Egg inspection device and egg inspection method

Abstract

To provide an inspection device and an inspection method that can detect more clearly types of abnormities of not only white eggs but also colored eggs, than conventional inspection devices and inspection methods, further can detect highly accurately abnormities of eggs through a transparent container.SOLUTION: An inspection method irradiates sequentially and directly light in more than three types of wavelength regions including at least infrared and visible light wavelengths from an illumination part; images their reflected light and / or scattered light using one imaging unit arranged on a center line in a ring shape of a ring-shaped illumination part; and analyzes multi-color synthesized images obtained by synthesizing monochrome images for respective wavelength regions that are obtained through imaging, and the respective monochrome images so as to discriminate and determine four or more types of abnormities.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus and an inspection method for imaging eggs through a transparent container or without passing through a transparent container to detect abnormalities. For example, it relates to an inspection apparatus for imaging and inspecting eggs (upper and lower sides) contained in a container with an open lid of a transparent container or eggs (upper and lower sides) in a container with a lid, or eggs being conveyed.

Background Art

[0002] As a typical processing step for chicken eggs, the chicken eggs transported from a chicken coop or the like are washed, subjected to a primary inspection, dried, aligned in direction, and then, after secondary inspection and weighing before container storage, sorted by grade and filled into egg containers, and the egg containers are transferred to cardboard boxes, mobile racks, etc. for packing or packaging. Eggs are transferred on a conveyor that can convey eggs in multiple rows. Before being filled into egg containers (also referred to as "egg packs"), in order to merge from multiple rows into one row, even if they are not determined to be abnormal in the secondary inspection before container storage upstream, in the subsequent conveying process, damage, dirt, foreign substances, etc. may adhere. Also, after being filled into the egg container, when there is a printing process for the expiration date on the top surface of the egg, unexpected dirt may adhere during this printing process. In addition, in the primary inspection and secondary inspection on the upstream side, there are also difficulties in omnidirectional imaging of the outer appearance of eggs being conveyed while rotating horizontally or swinging disorderly, and a demand to keep the inspection processing speed above a certain level from the perspective of productivity, making it difficult to achieve complete detection itself. From the above, it is necessary to confirm the state of the eggs again (especially both end parts (both blunt end and sharp end parts) that are easily overlooked in the primary and secondary inspections on the upstream side) before the final step of packing or packaging. Regardless of the reliability of the inspection apparatus, in the final inspection, visual inspection of all items by humans is often performed.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses irradiating light toward the upper side of an egg, photographing the egg through which the light from a light source has passed inside with imaging means disposed below the container, and determining the surface state based on the photographed image. This is what is called inspection of a transmitted light image.

[0004] Patent Document 2 discloses irradiating light through a translucent pack onto an egg, processing an image obtained by receiving the reflected light from the egg to image the egg through the pack, and determining whether there is egg yolk stain on the egg packed. A polarizing film is used to suppress the glare of the pack or the glare of the egg yolk existing outside the eggshell of the egg. An inspection position is provided at the interval between the upstream conveyance unit and the downstream conveyance unit, and white light is irradiated from here and imaging is performed with a color camera. It is described that blue light may also be used because the egg yolk stain appears black in the case of blue light. The hue, saturation, and lightness in the color image data are converted into preset values, and the egg yolk stain is determined with an extraction image obtained by extracting the yellow component. Patent Document 3 discloses a configuration aimed at making the device unit compact when imaging an egg through a pack. The first imaging unit is composed of a first irradiation unit, a second irradiation unit, and one imaging unit, and the second imaging unit is composed of a third irradiation unit, a fourth irradiation unit, and another imaging unit. The first irradiation unit and the second irradiation unit irradiate light of the same wavelength, and the third irradiation unit and the fourth irradiation unit irradiate light of a different wavelength from that. While each illumination unit is described as bar illumination, it is also stated that ring illumination may be used, but there is a drawback that one of the lights is blocked because the irradiation directions overlap. An image for accurately inspecting a vertically placed egg housed in a container is obtained, and it is described that a plurality of types of abnormalities of the eggshell such as stains adhering to the eggshell and cracks or fractures in the eggshell are inspected with one system, but no specific image processing method is disclosed.

[0005] Patent Document 4 irradiates light from a plurality of directions obliquely above an egg toward the side of the egg with the lid of a packed product containing the egg open, photographs the packed product irradiated with the light from directly above using a color camera, and performs an inspection based on the image of the photographed packed product. It determines a normal region and an abnormal region based on the state of the distribution of the saturation value or the luminance value for each pixel. Patent Document 5 discloses an inspection apparatus for a packed product filled with eggs, which includes a side imaging device and a lighting fixture that irradiates the packed product with illumination light that is backlight for the side imaging device, and inspects the leaked egg liquid accumulated at the bottom of the pack.

[0006] Patent Document 6 discloses an apparatus that irradiates a workpiece with illumination light from three or more lighting blocks, irradiates the workpiece with different illumination lights from the lighting blocks in order, a camera that captures a plurality of spectral images, generates a color inspection image based on the plurality of spectral images, and performs a color inspection. Patent Document 7 discloses determining an abnormality by analysis using a visible light image and an ultraviolet light image. It is described that the ultraviolet light component can be used for determining protein adhesion.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] However, as inspections of the state of eggs filled in egg packs, there are Patent Documents 1 to 5, but it is not easy to detect abnormalities such as yolk stains and fecal stains, especially small stains, from an image taken through a transparent container. In addition, when there is an expiration date directly printed on the eggshell, especially in the case of brown eggs, it is difficult to distinguish between blackish stains such as feces and machine oil and ink due to their unique patterns, not only for inspection devices but also for visual inspection by humans. In addition, as abnormalities on the lower side (pack side) of eggs in the state of being filled in egg packs (abnormalities to be determined as defective products), for example, there are eggshell defects, leakage of the contents, missing eggs (not placed on the pack), yolk stains, fecal stains, eggs with many small irregularities or protrusions on the eggshell surface (referred to as "rough eggs"), foreign substances (hair, thread waste, rubber rings, clips, tape, etc.). Since there are also colored eggs (eggs that are not white) and patterned eggs (such as spots) in addition to white eggs, it is also difficult to distinguish abnormal eggs from normal eggs. Furthermore, it is difficult to identify the type of abnormality.

[0009] In the above situation, there is a desire to distinguish and detect the types of egg abnormalities without being affected by the eggshell color, and a desire to ship products by replacing only the abnormally detected eggs (abnormal eggs) among the eggs filled in egg packs with normal eggs. There is a desire to detect egg abnormalities with higher accuracy before filling the egg container. There is a desire to detect and eliminate abnormal eggs, such as cracked, stained, missing, leaking, and foreign substances, on the upstream side (especially immediately before) of the process of closing the lid of the egg pack and after closing the lid of the egg pack, and to improve the operating rate of the egg sorting and packaging system.

[0010] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 above is an inspection by a transmitted light image and does not inspect the eggshell surface by a reflected light image. In Patent Document 2 mentioned above, a bar illumination and a color camera are arranged below the packed eggs via a polarizing film. Since it is an inspection through the pack, a polarizing film is used to suppress halation caused by the unique shape of the pack. Indirect illumination is also described. However, since the standards and specifications of the pack itself are not clearly defined, adjustments to the illumination light and the camera are required due to changes in the material and differences in the shape and depth of the grooves. That is, the bottom surface of the pack has a unique shape and there are a variety of types, making it difficult to completely suppress halation. Also, it is specialized for egg yolk stains and does not distinguish and detect other abnormalities. Furthermore, it is difficult to make a determination in the case of colored eggs other than white eggs. Patent Document 3 mentioned above describes that two device units can be made compact and a plurality of types of abnormalities can be detected, but there is no specific description of what kind of abnormalities are detected and how. Furthermore, it is difficult to make a determination in the case of colored eggs other than white eggs. In Patent Document 4 mentioned above, it has a configuration of a ring illumination for irradiating the side of the egg and a color camera arranged directly above the egg. Even if there is a reflecting member directly above the egg, the light from the reflecting member toward the upper end of the egg is assumed to be negligibly small compared to the light from a plurality of directions obliquely above the egg toward the side of the egg, and it is necessary to obtain an image by the light directly hitting the egg. Furthermore, in Patent Document 4, it is a relatively close irradiation method for an oval inspection object with two eggs arranged side by side, but for the central part where the eggs are adjacent and recessed, the light amount is weaker than the others, and there are brightness unevenness in the reflected image. Also, although Patent Document 4 is also described as being able to determine abnormal and normal regions, it does not clearly determine up to the type of abnormality. Furthermore, it is difficult to make a determination in the case of colored eggs other than white eggs. In Patent Document 5 mentioned above, it is possible to image the eggs from the side and inspect the liquid accumulated at the bottom of the pack, but from the obtained backlight image, abnormalities at the ends of the eggs (the upper and lower ends when viewed from the side, the contour part of the egg curve) cannot be detected. The above Patent Document 6 irradiates an object with ring-shaped illumination and captures the reflected light image with a camera. Since it has the same positional relationship between the illumination and the camera as in Patent Document 4, it has the same problems as Patent Document 4. The above Patent Document 7 detects proteins from the reflected image by ultraviolet irradiation and determines other abnormalities from the reflected image by visible light irradiation. However, it determines whether it is visible dirt or a visible crack based on the difference in light and dark contrast. In the case of colored eggs other than white eggs, the determination is difficult.

