Measuring and sorting equipment

Abstract

To increase the variety of identifiable states without decreasing identification accuracy.SOLUTION: A measurement device for measuring a state of an object is provided with: a transfer unit for transferring the object; an electromagnetic wave radiation source; a sensor configured to detect at least one of the reflected electromagnetic waves reflected by the object and the transmitted electromagnetic wave transmitted through the object; an identification unit configured to identify the state of the object based on the signal acquired by the sensor; and a radiation control unit configured to control the radiation of electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave radiation source. The electromagnetic wave radiation source includes a first radiation source and a second radiation source that differ in at least one of a wavelength region of electromagnetic waves to be radiated and an installation position. The radiation control unit controls the electromagnetic radiation sources so that a first radiation period which is the period during which the first source radiates electromagnetic waves, and a second radiation period which is the period during which the second source radiates electromagnetic waves, do not overlap, and occur alternately.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to optical measurement techniques. [Background technology]

[0002] Optical sorting machines (hereinafter simply referred to as sorters) have been known that use optical information obtained by an optical sensor when a light source is irradiated onto an object to be sorted to identify and remove foreign matter or defective products contained in the object. In this type of sorting machine, the optical information (e.g., color gradation value) obtained by the optical sensor is compared with a threshold value, and the condition of the object to be sorted (whether it is a good product or whether it contains a foreign matter or is defective) is identified based on the comparison result.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a sorting machine in which red, green, and blue light sources are arranged on one side of a transport path for the objects to be sorted, and green and blue light sources are arranged on the other side. This sorting machine can identify whether rice grains to be sorted are white rice or not, based on the detection results of reflected light and transmitted light from the red light source, for example. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2010-42326 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned sorting machines are limited in the types of states that can be determined for the objects being sorted. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the types of states that can be identified without reducing the identification accuracy. This is not limited to when the object being sorted is rice, but is common to any granular object. Furthermore, this is not limited to sorting machines, but is also common to measuring devices for measuring the state of objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The present invention has been made to solve at least part of the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized, for example, in the following forms.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measuring device for measuring the state of an object. The measuring device includes a transport unit configured to transport the object, an electromagnetic wave irradiation source configured to irradiate the object being transported by the transport unit with electromagnetic waves, a sensor configured to detect at least one of the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and reflected by the object and the electromagnetic waves transmitted through the object, an identification unit configured to identify the state of the object based on a signal acquired by the sensor, and an irradiation control unit configured to control the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source. The electromagnetic wave irradiation source includes a first irradiation source and a second irradiation source that differ in at least one of the wavelength range of the electromagnetic waves they irradiate and the installation position. The irradiation control unit is configured to control the electromagnetic irradiation source so that a first irradiation period during which the first irradiation source irradiates the electromagnetic waves and a second irradiation period during which the second irradiation source irradiates the electromagnetic waves do not overlap and occur alternately. "An object being transferred by the action of the transfer unit" includes, for example, an object being transferred on the transfer unit and an object being dropped from the transfer unit.

[0008] In this specification, the phrase "the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period appear alternately" refers to the appearance of the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period when focusing on the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period. Therefore, if the electromagnetic wave irradiation source includes another irradiation period other than the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period, the other irradiation period may be interposed between the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period. For example, an embodiment in which the electromagnetic wave irradiation source includes a first irradiation period, a second irradiation period, and a third irradiation period, and the first irradiation period, the second irradiation period, and the third irradiation period appear in the order of the first irradiation period, the third irradiation period, the second irradiation period, the first irradiation period, the third irradiation period, and the second irradiation period, is one embodiment in which the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period appear "alternately." Furthermore, an embodiment in which the first irradiation period, the second irradiation period, and the third irradiation period appear in the order of the first irradiation period, the second irradiation period, the first irradiation period, the third irradiation period, and the second irradiation period is also an embodiment in which the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period appear "alternately." The wavelength ranges of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source can be set arbitrarily. For example, each of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source may irradiate visible light. Alternatively, each of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source may irradiate near-infrared light. Alternatively, one of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source may irradiate visible light, and the other of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source may irradiate near-infrared light.

