Inspection system

Abstract

To provide an inspection system configured to prevent an inspection operator from failing to use equipment to be used for an inspection.SOLUTION: An inspection system S includes: an inspection device 1 for inspecting a damper (specimen) D; a detection device 4 which detects the presence of a second camera (equipment) 22 in a standby place 3, the second camera being used for inspecting the damper (specimen) D and stored in the standby place 3 when not in use for the inspection; and a control panel (control device) 13 which determines whether the second camera (equipment) 22 is in use for the inspection, on the basis of a detection result of the detection device 4, disables execution of the inspection when the second camera (equipment) 22 is not in use for the inspection, and enables execution of the inspection when the second camera (equipment) 22 is in use for the inspection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Manufacturers of seismic isolation rubbers, hydraulic dampers used in combination with seismic isolation rubbers for seismic isolation of structures, hydraulic dampers used for vibration control of structures, viscoelastic dampers, steel dampers, and friction dampers inspect whether the product performance meets the certification standards of the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism and customer requirements (hereinafter referred to as "certification standards, etc."), and ship the products that have passed the inspection to customers. In addition, the manufacturer issues an inspection certificate to the customer together with the shipment of the product to prove that the product performance meets the certification standards, etc.

[0003] Conventionally, in the inspection certificate issuance work by manufacturers, as an attempt to make it difficult to falsify inspection certificates and improve product reliability, the inspection results to be shown in the inspection certificate are extracted from the database recording the inspection results, and inspection certificate image information is generated to display an inspection certificate including the signature image information prepared in advance by the issuer and the extracted inspection results, and there has been a proposal for an inspection certificate issuance system that issues the obtained inspection certificate image information with index information related to the manufactured product added to the inspection certificate image information (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] The proposed inspection certificate issuance system is useful in that it issues the inspection certificate to the customer as image information, making it difficult to falsify the inspection certificate and improving the reliability of the inspection certificate.

[0005] However, if the inspection certificate issued together with the product is not the inspection certificate of the product that actually underwent the inspection but the inspection certificate of another product, although the inspection certificate has not been falsified, since it does not correctly show the performance of the product that actually underwent the inspection in the first place, there will be a result that doubts arise as to whether the product meets the certification standards, etc.

[0006] In a conventional inspection certificate issuance system, although a product and the inspection certificate obtained for that product are linked in the database, there is no way to prove that the inspection certificate obtained during the inspection of the product is indeed the correct one, and it cannot be denied that there is a possibility that due to human error or other reasons, the product and the inspection certificate that should be linked to that product may be misassociated.

[0007] Therefore, in the application of Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-019430, the applicant proposed to take a picture of the manufacturing number attached to the product attached to the inspection device with a camera, and perform a process of attaching proof information to the image data obtained by the camera and the inspection certificate data obtained by inspecting the product, thereby proving that the inspection certificate data and the product from which the inspection certificate data was obtained are the same. According to this proposal, since it can be proved that the specimen from which the inspection certificate data was obtained and the specimen photographed in the image data are the same specimen, it can be guaranteed that the inspection certificate data is the inspection certificate data obtained for the specimen actually inspected.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0009] However, if the specimen is inspected without installing the camera during the inspection, there will be doubts as to whether the specimen from which the inspection certificate data was obtained and the specimen actually used for the inspection are the same. Also, if there are other devices used for inspecting the specimen in addition to the camera, there is a possibility that correct inspection certificate data cannot be obtained when the specimen is inspected without using that device.

[0010] Thus, in a conventional inspection system, when there is equipment used for inspecting a specimen, there is a possibility that the inspection may be carried out while the inspector forgets to use the equipment for inspecting the specimen, and there is no means to prevent this. If the inspection is carried out without using the equipment, it is necessary to repeat the inspection, which is a waste of time.

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection system that can prevent an inspector from forgetting to use equipment used for inspection.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] To achieve the above object, the inspection system of the present invention includes an inspection device for inspecting a specimen, a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of equipment that is used for inspecting the specimen and stored in a standby location during non-inspection in the standby location, and a control device that determines whether the equipment is being used for inspection based on the detection result of the detection device, disables the execution of the inspection when the equipment is not being used for inspection, and enables the execution of the inspection when the equipment is being used for inspection. According to the inspection system configured in this way, based on the presence or absence of the equipment used for inspecting the specimen in the standby location, it is determined whether the equipment is being properly used for inspection, and the execution of the inspection is controlled to be possible or not. Therefore, the inspector can recognize the omission of using the equipment necessary for the inspection by the fact that the inspection cannot be carried out, and the inspection system can prompt the inspector to use the equipment.

[0013] Furthermore, after the control device in the inspection system executes the inspection by the inspection device, if the detection device detects that there is no equipment at the standby location, the control device may disable the end process of the inspection by the inspection device. According to the inspection system configured in this way, when the detection device detects that there is no equipment at the standby location after the inspection, it is possible to prevent the inspection from ending without the equipment being returned to the standby location, and it is possible to prevent the equipment from being forgotten or lost when returned. Furthermore, since the equipment is returned to the standby location after the inspection is completed, if the detection device detects that there is no equipment at the standby location of the equipment during the next inspection, it means that the equipment has been taken out from the standby location and used for the inspection. Thus, it is possible to prevent the inspection from being performed without the equipment being used, no matter how many times the inspection is repeated.

[0014] In addition, the inspection system includes an operation unit that displays an inspection start button for receiving the operation of the inspection operator. Before the control device executes the inspection by the inspection device, if the detection device detects that there is equipment at the standby location, the control device may disable the pressing of the inspection start button. According to the inspection system configured in this way, when the equipment is not used for the inspection, not only can the execution of the inspection be blocked, but by disabling the pressing of the inspection start button, it is possible to make the inspection operator aware that they have forgotten to use the equipment.

[0015] Furthermore, the inspection system has an operation unit that displays an inspection end button for receiving the operation of the inspection operator. After the control device executes the inspection by the inspection device, if the detection device detects that there is no equipment at the standby location, the control device may disable the pressing of the inspection end button. According to the inspection system configured in this way, when the equipment has not been returned to the standby location after the inspection, not only can the end process of the inspection be blocked, but by disabling the pressing of the inspection end button, it is possible to make the inspection operator aware that they have forgotten to store the equipment at the standby location.

[0016] Moreover, the detection device in the inspection system may be a sensor installed at the standby location and capable of detecting the presence of the device. According to the inspection system configured in this way, there is no need to provide a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of the device in the damper, which is the specimen to be inspected by the inspection device. Therefore, there is no need to install the detection device on the specimen every time a new specimen is inspected, and the inspection preparation can be carried out promptly.

[0017] In addition, the device in the inspection system may hold a permanent magnet that can be adsorbed to the specimen or the inspection device, and the detection device may be a magnetic sensor installed at the standby location. According to the inspection system configured in this way, since the permanent magnet used for installing the device on the specimen or the inspection device is detected by the magnetic sensor, not only can the device be easily installed on the specimen or the inspection device using the permanent magnet, but also the presence or absence of the device can be detected without newly providing a permanent magnet corresponding to the magnetic sensor, thus reducing the cost of the inspection system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] According to the inspection system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent the inspection operator from forgetting to use the device used for the inspection.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0020] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, an inspection system S of one embodiment includes an inspection device 1 for inspecting a specimen, a detection device 4 for detecting the presence or absence of a second camera 22 as a device that is used for inspecting the specimen and stored in a standby location 3 during non-inspection in the standby location 3, and a control device. The inspection system S of the present embodiment inspects a damper D used for seismic isolation or vibration control of a structure as a specimen.

