Inspection Equipment

Abstract

To fix a load onto a container so as not to affect photographing of transmission images.SOLUTION: An air supply port 221 discharges gases, such as air sent from a compressor, a blower, or the like, upward. An air supply pipe 121 connected to the air supply port 221 takes in the gas sent from the air supply port 221 from the lower opening and discharges it from the upper opening to the opening of a balloon 13. The air supplied from the air supply pipe 121 is stored in the inside of the balloon 13 to inflate the balloon 13. When the balloon 13 starts to swell, the tip part of it first swells to press a load J from the top. Then, the other parts of the balloon 13 swell to press the load J from the side.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for an inspection device that inspects luggage using a transmission image. [Background technology]

[0002] At airport boarding gates, in order to prevent the bringing in of dangerous items, inspection equipment is used that irradiates the contents of baggage with electromagnetic waves such as X-rays, takes an image of the contents that passes through the baggage (called a transmitted image), and inspects the baggage based on this transmitted image. Inspection of the contents of baggage is also required in places other than airports, such as theaters, cinemas, and trains.

[0003] Generally, in order to capture a transmission image of baggage to be inspected, the baggage needs to be rotated or moved along with the container. However, when the baggage moves inside the container, blurring of the transmission image occurs. Therefore, in order to suppress blurring of the transmission image, it is conceivable to provide a mechanism such as a jig to fix the baggage inside the container.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses an inspection jig that reduces the workload associated with focusing an optical microscope and shortens the inspection time.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses an inspection device in which a display panel is mounted and supported on an intermediate member having a transmission portion that transmits light from an illumination means, and the display panel is inspected using the light.

[0006] US Patent No. 5,949,999 discloses an integrated patient scanner system configured to reduce the need for on-site adjustment between the patient table and the gantry.

[0007] Patent document 4 discloses a pallet conveying mechanism that mechanically switches between holding and releasing a pallet through cooperative operation with a fixing part or the like provided at either the conveying position or the holding position, releasing the hold on a pallet at the conveying position to enable conveyance, and holding a pallet at the holding position to prevent positional deviation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-250069 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-201646 [Patent Document 3] Special Publication No. 2008-541127 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. WO2010 / 052773 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] If the above-mentioned jig or the like is made of metal, for example, the jig itself may block the electromagnetic waves irradiated for inspection, resulting in loss of transmitted images and making inspection impossible. In addition, it is desirable to prevent damage or deformation of baggage as much as possible.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to fix an object to a container so as not to affect the capture of a transmission image, and to suppress damage to the object when fixing the object contained in the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The present invention provides a table on which a container is placed, a balloon provided in the container, and a gas supply device for supplying gas to the balloon to expand the balloon, thereby discharging the gas into the container. Load In a first aspect, an inspection device is provided that includes a fixing portion provided on the platform for fixing an object, an irradiation device for irradiating the fixed luggage with electromagnetic waves, a line sensor for capturing a transmitted image of the luggage, and an information processing device for inspecting the luggage using the transmitted image.

[0012] According to the inspection device of the first aspect, the baggage can be fixed to the container so as not to affect the capture of the transmission image.

[0013] In the inspection device of the first aspect, The fixing portion is A second aspect may employ a configuration in which gas is supplied to the balloon from an air supply pipe provided at the bottom of the container to inflate the balloon.

[0014] According to the inspection device of the second aspect, gas for inflating the balloon can be supplied from outside the container.

[0015] In the inspection device of the second aspect, the air supply pipe is Container At the bottom, the container On the table Placed When A third aspect may be adopted in which the air intake is provided at a position corresponding to an air intake port provided in the base.

[0016] According to the inspection device of the third aspect, gas for inflating the balloon can be supplied from an air inlet provided in the stand on which the container is placed.

[0017] In the inspection device of the third aspect ,before writing table teeth, the container When the Air intake and The aforementioned A fourth embodiment may employ a configuration in which the balloon is connected to an air supply pipe provided at the bottom of the container, and gas is supplied to the balloon from the air supply port through the air supply pipe.

[0018] According to the fourth aspect of the inspection device, gas is supplied to the balloon from an air supply port provided in the stand on which the container is placed, through an air supply pipe connected to the air supply port and provided at the bottom of the container.

[0019] In the inspection device of the third or fourth aspect, The fixing portion is A fifth aspect may employ a configuration in which the container is connected to the stand by sucking gas from a suction port provided in the stand.

[0020] According to the inspection device of the fifth aspect, the container can be connected to the stand without contact.

[0021] In the inspection device of the fifth aspect, a sixth aspect may be adopted in which the connection surfaces of the base and the container have corresponding shapes, and the more gas is sucked in from the suction port, the closer the air inlet and the air inlet pipe become.