[0009] This measuring device can detect at least one of reflected electromagnetic waves and transmitted electromagnetic waves for each of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the first and second irradiation sources, which differ in at least one of wavelength range and installation position. This increases the number of states that can be identified by the identification unit. Furthermore, because the first and second irradiation periods do not overlap, the electromagnetic waves emitted from the first and second irradiation sources do not interfere with each other. Furthermore, because the first and second irradiation periods alternate, at least one of reflected electromagnetic waves and transmitted electromagnetic waves can be obtained with sufficient resolution during both the first and second irradiation periods. This ensures good accuracy in identifying the state of the object.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, the first irradiation source is arranged on a first side with respect to a transfer path of the object. The second irradiation source is arranged on a second side opposite to the first side. The sensor includes a first sensor arranged on the first side and a second sensor arranged on the second side. According to this aspect, it is possible to obtain four types of electromagnetic waves: reflected electromagnetic waves and transmitted electromagnetic waves based on electromagnetic waves irradiated from the first irradiation source, and reflected electromagnetic waves and transmitted electromagnetic waves based on electromagnetic waves irradiated from the second irradiation source.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect, the irradiation control unit is configured to control the electromagnetic wave irradiation source so that a non-irradiation period, during which no electromagnetic waves are irradiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source, is interposed between the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period. This aspect makes it possible to easily prevent the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the first irradiation source and the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the second irradiation source from being detected by the sensor in a state where they interfere with each other. This allows for more accurate detection of reflected electromagnetic waves and / or transmitted electromagnetic waves, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying the state of the object.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, each of the first and second irradiation sources is configured to irradiate visible light. The electromagnetic wave irradiation source includes a third irradiation source and a fourth irradiation source configured to irradiate near-infrared light. The third irradiation source and the fourth irradiation source differ in at least one of the wavelength range of the near-infrared light they irradiate and their installation positions. The irradiation control unit is further configured to control the electromagnetic irradiation sources so that a third irradiation period, during which the third irradiation source irradiates near-infrared light, and a fourth irradiation period, during which the fourth irradiation source irradiates near-infrared light, do not overlap and alternate. This aspect can detect at least one of reflected electromagnetic waves and transmitted electromagnetic waves based on visible light irradiated from each of the first and second irradiation sources, and at least one of reflected electromagnetic waves and transmitted electromagnetic waves based on near-infrared light in each of the two wavelength ranges. This further increases the types of states that can be identified by the identification unit. Furthermore, since the third irradiation period and the fourth irradiation period do not overlap, the near-infrared light emitted from each of the third irradiation source and the fourth irradiation source does not interfere with each other, and the accuracy of identifying the state of the object can be ensured satisfactorily.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, at least one of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source is configured to irradiate at least electromagnetic waves in a first wavelength region and electromagnetic waves in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region. The sensor includes an element sensitive to both the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region. The measuring device includes a correction unit that performs a correction to reduce the intensity of a signal acquired by the element. The identification unit identifies the state of the object based on the intensity of the corrected signal. According to this aspect, since the sensor includes an element sensitive to both the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region, even if the electromagnetic waves in the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region are superimposed as noise on the detection result of the other electromagnetic wave, the influence of the superimposed noise can be corrected. Therefore, the accuracy of identifying the state of the object can be further improved.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting device. This sorting device includes the measuring device of any one of the first to fifth aspects and a sorting unit configured to sort objects based on the identification result of the identification unit. This sorting device can increase the variety of states of objects sorted by the sorting device. Alternatively, by outputting the identification result of the identification unit, the state of the objects can be grasped in more detail.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the fifth aspect, the measurement device includes a receiving unit configured to receive a type of object to be measured by the measurement device. The correction unit is configured to change the degree of correction depending on the type of object received by the receiving unit. Since optical characteristics differ depending on the type of object, according to this aspect, the influence of the above-mentioned superimposed noise can be corrected more accurately depending on the type of object.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the fifth or seventh aspect, the correction unit is configured to change the degree of correction depending on the intensity of the signal acquired by the element. Since the optical characteristics of the object vary depending on its state, according to this aspect, the influence of the above-mentioned superimposed noise can be corrected more accurately depending on the state of the object.

[0017] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth, seventh, and eighth aspects, the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source are each configured to emit green light. According to this aspect, the state of the object can be identified in detail based on at least one of the reflected light and transmitted light of the green light. For example, when the object is rice, it is possible to accurately distinguish between green immature grains and white immature grains, between dead green rice and dead white rice, between dead green rice and dead green rice, and between dead white rice and dead white rice.

[0018] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth and seventh to ninth aspects, the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source are each configured to emit blue light. According to this aspect, the state of the object can be identified in detail based on at least one of the reflected light and transmitted light of the blue light. For example, when the object is rice, it is possible to accurately distinguish between green immature grains and white immature grains, between dead green rice and dead white rice, between dead green rice and dead green rice, and between dead white rice and dead white rice.

[0019] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any of the first to third aspects, the fifth aspect not including the fourth aspect as a dependent element, and the seventh to tenth aspects not including the fourth aspect as a dependent element, the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source are each configured to irradiate visible light. The electromagnetic wave irradiation source includes a third irradiation source configured to irradiate near-infrared light. The irradiation control unit is configured to control the electromagnetic irradiation source so that the first irradiation period, the second irradiation period, and the third period during which the third irradiation source irradiates near-infrared light do not overlap. According to this aspect, at least one of reflected electromagnetic waves and transmitted electromagnetic waves based on visible light irradiated from each of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source, and at least one of reflected electromagnetic waves and transmitted electromagnetic waves based on near-infrared light can be detected. This further increases the types of states that can be identified by the identification unit. Furthermore, since the first to third irradiation periods do not overlap, there is no interference between the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the first to third irradiation sources, and it is possible to ensure good accuracy in identifying the state of the object.

[0020] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to fifth and seventh to eleventh aspects, the transfer unit is in the form of a chute or conveyor. In other words, the transfer unit has a width that allows multiple objects to be lined up in a direction perpendicular to the direction of transfer of the objects being transferred. According to this aspect, a large number of objects can be transferred simultaneously. Therefore, the processing capacity per unit time of the measuring device can be increased.