[0011] In view of the above actual situation and problems, an object of the present invention is to provide an egg inspection apparatus that can clearly detect the types of abnormalities even in colored eggs other than white eggs and can also detect abnormalities with high accuracy even in eggs through a transparent container, compared with conventional inspection apparatuses and inspection methods.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] (A1) The first egg inspection method is as follows. For an egg filled in an egg container and having no lid intervening, from above the egg, Light in at least 3 or more wavelength ranges among infrared and visible light wavelengths is sequentially and indirectly irradiated from an illumination unit such as a ring shape, and the reflected light and / or scattered light thereof are sequentially imaged by one imaging unit arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the ring-shaped illumination unit. The color composite image obtained by synthesizing the monochrome images of each wavelength range obtained by imaging and each monochrome image are analyzed to distinguish and determine 4 or more types of abnormalities. (B1) The second egg inspection method is as follows. For an egg filled in an egg container and having a lid intervening (through a transparent container), from above the egg, Light in at least 3 or more wavelength ranges among infrared and visible light wavelengths is sequentially and directly irradiated from a ring-shaped illumination unit, and the reflected light and / or scattered light thereof are sequentially imaged by one imaging unit arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the ring-shaped illumination unit. The color composite image obtained by synthesizing the monochrome images of each wavelength range obtained by imaging and each monochrome image are analyzed to distinguish and determine 4 or more types of abnormalities. (C1) The third egg inspection method is as follows. An egg filled in an egg container, with respect to the lower side of the egg in a state where the container is intervening (through a transparent container), from below it, From a ring-shaped illumination unit, light in at least three or more wavelength bands among at least infrared and visible light wavelengths is directly irradiated in order, and the reflected light and / or scattered light thereof are imaged in order by one imaging unit arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the ring-shaped illumination unit, and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing monochrome images in each wavelength band obtained by imaging and the monochrome images are analyzed to distinguish and determine four or more types of abnormalities. (D1) The fourth egg inspection method is, An egg in a conveyed state, from above it, From a ring-shaped illumination unit, light in at least three or more wavelength bands among at least infrared and visible light wavelengths is indirectly irradiated in order, and the reflected light and / or scattered light thereof are imaged in order by one imaging unit arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the ring-shaped illumination unit, and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing monochrome images in each wavelength band obtained by imaging and the monochrome images are analyzed to distinguish and determine four or more types of abnormalities.

[0013] The egg inspection apparatus of the present invention is, An abnormality detection unit that analyzes at least three or more monochrome images (also referred to as "grayscale images") obtained by sequentially irradiating light in at least three or more wavelength bands among at least infrared and visible light wavelengths, and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and detects so as to distinguish four or more types of abnormalities. The abnormality detection unit may be configured by an information processing apparatus or may be configured by a software program. The information processing apparatus has at least one processor and at least a memory, The memory stores (including primary storage) at least three or more monochrome images (grayscale images) and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, The processor analyzes at least three or more monochrome images (grayscale images) and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and distinguishes four or more types of abnormalities. The anomaly detection method is executed by an information processing apparatus, and includes steps of analyzing at least four or more monochrome images (grayscale images) due to reflection and / or scattering of light in at least three or more wavelength bands among infrared and visible light wavelengths, and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and distinguishing at least four or more anomalies. When the software program of the anomaly detection method is executed by a computer or a processor, the steps of the anomaly detection method are implemented. The storage medium stored by the computer program is When the computer program is executed by at least one processor, the steps of the anomaly detection method are implemented.

[0014] (A2) The first upper inspection device (pre-capping inspection device) a reflector that reflects light, is disposed above the egg and the egg container, and a first upper illumination unit that irradiates light in at least three or more wavelength bands among infrared and visible light wavelengths in order onto the reflector and indirectly irradiates the eggs stored in the container without the lid intervening by the reflection thereof. (The first upper illumination unit is configured not to directly irradiate light onto the eggs.) is disposed above the egg and the egg container, and is disposed on any center line perpendicular to the arrangement line plane when the light emitting surface (also referred to as the "light emitting surface") of the first upper illumination unit (a plurality of illumination units or a ring-shaped illumination unit) is viewed in plan in the vertical direction (preferably disposed below the light emitting surface), and at least three or more monochrome images (first upper reflection images) generated by reflection and / or dispersion caused by at least three or more different wavelength bands of light sequentially irradiated from the first upper illumination unit are imaged in order, and a first upper anomaly detection unit that analyzes at least three or more monochrome images (grayscale images) captured by the first upper imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, distinguishes at least four or more anomalies, and detects anomalies. The first upper inspection device (pre-capping inspection device) At least one first obliquely upward imaging unit that images, in order, three or more monochrome images (first obliquely upward reflection images (images captured from the tip to the side of the egg)) caused by reflection and / or scattering resulting from light in at least three or more different wavelength ranges irradiated in order from the first upper illumination unit, which is disposed obliquely upward and above the egg and the egg container. The first upper abnormality detection unit analyzes at least three or more monochrome images captured by the first upper imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them. It is also possible to analyze at least three or more monochrome images captured by the first obliquely upward imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and distinguish four or more abnormalities from the analysis results of both to detect abnormalities. Both the first upper imaging unit and the first obliquely upward imaging unit may be installed, or either one of them may be arranged. When only the first obliquely upward imaging unit is arranged, the first upper abnormality detection unit analyzes at least three or more monochrome images captured by the first obliquely upward imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and may distinguish four or more abnormalities to detect abnormalities.

[0015] (B2) The second upper inspection device (post-capping inspection device) is disposed above the egg and the egg container, and a second upper illumination unit that irradiates, in order, light in three or more wavelength ranges of infrared rays and visible light directly (through the transparent container) toward the egg stored in the container with the lid intervening (the second upper illumination unit is configured to irradiate light directly onto the egg). A second upper imaging unit that is disposed above the egg and the egg container and images, in order, three or more monochrome images (second upper reflection images) caused by reflection and / or scattering resulting from light in at least three or more different wavelength ranges irradiated in order from the second upper illumination unit, and is disposed on any center line perpendicular to the arrangement line surface when the light-emitting surface (also referred to as the "light-emitting surface") of the second upper illumination unit (a plurality of illumination units or a ring-shaped illumination unit) is viewed in a plan view in the vertical direction (preferably disposed below the light-emitting surface). Analyze at least three or more monochrome images (grayscale images) captured by the second upper imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and distinguish at least four or more abnormalities to detect abnormalities with a second upper abnormality detection unit. The second upper inspection device (post-capping inspection device) At least one second upper oblique imaging unit that is disposed obliquely above the egg and the egg container and sequentially captures three or more monochrome images (second upper oblique reflection images (images captured from the tip to the side of the egg)) generated by reflection and / or scattering caused by light in at least three or more different wavelength ranges sequentially irradiated from the second upper illumination unit. The second upper abnormality detection unit Analyze at least three or more monochrome images captured by the second upper imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them. Analyze at least three or more monochrome images captured by the second upper oblique imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and distinguish four or more abnormalities from the analysis results of both to detect abnormalities. Both the second upper imaging unit and the second upper oblique imaging unit may be installed, or either one of them may be disposed. When only the second upper oblique imaging unit is disposed, the second upper abnormality detection unit may analyze at least three or more monochrome images captured by the first upper oblique imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and distinguish four or more abnormalities to detect abnormalities. The second upper inspection device (post-capping inspection device) May have a reflector (reflector) that reflects light, and the reflector may surround the egg to be inspected and be disposed so as to reflect light from the second upper illumination unit and / or another illumination unit.