[0022] According to the inspection device of the sixth aspect, the container can be positioned relative to the table by sucking in the gas.

[0023] In the inspection device of any one of the third to sixth aspects, a seventh aspect may be adopted in which the container is floated from the table by gas blown up from an outlet provided in the table.

[0024] According to the inspection device of the seventh aspect, the container can be separated from the table without contacting the container.

[0025] In the inspection device of the seventh aspect, a configuration may be adopted as an eighth aspect, in which the container has wings that receive the gas blown up from the blow-up port and generate a propulsive force to move the container.

[0026] According to the inspection device of the eighth aspect, the container can be moved by blowing up gas.

[0027] In the inspection device of any one of the first to eighth aspects, a ninth aspect may be adopted in which the container has a tag bearing its own identification information, and the balloon is inflated when the identification information read by a reader from the tag satisfies a condition.

[0028] According to the inspection device of the ninth aspect, it is possible to switch whether or not to inflate the balloon depending on the result of reading the tag.

[0029] In the inspection device of any one of the first to ninth aspects, a tenth aspect may be adopted in which the balloon expands in a direction that presses down on the luggage from above, and then expands in a direction that presses down on the luggage from the side.

[0030] According to the inspection device of the tenth aspect, luggage contained in a container with an open top is prevented from floating up due to the inflation of the balloon. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an inspection system 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an oblique projection view for explaining the function of the platform 2. [Figure 3] 2A and 2B are diagrams showing examples of the configuration of a container 1 and a table 2. [Figure 4] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing examples of an air supply pipe 121 provided in a connecting portion 12. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a container 1 that is floated by gas blown up from a blow-up port 212. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing an example of a blade 14 that receives gas from an air outlet 212 and generates a propulsive force. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows an example of a container 1 connected to a table 2 by gas suction. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of how a balloon is inflated to secure a load J. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the inspection system 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0032] <Embodiment> <Overall configuration of the inspection system> 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of an inspection system 9 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The inspection system 9 is a system that captures a transmission image of a package contained in a container 1 and inspects the contents of the package using this transmission image. The inspection system 9 shown in FIG. 1 includes the container 1, a table 2, an irradiation device 3, a line sensor 4, an information processing device 5, an entrance conveyor 6a, an exit conveyor 6b, and a housing 7.

[0033] In the figure, the space in which each component is placed is represented as an xyz right-handed coordinate space. Among the coordinate symbols shown in the figure, a dot in a circle represents an arrow pointing from the back of the page to the front. The direction along the x-axis in space is called the x-axis direction. Furthermore, within the x-axis direction, the direction in which the x component increases is called the +x direction, and the direction in which the x component decreases is called the -x direction. For the y and z components, the y-axis, +y direction, -y direction, z-axis, +z direction, and -z direction are defined according to the above definitions.

[0034] 1, the -z direction is the direction in which gravity acts, that is, downward, the +z direction is upward, and the -y direction is the direction in which the container 1 is transported.

[0035] The entrance conveyor 6a is a transport device that transports the container 1 containing cargo to the platform 2. The entrance conveyor 6a shown in Fig. 1 is installed in the +y direction of the platform 2, and transports the container 1 placed on it in the direction of arrow D1 (i.e., the -y direction) by a transport mechanism such as a belt conveyor or roller conveyor.

[0036] The stage 2 descends with the transported container 1 on it, and moves it to an inspection area installed below (i.e., in the -z direction) the transport path of the container 1 by the entrance conveyor 6a. In addition, the stage 2 shown in Fig. 1 rotates the container 1 placed on it.

[0037] Fig. 2 is an oblique projection diagram for explaining the function of the platform 2. As shown in Fig. 2(a), when the container 1 is conveyed along the conveying path in the direction of arrow D1 and placed on the platform 2, the platform 2 moves in the direction of arrow D3 while rotating in the direction of arrow D2. That is, the platform 2 descends while rotating with the container 1 on it.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 2(b), when the container 1 descends and reaches the inspection area, the irradiation device 3 irradiates the line sensor 4 with electromagnetic waves such as X-rays. The irradiation device 3 shown in Fig. 1 is installed in the -y direction of the line sensor 4. Therefore, the irradiation device 3 shown in Fig. 1 irradiates electromagnetic waves in the direction of arrow D4 (i.e., the +y direction).