[0021] Hereinafter, each part of the inspection system S will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 2, the inspection device 1 includes an inspection device main body 10 that holds a damper D as a specimen and applies vibration to the damper D, a stroke sensor 11 that detects the stroke displacement of the damper D, a load cell 12 that detects the load exerted by the damper D, a control panel 13 that controls a vibrator 10c in the inspection device main body 10, and a reading device 14 that reads a two-dimensional code attached to the damper D.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 3, the inspection device main body 10 includes a gantry 10a, a holding part 10b provided on the gantry 10a and movable in the left-right direction in FIG. 2 to hold one end of the damper D, and a vibrator 10c provided on the gantry 10a and connected to the other end of the damper D to apply vibration to the damper D.

[0023] The vibrator 10c is controlled by the control panel 13. The control panel 13 drives the vibrator 10c according to predetermined inspection conditions to apply vibrations conforming to the inspection conditions to the damper D. The damper D, which is the specimen in the present embodiment, is a damper including a cylinder 5 and a rod 6 that moves in and out of the cylinder 5, and exhibits a damping force when the rod 6 is displaced axially with respect to the cylinder 5. Further, on the cylinder 5 of the damper D, in addition to a manufacturing number being engraved as identification information, a piece of paper 9 with a two-dimensional code described thereon is attached. The two-dimensional code encodes information including identification information for identifying the damper D, such as the manufacturing number, model, and part number of the damper D, and is displayed on the damper D by attaching the piece of paper 9 to the damper D. The identification information is information that can distinguish each manufactured damper D, and in the case of the present embodiment, it is the manufacturing number. Note that the identification information may be an identification symbol or identification number assigned in addition to the manufacturing number in a manner that can distinguish each damper D.

[0024] Note that the identification information only needs to be attached to the damper D in a manner that cannot be easily removed from the damper D, which is the specimen, and in addition to the piece of paper 9 attached to the cylinder 5 of the damper D, it may be attached to the cylinder 5 by engraving. When the identification information is attached to the damper D by engraving in addition to the piece of paper 9, since the identification information is displayed at a plurality of locations, even if one of the piece of paper 9 and the engraving becomes difficult to visually recognize, the other can be used to read the identification information, which is preferable.

[0025] The inspection device 1 includes a stroke sensor 11 for detecting the stroke displacement of the damper D and a load cell 12 for detecting the damping force in order to inspect the characteristics of the damping force generated when the telescopic damper D, which is the specimen, is vibrated by the vibrator 10c. In addition, the inspection device 1 includes a temperature sensor 15 for detecting the air temperature at the installation location of the inspection device 1 and a temperature sensor 16 for detecting the temperature of the damper D.

[0026] The stroke sensor 11 detects the stroke displacement, which is the displacement of the rod 6 relative to the cylinder 5 of the damper D, and inputs it to the control panel 13. The load cell 12 is interposed between the damper D and the holding part 10b, detects the load received from the damper D, and inputs it to the control panel 13. The load detected by the load cell 12 is the damping force exerted when the damper D expands and contracts. The temperature sensor 15 inputs the detected air temperature at the installation location of the inspection device 1 to the control panel 13, and also includes a display part (not shown) to display the detected temperature on the display part. Further, the temperature sensor 16 inputs the detected temperature of the damper D to the control panel 13, and also includes a display part (not shown) to display the detected temperature on the display part. Incidentally, when it is desired to detect the stroke speed of the damper D, the stroke displacement may be differentiated by the control panel 13. Also, if there is information that needs to be included in the inspection data other than the stroke displacement and damping force of the damper D, a sensor corresponding to the detection of that information may be provided, and the information may be included in the inspection data.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 13 includes a control unit 13a for controlling the vibrator 10c of the inspection device main body 10, an interface 13b, and an operation unit 13c for receiving operations by inspection operators. In the present embodiment, it functions as a control device for controlling the inspection device 1 based on the detection results of the detection device 4. The control device determines whether the second camera 22 as a device is used in the inspection. If the second camera 22 is not used in the inspection, the execution of the inspection is disabled, and if the second camera 22 is used in the inspection, the execution of the inspection is enabled. Thus, in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, the control device is integrated in the control panel 13 in the inspection device 1, but it may be provided independently of the control panel 13.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 13a includes a storage device 13a1 that stores a program for controlling the shaker 10c, generating inspection data, and performing processing as a control device, an arithmetic processing device 13a2 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the program, a clock 13a3 that counts time, and a drive circuit 13a4 that drives the shaker 1c according to an instruction from the arithmetic processing device 13a2. Then, the control unit 13a drives the shaker 10c according to a parameter that determines the vibration applied to the damper D during the inspection of the damper D. The interface 13b exchanges signals between the control unit 13a and the stroke sensor 11, load cell 12, temperature sensors 15, 16, reading device 14, and time synchronization server 8 that are communicably connected to the control panel 13, and as shown in FIG. 2, converts information communicated according to a communication protocol so that information can be exchanged between the control unit 13a and a server 7 installed outside via the Internet line N. Further, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the operation unit 13c includes a display device 13c1 that displays an inspection start button 13c2 and an inspection end button 13c3. The display device 13c1 is a touch panel display, and the inspection start button 13c2 and the inspection end button 13c3 are displayed on the touch panel display. Also, when the display device 13c1 senses pressing by an inspection operator on the display ranges of the inspection start button 13c2 and the inspection end button 13c3, the control unit 13a recognizes that the inspection start button 13c2 and the inspection end button 13c3 have been depressed. Note that the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c may display information related to the inspection, such as identification information of the damper D that is the specimen, in addition to the inspection start button 13c2 and the inspection end button 13c3. Further, the operation unit 13c may be a portable terminal, tablet terminal, smartphone, etc. that is independent of the hardware from the control panel (control device) 13 as long as it can communicate with the control panel (control device) 13 and function as an operation unit.

[0029] Thus, the control panel 13 in the inspection device 1 is communicably connected to the server 7 via the Internet line N. Note that the control panel 13 is connected via a network L such as a LAN (Local Area Network) to a time synchronization server 8, a detection device 4, and a photographing device 20 having a second camera 22 as a device described later, so as to be able to exchange information.

[0030] During the inspection of the damper D by the inspection device 1, the control unit 13a continuously reads, at a predetermined sampling period, the value of the stroke displacement detected by the stroke sensor 11 and the value of the damping force of the damper D detected by the load cell 12, and sequentially stores them, and generates a CSV file in which the values stored so far are described in fields. More specifically, for example, the control unit 13a generates a CSV file describing records such as information on the inspection date, inspection time, temperature, manufacturing number, model, and part number of the damper D to be inspected, and inspection data including the stroke displacement and damping force acquired during the inspection. Note that the inspection data is generated for each vibration test, and all the values obtained during the inspection are recorded in the CSV file. Therefore, for example, when three vibration tests are performed with a vibration pattern in which the damper D is given five sine wave vibrations, three CSV files are generated. Note that the inspection data as the inspection result may be generated as a file in a format other than the CSV file.

[0031] When starting the inspection of the damper D, the inspection device 1 causes the control unit 13a to access a database DB stored in advance in the storage device 13a1, reads the inspection conditions associated with the damper D registered in the database DB, and drives and controls the vibrator 10c according to the inspection conditions, thereby inspecting the damper D.