[0016] (C2) The lower inspection device (pre-capping inspection device or post-capping inspection device) Is disposed below the egg and the egg container, and a lower illumination unit that directly irradiates light in three or more wavelength ranges of infrared rays and visible light waves toward the egg stored in the container through the transparent container in sequence. (The lower illumination unit is configured to directly irradiate light on the egg.) It is arranged below the egg and the egg container, and is arranged on any center line perpendicular to the arrangement line surface when the light-emitting surface (also referred to as the "light-emitting surface") of the lower illumination unit (a plurality of illumination units or a ring-shaped illumination unit) is viewed in a plan view in the vertical direction (preferably arranged below the light-emitting surface). A lower imaging unit that sequentially captures three or more monochrome images (lower reflection images) caused by reflection and / or dispersion generated when light in at least three different wavelength ranges irradiated from the lower illumination unit hits it; An abnormal detection unit that analyzes at least three or more monochrome images (grayscale images) captured by the lower imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, distinguishes four or more abnormalities, and detects abnormalities. The lower inspection device (pre-sealing inspection device or post-sealing inspection device) It is arranged obliquely below the egg and the egg container, and has at least one obliquely downward imaging unit that sequentially captures three or more monochrome images (obliquely downward reflection images (images captured from the lower tip of the egg to the side surface)) caused by reflection and / or dispersion generated when light in at least three different wavelength ranges sequentially irradiated from the lower illumination unit hits it; The lower abnormal detection unit Analyzes at least three or more monochrome images (grayscale images) captured by the lower imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, Analyzes at least three or more monochrome images (grayscale images) captured by the obliquely downward imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, and from the analysis results of both, four or more abnormalities may be distinguished and abnormalities may be detected. Both the lower imaging unit and the obliquely downward imaging unit may be installed, or either one may be arranged. When only the obliquely downward imaging unit is arranged, the lower abnormal detection unit analyzes at least three or more monochrome images captured by the obliquely downward imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, distinguishes four or more abnormalities, and may detect abnormalities. The lower inspection device (pre-sealing inspection device or post-sealing inspection device) It may have a reflector that reflects light, and the reflector may surround the eggs to be inspected and be arranged to reflect light from the bottom illumination unit and / or another illumination unit.

[0017] The inspection device (pre-capping inspection device or post-capping inspection device) An infrared irradiation unit that irradiates infrared light in a predetermined wavelength range (1200 to 1600 nm, preferably 1400 to 1500 nm, 1450 nm) onto the liquid (egg liquid) that accumulates between the bottom of the egg container and the lower end of the egg; A transmitted light receiving unit that receives the transmitted light that has passed through the egg container and the liquid after being irradiated by the infrared irradiation unit; It may further have a liquid leakage abnormality detection unit that determines whether the intensity of the transmitted light received by the transmitted light receiving unit is less than or equal to a threshold value, and determines that there is an abnormality in liquid leakage when it is less than or equal to the threshold value. The predetermined wavelength range is, for example, 1200 to 1600 nm, preferably 1400 to 1500 nm.

[0018] (D2) The egg inspection device (upstream inspection device) A reflector (reflector) that reflects light; It is arranged above the eggs being conveyed with the blunt end and sharp end lying horizontally (single-row conveyance, multi-row conveyance), and an illumination unit that irradiates light in three or more wavelength ranges among infrared light and visible light onto the reflector in sequence, and indirectly irradiates the eggs by the reflection thereof. (The illumination unit is configured to irradiate light indirectly onto the eggs.) It is arranged above the eggs, and is arranged on any of the center lines perpendicular to the arrangement line plane when the light-emitting surface (also referred to as the "light-emitting surface") of the illumination unit (a plurality of illumination units or a ring-shaped illumination unit) is viewed in plan in the vertical direction (preferably arranged below the light-emitting surface). An imaging unit that sequentially captures three or more monochrome images resulting from reflection and / or scattering caused by at least three or more different wavelength ranges of light sequentially irradiated from the illumination unit. Analyze at least three or more monochrome images (grayscale images) captured by the imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, distinguish at least four or more abnormalities, and have an abnormality detection unit that detects abnormalities. The egg inspection device may have a housing provided with the reflective material on the inner surface, and a plurality of illumination imaging units including the illumination unit and the imaging unit may be arranged in the housing. One illumination imaging unit in the housing may correspond to the eggs conveyed in one row, and another illumination imaging unit in the same housing may correspond to the eggs conveyed in two adjacent rows. The egg inspection device may have a housing provided with the reflective material on the inner surface, and only one illumination imaging unit including the illumination unit and the imaging unit may be arranged in the housing. One illumination imaging unit in one housing may correspond to the eggs conveyed in one row or multiple rows, and an illumination imaging unit in another housing may correspond to the eggs in a different row.

[0019] The first and second obliquely upward imaging units and the obliquely downward imaging unit may be arranged by dividing the omnidirectional view into three or four equal parts so as to be able to image the entire side surface. When the arrangement line surface is a ring-shaped illumination unit, it may be a radial surface of the ring-shaped housing. The first and second upper illumination units, the first and second upper imaging units, the first and second obliquely upward imaging units, the lower imaging unit, and the obliquely downward imaging unit preferably have a reflective layer on the outer surface of their respective housings or are provided with a reflective material.

[0020] The first and second upper illumination units and the lower illumination unit A pair of two opposing housings, three housings arranged in a triangular shape, four housings arranged in a quadrangular shape, or five or more housings arranged in a polygon with five or more sides, and Each of the plurality of housings may have an LED light emitting unit that emits light in a plurality of different wavelength ranges. Further, each of the plurality of housings may have a diffusion unit (diffusion plate) arranged in the vicinity of the LED light emitting unit for diffusing light. The first and second upper illumination units and the lower illumination unit A ring-shaped housing, optionally having one or more LED light-emitting units that are disposed inside the housing and emit light in at least three or more wavelength bands, and further optionally having a plurality of diffusion units (diffusion plates) that are disposed in the vicinity of the plurality of LED light-emitting units and diffuse light. The light-emitting surface of the region where the light of the ring-shaped housing exits to the outside may be tapered (or curved).

[0021] The first and second upper imaging units, the first and second upper oblique imaging units, the lower imaging unit, and the lower oblique imaging unit may be composed of, for example, a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor, or a monochrome camera, image the reflected light image, and generate a monochrome image (grayscale image). The first and second upper imaging units, the first and second upper oblique imaging units, the lower imaging unit, and the lower oblique imaging unit may synthesize a plurality of monochrome images having different wavelength bands to generate a color composite image, and the first and second upper abnormality detection units and the lower abnormality detection unit may generate a color composite image.

[0022] At least three or more wavelength bands are selected from, for example, visible light (violet, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, far red), infrared light (near infrared, mid infrared, far infrared), and white wavelength bands. It is preferable that at least two or more wavelength bands are selected from visible light and at least one is selected from infrared light. When there are three or more wavelength bands, for example, there are the following combinations. (1) Near infrared light, red light, far red light, other visible light and / or white light, (2) Near infrared light, red light, blue light, other visible light and / or white light, (3) Near infrared light, red light, green light, other visible light and / or white light, (4) Near infrared light, red light, orange light, other visible light and / or white light, (5) Near infrared light, far red light, blue light, other visible light and / or white light, (6) Near infrared light, far red light, green light, other visible light and / or white light, (7) Near infrared light, far red light, orange light, other visible light and / or white light, (8) Blue light, green light, red light, other visible light and / or white light, (9) Blue light, orange light, white light, other visible light and / or infrared light, (10) In any of the above combinations, four or more combinations can be made

[0023] The color composite image is preferably generated by synthesizing monochrome images with light in at least three, preferably four, more preferably five, still more preferably six, and particularly preferably seven wavelength ranges. Visible light includes, for example, violet: 380 - 430 nm, blue: 430 - 460 nm, cyan: 460 - 500 nm, green: 500 - 570 nm, yellow: 570 - 590 nm, orange: 590 - 610 nm, red: 610 - 780 nm, far-red light: 700 - 800 nm. Infrared light includes, for example, near-infrared: 700 - 2500 nm, mid-infrared: 2500 - 4000 nm, far-infrared: 4000 - 10000 nm. In order to photograph by emphasizing the color (yellow, fecal color, red, brown, black) of the abnormal part of the abnormal egg, it is preferable to irradiate light in the wavelength range of the color that has a complementary color relationship with that color. In order to create a color composite image, it is preferable that the difference in each wavelength range is 100 nm or more, which is closer to a natural color, and if the wavelength ranges are close to each other, it will be closer to a sepia color. For example, in the case of three colors of blue, cyan, and green or three colors of red, far-red, and near-infrared, since the wavelength ranges are close, these three color composite images are close to a sepia color. On the other hand, if it is three colors of cyan, green, and red, the color will become natural. A general color camera uses an RGB color filter and has a resolution of 3 cubed, but the present invention can generate a color composite image from monochrome images in three to seven wavelength ranges, and if there are four or more, the resolution will be 4 to the fourth power, and it can distinguish finer color differences in image analysis than a general color camera.