[0039] The line sensor 4 is a sensor in which a plurality of wave-receiving elements that sense electromagnetic waves such as X-rays are arranged along the x-axis direction. Note that the irradiation device 3 shown in Fig. 2 scans the electromagnetic waves along the direction in which the plurality of wave-receiving elements of the line sensor 4 are arranged, so the component of the irradiation direction of the electromagnetic waves may change in the x-axis direction.

[0040] The container 1 that has descended and moved to the inspection area is positioned between the irradiation device 3 and the line sensor 4, so the line sensor 4 detects the electromagnetic waves (also called transmitted waves) that have passed through the container 1 and the luggage contained in this container 1. The line sensor 4 transmits information about the position where the transmitted waves are detected and the intensity of the transmitted waves to the information processing device 5. The information about the position where the transmitted waves are detected is represented, for example, by the identification numbers of the multiple wave receiving elements.

[0041] The information processing device 5 has a processor, a memory, and a communication unit. The memory has a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a solid state drive, a hard disk drive, etc., and stores a computer program (hereinafter simply referred to as a program). The processor controls each unit of the information processing device 5 by reading and executing the program from the memory. The communication unit is a communication circuit that communicatively connects the information processing device 5 to other devices such as the stand 2, the irradiation device 3, and the line sensor 4 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0042] The information processing device 5 may have an operation unit including operation buttons, a keyboard, a touch panel, a mouse, etc. that send signals to the processor according to received operations. The information processing device 5 may also have a display unit such as a liquid crystal display that displays images under the control of the processor.

[0043] 1 controls the table 2, the irradiation device 3, and the line sensor 4. The information processing device 5 generates (captures) a transmission image of the package contained in the container 1 using information on the transmitted wave received from the line sensor 4. The information processing device 5 then analyzes the generated transmission image to determine whether or not there is a dangerous object inside the package. For example, an object detection algorithm using machine learning is used for this image analysis by the information processing device 5.

[0044] That is, the information processing device 5 inspects the luggage based on the transmission image. Therefore, the information processing device 5, the table 2, the irradiation device 3, and the line sensor 4 are an example of an inspection device that irradiates electromagnetic waves onto luggage stored in a container, captures a transmission image of the luggage, and inspects the luggage using the transmission image. Hereinafter, the information processing device 5, the table 2, the irradiation device 3, and the line sensor 4 will also be collectively referred to as an inspection device. The inspection device may include other components.

[0045] When the capturing of the transmission image is completed, the irradiation device 3 stops emitting the electromagnetic waves, and the platform 2 rises. The container 1 returns to the transport path after rising, and is transported to the exit conveyor 6b. The exit conveyor 6b receives the container 1 containing the cargo for which the capturing of the transmission image has been completed, and moves it outside the inspection system 9.

[0046] The housing 7 houses the table 2, the irradiation device 3, and the line sensor 4, and receives the container 1 from the entrance conveyor 6a and sends it out from the exit conveyor 6b. The housing 7 is made of a material containing, for example, lead, so that electromagnetic waves such as X-rays irradiated by the irradiation device 3 do not easily leak to the outside.

[0047] The housing 7 may open a door shown by a dashed line in Fig. 1 when receiving or sending out a container 1 from outside. This door may be opened and closed by a mechanical force generated by the transport of the container 1, or the door may be opened and closed based on the detection result of detecting the passage of the container 1 using an infrared sensor or the like. This control may be performed by the information processing device 5.

[0048] <Configuration of container 1 and stand 2> Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the container 1 and the platform 2. The container 1 shown in Fig. 3 has a side wall 10, a bottom 11, a connecting portion 12, a balloon 13, and wings 14. The platform 2 shown in Fig. 3 has a placing portion 21, a fixed portion 22, and a moving portion 23.

[0049] The side wall 10 is a cylindrical wall that encloses the inside of the container 1 and separates it from the outside. In the example shown in Figure 3, the side wall 10 is a rectangular tube that encloses all four sides. The side wall 10 is arranged so that the extension direction of the tube is along the z-axis direction. The side wall 10 is made of a material, such as resin, that is more transparent to X-rays than metal. The lower end of the side wall 10 forms a surface that is approximately parallel to the xy plane. Therefore, when the container 1 is placed on a smooth flat surface such as the top surface of the table 2, there is almost no gap between the flat surface and the lower end of the side wall 10 of the container 1.

[0050] The bottom 11 is a plate parallel to the xy plane and is a member that forms the bottom of the container 1. The edges of the bottom 11 are fixed tightly to the inside of the side wall 10. As a result, the bottom 11 divides the inside of the side wall 10 into an upper space R1 and a lower space R2 as shown in FIG.

[0051] The upper space R1 is a space for accommodating baggage to be inspected, and the lower space R2 is a space for installing the connection part 12. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the upper space R1 is larger than the lower space R2.