[0032] Specifically, the control panel 13 accesses the database DB from the information of the damper D read by the reading device 14, and reads the inspection conditions associated with the damper D with reference to the database DB. The inspection conditions are composed of parameters such as the frequency, amplitude, and vibration waveform of the vibration applied to the damper D, which are necessary to be specified for the inspection device main body 10 to inspect the damper D. When the setting of the parameters is completed, the control panel 13 drives the vibrator 10c with the pressing of the inspection start button 13c2 displayed on the display device 13c1 provided on the operation unit 13c by the inspection operator as a trigger to apply vibration to the damper D. When inspecting the damper D, the control panel 13 controls the vibrator 10c to apply vibration to the damper D according to the inspection conditions.

[0033] In addition, although details will be described later, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera 22 as a device is in the standby location 3, as shown in FIG. 6, the control panel 13 displays the first warning display 13c4 within the range of displaying the inspection start button 13c2 on the display device 13c1 to disable the pressing of the inspection start button 13c2 by the inspection operator, and controls so that the inspection device 1 cannot execute the inspection of the damper D.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the reading device 14 is a device that performs decoding to convert an image obtained by photographing a two-dimensional code into text data including identification information of the damper D, and inputs the read identification information of the damper D to the control panel 13. When receiving the identification information, the control panel 13 accesses the database DB, extracts the inspection conditions associated with the information of the damper D received from the reading device 14 with reference to the database DB, and reads the inspection conditions.

[0035] Further, in the inspection device 1 in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, when inspecting the damper D, the control panel 13 does not accept the input of the inspection conditions of the damper D by the operation of the operation unit 13c of the inspection operator. Therefore, after the identification information of the damper D is read by the reading device 14, the control panel 13 automatically sets the parameters based on the inspection conditions registered in the database DB, and the inspection conditions cannot be changed by the inspection operator of the inspection device 1 until the inspection is completed.

[0036] Note that the database DB may be stored not in the storage device 13a1 but in an external server (not shown) or server 7, and the control panel 13 may access the server (not shown) or server 7 each time to download inspection conditions and execute inspections. Further, in the inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, the two-dimensional code is read by the reader 14 to execute inspections. Instead of such a mode, inspection conditions may be inputtable by the operation of the control panel 13 of the inspection operator, and the inspection operator may set the inspection conditions each time the damper D is inspected and perform the inspection of the damper D.

[0037] When the inspection of the damper D by the inspection apparatus 1 is completed, the inspection operator presses the inspection end button 13c3 displayed on the display device 13c1 and gives an instruction to the control panel 13 to execute a process of generating inspection report data K1 and attaching certification information. The control unit 13a uses the pressing of the inspection end button 13c3 as a trigger to analyze various information such as the inspection date and time, and information indicating the attributes of the damper D, such as the manufacturing number, model, and part number of the damper D as the specimen, and the inspection data obtained by inspecting the damper D, and generates inspection report data K1 in the form of an image file of an inspection report that displays a graph of the inspection results, the maximum and minimum values of the damping force, the pass / fail determination of the inspection, etc. in a predetermined format as inspection result information.

[0038] Furthermore, the control unit 13a attaches the time to the inspection report data K1 so that the time at the time of processing the inspection report data K1 is displayed as certification information in the image of the generated inspection report data K1. Specifically, the control unit 13a uses the pressing of the inspection end button 13c3 as a trigger to read the time output by the clock 13a3 and attach this time to the inspection report data K1 as certification information. In this way, the control panel 13 performs a process of attaching certification information to the inspection report data K1 by the execution of software by the control unit 13a.

[0039] In addition, when the control unit 13a attaches the certification information to the inspection certificate data K1, instead of or in addition to displaying the time in the image, it may use part of the file name of the inspection certificate data K1 as the time. The control unit 13a may perform a process of attaching the certification information during the process of generating the inspection certificate data K1 from the inspection data, and may end the process of attaching the certification information simultaneously with or before the end of the generation process of the inspection certificate data K1.

[0040] In addition, the control unit 13a obtains time information from a time synchronization server 8 provided externally at a predetermined cycle to count the time, and corrects the time of the clock 13a3 to the time obtained from the time synchronization server 8 to synchronize it with the time of the time synchronization server 8. In the present embodiment, the predetermined cycle is set to 1 hour, but it can be changed to any cycle.

[0041] The control panel 13 is communicably connected to the server 7 via the Internet line N, and transmits the inspection certificate data K1 to which the certification information is attached to the server 7. The control panel 13 may also transmit a CSV file, which is inspection data, to the server 7 in addition to the inspection certificate data K1.

[0042] Although details will be described later, when the detection device 4 does not detect that the second camera 22 as a device is at the standby location 3, that is, when the second camera 22 is not detected at the standby location 3, as shown in FIG. 5, the second warning display 13c5 is displayed in the range where the inspection end button 13c3 of the display device 13c1 is displayed, and the inspection end button 13c3 is disabled from being pressed by the inspection operator, and the control is performed so that the inspection device 1 cannot perform processes such as generation of inspection certificate data.

[0043] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 7, the imaging device 20 includes a first camera 21 capable of imaging the inspection device 1 and the damper D as a specimen in a state where the damper D is attached to the holding portion 1b and the vibrator 1c, a second camera 22 as a device capable of imaging the manufacturing number engraved on the cylinder 5 of the damper D, and a camera control device 23 that controls these first camera 21 and second camera 22.

[0044] The first camera 21 is pre-installed at a position that includes the damper D and the inspection device 1 holding the damper D within the imaging range, and its operation is controlled by the camera control device 23. The second camera 22 is stored in a predetermined standby location 3 during non-inspection, and during inspection, it is moved from the standby location 3 and installed on the cylinder 5 of the damper D so as to include the manufacturing number engraved on the cylinder 5 within the imaging range, and its operation is controlled by the camera control device 23. Note that the second camera 22 is installed on the damper D so that the inspection operator can visually recognize the manufacturing number of the damper D in the captured image.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 8, the second camera 22 includes a camera body 30 and a pedestal 31 that supports the camera body 30. The pedestal 31 includes a bracket 31a that holds the camera body 30 and a pair of leg portions 31b that extend downward from the bracket 31a.

[0046] The camera body 30 is provided with a lens for imaging (not shown) at its lower end. In this embodiment, the bracket 31a of the pedestal 31 is rectangular and includes an annular holding portion 31a1 at the center that holds the outer periphery of the lower end of the camera body 30. A hole 31a2 that penetrates the thickness of the bracket 31a is provided inside the holding portion 31a1. Therefore, the camera body 30 held by the bracket 31a of the pedestal 31 can image the area below the camera body 30 without being obstructed by the bracket 31a through the hole 31a2 inside the holding portion 31a1.

[0047] Each leg portion 31b includes a pair of support sides with different lengths that rise from both ends of the base and the base and whose tips are connected to the corner portions of the bracket 31a, and supports the bracket 31a in a tilted posture. When the pedestal 31 is placed on a horizontal plane, the camera body 30 is supported in a tilted posture so as to include the area below and in front of the pedestal 31 within the imaging range.

[0048] Therefore, when the lower end of each leg portion 31b is brought into contact with the cylinder 5 in the damper D and the pedestal 31 is placed on the damper D, it is installed on the damper D so that the area below the camera body 30 and in front of the pedestal 31 is included in the imaging range.