[0024] Each of the above inspection devices Furthermore, it has an inspection mode selection unit that selects at least three or more wavelength ranges irradiated from each of the above lighting units according to the type of egg color. Each of the above lighting units may be configured to sequentially irradiate light in a wavelength range corresponding to the selected inspection mode, and the above imaging unit may sequentially perform imaging. Each of the above inspection devices further has a threshold value change unit that changes the set value of a threshold value (threshold value of brightness and luminance) for determining whether or not there is an abnormality when analyzing a monochrome image and a color composite image corresponding to the selected inspection mode. The above abnormality detection unit may use the changed threshold value to determine an abnormal area extracted from the monochrome image and the color composite image. Examples of the inspection mode include the following. (1) General inspection mode (general, yolk stain, liquid leakage stain, color stains such as red-brown-black, etc.) (2) Colored egg (light red, brown egg) inspection mode (an inspection mode that can also handle stains that are difficult to distinguish from the eggshell) (3) Mixed inspection mode (white eggs and colored eggs are mixed) (4) Mode for strictly inspecting rough eggs (a mode for strictly inspecting rough eggs in addition to general inspection) (5) Foreign object inspection mode (a mode for inspecting foreign object contamination in addition to general inspection)

[0025] Each abnormality detection unit (first and second upper abnormality detection units, lower abnormality detection unit) may determine the type of abnormality corresponding to light in a specific wavelength range as follows. (1) Rough eggs of white eggs and brown eggs (inspection without container): monochrome image of red light (for example, 660 nm) (1-1) Rough eggs of white eggs and brown eggs (inspection through container): monochrome image of red light (for example, 660 nm) (2) Yolk stain of white eggs (inspection without container): blue light (for example, 457 nm) or green light (for example, 527 nm), preferably a monochrome image of blue light (3) Yolk stain of white eggs (inspection through container): monochrome image of green light (for example, 527 nm) (4) Yellowish stains on light red eggs (inspection without container) are monochrome images of green light (e.g., 527 nm). (4-1) Yellowish stains on light red eggs (inspection through container) are monochrome images of green light (e.g., 527 nm). (5) Yellowish stains on brown eggs (inspection without container) are monochrome images of green light (e.g., 527 nm). (5-1) Yellowish stains on brown eggs (inspection through container) are orange light (e.g., 600 nm) or color composite images (color composite images of three or more visible lights (preferably blue, green, red, orange, yellow) and white or near-infrared). (6) White stains (dry state) (inspection without container) are color composite images (color composite images of three or more visible lights (preferably blue, green, red, orange, yellow) and white or near-infrared). (7) White stains (moist state) (inspection without container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (7-1) White stains (moist state) (inspection through container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (8) Stains on eggshell-spotted eggs (black) (inspection without container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (8-1) Stains on eggshell-spotted eggs (black) (inspection through container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (9) Eggshell defects (inspection without container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (9-1) Eggshell defects (inspection through container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (10) Stains near the date information of edible ink (inspection without container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (11) Foreign objects (insects) (inspection without container) are monochrome images of near-infrared light (e.g., 860 nm). (11-1) Foreign objects (insects) (inspection through container) are monochrome images of near-infrared light (e.g., 860 nm). (12) Foreign objects (valve, red rust stain) (inspection without container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (12-1) Foreign objects (valve, red rust stain) (inspection through container) are monochrome images of far-red light (e.g., 730 nm). (13) Depending on the quality level of the egg products, abnormalities may be determined through a comprehensive evaluation of both the determination in various monochrome images and the determination in color composite images. The determination using the above monochrome images shall be given first priority, and the color composite image shall be given second priority. When the determination in the first-priority monochrome image is abnormal, a final determination may be made as abnormal regardless of the determination result in the second-priority color composite image.

[0026] Each monochrome image includes abnormal features such as black stains like chicken manure, red stains like blood, foreign objects like feathers, cracks, and leakage of the egg contents. Each abnormality detection unit can identify these features and determine them as abnormalities. Each abnormality detection unit distinguishes and recognizes the patterns unique to colored eggs and the shell parts with date information printed thereon from other locations, but determines that they are not abnormal. It can also distinguish from abnormalities (such as stains) near the printing. Each abnormality detection unit may analyze a color composite image synthesized from at least three or more images to determine egg abnormalities. By using the composite image, pixels such as white spots are reduced by synthesis, making it suitable for determining small abnormalities.

[0027] The reflector is larger than the entire inspection object (the eggs stored in the container) and has a shape that covers it. Thereby, light can be irradiated onto the inspection object from a wide range of directions (preferably all directions). In the present invention, it is preferable to suppress color unevenness and reflection unevenness that change subtly depending on the lighting conditions by directing the indirect light applied to the reflector towards the eggs. The shape of the reflector is not particularly limited, and examples include a dome shape, a cylindrical shape, a conical shape, and a lantern shape.

[0028] Each inspection device may be provided with an output unit that outputs the detection results of each abnormality detection unit, the eggs determined to be abnormal (marked with abnormalities), the reflection images (monochrome images) of light in each wavelength band, and / or the composite images. The output unit may be configured as a display device for displaying various data, a printer for printing various data, a communication device for transmitting various data, or a storage device for storing various data in a storage medium. As information on abnormal eggs, the output unit may mark an abnormal area in the reflection image and display it on the display unit, or transmit it to an external device (including a mobile terminal and a server). By displaying an image on the display unit, an operator can easily visually confirm the abnormal state. The images captured in each wavelength band are monochrome images, which are a bit inconvenient for an operator to check the abnormal state of the eggs. Therefore, the color-combined composite image is also saved in the memory (which may be a data storage unit) together with the monochrome images so that it can be checked later.

[0029] (Polarizing unit) In each of the above inspection devices, A polarizing unit may be detachably disposed between the egg through the transparent container and each upper illumination unit, between the egg through the transparent container and each obliquely upper imaging unit, and between the egg through the transparent container and each obliquely upper imaging unit, respectively. In each of the above inspection devices, A polarizing unit may be detachably disposed between the egg through the transparent container and the lower illumination unit, and between the egg through the transparent container and the lower imaging unit and the obliquely lower imaging unit, respectively. The polarizing unit may be installed on the imaging unit side instead of on the illumination unit side, and the polarizing unit on the imaging unit side may be composed of a linear polarizing film or a circular polarizing film. There is no industry standard for the shape of the bottom surface and lid of the container (pattern and the depth of its grooves), and each supply manufacturer has made efforts to provide strength with less material. Therefore, it is difficult to ensure the accuracy of the inspection device due to the container. In the present invention, depending on the depth and shape of the grooves of the container, the polarizing unit can be freely and detachably arranged on site at the discretion of the operator, thereby suppressing halation (a phenomenon in which the periphery of the subject becomes white and blurred due to overly strong light), color unevenness, and reflection unevenness.

[0030] The "egg" includes, for example, white, light pink, and brown (including eggs with eggshell spots). Examples of "dirty eggs" include yolk stains, fecal stains, white stains (after drying, before drying), metal (rubbing) stains, etc. Examples of "abnormalities" include the above-mentioned stains, rough eggs, foreign objects, etc. Examples of "metal rubbing stains" include stains (rust) on chicken gauges. Examples of "foreign objects" include hair, thread scraps, rubber rings, clips, tape, insects, etc.

[0031] The display device is not particularly limited, and examples include liquid crystal monitors, organic EL monitors, CRT monitors, smartphones, tablets, monitors of general-purpose personal computers, etc.

[0032] The inspection device may be composed of an information processing device (e.g., a computer, a server) having a memory, a processor, and a software program, a dedicated circuit, firmware, etc. The information processing device may be either on-premises or in the cloud, or a combination of both.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0033]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2A

Figure 2B

Figure 2C

Figure 2D

Figure 2E

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0034] <Embodiment 1> An example of the vertical inspection device 1 is shown in Fig. 1A. The vertical inspection device 1 includes a housing 11, upper and lower lighting units 21 and 31, upper and lower imaging units 22 and 32, and upper and lower anomaly detection units 23 and 33. The housing 11 functions as a darkroom shielded from light from the outside, and a reflective layer may be provided on its inner surface. The conveying unit having the function of conveying the container P has an upstream conveyor 14a and a downstream conveyor 14b, and a transparent plate 14c is provided therebetween. The transparent plate 14c can support the bottom surface of the egg pack P and transmit the light from the lower lighting unit 31. The housing 11 is provided with an inlet 12 for transferring the container P (with eggs E filled (placed)) in a state where the lid is not closed from the upstream conveying conveyor, and an outlet 13 for transferring it downstream.

[0035] The upper lighting unit 21 is disposed above the conveying unit (14a, 14b), the container P, and the eggs E, and irradiates light indirectly toward one, two, or four eggs. In this embodiment, the upper lighting unit 21 is composed of a ring-shaped lighting. The upper lighting unit 21 includes a ring-shaped housing, a plurality of LED light sources arranged inside the housing that emit light in at least three or more wavelength bands, and a plurality of diffusion plates arranged near the plurality of LED light sources for diffusing light. The light emitting surface 21a of the region where the light of the ring-shaped housing exits to the outside has a curved tapered shape.