[0021] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorting device, comprising: the measuring device of any one of the seventh to twelfth aspects; and a sorting unit configured to sort objects based on the identification result of the identification unit.

[0022] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a measurement device for measuring the state of an object. The measurement device includes a transport unit configured to transport the object, an electromagnetic wave irradiation source configured to irradiate electromagnetic waves onto the object being transported by the transport unit, a sensor configured to detect the electromagnetic waves irradiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and associated with the object, and an identification unit configured to identify the state of the object based on a signal acquired by the sensor. The electromagnetic wave irradiation source is configured to irradiate at least electromagnetic waves in a first wavelength region and electromagnetic waves in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region. The sensor includes an element sensitive to both the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region. The measurement device further includes a correction unit that performs correction to reduce the intensity of the signal acquired by the element. The identification unit identifies the state of the object based on the intensity of the corrected signal. According to this measuring device, since the sensor includes an element sensitive to both the first and second wavelength regions, even if the electromagnetic waves in either the first or second wavelength region are superimposed as noise on the detection result of the other electromagnetic wave, the influence of the superimposed noise can be corrected, thereby improving the accuracy of identifying the state of the object. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between one object and the scan number of a sensor. [Figure 3] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a lighting pattern of a light source. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a discrimination process. [Figure 5]4 is a graph showing an example of the spectral sensitivity characteristics of light receiving elements for each color of a first sensor and a second sensor. [Figure 6] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a lighting pattern of a light source according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a lighting pattern of a light source according to the third embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 9] 10 is a timing chart showing an example of a lighting pattern of a light source according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a measurement device according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a timing chart showing an example of a lighting pattern of a light source according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sorting device according to a sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] A. First embodiment: FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of a measuring device 10 according to a first embodiment. The measuring device 10 is a device for measuring the state (in other words, the quality) of an object 90. In the following description, the measuring device 10 is used to measure the quality (regular grains, immature grains, discolored grains, foreign matter (e.g., pebbles, mud, glass fragments, etc.)) of rice grains (more specifically, brown rice or polished rice) as an example of the object 90. However, the object 90 is not limited to rice grains and may be any granular object. For example, the object 90 may be unhulled rice, wheat grains, beans (soybeans, chickpeas, edamame, etc.), resin (pellets, etc.), rubber fragments, etc.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , the measuring device 10 includes a first light source unit 20, a second light source unit 30, a first sensor 51, a second sensor 52, a storage tank 71, a feeder 72, a chute 73, a discharge gutter 74, and a controller 80. The controller 80 controls the overall operation of the measuring device 10. The controller 80 also functions as an identification unit 81, an irradiation control unit 82, a correction unit 83, and a reception unit 84. The functions of the controller 80 may be realized by a CPU executing a predetermined program or by a dedicated circuit. The functions of the identification unit 81, the irradiation control unit 82, the correction unit 83, and the reception unit 84 may be realized by a single integrated device or by separate devices. The functions of the controller 80 will be described in detail below.

[0026] The storage tank 71 temporarily stores the objects 90. The feeder 72 supplies the objects 90 stored in the storage tank 71 onto a chute 73, which is an example of an object transfer means. The objects 90 supplied onto the chute 73 slide downward on the chute 73 and drop from the bottom end of the chute 73. The chute 73 has a predetermined width that allows a large number of objects 90 to drop simultaneously. A conveyor may be used as the transfer means instead of the chute 73.

[0027] Each of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 irradiates light onto the object 90 that has slid down the chute 73 (i.e., the object 90 falling from the chute 73). Note that in an alternative embodiment, light may be irradiated onto the object 90 sliding down the chute 73. Furthermore, when a conveyor is used instead of the chute 73, light may be irradiated onto the object 90 being transported on the conveyor or onto the object 90 falling from the conveyor.

[0028] In this embodiment, each of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 is a light source unit for irradiating visible light. The first light source unit 20 is disposed on one side (also referred to as the front side) of the transfer path of the object 90 (in other words, the falling trajectory from the chute 73). On the other hand, the second light source unit 30 is disposed on the other side (also referred to as the rear side) of the transfer path of the object 90.

[0029] The first light source unit 20 disposed on the front side includes a front-side red light source 21 that emits front-side red light 24, a front-side green light source 22 that emits front-side green light 25, and a front-side blue light source 23 that emits front-side blue light 26. The second light source unit 30 disposed on the rear side emits light in the same wavelength range as the first light source unit 20. Specifically, the second light source unit 30 includes a rear-side red light source 31 that emits rear-side red light 34, a rear-side green light source 32 that emits rear-side green light 35, and a rear-side blue light source 33 that emits rear-side blue light 36. In this embodiment, each of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 is a line light source in which a plurality of LEDs are arranged in the width direction of the chute 73. The specifications (e.g., number, light emission type, wavelength range, etc.) of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 are not particularly limited.