[0049] Note that permanent magnets 31c are embedded in the lower ends of the respective leg portions 31b, and the pedestal 31 is configured such that the permanent magnets 31c are attracted to the iron cylinder 5 so that the second camera 22 can be installed on the cylinder 5. Since the second camera 22 is configured as described above, the second camera 22 can be easily installed at a position where the manufacturing number displayed on the cylinder 5 can be imaged. The bracket 31a is supported by the leg portion 31b in an inclined posture, and the camera body 30 is configured such that the area below the camera body 30 and in front of the pedestal 31 is included in the imaging range. Therefore, when imaging the manufacturing number, a situation where the manufacturing number enters the shadow of the second camera 22 itself can be avoided, and the manufacturing number can be clearly imaged. The structure of the pedestal 31 described above is an example, and can be arbitrarily redesigned as long as the camera body 30 can be installed on the damper D. Therefore, as long as the pedestal 31 can be attached to and detached from the cylinder 5, installation on the cylinder 5 may be realized using an adhesive sheet in addition to the permanent magnets 31c.

[0050] The standby location 3 is a location where the second camera 22 is stored when the inspection in the inspection device 1 is not being performed, and is provided near the inspection device 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the standby location 3 is provided with a housing frame 32 that houses the lower ends of the leg portions 31b of the pedestal 31. Although not shown in detail, the housing frame 32 is a rectangular frame that surrounds the leg portion 31b, and a detection device 4 is provided on the inner circumference. In the present embodiment, the detection device 4 is a magnetic sensor that detects the permanent magnet 31c provided at the lower end of the leg portion 31b of the pedestal 31, and detects the presence or absence of the second camera 22 as a device in the standby location 3 by detecting the magnetism of the permanent magnet 31c in the leg portion 31b of the pedestal 31 inserted into the housing frame 32.

[0051] Specifically, when the second camera 22 is at the standby location 3, the detection device 4 outputs a high signal to the control panel 13, and when the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3, the detection device 4 outputs a low signal to the control panel 13. Note that the detection device 4 may output a low signal to the control panel 13 when the second camera 22 is at the standby location 3, and output a high signal to the control panel 13 when the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3. Further, the detection device 4 may be a sensor or a switch capable of detecting the presence or absence of the pedestal 31 other than a magnetic sensor. For example, it may be a non-contact switch such as an inductive proximity switch, a capacitance proximity switch, an ultrasonic proximity switch, or a photoelectric proximity switch, or may be a switch such as a microswitch or a limit switch that detects the presence or absence of the second camera 22 by having a movable part contact the pedestal 31.

[0052] In this embodiment, since the second camera 22 is provided with the permanent magnet 31c and the detection device 4 is a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism, there is an advantage that the second camera 22 can be easily installed in the cylinder 5 by using the permanent magnet 31c, and the presence or absence of the second camera 22 as a device can be detected, and the cost of the inspection system S is also low.

[0053] And before the inspection of the damper D by the inspection device 1, that is, before newly executing the inspection of the damper D after the previous inspection is completed, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera 22 as a device is present at the standby location 3 without the inspection start button 13c2 being pressed, the control panel 13 as a control device determines that the second camera as a device is not used for the inspection, and in order to disable the pressing of the inspection start button 13c2 by the inspection operator, a first warning display 13c4 is displayed in the display range of the inspection start button 13c2 on the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c. When inspecting the damper D with the inspection device 1, the second camera 22 must be installed on the cylinder 5 so that the manufacturing number of the damper D can be photographed. However, if the detection device 4 detects that the second camera 22 is at the standby location 3 immediately before executing the inspection of the damper D, the manufacturing number of the damper D cannot be photographed. Therefore, the control panel 13 determines that the inspection operator has forgotten to install the second camera 22, and the control panel 13 displays a first warning display 13c4 in the display range of the inspection start button 13c2 on the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c in order to disable the pressing of the inspection start button 13c2 by the inspection operator. The first warning display 13c4 masks the entire inspection start button 13c2 and includes a warning message "Please install the camera". In this state, the inspection operator cannot press the inspection start button 13c2 and can recognize that the second camera 22 has not been installed. If the inspection operator who has visually recognized this first warning display 13c4 moves the second camera 22 from the standby location 3, the detection device 4 detects that the second camera 22 has moved from the standby location 3, and the control panel 13 receives a signal from the detection device 4 indicating that the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3. The control panel 13 as a control device determines that the second camera 22 as a device is used for the inspection based on the fact that the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3, and recognizes that the inspection operator has installed the second camera 22 at a position where the manufacturing number can be photographed with respect to the damper D. In this case, the control panel 13 as a control device performs a control process of displaying the inspection start button 13c2 instead of the first warning display 13c4 on the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c, enabling the inspection operator to press the inspection start button 13c2.When the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3, the control panel 13 causes the inspection start button 13c2 to be displayed on the operation unit 13c and waits. When the inspection operator presses the inspection start button 13c2, the inspection of the damper D is executed by the inspection device 1 as described above.

[0054] Subsequently, after the inspection device 1 performs a new inspection on the damper D, that is, after the inspection start button 13c2 is pressed and the inspection is executed, if the detection device 4 detects that the second camera 22 as a device does not exist at the standby location 3 without the inspection end button 13c3 being pressed, the control panel 13 shall display a second warning display 13c5 within the display range of the inspection end button 13c3 on the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c to make it impossible for the inspection operator to press the inspection end button 13c3. After the damper D is inspected by the inspection device 1, the second camera 22 must be removed from the damper D and returned to the standby location 3. However, if the detection device 4 detects that the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3 even after the inspection of the damper D is executed, the second camera 22 remains installed on the damper D. Therefore, the control panel 13 determines that the inspection operator has forgotten to return the second camera 22 to the standby location 3, and the control panel 13 shall display a second warning display 13c5 within the display range of the inspection end button 13c3 on the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c to make it impossible for the inspection operator to press the inspection end button 13c3. The second warning display 13c5 masks the entire inspection end button 13c3 and includes a warning message "Please return the camera to the standby location". In this state, the inspection operator cannot press the inspection end button 13c3 and can recognize that the second camera 22 has not been returned to the standby location 3. If the inspection operator who visually recognizes this second warning display 13c5 moves the second camera 22 from the damper D to the standby location 3, the detection device 4 detects that the second camera 22 has been returned to the standby location 3, and the control panel 13 receives a signal from the detection device 4 indicating that the second camera 22 is at the standby location 3. The control panel 13 recognizes that the inspection operator has returned the second camera 22 to the standby location 3 with the second camera 22 being at the standby location 3, and performs a control process to display the inspection end button 13c3 instead of the second warning display 13c5 on the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c, enabling the inspection operator to press the inspection end button 13c3. When the second camera 22 is at the standby location 3, the control panel 13 displays the inspection end button 13c3 on the operation unit 13c and waits for the inspection end button 13c3 to be pressed.

[0055] As described above, in the inspection system S of this embodiment, since the detection device 4 detects the presence or absence at the standby location 3 of the second camera 22 as a device, there is no need to provide a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of the second camera 22 on the damper D which is the specimen to be inspected by the inspection device 1. Therefore, there is no need to install the detection device 4 on the specimen every time a new damper D is inspected, and the inspection preparation can be quickly performed. Also, before the execution of the inspection, if the second camera 22 is at the standby location 3, the inspection cannot be performed. After the execution of the inspection, if the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3, the end process of the inspection cannot be performed. Therefore, after the inspection, the second camera 22 is always stored in the standby location 3, and it is possible to prevent the second camera 22 from being forgotten to be returned or lost.