[0036] The upper lighting unit 21 does not irradiate the egg E directly, but irradiates the reflector 25 (refer to the "irradiation direction" in Fig. 1A). The light reflected and scattered by the reflector 25 travels toward the egg E. The upper lighting unit 21 irradiates light in a plurality of specific wavelength bands in sequence with different timings. The specific wavelengths are three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably six or seven. The upper lighting unit 21 is configured to have a plurality of LED light sources in order to irradiate light in a plurality of different wavelength bands respectively. Diffusion plates are arranged near the LED light sources. Examples of the LED light sources include an LED light source in the ultraviolet region, an LED light source in blue (wavelength band 457 nm), an LED light source in green (wavelength band 527 nm), a yellow LED light source, an LED light source in orange (wavelength band 600 nm), an LED light source in red (wavelength band 660 nm), an LED light source in far red (wavelength band 730 nm), an LED light source in near infrared wavelength (860 nm), a white LED light source, etc.

[0037] Fig. 1B shows the reflector. The cylindrical reflector 25 shown in Fig. 1B(a) is arranged to surround the upper lighting unit 21 and the upper imaging unit 22. The bottom side of the cylinder is open, and the configuration is such that the egg E is irradiated with indirect light. It is not limited to this. An opening may be formed on the top surface of the reflector 25 without surrounding the upper imaging unit 22, and a reflective layer may be provided on the ceiling surface of the housing 11 to provide a reflector function.

[0038] Fig. 1B shows reflectors with different shapes. (b) Spherical shape part 1: A concave part is provided at the center of the top surface to make the distance from the ring-shaped irradiation part (LED light-emitting part) to the top surface the same (that is, to make it concave so as to be the same distance according to the curved surface shape of the ring-shaped irradiation surface). Also, the lower part of the spherical shape is tapered according to the size of the inspection object to enhance the light-gathering effect as it goes towards the bottom. (c) Spherical shape part 2: A shape without a concave part on the top surface. It is easier to process than spherical shape part 1. Note that the lower part of the spherical shape has the same shape as that of spherical shape part 1. (d) Bowl lantern shape: The shape of the ceiling has a wider flat surface than the spherical shape, which simplifies the arrangement of various cables and stays. The aperture is tapered more towards the bottom than the lower part of the spherical shape, and the amount of light on the side of the egg can be improved. (e) Lantern shape: A shape where the central part of almost the same diameter extends from the ceiling part to the bottom part, more so than the bowl lantern shape. (f) Egg shape: A shape similar to spherical shape part 2, but with a bulge in the lower part. (g) Telescope shape: The same effect as the cylindrical shape can be obtained. There is a light-gathering effect due to the opening at the bottom surface. (h) Tube container shape: By making the lower part and the bottom part match the inspection target area, the effect of uniform illumination can be enhanced.

[0039] Reflective materials are also provided on the outer surfaces of the housings of the upper illumination unit 21 and the upper imaging unit 22. This can reduce the attenuation of light.

[0040] The tip of the upper imaging unit 22 is at approximately the same height as the lower end of the upper illumination unit 21 and is arranged on the approximate center line of the ring-shaped virtual surface 21b to capture the reflected light image above the egg. It can be a video or a still image. In the case of a video, a still image (frame) is cut out from the video. The monochrome images in each wavelength range captured by the upper imaging unit 22 are sent to and stored in the data storage unit 41. The upper imaging unit 22 operates in conjunction with the upper illumination unit 21 and captures images in accordance with the irradiation light in different wavelength bands that are irradiated in sequence. The upper side of the egg E in the state of being stored in the container P is imaged while being conveyed by the conveying units (14a, 14b) or while intermittently stopped on the transparent plate 14c. The movement of the conveying units (14a, 14b) is also in conjunction with the illumination timing and the imaging timing. Each of the LED light sources of the upper illumination unit 21 may be configured or controlled so as to be able to irradiate light in different wavelength bands, or each LED light source may be configured to irradiate (emit) light in a pre-assigned wavelength band. In the present embodiment, the upper illumination unit 21 can irradiate seven types of light in different wavelength bands in sequence. For example, blue light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, far-red light, and near-infrared light. The upper imaging unit 22 can capture the reflected light image in accordance with the order of the light in each wavelength band. The captured image is a monochrome image (grayscale image).

[0041] The upper abnormality detection unit 23 has a color composite image creation unit that synthesizes all (or three or more) monochrome images in different wavelength bands to create a color composite image. The upper abnormality detection unit 23 analyzes the color composite image and / or the monochrome image to distinguish and determine the type of abnormality on the upper side of the egg and detect the abnormality. As image analysis, the upper abnormality detection unit 23 extracts an egg image that has been mask-processed with a threshold value specified by the eggshell color, and in the extracted egg image (each monochrome image and color composite image), if the brightness specified by the eggshell color (in the inspection mode for white eggs or colored eggs) is lower than the threshold value (the lower the threshold value, the blacker) or the chroma specified by the eggshell color is high, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the type of abnormality can be specified by analyzing the monochrome image or the color composite image in different wavelength bands. Table 1 shows the types of abnormalities detected.

Table 1

[0043] The upper abnormality detection unit 23 analyzes each monochrome image to determine the type of abnormality, then analyzes the color composite image to determine the type of abnormality, and finally can determine the type of abnormality through their comprehensive evaluation. The upper abnormality detection unit 23 can mark the abnormal area determined to be abnormal or its vicinity and display it on the display device 42 so as to distinguish the abnormal area from the normal area that is not. Information on the type of abnormality can also be simultaneously distinguished and displayed. The communication device 43 can transmit abnormality information (such as the type of abnormality, the number of abnormalities, the image data determined to be abnormal, etc.) to an external device (including a mobile terminal and a server).

[0044] The lower illumination unit 31 is disposed below the conveying units (14a, 14b), the container P, and the eggs E, and directly irradiates light toward one, two, or four eggs. In the present embodiment, the lower illumination unit 31 is configured by a ring-shaped illumination. The lower illumination unit 31 includes a ring-shaped housing, a plurality of LED light sources disposed inside the housing and emitting light in at least three or more wavelength bands, and a plurality of diffusion plates disposed in the vicinity of the plurality of LED light sources for diffusing light. The light emitting surface 31a of the region where the light of the ring-shaped housing exits to the outside has a curved tapered shape.

[0045] The lower illumination unit 31 directly irradiates light onto the eggs E, but a reflector such as the reflector 25 may be disposed around the lower illumination unit 31, or a reflector shaped to condense light toward the eggs E may be disposed. The lower illumination unit 31 irradiates light in a plurality of specific wavelength bands in sequence at different timings. The specific wavelengths are three or more, preferably four or more, more preferably six or seven. The lower illumination unit 31 is configured to include a plurality of LED light sources for irradiating light in a plurality of different wavelength ranges. A diffusion plate is disposed near the LED light sources. Examples of the LED light sources include an LED light source in the ultraviolet region, an LED light source in blue (wavelength range of 457 nm), an LED light source in green (wavelength range of 527 nm), a yellow LED light source, an LED light source in orange (wavelength range of 600 nm), an LED light source in red (wavelength range of 660 nm), an LED light source in far red (wavelength range of 730 nm), an LED light source in near infrared wavelength (860 nm), a white LED light source, and the like.

[0046] Reflective materials are also provided on the outer surfaces of the housings of the lower illumination unit 31 and the lower imaging unit 32, respectively. Thereby, light attenuation can be reduced.

[0047] The tip of the lower imaging unit 32 is disposed at substantially the same height as the upper end of the lower illumination unit 31 and on the substantially center line of the ring-shaped virtual surface 31b at the upper end, and captures a reflected light image of the lower side of the egg E through the container P. It may be a moving image or a still image. In the case of a moving image, a still image (frame) is cut out from the moving image. The monochrome images in each wavelength range captured by the lower imaging unit 32 are sent to and stored in the data storage unit 41. The lower imaging unit 32 is interlocked with the lower illumination unit 31 and captures images in accordance with the irradiation light in different wavelength ranges irradiated in sequence. The lower side of the egg E in the state of being stored in the container P is imaged in a state of being conveyed by the conveying units (14a, 14b) or intermittently stopped on the transparent plate 14c. The movement of the conveying units (14a, 14b) is also interlocked with the illumination timing and the imaging timing. It is preferable that the light emission timing of the upper illumination unit 21 and the light emission timing of the lower illumination unit 31 are shifted. Each of the LED light sources of the lower illumination unit 31 may be configured or controlled so as to be able to irradiate light in different wavelength ranges, or each LED light source may be configured to irradiate (emit) light in a pre-assigned wavelength range. In this embodiment, the bottom illumination unit 31 can irradiate light in seven different wavelength ranges in sequence. For example, blue light, green light, yellow light, orange light, red light, far-red light, and near-infrared light. The bottom imaging unit 32 can capture a reflected light image in accordance with the sequence of light in each wavelength range. The captured image is a monochrome image (grayscale image).