[0030] Each of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 is an optical sensor capable of detecting red light, green light, and blue light, respectively. In this embodiment, each of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 is a color CCD sensor, but may be another type of color sensor, such as a color CMOS sensor. In this embodiment, each of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 is a line sensor in which multiple light-receiving elements are arranged in the width direction of the chute 73, but may also be an area sensor. The specifications of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 are not particularly limited and can be determined arbitrarily depending on the specifications of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30. The first sensor 51 is disposed on the front side, and the second sensor 52 is disposed on the rear side.

[0031] The front-side first sensor 51 can detect the front-side red light 24, the front-side green light 25, and the front-side blue light 26 that are emitted from the front-side green light source 22, the front-side blue light source 23, and the front-side red light 24, respectively, and that are reflected by the object 90. The first sensor 51 can also detect the rear-side red light 34, the rear-side green light 35, and the rear-side blue light 36 that are emitted from the rear-side red light source 31, the rear-side green light source 32, and the rear-side blue light source 33, respectively, and that have passed through the object 90.

[0032] The rear-side second sensor 52 can detect rear-side red light 34, rear-side green light 35, and rear-side blue light 36 that are emitted from the rear-side red light source 31, the rear-side green light source 32, and the rear-side blue light source 33, respectively, and that are reflected by the object 90. The second sensor 52 can further detect front-side red light 24, front-side green light 25, and front-side blue light 26 that are emitted from the front-side red light source 21, the front-side green light source 22, and the front-side blue light source 23, respectively, and that have passed through the object 90.

[0033] In the following, the reflected light reflected by the object 90 and / or the transmitted light transmitted through the object 90 detected by the first sensor 51 and / or the second sensor 52 is also referred to as light associated with the object 90.

[0034] As is well known, the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 perform multiple scans of one object 90. In other words, the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 detect light associated with one object 90 during each of multiple scan periods. A scan period is the time from the start to the end of one scan. An entire image of the one object 90 is acquired by combining the images obtained during each scan. If the optical sensor is a CCD sensor, the "scan period" may be defined as the time from when the light-receiving element starts accumulating charge to when the charge accumulation ends. If the optical sensor is a CMOS sensor, the "scan period" may be defined as the time from when the light-receiving element starts accumulating charge to when the accumulated charge is output.

[0035] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between one object 90 and the scan numbers (numbers indicating the number of scans) of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52. As shown in FIG. 2, in this embodiment, image data is acquired by scanning one object 90 eight times (for simplicity of explanation, this is illustrated as being fewer than the actual number of times). The numbers 1 to 8 shown in FIG. 2 indicate the scan numbers from which image data of the corresponding areas is acquired. For example, an area marked with "1" indicates that image data is acquired by the first scan.

[0036] The outputs from the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52, i.e., analog signals representing the intensities of the detected light, are converted into digital signals by an AC / DC converter (not shown). This digital signal (in other words, the gradation value corresponding to the analog signal) is input to the controller 80. The controller 80 identifies the state of the object 90 as processing by the identification unit 81 based on the detection results of the input light (i.e., the image) (details will be described later). This identification is performed for each of the objects 90.

[0037] The illumination of visible light from the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 is controlled by an illumination control unit 82 of the controller 80. The illumination control unit 82 controls the illumination timing of the front-side red light source 21, the front-side green light source 22, the front-side blue light source 23, the rear-side red light source 31, the rear-side green light source 32, and the rear-side blue light source 33 according to a predetermined rule. FIG. 3 is a timing chart showing an example of the illumination timing of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30. In FIG. 3, the scanning periods of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 correspond to the illumination timing of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30. In FIG. 3, "R" represents red, "G" represents green, and "B" represents blue, respectively. Furthermore, "Scan No." corresponds to the scan number shown in FIG. 2.

[0038] 3, the front-side red light source 21 is turned on for a predetermined time only during scan periods having odd scan numbers (shown as ON in the figure), and is not turned on at all during scan periods having even scan numbers (shown as OFF in the figure). On the other hand, the rear-side red light source 31 is turned on for a predetermined time only during scan periods having even scan numbers, and is not turned on at all during scan periods having odd scan numbers. In other words, the front-side red light source 21 and the rear-side red light source 31 are turned on alternately, such that only one of them is turned on within a single scan period. In other words, the illumination periods of the front-side red light source 21 and the rear-side red light source 31 do not overlap and alternate.

[0039] Similarly, the irradiation periods of the front-side green light source 22 and the rear-side green light source 32 do not overlap and alternate, and the irradiation periods of the front-side blue light source 23 and the rear-side blue light source 33 do not overlap and alternate. In other words, the first light source unit 20 is lit only in scanning periods having odd scan numbers, and the second light source unit 30 is lit only in scanning periods having even scan numbers.

[0040] According to this lighting mode, the first sensor 51 on the front side acquires, in scanning periods having odd scan numbers, a reflection image of each of the RGB colors based on the light from the first light source unit 20, and in scanning periods having even scan numbers, a transmission image of each of the RGB colors based on the light from the second light source unit 30. On the other hand, the second sensor 52 on the rear side acquires, in scanning periods having odd scan numbers, a transmission image of each of the RGB colors based on the light from the first light source unit 20, and in scanning periods having even scan numbers, a reflection image of each of the RGB colors based on the light from the second light source unit 30.