[0056] Returning, as shown in FIG. 7, the camera control device 23 controls the first camera 21 and the second camera 22, and includes a storage device 23a that stores a program for performing processes such as generation of image data and attachment of certification information, an arithmetic processing device 23b such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes the program, a clock 23c that counts time, and an interface 23d for data exchange between the first camera 21 and the second camera 22 and the control panel 13 and the server 7 in the inspection device 1. The camera control device 23 is communicably connected to the control panel 13 and the time synchronization server 8 through the network L.

[0057] When the inspection start button 13c2 of the operation unit 13c of the control panel 13 in the inspection device 1 is pressed by the inspection operator, the arithmetic processing device 23b executes a program for controlling the first camera 21 and the second camera 22 using this as a trigger, generates and outputs a shooting command for instructing shooting to the first camera 21 and the second camera 22. The first camera 21 shoots the damper D and the inspection device 1 in response to a command from the camera control device 23, and the second camera 22 shoots the manufacturing number which is the identification information of the damper D.

[0058] The interface 23d exchanges signals between the first camera 21, the second camera 22, the control panel 13, the time synchronization server 8, and the camera control device 23, and as shown in FIG. 1, converts the information communicated according to the protocol so that information can be exchanged between the server 7 installed externally and the camera control device 23 via the Internet line N. In this way, the camera control device 23 in the imaging device 20 is communicably connected to the server 7 via the Internet line N.

[0059] From the above, when the inspection start button 13c2 of the operation unit 13c is pressed by the inspection operator, the control panel 13 transmits a control command instructing the camera control device 23 to perform imaging. When the camera control device 23 receives the control command, it gives imaging commands instructing imaging to the first camera 21 and the second camera 22, respectively. When the first camera 21 and the second camera 22 receive the input of the imaging command, they perform their respective imaging, generate an image obtained by imaging the damper D and the inspection device 1 as first image data K2, and an image obtained by imaging the production number as second image data K3, and transmit them to the camera control device 23. On the other hand, the control panel 13 controls the vibrator 10c in the inspection device 1 to apply vibration to the damper D and collect the inspection data.

[0060] Subsequently, when the inspection of the damper D by the inspection device 1 is completed, the inspection operator presses the inspection end button 13c3 of the operation unit 13c to end the inspection. When the inspection end button 13c3 of the operation unit 13c is pressed by the inspection operator, the control panel 13 transmits a control command instructing the execution of a process of attaching certification information to the camera control device 23. Then, the camera control device 23 performs a process of displaying the time at the end of the inspection as certification information in the images of the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 from the first camera 21. Specifically, the arithmetic processing unit 23b reads the time output by the clock 23c using the pressing of the inspection end button 13c3 as a trigger, and executes a process of attaching this time as certification information to the first image data K2 and the second image data K3. Separately from this, the control panel 13 executes a process of generating inspection report data K1 and attaching certification information using the pressing of the inspection end button 13c3 of the operation unit 13c as a trigger.

[0061] In addition, when attaching certification information to the first image data K2 and the second image data K3, the camera control device 23 may, instead of or in addition to displaying the time in the image, make a part of the file name of the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 the time.

[0062] In addition, when the first camera 21 and the second camera 22 are provided with a processing unit for processing image data, the process of attaching certification information to the first image data K2 of the camera control device 23 may be taken over by the processing unit of the first camera 21, and the process of attaching certification information to the second image data K3 of the camera control device 23 may be taken over by the processing unit of the second camera 22. When performing the process of attaching certification information to the first camera 21 and the second camera 22, a clock may be provided to the first camera 21 and the second camera 22 to count the time to be attached as certification information.

[0063] The camera control device 23 obtains time information from a time synchronization server 8 provided externally and counting time at a predetermined cycle, and corrects the time of the clock 23c to the time obtained from the time synchronization server 8. In the present embodiment, the camera control device 23 synchronizes the time of the clock 23c at the same timing as the timing at which the control panel 13 in the inspection device 1 synchronizes the time of the clock 13a3 with the time of the time synchronization server 8. In this case, for example, a command may be sent so that one of the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 reads the time of the time synchronization server 8 and reads the time of the time synchronization server 8 into the other of the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 at the timing of reading the time of the time synchronization server 8. Note that the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 may synchronize the times of the clocks 13a3 and 23c with the time of the time synchronization server 8 at different timings. Also, as described above, the predetermined cycle is set to 1 hour, but it can be changed to an arbitrary cycle. As described above, the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 obtain time information from the time synchronization server 8 and perform time synchronization. However, instead of the time synchronization server 8, time synchronization may be performed by obtaining time information from a radio clock that receives a standard frequency time signal and maintains accurate time.

[0064] The camera control device 23 is communicably connected to the server 7 via the Internet line N, and transmits the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 to which authentication information is attached to the server 7. Note that the camera control device 23 in the imaging device 20 may be integrated into the control panel 13 so that the control panel 13 can also function as the camera control device 23.

[0065] The time synchronization server 8 counts time and transmits time information to the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 when there is a request for transmission of time information from the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23. The time synchronization server 8 may exchange data with the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 via the Internet line N.

[0066] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the server 7 is a computer system, including an arithmetic processing unit 7a, a storage device 7b that stores programs necessary for controlling the server 7 and provides a storage area necessary for processing in the arithmetic processing unit 7a, an interface 7c that enables communication with the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23, an input device 7d such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device 7e, and a bus 7f that connects these devices so that they can communicate with each other. By executing the programs of the arithmetic processing unit 7a, each part of the server 7 is controlled, and the server 7 exchanges information with the control panel 13, the camera control device 23, and terminals 41, 42, and 43 described later in the inspection device 1.

[0067] The arithmetic processing unit 7a is a CPU or the like that performs arithmetic processing, and controls each part of the server 7 by executing an operating system and other programs. The storage device 7b includes a ROM, a RAM, and a hard disk. In addition, the storage device 7b stores inspection document data K1 transmitted from the control panel 13, first image data K2 and second image data K3 transmitted from the camera control device 23. Note that the server 7 may include an auxiliary storage device composed of a storage medium such as a magnetic disk or an optical disk and a drive capable of reading and writing data on the storage medium, or a semiconductor memory. The interface 7c converts information communicated according to a protocol so that information can be exchanged between the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23. The display device 7e includes a screen for displaying data processed by the arithmetic processing unit 7a, and is, for example, a liquid crystal display or the like. In addition, the server 7 stores an operating system program and an application program necessary for functioning as a server in the storage device 7b.

[0068] The server 7 exchanges data with the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23. When the server 7 receives the image data composed of the inspection certificate data K1 transmitted from the control panel 13, the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 transmitted from the camera control device 23, it stores the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 in the storage device 7b. At this time, the server 7 stores the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 of the damper D in one folder. The inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 are generated triggered by the pressing of the inspection end button 13c3 on the operation unit 13c and are transmitted to the server 7 with little time interval. Therefore, when the server 7 receives the three data of the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3, it may create a folder and store the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 in the created folder. In addition to the inspection certificate data K1, the server 7 receives the information of the manufacturing number of the damper D from the control panel 13, and assigns the manufacturing number of the damper D to the folder name when creating the folder.