[0048] The bottom abnormality detection unit 33 has a color composite image creation unit that synthesizes all (or three or more) monochrome images in different wavelength ranges to create a color composite image. The bottom abnormality detection unit 33 analyzes the color composite image and / or the monochrome image to distinguish and determine the type of abnormality on the upper side of the egg and detect the abnormality. As image analysis, the bottom abnormality detection unit 33 extracts an egg image masked with a threshold value specified by the eggshell color, and in the extracted egg image (each monochrome image and color composite image), if the brightness specified by the eggshell color (inspection mode for white eggs or colored eggs) is lower than the threshold value (the lower the threshold value, the blacker) or the chroma specified by the eggshell color is high, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

[0049] In this embodiment, the type of abnormality can be specified by analyzing the monochrome image or color composite image in different wavelength ranges. Table 2 shows the types of abnormalities detected.

Table 2

[0050] The bottom abnormality detection unit 33 can analyze each monochrome image to determine the type of abnormality, then analyze the color composite image to determine the type of abnormality, and finally determine the type of abnormality through their comprehensive evaluation. The bottom abnormality detection unit 33 can mark the abnormal area or its vicinity so as to distinguish the abnormal area determined to be abnormal from the normal area that is not, and display it on the display device 42. Information on the type of abnormality can also be simultaneously distinguished and displayed. The communication device 43 can transmit abnormality information (for example, the type of abnormality, the number of abnormalities, image data determined to be abnormal, etc.) to an external device (including a mobile terminal and a server).

[0051] <Example> Fig. 4 shows the detection result of the stain on the light red eggs filled in the container with the lid off. Date information is printed on the light red eggs with edible ink. In the color composite image of Fig. 4(a), both the printed area and the stained area are imaged. Therefore, a process for distinguishing them by image analysis is required. In the monochrome image obtained from the monochrome image in the far-red wavelength range of Fig. 4(b), the reflection at the stained area is emphasized (brightness is emphasized) or the reflection intensity at the printed color is reduced for imaging. That is, by using the monochrome image in the far-red wavelength range, the printed area and the emphasized stained area can be analyzed by image analysis to distinguish them from other eggshell colors easily and with high accuracy (even for a small size of 1 mm or less).

[0052] Fig. 5 shows the detection result of the stain on the eggshell-spotted eggs filled in the container with the lid off. Date information is printed on the eggs with eggshell spots with edible ink. In the color composite image of Fig. 5(a), both the printed area and the stained area are imaged. Therefore, a process for distinguishing them by image analysis is required. In the monochrome image in the far-red wavelength range of Fig. 5(b), the reflection at the stained area is emphasized (brightness is emphasized) or the reflection intensities at the printed color and the pattern color are reduced for imaging. That is, by using the monochrome image in the far-red wavelength range, the printed area and the emphasized stained area can be analyzed by image analysis to distinguish them from other printed colors and pattern colors easily and with high accuracy (even for a small size of 1 mm or less). Figs. 5(c) and (d) are monochrome images in the far-red wavelength range taken through the bottom side of the container. The reflection at the stained area is emphasized (brightness is emphasized) or the reflection intensity at the pattern color of the egg is reduced for imaging. That is, by using the monochrome image in the far-red wavelength range, even through the container, the emphasized stained area can be analyzed by image analysis to distinguish it from other eggshell colors (pattern colors) easily and with high accuracy (even for a small size of 1 mm or less).

[0053] Figure 6 shows the detection results of abnormalities (scabby eggs) of brown eggs filled in a container without a lid. In the monochrome image of red light (660 nm), the small protrusions of the scabby eggs are darker than others and are emphasized. By using the monochrome image in the red wavelength range, even through the container, the emphasized small protrusions of the scabby eggs can be analyzed by image analysis and distinguished from the normal regions of other eggshells for detection.

[0054] Figure 7 shows the detection results of abnormalities (valve) of white eggs filled in a container without a lid. In the monochrome image of far-red light (730 nm), the shape of the valve is darker than others and is emphasized. By using the monochrome image in the far-red wavelength range, the emphasized shape of the valve can be analyzed by image analysis and distinguished from the normal regions of other eggshells for detection.

[0055] Figure 8 shows the detection results of abnormalities (eggshell defect) of white eggs filled in a container without a lid. In the monochrome image of far-red light (730 nm), the shape of the eggshell defect is darker than others and is emphasized. By using the monochrome image in the far-red wavelength range, the emphasized shape of the eggshell defect can be analyzed by image analysis and distinguished from the normal regions of other eggshells for detection.

[0056] Figure 9 shows the detection results of abnormalities (stain) of eggshell-spotted eggs filled in a container without a lid. (a) is the upper side of the egg, and (b) is through the lower container. In both cases, in the monochrome image of far-red light (730 nm), the abnormality (stain) of the eggshell-spotted eggs is darker than the spotted pattern and is emphasized. By using the monochrome image in the far-red wavelength range, the emphasized stain of the eggshell-spotted eggs can be analyzed by image analysis and distinguished from other spotted patterns (normal regions) for detection.

[0057] Figure 10 shows the detection results of abnormalities (foreign objects) of brown eggs through the container. In the monochrome image of near-infrared light (860 nm), the shapes of metal objects and insects are darker than others and are emphasized. By using the monochrome image in the near-infrared wavelength range, foreign objects such as metals and insects can be analyzed by image analysis and distinguished from the normal regions of other eggshells for detection.

[0058] FIG. 11 shows the detection results of yolk stains through the container. (a) shows brown eggs, and in the color composite image, the yolk stain has a different color from other areas, and it can be detected by differentiating it from other areas (normal areas) through image analysis. (b) shows light pink eggs, and in the monochrome image of green light (527 nm), the yolk stain is emphasized as being darker than other areas, and it can be detected by differentiating it from other areas (normal areas) through image analysis. (c) shows white eggs, and in the monochrome image of green light (527 nm), the yolk stain is emphasized as being darker than other areas, and it can be detected by differentiating it from other areas (normal areas) through image analysis.

[0059] FIG. 12 shows the detection results of yolk stains in the state where the container is filled without the lid. (a) shows light pink eggs, and in the monochrome image of green light (527 nm), the yolk stain is emphasized as being darker than other areas, and it can be detected by differentiating it from other areas (normal areas) through image analysis. (b) shows white eggs, and in the monochrome image of blue light (457 nm), the yolk stain is emphasized as being darker than other areas, and it can be detected by differentiating it from other areas (normal areas) through image analysis.

[0060] <Embodiment 2> FIG. 2A shows the upper inspection device 1A. It includes the housing 11, the upper illumination unit 21, the upper imaging unit 22, the upper abnormality detection unit 23, and the reflector 25 of the above-mentioned upper and lower inspection device 1. Since it has the same functions as the upper and lower detection device 1, the description is omitted. The lower inspection device 1B (see FIG. 2B) may be arranged upstream or downstream of the upper inspection device 1A.

[0061] <Embodiment 3> FIG. 2B shows the lower inspection device 1B. It includes the housing 11, the lower illumination unit 31, the lower imaging unit 32, the lower abnormality detection unit 33, and the lower reflector 35 of the above-mentioned upper and lower inspection device 1. Since it has the same functions as the upper and lower detection device 1, the description is omitted. The upper inspection device 1A (see FIG. 2A) may be arranged upstream or downstream of the lower inspection device 1B.

[0062] <Embodiment 4> Figure 2C shows the liquid leakage detection device 1C. An infrared irradiation unit 36 that irradiates infrared rays in a predetermined wavelength range (for example, 1450 nm) onto the liquid (egg liquid) that accumulates between the bottom of the egg container P and the lower end of the egg, a transmitted light receiving unit 37 that receives the transmitted light that has passed through the wall of the lower part P1 of the egg container P and the liquid after being irradiated by the infrared irradiation unit 36, and a liquid leakage abnormality detection unit 38 that determines whether the intensity of the transmitted light received by the transmitted light receiving unit 37 is equal to or lower than a threshold value, and determines that there is an abnormality of liquid leakage when it is equal to or lower than the threshold value. The liquid leakage detection device 1C is incorporated into the upper detection device 1 and the lower detection device 1B. The infrared irradiation unit 36 and the transmitted light receiving unit 37 are arranged in the housing 11. In the present embodiment, the infrared irradiation unit 36 is composed of an infrared LED light source.

