actions and Effects] According to the counting device of this embodiment, the number of objects T to be counted can be counted with high accuracy from an image capturing the end portion TF of the objects T to be counted.

[0070] For example, in the case of pouch bags with zippers, it is difficult to neatly align the pouch bags due to the zipper. If the pouch bags are not neatly aligned, the color and brightness of the end faces of the pouch bags, which are the counting objects T, will change, making the counting process difficult.

[0071] According to the counting device of this embodiment, by averaging over a wide rectangular area in the direction in which the counting objects T extend, the counting objects T can be counted accurately even if the color or brightness of the edges of the counting objects T changes.

[0072] In addition, in a counting method in which the objects to be counted are turned over one by one by blowing air on them, or in which the objects to be counted are physically turned over by a feeding mechanism, the objects to be counted may be damaged or wrinkled, which may lead to the production of defective products. In contrast, the counting device according to this embodiment counts the objects to be counted using a non-contact method without using air or a feeding mechanism, which can prevent the production of defective products due to counting.

[0073] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Counting device 10. Chassis 10a Glass window 10b Placement surface 10c Placement part 11 Imaging unit 15 Control section 63 Area averaging section 64 Binarization section 65 Counting Department DX Alignment Direction DY Spread direction T Counting object TF end WA1, WAn rectangular area

Claims

1. a processing unit that processes an image of a plurality of counting objects, each of whose ends is aligned to extend in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, captured from the end side, to count the number of the counting objects; The processing unit includes: an averaging process of calculating an average value of pixel values ​​in a region extending in the first direction and the second direction in the captured image, while moving the region in the second direction; a counting process of counting the number of the count objects using the average value; Execute Counting device.

2. The processing unit, in the averaging process, executing a setting process for setting the region to one end of the captured image in the second direction; A region averaging process for calculating the average value of the pixel values ​​in the set region; a moving process of moving the region in the second direction in the captured image; and repeatedly executing the moving process to calculate the average value in the second direction.

2. The counting device according to claim 1.

3. A length of the region in the first direction is longer than a length of the region in the second direction.

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

4. The length of the region in the first direction is 10 times or more the length of the region in the second direction.

4. The counting device according to claim 3.

5. The processing unit, in the counting process, a binarization process for binarizing the image using the average value; a binary counting process for counting the number of the count objects using the binarized result; Execute A counting device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. a placement section having a placement surface on which the ends of the plurality of counting objects are aligned to extend in the first direction and are placed side by side in the second direction; An imaging unit that captures images of the plurality of counting objects from the end side to generate the captured images, 6. A counting device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A counting method for counting a number of count objects, each of whose ends is aligned to extend in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, by processing an image captured from a side of the end of the count object, the counting method comprising: an averaging step of calculating an average value of pixel values ​​in a region extending in the first direction and the second direction in the captured image, while moving the region in the second direction; A counting step of counting the number of the count objects using the average value. Counting method.

8. On the computer, an imaging step of acquiring an image of a plurality of counting objects, each of whose ends is aligned to extend in a first direction and arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction, by imaging the counting objects from the side of the ends; an averaging step of calculating an average value of pixel values ​​in a region extending in the first direction and the second direction in the captured image, while moving the region in the second direction; a counting step of counting the number of the count objects using the average value; A program for executing.

Images