[0069] In addition, when the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 attach information recognizable as being a file for the same damper D, such as always assigning the manufacturing number to the file names of the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3, the server 7 may extract the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 of the same damper D by referring to the file names and store them in one folder. In this case, it is advisable to transmit the information of the manufacturing number read by the control panel 13 to the camera control device 23 so that the camera control device 23 can also recognize the manufacturing number, so that information recognizable as being a file for the same damper D is attached to the file names of the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3.

[0070] In addition, when the server 7 has a database in which the manufacturing number is associated with the customer of the delivery destination, or when it is possible to obtain both the manufacturing number and the customer information from the control panel 13, a folder storing the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 may be created in a customer-exclusive folder.

[0071] Also, when the server 7 has a database in which the manufacturing number is associated with the auditing institution of the damper D, or when it is possible to obtain both the manufacturing number and the information of the auditing institution from the control panel 13, in addition to creating a folder for each customer, or alternatively, instead of this, a folder may be created for each auditing institution that audits the inspection certificate data K1, and the folder storing the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 may be distributed and stored in the folder for each auditing institution. In this way, the server 7 may create a folder suitable for the rule according to the distribution rule of the inspection certificate data K1, and distribute and store the folder storing the inspection certificate data K1 in the upper-level folder. Note that when the distribution rule of the inspection certificate data K1 is not set, the server 7 may simply store the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 in the storage device 7b.

[0072] When the server 7 receives an access request from the manufacturer terminal 41, the customer terminal 42, and the auditing institution terminal 43 through the Internet line N, it requests the input of an ID and a password. When the server 7 receives the input of the ID and the password from the terminal, it refers to the database in which the ID and the password are associated, and when the combination of the ID and the password is correct, it accepts access to and operations on the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 stored in the server 7 within the scope of the authority registered in the database.

[0073] As described above, the inspection system S operates as described above, attaches certification information to the inspection certificate data K1 of the damper D, the first image data K2 obtained by photographing the inspection apparatus 1 together with the damper D, and the second image data K3 obtained by photographing the identification information of the damper D, and transmits the data to the server 7, causing the server 7 to store the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3. The inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 stored in the server 7 can be viewed from the manufacturer terminal 41, the customer terminal 42, the audit institution terminal 43, and any terminal.

[0074] Hereinafter, the operation of the inspection system S will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 10. The inspector of the inspection apparatus 1 installs the damper D, which is the specimen, between the holding unit 10b and the vibrator 10c of the inspection apparatus main body 10 in preparation for the inspection of the damper D, which is the specimen.

[0075] After the operation of attaching the damper D to the inspection apparatus 1 is completed, when the inspector reads the two-dimensional code attached to the damper D with the reading device 14, the information of the damper D read by the reading device 14 is input to the control panel 13 (step F1). Note that the inspector of the inspection apparatus 1 may install the damper D, which is the specimen, between the holding unit 10b and the vibrator 10c of the inspection apparatus main body 10 after performing the operation of reading the identification information of the damper D with the reading device 14.

[0076] When the identification information of the damper D is input, the control panel 13 accesses the database DB and extracts the inspection conditions associated with the identification information (step F2).

[0077] When the database DB in which the inspection conditions are recorded is stored in the server 7, the control panel 13 may transmit the identification information to the server 7 upon input of the identification information and request the inspection conditions from the server 7. In this case, the server 7 may refer to the database DB upon input of the identification information, extract the inspection conditions associated with the input identification information, and transmit the inspection conditions to the control panel 13.

[0078] The control panel 13 determines whether it has obtained the inspection conditions associated with the identification information (step F3). If it has obtained the inspection conditions, it sets the parameters required for the inspection of the damper D to the values of the parameters specified by the obtained inspection conditions (step F4).

[0079] On the other hand, if the inspection conditions associated with the identification information are not registered in the database DB and the control panel 13 cannot obtain the inspection conditions, it ends the process without performing the inspection of the damper D.

[0080] When the setting of the parameters required for the inspection of the damper D is completed based on the obtained inspection conditions, the control panel 13 as the control device determines whether the second camera 22 as the device is at the standby location 3 by the signal input from the detection device 4 (step F5). As described above, when the detection device 4 detects the presence of the second camera 22 at the standby location, the control panel 13 as the control device determines that the second camera 22 is not being used for the inspection. When the detection device 4 does not detect the presence of the second camera 22 at the standby location, the control panel 13 as the control device determines that the second camera 22 is being used for the inspection.

[0081] If the second camera 22 is at the standby location 3, since the second camera 22 is not being used for the inspection, the control panel 13 causes the first warning display 13c4 to be displayed within the display range of the inspection start button 13c2 of the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c, disables the operator from pressing the inspection start button 13c2 (step F6), and returns to the process of step F5.

[0082] If the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3, since the second camera 22 is being used for inspection, the control panel 13 causes the inspection start button 13c2 to be displayed on the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c and waits for an inspection execution instruction by the inspection operator pressing the inspection start button 13c2 (step F7). When a signal is input due to the inspection operator pressing the inspection start button 13c2, the control panel 13 outputs a control command instructing the generation of image data to the camera control device 23. The camera control device 23 drives the first camera 21 and the second camera 22 prior to driving the vibrator 10c to photograph the damper D and the inspection device 1, which are the subjects, and the identification information of the damper D, and generates the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 as image data (step F8).

[0083] Subsequently, the control panel 13 vibrates the damper D according to the inspection conditions of the damper D, sequentially captures and stores the data detected by the stroke sensor 11 and the load cell 12, and generates a CSV file in which the values of the inspection data are described in the fields as inspection data when the inspection is completed (step F9). Note that when inspecting the damper D, the control panel 13 also captures the temperatures detected by the temperature sensors 15 and 16 and describes them in the fields of the CSV file. Also, when the inspection conditions instruct to apply the vibration pattern to the damper D multiple times, the inspection device 1 performs vibration for the number of times instructed for the damper D and generates a CSV file in which the values detected by the stroke sensor 11 and the load cell 12 are described in the fields as inspection data.

[0084] After vibrating the damper D the preset number of times, the control panel 13 stops the vibrator 10c. Thereafter, the control panel 13 determines whether the second camera 22 as a device is at the standby location 3 based on a signal input from the detection device 4 (step F10).

[0085] When the second camera 22 is not at the standby location 3, the control panel 13 causes the second warning display 13c5 to be displayed within the display range of the inspection end button 13c3 of the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c, preventing the inspection operator from pressing the inspection end button 13c3 (step F11), and returns to the process of step F10.

[0086] On the other hand, when the second camera 22 is at the standby location 3, the control panel 13 causes the inspection end button 13c3 to be displayed on the display device 13c1 in the operation unit 13c, and waits for an inspection end instruction by the inspection operator pressing the inspection end button 13c3 (step F12).

[0087] In the inspection system S, the signal input by the inspection operator pressing the inspection end button 13c3 provided on the control panel 13 is regarded as an inspection report data creation instruction. When a signal is input by the inspection operator pressing the inspection end button 13c3, the control panel 13 analyzes and processes the inspection data to generate inspection report data K1, executes a process of attaching certification information to the inspection report data K1, and the camera control device 23 executes a process of attaching a time as certification information to the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 respectively (step F13).

[0088] When the process of step F13 is completed, the control panel 13 transmits the inspection report data K1 with the time attached to the server 7, and the camera control device 23 transmits the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 with the time attached to the server 7 (step F14). Then, when the server 7 receives the inspection report data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3, it creates a folder and stores and memorizes the inspection report data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 in the folder (step F15). Note that since the processes of the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 are performed separately, the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 may transmit data to the server 7 without waiting for the completion of the process of attaching the time to each other.