[0063] <Embodiment 5> Figure 2D shows the upper inspection device (egg inspection device in the conveying state) 1D. The conveying unit 14 is a conveyor that conveys the eggs E in 6 columns in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface, and 14a is a concave spot for stably conveying the eggs E without flowing into other columns. The entire inner surface of the housing 11 has a reflective layer, which reflects the light from the ring-shaped upper illumination unit 21 and plays a role of indirect illumination toward the eggs E. Note that a reflector may be provided instead of the reflective layer of the housing. The upper imaging unit 22 corresponds to light in different wavelength ranges sequentially irradiated from the upper illumination unit 21, and sequentially captures monochrome images. It also has a function of synthesizing the captured monochrome images to generate a color composite image. The monochrome images and the color composite images captured by the upper imaging unit 22 are sent to the data storage unit 41. The conveyed egg abnormality detection unit 28 analyzes the monochrome images and the color composite images for image analysis and determines abnormalities. It has the same function as the above-described upper abnormality detection unit 23. The upper inspection device (egg inspection device in the conveying state) may be installed as a first inspection unit or a second inspection unit described later. The housings of the upper illumination unit 21 and the upper imaging unit 22 are provided with reflective layers on their outer surfaces. In FIG. 2D, the central illumination and imaging unit of the upper illumination unit 21 and the upper imaging unit 22 corresponds to the eggs in the central two columns out of six columns. Although not shown, a left illumination and imaging unit corresponding to the eggs in the left two columns and a right illumination and imaging unit corresponding to the eggs in the right two columns are arranged within the same housing 11 with the central two columns as the boundary.

[0064] <Embodiment 6> FIG. 2E shows the upper and lower inspection device 1D after capping. The upper illumination unit 21 is configured to directly irradiate the eggs E, similar to the lower illumination unit 31. Since both the upper and lower sides perform inspection through the container, the types of foreign objects detected are the same for both the upper and lower sides.

[0065] <Egg sorting and packaging system> The egg sorting and packaging system 5 is shown in FIG. 3. The egg sorting and packaging system 5 of this embodiment has, in this order, a conveying unit 51, an egg washing unit 52, a first inspection unit 53, a first rejection unit 54, a second rejection unit 55, a drying unit 56, an orientation alignment unit 61, a second inspection unit 71, a third rejection unit (not shown), a weighing unit 81, a sorting and packaging unit 91, and an upper and lower inspection device 1. Note that the first inspection unit 53 or the second inspection unit 71 may be omitted. The first inspection unit 53 may also be arranged between the drying unit 56 and the orientation alignment unit 61.

[0066] The conveying unit 51 conveys eggs by connecting between each device from upstream to downstream. The conveying unit 51 is composed of a roller conveyor, a belt conveyor, etc. The egg washing unit 52 washes the eggs. The first inspection unit 53 inspects the eggs processed by the egg washing unit 52. Here, for example, large stains and cracked eggs are detected. The first rejection unit 54 rejects (rejects from the conveying unit 51) the cracked eggs classified as defective eggs to be discarded, which are different from normal eggs, so as to distinguish them from other eggs. The second rejection unit 55 rejects large-stained eggs, deformed eggs, extremely large eggs, etc., classified as defective eggs different from normal eggs and first defective eggs, so as to distinguish them from other eggs. In this embodiment, the drying unit 56 is disposed at least downstream of the first and second removal units 54 and 55, and dries the eggs.

[0067] The orientation alignment unit 61 is disposed downstream of the drying unit 56 and aligns the blunt end or the sharp end. The second inspection unit 71 detects a third defective egg (lightly soiled egg) different from the first and second defective eggs. The second inspection unit 71 may be an image analysis device that detects soiled eggs by image analysis. As an example, a soiled egg detection device disclosed in JP-A-2019-203845 may be used. A third removal unit (not shown) removes the third defective egg detected by the second inspection unit 71 so as to be distinguishable from normal eggs. The third removal unit is included as a part of the sorting and packaging unit 91, and transfers and removes the third defective egg (lightly soiled egg) to a tray using a suction means or a gripping means or the like. Further, as the second inspection unit 71 or as a separate configuration, a crack detection device that detects cracked eggs from the sound when hitting the eggs may be provided. The cracked eggs detected by the crack detection device are transferred to a tray by the third removal unit and removed.

[0068] The weighing unit 81 is disposed downstream of the second inspection unit 71 and weighs the eggs. The sorting and packaging unit 91 sorts the eggs according to the weight of the eggs weighed by the weighing unit 81 and accommodates them in a container corresponding to the sorted eggs. In this embodiment, the sorting and packaging unit 91 is configured by a device that packs and packages the eggs in an egg container (transparent egg pack).

[0069] The sorting and packaging unit 91 sorts the eggs according to the weight of the eggs weighed by the weighing unit 81 and / or the egg size classified by the size classification unit 85, and accommodates them in an egg pack (container).

[0070] The up-down inspection device 1 inspects the eggs contained in the egg pack in a state where the lid is not closed. Specifically, it has the configuration described above. After the inspection, it is sent to a capping device that seals the lid. Abnormal eggs may be adsorbed by the adsorption means and removed from the container, and normal eggs may be arranged at that position by the adsorption means. It may also be excluded from the line that sends the egg pack with abnormal eggs to the capping device.

[0071] Downstream of the capping device, as an up-and-down inspection device after capping, the up-and-down inspection device (inspection device after capping) shown in Fig. 2E may be arranged.

[0072] (Alternative embodiment) (1) The up-and-down inspection device 1 may detachably arrange a first polarizing part between the object to be inspected and the upper illumination part, and a second polarizing part between the object to be inspected and the upper imaging part. (2) The up-and-down inspection device 1 may detachably arrange a third polarizing part between the object to be inspected and the lower illumination part, and a third polarizing part between the object to be inspected and the lower imaging part. (3) The liquid leakage detection device 1C may be incorporated in the up-and-down detection device 1. (4) As shown in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the up-and-down inspection device 1 may be configured as separate bodies, each serving as an upper detection device and a lower detection device. (5) The upper inspection device (egg inspection device in the transport state) in Fig. 2D may be installed as the first inspection part or the second inspection part.

[0073] <Weight monitoring device for egg pack products> The egg sorting and packaging system shown in Fig. 3 may be provided with a weight monitoring device for egg pack products. The chicken eggs sorted by size in the egg sorting and packaging system are accommodated in a container of a predetermined egg pack. In the egg pack product, the pack lid is closed and sealed by welding or an adhesive tape, and a label is attached. There are multiple types of egg pack products manufactured simultaneously, and they are often processed intensively on a common production line. The pack products of chicken eggs are in addition to the standard size products such as LL, L, M, and MS based on the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries' chicken egg trading standards. There is also a form of mixed sales where eggs from LL to MS are mixed and the pack weight is 600 g or more. In order to distinguish the packs by weight, a weight checker (catch weigher) may be installed on the production line, but it was insufficient for confirming the weights of multiple types of chicken egg packs. Many egg pack containers are delivered to the manufacturing location (e.g., GP center) with unique barcodes printed or affixed for each type of pack. Eggs are placed in the pack with the pointed end down, and the blunt end side becomes the lid side of the pack. The barcode may be located on the lower side of the short side of the pack or on the upper surface of the lid side. At the GP center, an automatic pack supply device is installed at each station where eggs are sorted and distributed. Packs are set according to the products manufactured at each station and are sent out as the eggs are distributed. Packs containing eggs are sent out from multiple stations producing different pack products and merge onto a single conveyor, and then are conveyed to processing steps such as lid tightening of the pack. In addition to the aforementioned devices, in the processing steps of the pack, there are also installed an egg leakage detection device for detecting egg leakage where the required number of eggs are not filled, and a pack egg inspection device (such as the above detection device) for detecting abnormal packs where eggs are missed in the upstream inspection step, soiled during processing, or foreign objects are mixed in.

[0074] This embodiment can accurately confirm the weights of multi-variety egg pack products. The weighing monitoring device 13 shown in FIG. 13 includes a weighing unit 131, a barcode reader 132, a main control unit 133, etc. The main control unit 133 controls the overall operation of the weighing monitoring device 13. The main control unit 13 may also control the speeds of the upstream conveyor 1301, the conveyors 1302 and 1303 of the weighing unit 131, and the downstream conveyor 1304.

[0075] A weighing unit 131 having two conveyors is arranged with a gap (hereinafter referred to as "conveyor gap") of about 3 to 5 cm from the conveyor 1301 of the upstream device (hereinafter referred to as "upstream conveyor"). The two conveyors 1302 and 1303 of the weighing unit 131 will be described as "weighing inlet conveyor 1302" and "weighing conveyor 1303" from the upstream side. Below the metering inlet conveyor 1302, a lower barcode reader 132a is arranged so as to face the upstream conveyor side (diagonally upward) through the conveyor gap. Alternatively, the lower barcode reader 132b may be arranged so as to face the metering inlet conveyor 1302 side (diagonally upward) from below the upstream conveyor 1301 through the conveyor gap. When the barcode is arranged at the leading side in the conveying direction of the pack according to the arrangement of the pack production line, the former is used; when the barcode is arranged at the trailing side in the conveying direction, the latter is used. In addition, an upper barcode reader 132c is arranged downward above the conveyor gap in order to detect the barcode on the upper surface side of the pack P. The upper barcode reader 132c may read not only the barcode printed on the pack itself but also the barcode of the product label seal attached separately. In order to stabilize the reading timing of the two barcode readers, it is preferable to install at least one pack detection sensor (not shown). The two barcode readers may be read at the input timing of the pack detection sensor, or may be sequentially read at a predetermined time interval. The pack detection sensor is preferably located on the side of the upstream conveyor 1301. In addition, a plurality of pack detection sensors may be installed so that the reading timing can be adjusted individually. When the barcode positions on the upper surface of the pack are different, the respective reading timings may be set in advance, and a plurality of reading processes may be performed for one passing pack.