[0052] The connection part 12 is a member that connects the container 1 to the stand 2. The connection part 12 shown in FIG. 3 is fixed to the -z side surface of the bottom 11 and is housed in the lower space R2. In other words, the height (length in the z-axis direction) of the connection part 12 is lower than the height of the lower space R2. Therefore, the connection part 12 does not protrude below a plane connecting the -z side ends of the side wall 10. A recess is provided on the lower surface (-z side surface) of the connection part 12 shown in FIG. 3. The connection part 12 has an air supply pipe 121 and a tag 122. Therefore, the container 1 having this connection part 12 is an example of a container having a tag on which its own identification information is written.

[0053] Air supply pipe 121 is a pipe that passes through from the lower surface of connecting portion 12 to the upper surface of bottom portion 11 along the z-axis direction. Air supply pipe 121 is provided so that when container 1 is placed in a predetermined position (also referred to as a fixed position), it comes to a position corresponding to air supply port 221 (described below) and is connectable to it. As a result, when container 1 is placed in the fixed position, air supply pipe 121 discharges gas sent from air supply port 221 through a lower opening from an upper opening. As shown in FIG. 3, an opening of balloon 13 is connected to the upper opening of air supply pipe 121.

[0054] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of an air supply pipe 121 provided in the connecting part 12. As shown in FIG. 4(a), a groove 121c that connects the upper openings of the multiple air supply pipes 121 to one another may be provided on the upper surface of the connecting part 12. A groove 121c that connects the lower openings of the multiple air supply pipes 121 to one another may also be provided on the lower surface of the connecting part 12. Because the openings of the multiple air supply pipes 121 are connected by the groove 121c, the gas supplied by each air supply pipe 121 is accumulated in the groove 121c and sent upward. When the opening of the balloon 13 covers this groove 121c, the gas supplied from each of the multiple air supply pipes 121 is supplied to the balloon 13 via the groove 121c.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 4(b), groove 121c does not have to be provided in connecting portion 12. The number of air supply pipes 121 may be any number, for example, eight as shown in FIG. 4(b). Connecting portion 12 may be cylindrical as shown in FIG. 4, but may have other shapes. However, the lower surface of connecting portion 12 has a shape corresponding to the upper surface of fixing portion 22 of base 2.

[0056] 3 is a tag on which identification information of the container 1 is readably written. The tag 122 may have a function of connecting to a reader in accordance with a Near Field Communication (NFC) standard, such as ISO / IEC18092 (NFCIP-1), ISO / IEC14443, ISO / IEC15693, or IEEE802.15. The tag 122 may also have identification information written thereon using a so-called barcode or two-dimensional code.

[0057] When the tag 122 enters a predetermined area (also called a reading area), it is read by a reading device (not shown) installed in the housing 7, the stand 2, etc. The identification information read by the reading device is transmitted to the information processing device 5.

[0058] The processor of the information processing device 5 determines whether the received identification information satisfies the predetermined conditions stored in the memory. If it is determined that the identification information satisfies the predetermined conditions, the information processing device 5 controls the table 2, the irradiation device 3, and the line sensor 4 to inspect the container 1 having the tag 122 with the identification information written thereon.

[0059] The balloon 13 is a bag-shaped member having at least one opening, and is inflated by supplying gas through this opening. The balloon 13 shown in FIG. 3 is arranged along the inside of the side wall 10 of the container 1. Therefore, when a package J is placed in the upper space R1 of the container 1, the balloon 13 is arranged around the package. The balloon 13 is made of a material, such as resin, that transmits X-rays more easily than metal. Furthermore, the thickness of the balloon 13 is, for example, less than 1 millimeter, which is thinner than other structures. Therefore, the balloon 13 transmits electromagnetic waves, such as X-rays, more easily than thicker objects.

[0060] As described above, the opening of balloon 13 is connected to the upper opening of air supply pipe 121. Therefore, the gas supplied upward through air supply pipe 121 is sent into balloon 13, inflating balloon 13. When the gas filled in balloon 13 is discharged through air supply pipe 121, balloon 13 contracts.

[0061] The blades 14 are plate-like members provided on the container 1, and generate a propulsive force that guides the blown-up gas and moves it in the direction of discharging the container 1. The blades 14 shown in Fig. 3 are fixed to the -y-direction end of the side wall 10 of the container 1 in the lower space R2. The lower surface of the blades 14 is inclined in the yz plane so that the z-component increases as the y-component increases.

[0062] 3 is a portion of the table 2 on which the container 1 is placed. The placing portion 21 has a storage chamber 211 and a blow-up port 212.