[0041] 3, in this embodiment, the illumination control unit 82 controls the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 so that a non-illumination period T1, during which no light is emitted from either light source, is interposed between a period during which light is emitted from the first light source unit 20 on the front side and a period during which light is emitted from the second light source unit 30 on the rear side. By setting the non-illumination period T1, it is possible to easily prevent light from either the first light source unit 20 or the second light source unit 30 from being superimposed as noise on light from the other during each scanning period. This improves the identification accuracy of the identification process, which will be described later.

[0042] In this embodiment, the non-irradiation period T1 is set to straddle the boundary between two adjacent scanning periods. This ensures that noise superposition is prevented. However, the non-irradiation period T1 may end or start simultaneously with the change of the scanning period.

[0043] Based on the red, green, and blue reflection images and transmission images thus obtained, the identification unit 81 identifies the quality of the object 90. Specifically, the front-side reflection image and rear-side transmission image of each of the RGB colors formed by the areas assigned odd scan numbers in Fig. 2, and the front-side transmission image and rear-side reflection image of each of the RGB colors formed by the areas assigned even scan numbers are used in the processing of the identification unit 81.

[0044] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a classification process executed by the classification unit 81 based on such an image. The classification process is executed for each object 90. For simplicity, FIG. 4 illustrates the process of classifying the object 90, which is brown rice, into one of "whole grain," "dead green rice," "immature green grain," "dead white rice," "immature white grain," and "other defective grain." However, in reality, various classifications are possible based on various information. For example, broken grains and cracked grains may be classified based on the external shape characteristics of the image. Alternatively, a predetermined color image may be binarized using a threshold value to identify colored grains.

[0045] In the classification process, the classification unit 81 first determines whether or not a bluish characteristic appears in the image of the object 90 (step S110). This determination may be made, for example, based on the value of (RR+RB) / RG, where RR represents the gradation value of the red reflection image, RB represents the gradation value of the blue reflection image, and RG represents the gradation value of the green reflection image. In this case, if the value of (RR+RB) / RG is equal to or less than a first threshold, it can be determined that a bluish characteristic is present.

[0046] The determination in step S110 may use an average value of the image acquired by the first sensor 51 (hereinafter also referred to as the front-side image) and the image acquired by the second sensor 52 (hereinafter also referred to as the rear-side image). Alternatively, step S110 may determine whether or not a bluish characteristic appears in both the front-side image and the rear-side image. Alternatively, step S110 may determine whether or not a bluish characteristic appears in at least one of the front-side image and the rear-side image. These points also apply to other determination steps described later.

[0047] If the determination result indicates that the image has a bluish characteristic (step S110: YES), the identification unit 81 then determines whether the transmittance is high (step S120). This determination may be made, for example, based on the value of RG / TG, where TG represents a green-transmitted image. In this case, if the value of RG / TG is equal to or less than a second threshold, the transmittance may be determined to be high.

[0048] If the determination result indicates that the transmittance is low (step S120: NO), the identification unit 81 identifies the object 90 as green dead rice (step S130). On the other hand, if the transmittance is high (step S120: YES), the identification unit 81 then determines whether the milky area is large (step S140). This determination may be made, for example, based on the RG or TG values. In this case, the milky portion of the object 90 appears bright on the green reflection image, so pixels with RG values ​​equal to or greater than a third threshold are counted, and if the counted number of pixels is equal to or greater than a fourth threshold, the milky area may be determined to be large. Alternatively, the milky portion of the object 90 appears dark on the green transmission image, so pixels with TG values ​​equal to or less than a fifth threshold are counted, and if the counted number of pixels is equal to or greater than a sixth threshold, the milky area may be determined to be large.

[0049] As a result of the determination, if the opaque area is large (step S140: YES), the recognition unit 81 recognizes the object 90 as a green immature kernel (step S160). On the other hand, if the opaque area is small (step S140: NO), the recognition unit 81 recognizes the object 90 as other defective kernels (step S150).

[0050] Furthermore, if there is no blue feature (step S110: NO), the classification unit 81 determines whether or not a white feature appears in the image of the object 90 (step S170). This determination may be made based on the value of (RR+RG+RB) / TG, for example. In this case, if the value of (RR+RG+RB) / TG is equal to or greater than a seventh threshold, it can be determined that there is a white feature.

[0051] If the result of the determination is that there is no whitish characteristic (step S170: NO), the recognition unit 81 recognizes the object 90 as having regular grain size. On the other hand, if there is a whitish characteristic (step S170: YES), the recognition unit 81 then determines whether the transmittance is high (step S190). This determination may be made based on, for example, the value of RR / TG. In this case, if the value of RR / TG is equal to or less than an eighth threshold, it can be determined that the transmittance is high.

[0052] As a result of the determination, if the transparency is low (step S190: NO), the classification unit 81 classifies the object 90 as white dead rice (step S200). On the other hand, if the transparency is high (step S190: YES), the classification unit 81 then determines whether the milky white area is large (step S210). This determination can be made in the same manner as in step S140 above. As a result of the determination, if the milky white area is large (step S210: YES), the classification unit 81 classifies the object 90 as white immature grains (step S230). On the other hand, if the milky white area is small (step S210: NO), the classification unit 81 classifies the object 90 as other defective grains (step S220).