[0089] The inspection system S of this embodiment is configured and operates as described above. And the inspection system S of this embodiment includes an inspection device 1 that inspects a damper (specimen) D, a detection device 4 that detects the presence or absence of a second camera (equipment) 22 that is used for the inspection of the damper (specimen) D and is stored in a standby location 3 during non-inspection, and a control panel (control device) 13 that determines whether the second camera (equipment) 22 is being used for inspection based on the detection result of the detection device 4, disables the execution of the inspection when the second camera (equipment) 22 is not being used for inspection, and enables the execution of the inspection when the second camera (equipment) 22 is being used for inspection.

[0090] According to the inspection system S configured in this way, based on the presence or absence of the second camera (equipment) 22 in the standby location 3 that is used for the inspection of the damper (specimen) D, it is determined whether the second camera (equipment) 22 is being used for inspection, and the permission or prohibition of the execution of the inspection is controlled. Therefore, the inspection operator can recognize the oversight of using the second camera (equipment) 22 necessary for the inspection by being unable to perform the inspection, and can prompt the inspection operator to use the second camera (equipment) 22.

[0091] Therefore, according to the inspection system S of this embodiment, it is possible to prevent the inspection operator from forgetting to use the equipment used for the inspection.

[0092] Furthermore, in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera (device) 22 is not in the standby location 3 after the inspection by the inspection device 1 is executed, the control panel (control device) 13 disables the end process of the inspection by the inspection device. According to the inspection system S configured in this way, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera (device) 22 is not in the standby location 3 after the inspection, it is possible to prevent the inspection from being completed without the second camera (device) 22 being returned to the standby location 3, and it is possible to prevent the second camera (device) 22 from being forgotten to be returned or lost. Furthermore, since the second camera (device) 22 is returned to the standby location 3 after the inspection is completed, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera (device) 22 is not in the standby location 3 during the next inspection, it means that the second camera (device) 22 has been taken out from the standby location 3 and used for the inspection. Thus, it is possible to prevent the inspection from being performed without the second camera (device) 22 being used no matter how many times the inspection is repeated.

[0093] Also, in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, it has an operation unit 13c that displays an inspection start button 13c2 for receiving the operation of the inspection operator. Before the inspection by the inspection device 1 is executed, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera (device) 22 is in the standby location 3, the control panel (control device) 13 disables the pressing of the inspection start button 13c2. According to the inspection system S configured in this way, when the second camera (device) 22 is in the standby location 3 before the inspection by the inspection device 1 is executed, the execution of the inspection can be blocked. And the inspection system S of the present embodiment can make the inspection operator aware that they have forgotten to use the second camera (device) 22 by disabling the pressing of the inspection start button 13c2.

[0094] Also, in the inspection system S of this embodiment, it has an operation unit 13c that displays operation buttons for receiving the operations of the inspection operator. Before the inspection device 1 executes an inspection, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera (equipment) 22 is present at the standby location 3, the control panel (control device) 13 performs a process of displaying a first warning display 13c4 instead of the inspection start button 13c2 displayed on the operation unit 13c, making it impossible to press the inspection start button 13c2. According to the inspection system S configured in this way, when the second camera (equipment) 22 is not used for the inspection, not only can the execution of the inspection be blocked, but also the inspection operator can be prompted to use the second camera (equipment) 22 for the inspection by the first warning display 13c4. Note that the control device may perform a control process of not executing the inspection even if the inspection start button 13c2 is pressed when the second camera (equipment) 22 is not present at the standby location 3, or may not display the inspection start button 13c2.

[0095] And, in the inspection system S of this embodiment, it has an operation unit 13c that displays an inspection end button 13c3 for receiving the operations of the inspection operator. After the inspection device 1 executes an inspection, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera (equipment) 22 is not present at the standby location 3, the control panel (control device) 13 makes it impossible to press the inspection end button 13c3. According to the inspection system S configured in this way, when the second camera (equipment) 22 is not present at the standby location 3 after the inspection device 1 executes an inspection, the end of the inspection can be blocked. And, the inspection system S of this embodiment can make the inspection operator aware that they have forgotten to store the second camera (equipment) 22 at the standby location 3 by making it impossible to press the inspection end button 13c3.

[0096] Furthermore, in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, the inspection device 1 has an operation unit 13c that displays operation buttons for receiving the operations of the inspection operator. After the inspection by the inspection device 1 is executed, when the detection device 4 detects that the second camera (device) 22 is not present at the standby location 3, the control panel (control device) 13 performs a process of displaying a second warning display 13c5 instead of the inspection end button 13c3 displayed on the operation unit 13c, disabling the pressing of the inspection end button 13c3. According to the inspection system S configured in this way, when the second camera (device) 22 is not returned to the standby location 3 after the inspection, not only can the end process of the inspection be blocked, but also the inspection operator can be prompted to store the second camera (device) 22 at the standby location 3 by the second warning display 13c5. Note that the control device may perform a control process of not executing the process of ending the inspection even if the inspection end button 13c3 is pressed when the second camera (device) 22 is not present at the standby location 3, or may not display the inspection end button 13c3.

[0097] And in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, the detection device 4 is a sensor installed at the standby location 3 and capable of detecting the presence of the second camera (device) 22. According to the inspection system S configured in this way, there is no need to provide a detection device for detecting the presence or absence of the second camera (device) 22 on the damper D, which is the specimen to be inspected by the inspection device 1. Therefore, there is no need to take the trouble of installing the detection device 4 on the damper (specimen) D every time a new damper (specimen) D is inspected, and the inspection preparation can be carried out promptly.

[0098] In addition, in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, the second camera (device) 22 holds a permanent magnet 31c that can be adsorbed to the damper (specimen) D, and the detection device 4 is a magnetic sensor installed at the standby location 3. According to the inspection system S configured in this way, since the detection device 4 detects the permanent magnet 31c used for installing the second camera (device) 22 on the damper (specimen) D, the permanent magnet 31c used for installing the second camera (device) 22 on the damper (specimen) D or the inspection device 1 is detected by the detection device (magnetic sensor) 4. Thus, not only can the second camera (device) 22 be easily installed on the damper (specimen) D or the inspection device 1 using the permanent magnet 31c, but also the presence or absence of the second camera (device) 22 can be detected without newly providing a permanent magnet corresponding to the detection device (magnetic sensor) 4, reducing the cost of the inspection system S.

[0099] Note that if the second camera (device) 22 can capture the manufacturing number of the damper (specimen) D, in addition to being directly installed on the damper (specimen) D, it may also be installed on the components constituting the inspection device 1.

[0100] Also, the device may be any device used for inspecting the specimen other than the second camera 22. Therefore, the device may be, for example, an instrument used when installing the damper D on the inspection device 1, or the aforementioned temperature sensors 15, 16 and other sensors. Well, in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, the specimen is the damper D and the inspection device 1 is a vibration tester, but the specimen is not limited to the damper D, and the inspection device 1 may be any device that inspects the specimen, so it may be an inspection device other than a vibration tester.

[0101] Note that in the inspection system S of the present embodiment, when performing the process of attaching certification information to each of the inspection certificate data K1 of the damper (specimen) D, the first image data (image data) K2 and the second image data (image data) K3 in which the damper (specimen) D, the inspection device 1, and the damper (specimen) D are photographed, the time when the process is performed is attached as the certification information.