[0063] 3 is a recess provided in the center of the upper surface of the mounting portion 21, and accommodates the fixing portion 22. The vertically extending wall surface of the fixing portion 22 accommodated in the fixing portion 22 has a shape that follows the side surface of the fixing portion 22. Therefore, the gap between the wall surface of the fixing portion 22 and the side surface of the fixing portion 22 is narrow enough to prevent the flow of gas. The wall surface of the fixing portion 22 is smoothly finished to reduce friction with the side surface of the fixing portion 22.

[0064] The blowout port 212 is a hole that blows up gas such as compressed air. The blowout port 212 penetrates the mounting portion 21 in the z-axis direction and discharges gas such as air upward that is sent from a compressor, a blower, or the like (not shown) connected to the lower portion. When the container 1 is placed directly above the blowout port 212, the gas blowing up from the blowout port 212 fills the lower space R2 of the container 1. Furthermore, when the blades 14 provided on the container 1 are located directly above the blowout port 212, the gas blowing up from the blowout port 212 hits the blades 14 and flows in the +y direction. This causes the gas to generate a propulsive force that moves the container 1 in the -y direction.

[0065] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a container 1 that is floated by gas blown up from a blow-up port 212. As shown in Fig. 5, the blow-up port 212 blows gas such as air upward. The blown-up gas accumulates in the lower space R2 of the container 1, and the excess gas leaks from the gap between the container 1 and the mounting part 21. The pressure of the gas accumulated in this lower space R2 and the airflow leaking from the gap cause the container 1 to float. Therefore, this container 1 is an example of a container that is floated from a stand by gas blown up from a blow-up port provided in the stand.

[0066] The inlet conveyor 6a moves the container 1 in the -y direction, for example, by the power of a belt conveyor, roller conveyor, or the like, or by the weight of the container 1 (and the cargo J contained therein) sliding along the inclined transport path. However, no force is acting on the placement section 21 to move the container 1. Therefore, to prevent the container 1 from coming into contact with the placement section 21 and stopping due to friction at the contact point, the blow-up port 212 blows up gas, causing the container 1 to suspend slightly above the placement section 21 (for example, about 1 millimeter).

[0067] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a blade 14 that receives gas from an outlet 212 and generates a propulsive force. One of the outlets 212 provided in the mounting section 21 is located directly below the blade 14, and when gas is blown up from the outlet 212, the blade 14 receives the gas blown up from below, i.e., the gas moving in the +z direction, on its tilted lower surface and guides it in the +y direction. The resulting airflow F shown in FIG. 6 flows in the +y direction, and therefore propels the container 1 in the -y direction. Therefore, the container 1 having this blade 14 is an example of a container having a blade that receives gas blown up from the outlet and generates a propulsive force to move itself.

[0068] After the inspection is completed, the container 1 is again floated by the gas blown up from the blow-up port 212, and is moved in the -y direction toward the outlet-side conveyor 6b by the action of the blades 14.

[0069] The fixing portion 22 of the base 2 is a member that connects to the connecting portion 12 of the container 1 described above and fixes the container 1 to the base 2. The upper surface of the fixing portion 22 has a convex portion as shown in FIG. 3. This convex portion has a shape that corresponds to the concave portion provided on the lower surface of the connecting portion. Because the convex portion of the fixing portion 22 and the concave portion of the connecting portion 12 are shaped to match, when the fixing portion 22 rises and the gap with the connecting portion 12 narrows, the container 1 receives a resistance force from the contact point and moves in the direction in which the convex portion and the concave portion match. This adjusts the position of the container 1 in the x-axis direction and y-axis direction.

[0070] The fixed part 22 is accommodated in the above-described accommodation chamber 211 in a state in which it can move up and down. A sealing material or the like is used on the side surface of the fixed part 22 so that gas does not easily pass through the gap between the side surface of the accommodation chamber 211 and the wall surface of the accommodation chamber 211. Furthermore, a material is selected for the side surface of the fixed part 22 so that the coefficient of friction with the wall surface of the accommodation chamber 211 is relatively low. As a result, the fixed part 22 moves up and down while sliding its own side surface along the wall surface of the accommodation chamber 211. Even when the fixed part 22 moves up and down, the gap between the fixed part 22 and the accommodation chamber 211 is sealed, so that the gas filled in the lower space R2 does not easily leak into the accommodation chamber 211.

[0071] The suction port 222 is a hole that penetrates the fixed part 22 in the z-axis direction. The lower opening of the suction port 222 is connected to a vacuum pump (not shown) or the like and is subjected to suction. As a result, gas such as air filling the lower space R2 of the container 1 moves downward through the suction port 222 and is sucked into the vacuum pump or the like.