[0053] Once the quality (type of condition) of the object 90 has been identified in this way, the identification process is completed. The controller 80 may store the tabulated results of the identification process in memory, or may output them to any device. The output destination may be, for example, a display, a printer, or a communication interface for communicating with an external device.

[0054] The above-described measuring device 10 can detect reflected and transmitted light based on the light emitted from the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30, which are installed at different positions, separately for RGB. This increases the variety of states that can be distinguished by the discrimination unit 81. For example, conventional optical sorters, due to the limited variety of optical information they can obtain, are unable to distinguish between green immature grains, white immature grains, green dead rice, and white dead rice, and instead collectively classify them as defective. In contrast, the measuring device 10, as illustrated with reference to the discrimination process shown in Figure 4, can distinguish between green immature grains, white immature grains, green dead rice, and white dead rice. This allows farmers to more precisely grasp the nature and proportion of defective grains in the target object 90 than before and consider quality improvement measures. While the example shown in Figure 4 illustrates discrimination based primarily on a green transmission image, similar discrimination can be achieved by using a blue transmission image instead of or in addition to the green transmission image.

[0055] Furthermore, since the irradiation period of the first light source unit 20 and the irradiation period of the second light source unit 30 do not overlap, the light emitted from the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30, which are installed at different locations, does not interfere with each other. Furthermore, since the irradiation period of the first light source unit 20 and the irradiation period of the second light source unit 30 alternate, reflection images and transmission images with sufficient resolution can be acquired during both the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period. Therefore, the accuracy of identifying the state of the object 90 can be ensured. The first light source unit 20 is a non-limiting example of either the "first irradiation source" or the "second irradiation source" in the claims, and the second light source unit 30 is a non-limiting example of the other of the "first irradiation source" and the "second irradiation source." Alternatively, any one or two of the front-side red light source 21, the front-side green light source 22, and the front-side blue light source 23 may be taken as non-limiting examples of either the "first illumination source" or the "second illumination source," and any one or two of the rear-side red light source 31, the rear-side green light source 32, and the rear-side blue light source 33 may be taken as non-limiting examples of the other of the "first illumination source" and the "second illumination source."

[0056] According to the above-described measuring device 10, the chute 73 is used as a means for transporting the objects 90. Therefore, a large number of objects 90 can be transported at the same time. This increases the processing capacity per unit time of the measuring device 10. The same effect can be obtained when a conveyor is used instead of the chute 73.

[0057] In this embodiment, the measurement device 10 further has a function for improving the identification accuracy of the identification unit 81. Such a function will be described below.

[0058] 5 is a graph showing an example of the spectral sensitivity characteristics of the R, G, and B light receiving elements of the first sensor 51. The second sensor 52 has the same characteristics as the first sensor 51. As shown in the figure, the spectral sensitivities of the R, G, and B light receiving elements have overlapping sensitivity regions (wavelength regions). For example, if the wavelength range of the front-side blue light 26 emitted from the front-side blue light source 23 is 400 to 450 nm and the wavelength range of the front-side green light 25 emitted from the front-side green light source 22 is 500 to 550 nm, the B light receiving element has non-negligible sensitivity not only to the wavelength range of the front-side blue light source 23 but also to the wavelength range of the front-side green light source 22. For this reason, when the first sensor 51 detects the front-side blue light 26, the front-side green light 25 is superimposed as noise.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the correction unit 83 of the controller 80 performs a correction to reduce the intensity of the signals acquired by the B light-receiving elements of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 in order to correct for such noise superposition. The identification unit 81 then performs the above-described identification process based on the corrected signal intensities. This correction may be performed, for example, by multiplying the signals acquired by the B light-receiving elements of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 by a correction coefficient less than 1. This process can further improve the identification accuracy of the identification unit 81. The sensor and color light-receiving element to be corrected can be appropriately determined in consideration of the characteristics of the combination of the wavelength range of the light source and the spectral sensitivity of the sensor. Furthermore, the degree of correction (the extent to which the signal intensity is reduced) can be set in advance through experiments or the like after understanding the characteristics of the combination.

[0060] Furthermore, the receiving unit 84 of the controller 80 receives input of the type of object 90 to be measured by the measuring device 10 (e.g., brown rice, polished rice, wheat grains, resin, etc.). The type of object 90 may be input by a user via, for example, a user interface of the measuring device 10 or an information terminal communicatively connected to the measuring device 10. Furthermore, the controller 80 stores in its memory a degree of correction (e.g., the above-mentioned correction coefficient) set in advance for each expected type of object 90. The degree of correction for each type may be set for each light receiving element for each color. The correction unit 83 then performs the above correction based on the degree of correction corresponding to the type of object 90 received by the receiving unit 84. In other words, the correction unit 83 changes the degree of correction depending on the type of object 90 received by the receiving unit 84. Since the optical characteristics (reflection characteristics, transmission characteristics, etc.) of the object 90 differ depending on the type of object 90 (in other words, the magnitude of the superimposed noise differs), by performing correction in this manner depending on the type of object 90, the effects of the above-mentioned superimposed noise can be corrected more accurately.