[0076] The conveying speed of each conveyor is upstream conveyor speed V1 < metering inlet conveyor speed V2 < metering conveyor V3 in such a relationship that even if a pack approaches and is conveyed from upstream, an interval for reading the barcode can be ensured, and the weight of the pack can be accurately measured. Furthermore, it is preferable that V2 is at a speed of 1.2 times or more of V1, and V3 is at a speed of 2 times or more of V1. Thereby, the accuracy of barcode reading and metering is further enhanced.

[0077] In addition to two barcode readers and a weighing unit 131, the weighing monitoring device 13 includes a display operation unit 134 for setting the barcode and the appropriate weight range for each pack product, a set value storage unit 135 for storing the set values, and a pass / fail determination unit 136 for determining the product type from the reading content of the barcode reader, comparing the appropriate weight range with the measured value, and determining pass / fail. Data linking the product code, product type information, and appropriate weight range read by the barcode reader is stored in the set value storage unit 135. When the pass / fail determination unit detects a pack product outside the appropriate weight range, it has functions such as activating an alarm device and issuing a command to a discharge mechanism that discharges defective products out of the line. The weighing monitoring device 13 may have a monitoring data storage unit 137, a defective rate calculation unit 138, a monitoring data calculation unit 139, a failure prediction unit 140, and a monitoring data display unit 141. The monitoring data storage unit 137 stores all the product codes and measured values read by the barcode reader, regardless of pass / fail. In addition, the monitoring data storage unit 137 can also store the defective rate, monitoring data, and failure prediction information described later. The defective rate calculation unit 138 totals the quantities of non-defective and defective products for each product type and calculates the defective rate for each product type. The monitoring data calculation unit 139 may calculate monitoring data such as the moving average, variance, and standard deviation of the measured values for each product type. The failure prediction unit 140 compares a preset management limit (separate from the appropriate weight range) with the defective rate and monitoring data, determines whether the probability of defective products is increasing at a stage before defective products occur, and generates failure prediction information that prompts a review of the upstream devices and work processes of the system. The monitoring data display unit 141 graphs and displays on a display device the defective rate for each product type, failure prediction information, the moving average, variance, standard deviation, etc. of the measured values. If the defective rate of a specific product is high, it indicates some abnormality in the process of manufacturing the corresponding product, and countermeasures can be taken early.

[0078] The metering and monitoring device 13 may have a color detection sensor (not shown) that detects the color of the hinge part of the pack and the color of the enclosed label in order to enhance the diversity of product discrimination. The color of the hinge part and the color of the label often correspond to the size of the chicken eggs, with LL being shown in red, L in orange, M in green, and MS in blue. The color detection sensor may be composed of a color camera, which determines and outputs the color to discriminate the product. The product may be discriminated based on a comprehensive judgment of the detection result of the barcode reader and the detection result of the color detection sensor.

[0079] When it is determined that there is a weight defect by the metering and monitoring device 13, the defective product may be discharged by a discharging mechanism. The discharging mechanism may be provided in the metering and monitoring device, or may be discharged in the discharging mechanism of the aforementioned egg leakage detection device or the egg inspection device after packing. The determination condition for discharging may be the judgment result of each device or a comprehensive judgment result.

[0080] The display device is not particularly limited, and examples include a liquid crystal monitor, an organic EL monitor, a CRT monitor, a smartphone, a tablet, and a monitor of a general-purpose personal computer.

[0081] Each component of the metering and monitoring device may be composed of an information processing device (e.g., a computer, a server) having a memory, a processor, and a software program, a dedicated circuit, firmware, etc. The information processing device may be either on-premises or in the cloud, or a combination of both. The monitoring data storage unit and the set value storage unit may be composed of a non-volatile memory and a volatile memory.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0082] 1 Up and down inspection device 11 Housing 14 Conveyor section 21 Upper lighting section 22 Upper imaging section 23 Upper abnormality detection section 25 Reflector 31 Lower lighting section 32 Lower imaging section 33 Lower Abnormality Detection Unit 41 Data Storage Unit 42 Display Device 43 Communication Device 5 Egg Sorting and Packaging System 51 Conveyor Unit 52 Egg Washing Unit 53 First Inspection Unit 54 First Exclusion Unit 55 Second Exclusion Unit 56 Drying Unit 61 Alignment Unit 71 Second Inspection Unit 81 Measuring Unit 91 Sorting and Packaging Unit E Egg P Container

Claims

1. A reflective material that reflects light, which is arranged above the eggs and the egg container, and irradiates light in three or more wavelength ranges among infrared and visible light wavelengths in order onto the reflective material, and by its reflection, irradiates indirectly, in a state where no lid is intervening, the eggs stored in the container, an illumination unit; which is arranged above the eggs and the egg container, and is arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the illumination unit, and an imaging unit that sequentially captures three or more monochrome images generated by reflection and / or scattering caused by at least three or more different wavelength ranges of light sequentially irradiated from the illumination unit hitting it, and an abnormality detection unit that analyzes at least three or more monochrome images captured by the imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, distinguishes at least four or more abnormalities, and detects abnormalities, An inspection device.

2. An illumination unit that is arranged above or below the eggs and the egg container, and irradiates, in order, light in three or more wavelength ranges among infrared and visible light directly onto the eggs stored in the container through the container towards the eggs; an imaging unit that is arranged above or below the eggs and the egg container, and is arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the illumination unit, and sequentially captures three or more monochrome images generated by reflection and / or scattering caused by at least three or more different wavelength ranges of light sequentially irradiated from the illumination unit hitting it, and an abnormality detection unit that analyzes at least three or more monochrome images captured by the imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, distinguishes at least four or more abnormalities, and detects abnormalities, An inspection device.

3. An infrared irradiation unit that irradiates infrared light in a predetermined wavelength range onto the liquid accumulated between the bottom of the egg container and the lower end of the eggs, and a transmitted light receiving unit that receives the transmitted light that has passed through the egg container and the liquid from the infrared light irradiated by the infrared irradiation unit, A liquid leakage abnormality detection unit that determines whether the intensity of the transmitted light received by the transmitted light receiving unit is equal to or less than a threshold value, and determines that there is a liquid leakage abnormality when it is equal to or less than the threshold value. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A reflective material that reflects light. It is arranged above the eggs in a state where the blunt and sharp ends are transported horizontally, and irradiates the reflective material with light in at least three or more wavelength ranges among infrared rays and visible light in order, and indirectly irradiates the eggs by the reflection. An illumination unit. It is arranged above the eggs and is arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the illumination unit. An imaging unit that sequentially captures at least three or more monochrome images generated by reflection and / or scattering caused by the incidence of light in different wavelength ranges sequentially irradiated from the illumination unit. An abnormality detection unit that analyzes at least three or more monochrome images captured by the imaging unit and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing them, distinguishes at least four or more abnormalities, and detects abnormalities. An inspection apparatus.

5. An egg filled in an egg container, from above, with respect to the upper side of the egg in a state where no lid is intervening. From the illumination unit, irradiate at least three or more wavelength ranges of light among at least infrared rays and visible light wavelengths indirectly in order, and image the reflected light and / or scattered light sequentially with one imaging unit arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the illumination unit. Analyze the color composite image obtained by synthesizing the monochrome images of each wavelength range obtained by imaging and each monochrome image, and distinguish and determine four or more abnormalities. An inspection method.

6. An egg filled in an egg container, with respect to the egg through the container. Light from the lighting unit irradiates directly in sequence light in at least three wavelength ranges out of infrared and visible light wavelengths, and the reflected light and / or scattered light thereof are imaged in sequence by one imaging unit arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the lighting unit, and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing monochrome images in each wavelength range obtained by imaging and the monochrome images are analyzed to distinguish and determine four or more types of abnormalities. Inspection method.

7. Eggs in a conveyed state, from above which Light from the lighting unit irradiates indirectly in sequence light in at least three wavelength ranges out of infrared and visible light wavelengths, and the reflected light and / or scattered light thereof are imaged in sequence by one imaging unit arranged on the ring-shaped center line of the lighting unit, and a color composite image obtained by synthesizing monochrome images in each wavelength range obtained by imaging and the monochrome images are analyzed to distinguish and determine four or more types of abnormalities. Inspection method.

Images