[0072] 7 is a diagram showing an example of a container 1 connected to the table 2 by suction of gas. When the container 1 reaches almost a fixed position, a detector (not shown) detects the presence of the container 1 and notifies the information processing device 5. The information processing device 5, for example, stops a blower or the like that supplies gas to the blow-up port 212. As a result, the container 1 descends from its floating position and comes to a stop upon contact with the upper surface of the mounting part 21. At this time, there is almost no gap at the contact portion between the lower end of the side wall 10 of the container 1 and the upper surface of the mounting part 21, so the lower space R2 becomes an airtight space.

[0073] The identification information written on the tag 122 is read by a reading device (not shown) and notified to the information processing device 5. If the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, the information processing device 5 starts an inspection.

[0074] Here, the information processing device 5 operates the above-mentioned vacuum pump or the like (not shown) to suck gas from inside the lower space R2 through the suction port 222. This causes the fixing portion 22 to rise and come into contact with the connecting portion 12. As described above, the convex portions on the upper surface of the fixing portion 22 correspond to the concave portions of the connecting portion 12, and therefore, as more gas is sucked through the suction port 222, the position of the container in the front, back, left, right, and right directions (i.e., the x-axis and y-axis directions) is adjusted along these shapes. Then, when the gas disappears from the gap between the above-mentioned concave and convex portions, the positions of the fixing portion 22 and the connecting portion 12 are aligned, and the upper surface of the fixing portion 22 is tightly connected to the lower surface of the connecting portion 12. Therefore, the suction port 222 is an example of a suction port that is provided on a base and sucks gas to connect the container to the base.

[0075] As described above, when the container 1 is in place, the air supply pipe 121 provided in the connection part 12 is located at a position corresponding to the air supply port 221 provided in the fixing part 22 of the base 2. In other words, the air supply pipe 121 is an example of an air supply pipe provided at the bottom at a position corresponding to the air supply port provided in the base on which the container is placed.

[0076] The more gas is sucked in through the suction port 222, the closer the upper surface of the fixing part 22 and the lower surface of the connecting part 12 (i.e., the contact surfaces of the base 2 and the container 1), and therefore the closer the air inlet 221 and the air inlet pipe 121 become.

[0077] In other words, the contact surfaces of this base 2 and this container 1 are examples of connection surfaces that have shapes that correspond to each other on the base and container, and that bring the air intake port and air intake pipe closer together so that gas can be sucked in through the suction port.

[0078] When the above-mentioned convex portion and concave portion are aligned, the upper surface of the fixing portion 22 and the lower surface of the connecting portion 12 are tightly connected to each other, so that the air intake pipe 121 located at a position corresponding to the air intake port 221 is connected to this air intake port 221.

[0079] 8 is a diagram showing an example of how a balloon is inflated to secure cargo J. When the upper surface of fixing part 22 and the lower surface of connecting part 12 are tightly connected to each other, the lower opening of air inlet pipe 121 and the upper opening of air inlet 221 are connected. Air inlet 221 discharges gas such as air sent from a compressor, blower, etc. (not shown) upward. Therefore, air inlet pipe 121 connected to air inlet 221 receives gas sent from air inlet 221 at its lower opening and discharges it from its upper opening to the opening of balloon 13. The air supplied from air inlet pipe 121 accumulates inside balloon 13 and inflates it.

[0080] Therefore, the inspection device of this inspection system 9 is an example of an inspection device that inflates a balloon when the identification information read by a reader from a tag bearing the identification information of a container satisfies a condition.

[0081] When the balloon 13 begins to inflate, as shown in FIG. 8(a), the tip first inflates and comes into contact with the luggage J. The balloon 13 then presses down on the luggage J from above. Then, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the other parts of the balloon 13 inflate and press down on the luggage J from the sides. In other words, the balloon 13 shown in FIG. 8 is an example of a balloon that inflates in a direction to press down on the luggage from above, and then inflates in a direction to press down on the luggage from the sides. This prevents the luggage J contained in the container 1 from floating up and protruding from the upper opening. The balloon 13 can also secure the luggage J inside the container 1 without causing it to move significantly laterally.

[0082] That is, balloon 13 is an example of a balloon that is arranged around a package and inflates to secure the package to the container. Also, the inspection device of inspection system 9 is an example of an inspection device that inflates a balloon arranged around a package placed in a container to secure the package, irradiates the secured package with electromagnetic waves to capture a transmission image of the package, and inspects the package using the transmission image.