[0061] Furthermore, the correction unit 83 changes the degree of correction depending on the intensity of the signal acquired by the light-receiving element to be corrected of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52. The optical characteristics (reflection characteristics, transmission characteristics, etc.) of the object 90 vary (in other words, the magnitude of the superimposed noise varies) depending on the state of the object 90 (for example, if the object 90 is rice, whether it is whole grain, green immature grain, or green dead rice). Therefore, differences in the state of the object 90 correlate with the intensity of the signal acquired by the light-receiving element. Therefore, changing the degree of correction depending on the intensity of the signal acquired by the light-receiving element means changing the degree of correction depending on the state of the object 90. By performing correction in this way depending on the state of the object 90, the influence of the above-mentioned superimposed noise can be corrected more accurately.

[0062] B. Second embodiment: The second embodiment will be described below with reference to Fig. 6. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in the lighting timing of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30, and is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 6, in the second embodiment, in the 3N-2 (N is a natural number) scanning period, only the front-side first light source unit 20 lights up, in the 3N-1 scanning period, both the front-side first light source unit 20 and the rear-side second light source unit 30 light up simultaneously, and in the 3N-1 scanning period, only the rear-side second light source unit 30 lights up.

[0063] That is, in the second embodiment, the irradiation period of only the first light source unit 20 and the irradiation period of only the second light source unit 30 do not overlap and alternate, with irradiation periods of both the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 intervening between them. In this way, another irradiation period may be intervened between the irradiation period of only the first light source unit 20 (a non-limiting example of either the "first irradiation period" or the "second irradiation period" in the claims) and the irradiation period of only the second light source unit 30 (a non-limiting example of the other of the "first irradiation period" or the "second irradiation period" in the claims). Even with this configuration, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0064] Furthermore, in the (3N-1)th scanning period, both the first light source unit 20 on the front side and the second light source unit 30 on the rear side are turned on simultaneously, and therefore, the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 each acquire an additional reflection / transmission image for each of RGB, which is represented by light obtained by combining reflected light and transmitted light. This increases the types of images acquired by the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52, and ultimately further increases the types of states that can be identified by the identification unit 81. The frequency with which both the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 are turned on simultaneously may be the same as or less than the frequency with which one of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 is turned on.

[0065] C. Third embodiment: A third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 7. The third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment except for the lighting timing of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30. As shown in FIG. 7, in the third embodiment, during the 3M-2 (M is a natural number) scanning period, only the front-side red light source 21 and the rear-side red light source 31 are simultaneously turned on, and the other light sources are turned off. During the 3M-1 scanning period, only the front-side green light source 22 and the rear-side green light source 32 are simultaneously turned on, and the other light sources are turned off. During the 3N scanning period, only the front-side blue light source 23 and the rear-side blue light source 33 are simultaneously turned on, and the other light sources are turned off. In other words, the irradiation periods of the multiple light sources with different wavelength ranges do not overlap and alternate. According to this lighting pattern, the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 can each capture a reflection / transmission image for each of RGB.

[0066] In such a lighting pattern, one or both of the front-side red light source 21 and the rear-side red light source 31 can be non-limiting examples of either a "first illumination source" or a "second illumination source" in the claims. Similarly, one or both of the front-side green light source 22 and the rear-side green light source 32 can be non-limiting examples of either a "first illumination source" or a "second illumination source" in the claims. Similarly, one or both of the front-side blue light source 23 and the rear-side blue light source 33 can be non-limiting examples of either a "first illumination source" or a "second illumination source" in the claims.

[0067] Even with such a lighting pattern, it is possible to increase the types of images acquired by the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 while avoiding interference between light from multiple light sources with different wavelength ranges, and ultimately to increase the types of states that can be identified by the identification unit 81.

[0068] D. Fourth embodiment: A fourth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 8 and 9. As shown in Figure 8, the measuring device 310 according to the fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a front-side near-infrared light source 341 and a rear-side near-infrared light source 342, and that the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 are also capable of detecting near-infrared light, but is otherwise the same as the first embodiment. In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 for visible light, sensors for near-infrared light may be installed on each of the front and rear sides.

[0069] In this measuring device 310, the light sources are controlled according to the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 9. Specifically, in the 4P-3 (P is a natural number) scanning period, only the first light source unit 20 is turned on, and the other light sources are turned off. In the 4P-2 scanning period, only the second light source unit 30 is turned on, and the other light sources are turned off. In the 4P-1 scanning period, only the front-side near-infrared light source 341 is turned on, and the other light sources are turned off. In the 4P scanning period, only the rear-side near-infrared light source 342 is turned on, and the other light sources are turned off. That is, the irradiation periods of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30, which are installed in different locations, do not overlap and alternate. Furthermore, the irradiation periods of the front-side near-infrared light source 341 and the rear-side near-infrared light source 342, which are installed in different locations and have wavelength ranges different from those of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30, do not overlap and alternate.