[0102] Even if a time shift occurs due to the execution order of the processes in the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 or the error of the clocks 13a3 and 23c in the inspection report data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 created by the processing of the inspection system S as described above, the time shift as the certification information attached to each data is approximately within 1 minute. That is, among the time attached to the inspection report data K1, the time attached to the first image data K2 obtained by photographing the damper D and the inspection device 1, and the time attached to the second image data K3 obtained by photographing the identification information of the damper D, the shift from the earliest time to the latest time is approximately within 1 minute.

[0103] On the other hand, since the work of attaching and detaching the damper D to and from the inspection device 1 takes at least several minutes or more, if the inspection report data K1 obtained for a certain damper, the first image data K2 obtained by photographing a damper different from this damper, and the second image data K3 are combined, there should be a difference of several minutes or more between the time attached to the inspection report data K1 and the time attached to the first image data K2 and the second image data K3. In other words, if the difference between the time attached to the inspection report data K1 and the time attached to the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 is within 1 minute, it means that the damper D from which the inspection report data K1 was obtained and the damper D photographed in the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 are the same damper D.

[0104] Therefore, the operators of the customer terminal 42 and the audit institution terminal 43 can easily understand that the damper D from which the inspection report data K1 was obtained and the damper D photographed in the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 are the same damper D by checking the time attached to the inspection report data K1 and the time attached to the first image data K2 and the second image data K3.

[0105] Then, since it can be confirmed from the image of the second image data K3 that the damper D is attached to the inspection device 1 in the image of the first image data K2, the operators of the customer terminal 42 and the audit institution terminal 43 can know the manufacturing number of the damper D attached to the inspection device 1. Therefore, the operators of the customer terminal 42 and the audit institution terminal 43 can obtain evidence that the inspection certificate data K1 was obtained by inspecting the damper D that was the inspection target, based on the coincidence of the manufacturing number read from the image of the inspection certificate data K1 and the manufacturing number confirmed in the image of the second image data K3.

[0106] In this way, proof information is given to the inspection certificate data K1 generated by inspecting the same damper D and the image data K2 and K3 for proving that the same damper D was attached to the inspection device 1, and the first camera 21 and the second camera 22 take pictures when the inspection start button 13c2 is pressed to generate the first image data K2 and the second image data K3. Since it is necessary to press the inspection end button 13c3 to perform the process of giving proof information to the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 will not be replaced by data generated in the inspection of other dampers D during that time. Therefore, it can be proved that the damper D from which the inspection certificate data K1 was obtained and the damper D photographed in the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 are the same damper D. That is, it is guaranteed that the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 are generated for the same damper D.

[0107] From the above, according to the inspection system S in the present embodiment, by giving proof information to the inspection certificate data K1, the first image data K2 which is image data, and the second image data K3, when the inspection certificate data K1 is output, it can be proved that the damper (specimen) D was attached to the inspection device 1. Therefore, it can be guaranteed that the inspection certificate data K1 is the inspection certificate data K1 obtained for the actually inspected damper (specimen) D.

[0108] In addition, when the certification information is a time, in order to ensure that the inspection report data K1, the first image data K2, and the second image data K3 are data obtained for the same damper (specimen) D, the maximum value of the difference in the time only needs to be shorter than the attachment / detachment time of the damper (specimen) D to the inspection apparatus 1. Therefore, by ensuring that the maximum value of the difference between the time given to the inspection report data K1 and the times given to the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 is within 1 minute as described above, it is guaranteed that the inspection report data K1 is data obtained for the damper (specimen) D that was actually inspected. However, it is possible to guarantee that the inspection report data K1 is the inspection report data K1 obtained for the damper (specimen) D that was actually inspected based on any time shorter than the attachment / detachment time.

[0109] Also, although the certification information is a time as described above, it may be a number, a character string, or the like. That is, as a set of the inspection report data K1 generated by inspecting the damper (specimen) D once and the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 as image data, the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 may assign the same number or character string to the inspection report data K1 and the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 as image data within the same set, and may assign certification information so that different sets have different numbers or character strings. Further, the certification information may be an arbitrarily arranged and combined set of numbers, symbols, and characters. For example, when the control panel 13 and the camera control device 23 assign numbers, they only need to sequentially increment the numbers so that the same number is not assigned to different sets. By thus using the certification information as a number, since the certification information is assigned to the image data K2 and K3 for proving that the same damper D as the one for which the inspection report data K1 was generated was attached to the inspection apparatus 1, it can be proved that the damper D from which the inspection report data K1 was obtained and the damper D photographed in the first image data K2 and the second image data K3 are the same damper D.

[0110] And as described above, the inspection system S of the present embodiment includes an inspection device 1 that inspects a damper (specimen) D under predetermined inspection conditions, a reading device R that reads identification information for identifying the damper (specimen) D displayed on the damper (specimen) D, and a database DB in which the identification information of the damper (specimen) D and the inspection conditions of the damper (specimen) D are registered in association with each other. The inspection device 1 reads the inspection conditions associated with the identification information of the damper (specimen) D read by the reading device 14 from the database DB, and inspects the damper (specimen) D based on the read inspection conditions.

[0111] In the inspection system S configured as described above, once the identification information of the damper (specimen) D is read, the inspection conditions are automatically set without human intervention, and the inspection of the damper (specimen) D is executed. Therefore, the inspection of the damper (specimen) D can be executed without the risk of artificial change of the inspection conditions.

[0112] Therefore, according to the inspection system S of the present embodiment, if the correct inspection conditions are input to the database DB in advance, it is not necessary for the inspection operator to input the inspection conditions to the inspection device 1 each time when inspecting the damper (specimen) D. Thus, it is possible to prevent human errors and execute the inspection in the inspection of the damper (specimen) D used for seismic isolation or vibration control. As described above, the inspection system S may be configured such that the inspection operator sets the inspection conditions for the inspection device 1 and inspects the damper (specimen) D.

[0113] As described above, the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail. However, modifications, variations, and changes are possible without departing from the scope of the claims.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0114] 1... Inspection device, 3... Waiting area, 4... Detection device, 13... Control panel (control device), 13c... Operation unit, 13c2... Inspection start button, 13c3... Inspection end button, 13c4... First warning display, 13c5... Second warning display, 22... Second camera (device), 31c... Permanent magnet, D... Damper (specimen), S... Inspection system

Claims

1. An inspection apparatus for inspecting a specimen, a detection device that detects the presence or absence of equipment that is used for inspecting the specimen and stored in a standby location when not in use, and a control device that determines whether the equipment is being used for inspection based on the detection result of the detection device, makes it impossible to execute the inspection when the equipment is not being used for inspection, and makes it possible to execute the inspection when the equipment is being used for inspection. An inspection system characterized by the above.

2. After the inspection by the inspection apparatus, when the control device determines that the equipment is not in the standby location, the control device makes it impossible to perform the end process of the inspection by the inspection apparatus. The inspection system according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. An operation unit that displays an inspection start button for receiving an operation by an inspection operator, and before the inspection by the inspection apparatus, when the control device determines that the equipment is in the standby location, the control device makes it impossible to press the inspection start button. The inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. An operation unit that displays an inspection end button for receiving an operation by an inspection operator, and after the inspection by the inspection apparatus, when the detection device determines that the equipment is not in the standby location, the control device makes it impossible to press the inspection end button. The inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

5. The equipment holds a permanent magnet that can be adsorbed to the specimen or the inspection apparatus, and the detection device is a magnetic sensor installed in the standby location that can detect the permanent magnet. The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

Images