[0083] This inspection device is also an example of an inspection device that supplies gas to a balloon from an air supply pipe installed at the bottom of a container to inflate the balloon. This inspection device is also an example of an inspection device that places a container on a stand with an air supply port, connects this air supply port to an air supply pipe installed at the bottom of the container, and supplies gas from this air supply port through this air supply pipe to the balloon.

[0084] During inspection, the line sensor 4 needs to capture images of the luggage J contained in the container 1 from various angles, so the platform 2 rotates the luggage J together with the container 1 around an axis parallel to the z-axis direction. At this time, the luggage J needs to be fixed to the container 1 so that it does not move within the container 1 due to the rotation. Therefore, prior to inspection, the information processing device 5 inflates the balloon 13 as described above to fix the luggage J in place.

[0085] The moving part 23 is a member that moves the mounting part 21. When the moving part 23 moves the mounting part 21, the fixing part 22 housed in the housing chamber 211 of the mounting part 21 also moves accordingly.

[0086] The moving unit 23 rotates the placing unit 21. The moving unit 23 also moves the placing unit 21 up and down. The moving unit 23 may perform these movements simultaneously or separately. The moving unit 23 may, for example, lower the placing unit 21 while rotating it. The moving unit 23 may, for example, raise the placing unit 21 without rotating it. The moving unit 23 moves the container 1 to an inspection area below the transport path for the container 1 that leads from the entrance side conveyor 6a to the exit side conveyor 6b.

[0087] <Operation of Inspection System 9> 9 is a flow diagram showing an example of the operation of the inspection system 9. For example, when an airplane passenger places baggage J in a container 1 (step S101), the container 1 is transported to the platform 2 by the entrance-side conveyor 6a (step S102).

[0088] In the table 2, the container 1 is detected by a detection device (not shown) (step S103). In response to this detection result, the information processing device 5 operates a compressor, a blower, etc. (not shown). As a result, the blow-up port 212 blows up gas, and guides the container 1 onto the placement portion 21 of the table 2 (step S104).

[0089] When a reading device (not shown) reads the identification information from the tag 122 (step S105), the information processing device 5 determines whether or not the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition (step S106). If the information processing device 5 determines that the read identification information does not satisfy the predetermined condition (step S106; NO), the information processing device 5 proceeds to step S115.

[0090] On the other hand, when it is determined that the read identification information satisfies the predetermined condition (step S106; YES), the information processing device 5 controls a vacuum pump (not shown) to suck the air filling the lower space R2 of the container 1 through the suction port 222. This causes the container 1 to connect to the base 2 (step S107).

[0091] When the connection part 12 of the container 1 is connected to the fixed part 22 of the base 2, the information processing device 5 controls a compressor or the like (not shown) to supply air to the balloon 13 from the air intake port 221 and the air intake pipe 121 connected to this air intake port 221 (step S108).

[0092] The information processing device 5 acquires the pressure value (air pressure) inside the balloon 13 measured by a pressure gauge (not shown) and determines whether the air pressure has stabilized (step S109). During the period in which it is determined that the air pressure is not stable (step S109; NO), the information processing device 5 controls the compressor and the like to continue supplying air to the balloon 13.

[0093] On the other hand, when it is determined that the air pressure has stabilized (step S109; YES), the information processing device 5 closes the valve (not shown) of the air inlet 221 to seal the inside of the balloon 13, and controls the moving part 23 of the platform 2 to rotate and lower the platform 2 (step S110). Then, when the container 1 placed on the platform 2 reaches the inspection area, the information processing device 5 inspects the baggage J contained in the container 1 (step S111).

[0094] When the inspection is completed, the information processing device 5 controls the moving unit 23 of the table 2 to raise the table 2 and return it to its original position (step S112). Then, the information processing device 5 opens the valve of the air supply port 221 to remove air from the balloon 13 (step S113).

[0095] The information processing device 5 acquires the air pressure of the balloon 13 measured by the pressure gauge and determines whether the air pressure has stabilized (step S114). During the period during which it is determined that the air pressure is not stable (step S114; NO), the information processing device 5 waits for air to be removed from the balloon 13.

[0096] On the other hand, if it is determined that the air pressure has stabilized (step S114; YES), the information processing device 5 operates the compressor, blower, etc. described above to blow gas up from the blow-up port 212 and transport the container 1 to the exit-side conveyor 6b (step S115). Note that if it is determined in step S106 that the identification information does not satisfy the predetermined condition and the container 1 is transported to the exit-side conveyor 6b in step S115, the information processing device 5 may display this determination result on the display unit, etc., to notify an inspector using the inspection system 9. Upon seeing this display, the inspector may, for example, remove the cargo J fixed inside the container 1 transported to the exit-side conveyor 6b and inspect it by other means.

[0097] Through the operations described above, the inspection device of the inspection system 9 can fix the luggage J to the container 1 without affecting the capture of the transmission image. Furthermore, this inspection device prevents the luggage J contained in the container 1 from being damaged when it is fixed.

[0098] The configurations, shapes, sizes, and layout relationships described in the above embodiments are merely schematic illustrations to enable understanding and implementation of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments, and can be modified in various forms without departing from the scope of the technical ideas set forth in the claims.

[0099] <Modification> The above is a description of the embodiment, but the contents of this embodiment can be modified as follows. In addition, the following modifications can be combined.

[0100] <1> In the above-described embodiment, the gas blown up by the blowout port 212 and the gas supplied by the air inlet 221 are air, but other gases may be used. Also, if the entire inspection system 9 is filled with a gas other than air, the gas sucked in by the suction port 222 may be that gas other than air.

[0101] <2> In the above-described embodiment, the inspection device supplies gas to the balloon 13 from the air supply pipe 121 provided at the bottom 11 of the container 1 to inflate the balloon 13, but the configuration for inflating the balloon 13 is not limited to this. For example, the pipe supplying gas to the balloon 13 may extend from an opening at the top of the container 1 to an opening in the balloon 13. Also, the balloon 13 may inflate, for example, by a chemical reaction of a substance contained therein. In short, the balloon 13 may be any balloon that is arranged around the luggage and secures the luggage to the container by inflating.

[0102] <3> In the above-described embodiment, the connection portion 12 of the container 1 has the tag 122, but it may not have the tag 122. Also, the container 1 has the wings 14, but it may not have the wings 14.

[0103] <4> In the above-described embodiment, the balloon 13 is inflated in a direction to press down on the luggage J contained in the container 1 from above, and then inflated in a direction to press down on the luggage J from the side, but the order of inflation is not limited to this.

[0104] <5> In the above-described embodiment, the convex portion on the upper surface of the fixing portion 22 corresponds to the concave portion on the lower surface of the connecting portion 12, but the shape of the upper surface of the fixing portion 22 does not have to be a convex portion as long as it corresponds to the shape of the lower surface of the connecting portion 12. For example, a concave portion may be provided on the upper surface of the fixing portion 22, and a convex portion corresponding to the concave portion provided on the upper surface of the connecting portion 12 may be provided on the lower surface of the connecting portion 12. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] 1...container, 10...side wall, 11...bottom, 12...connection part, 121...air intake pipe, 121c...groove, 122...tag, 13...balloon, 14...wing, 2...base, 21...placing part, 211...storage chamber, 212...blowout port, 22...fixed part, 221...air intake port, 222...suction port, 23...moving part, 3...irradiation device, 4...line sensor, 5...information processing device, 6a...entrance side conveyor, 6b...exit side conveyor, 7...housing, 9...inspection system, D1...arrow, D2...arrow, D3...arrow, D4...arrow, R1...upper space, R2...lower space.

Claims

1. a platform on which the container is placed; a fixing unit provided on the platform that supplies gas to a balloon provided in the container to inflate the balloon and fix the load in the container; an irradiation device that irradiates the fixed luggage with electromagnetic waves; a line sensor that captures a transmission image of the luggage; an information processing device that inspects the luggage using the transmitted image; An inspection device having the above structure.

2. The fixing part supplies gas to the balloon from an air supply pipe provided at the bottom of the container to inflate the balloon. The inspection device according to claim 1 .

3. The air supply pipe is provided at the bottom of the container at a position corresponding to an air supply port provided on the stand when the container is placed on the stand. The inspection device according to claim 2 .

4. When the container is placed on the stand, an air supply port provided on the stand is connected to an air supply pipe provided at the bottom of the container, and gas is supplied from the air supply port through the air supply pipe to the balloon. The inspection device according to claim 3 .

5. The fixing unit sucks gas from a suction port provided in the base to connect the container to the base.

5. The inspection device according to claim 3 or 4.

6. The connecting surfaces of the base and the container have shapes that correspond to each other, and the closer the air supply port and the air supply pipe are to each other, the more gas is sucked through the suction port. The inspection device according to claim 5 .

7. The container is floated from the base by gas blown up from a blow-up port provided in the base. The inspection device according to any one of claims 3 to 6.

8. The container has wings that receive the gas blown up from the blowout port and generate a propulsive force to move the container. The inspection device according to claim 7.

9. The container has a tag on which its identification information is written, and when the identification information read by a reader from the tag satisfies a condition, the balloon is inflated. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The balloon expands in a direction to press down on the baggage from above, and then expands in a direction to press down on the baggage from the side. The inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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