[0070] Even with such a lighting pattern, it is possible to further increase the types of images acquired while avoiding interference between light from multiple light sources installed at different locations and in different wavelength ranges, thereby increasing the types of states that can be identified by the identification unit 81. A lighting pattern may be set that does not allow interference between visible light and near-infrared light, but allows interference between visible light and near-infrared light. In other words, as long as the irradiation periods of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 do not overlap and alternate, and the irradiation periods of the front-side near-infrared light source 341 and the rear-side near-infrared light source 342 do not overlap and alternate, the lighting pattern shown in FIG. 9 can be modified to a lighting pattern in which the irradiation period of one of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 overlaps with the irradiation period of one of the front-side near-infrared light source 341 and the rear-side near-infrared light source 342.

[0071] E. Fifth embodiment: A fifth embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 10 and 11. As shown in Figure 10, a measuring device 410 according to the fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it further includes a front-side first near-infrared light source 441, a front-side second near-infrared light source 442, a rear-side first near-infrared light source 443, and a rear-side second near-infrared light source 444, and that the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 are also capable of detecting near-infrared light. In an alternative embodiment, in addition to the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 for visible light, a sensor for near-infrared light may be additionally installed on each of the front and rear sides.

[0072] The front-side first near-infrared light source 441 and the rear-side first near-infrared light source 443 are configured to emit near-infrared light in a first wavelength region, and the front-side second near-infrared light source 442 and the rear-side second near-infrared light source 444 are configured to emit near-infrared light in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region. Each of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 (or each of the front-side sensor and the rear-side sensor for near-infrared light that are additionally installed in addition to the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52 for visible light) may be capable of detecting both near-infrared light in the first wavelength region and near-infrared light in the second wavelength region, or may be capable of detecting either near-infrared light in the first wavelength region or near-infrared light in the second wavelength region.

[0073] In this measuring device 410, the light sources are controlled by the lighting patterns shown in Fig. 11. Specifically, the lighting patterns of the first light source unit 20 and the second light source unit 30 that irradiate visible light are the same as those in the first embodiment (see Fig. 3). The front-side first near-infrared light source 441 that irradiates near-infrared light in the first wavelength region is lit across the 8Q-7th (Q is a natural number) scanning period and the 8Q-6th scanning period. The rear-side first near-infrared light source 443 that irradiates near-infrared light in the first wavelength region is lit across the 8Q-5th scanning period and the 8Q-4th scanning period. The front-side second near-infrared light source 442 that irradiates near-infrared light in the second wavelength region is lit across the 8Q-3rd scanning period and the 8Q-2nd scanning period. The rear-side second near-infrared light source 444, which emits near-infrared light in the second wavelength region, is turned on across the 8Q-1th scanning period and the 8Qth scanning period. Between the irradiation periods of the front-side first near-infrared light source 441, the rear-side first near-infrared light source 443, the front-side second near-infrared light source 442, and the rear-side second near-infrared light source 444, there is set a non-irradiation period T2 in which none of the near-infrared light sources 441 to 444 is turned on.

[0074] 11, the near-infrared light sources 441 to 444 may be continuously lit over multiple scanning periods depending on the performance of the first sensor 51 and the second sensor 52. In this case, the identification unit 81 may perform the identification process based on the calculation result obtained by adding up the outputs of the first sensor 51 for each of the multiple scanning periods, or may perform the identification process based on the calculation result obtained by adding up the outputs of the second sensor 52 for each of the multiple scanning periods.

[0075] According to this lighting pattern, the irradiation period of the front-side first near-infrared light source 441, the irradiation period of the rear-side first near-infrared light source 443, the irradiation period of the front-side second near-infrared light source 442, and the irradiation period of the rear-side second near-infrared light source 444 appear alternately without overlapping. Therefore, it is possible to acquire reflected images and transmitted images of near-infrared light of two different wavelengths while avoiding interference.

[0076] One or both of the front-side first near-infrared light source 441 and the rear-side first near-infrared light source 443 may be a non-limiting example of either a "first irradiation source" or a "second irradiation source" in the claims. One or both of the front-side second near-infrared light source 442 and the rear-side second near-infrared light source 444 may be a non-limiting example of the other of the "first irradiation source" or the "second irradiation source" in the claims. Furthermore, one or both of the front-side first near-infrared light source 441 and the rear-side first near-infrared light source 443 may be a non-limiting example of either a "third irradiation source" or a "fourth irradiation source" in the claims. One or both of the front-side second near-infrared light source 442 and the rear-side second near-infrared light source 444 may be a non-limiting example of the other of the "third irradiation source" or the "fourth irradiation source" in the claims.

[0077] Furthermore, one or both of the front-side first near-infrared light source 441 and the front-side second near-infrared light source 442 may be a non-limiting example of one of the “first irradiation source” and “second irradiation source” in the claims. One or both of the rear-side first near-infrared light source 443 and the rear-side second near-infrared light source 444 may be a non-limiting example of the other of the “first irradiation source” and “second irradiation source” in the claims. Furthermore, one or both of the front-side first near-infrared light source 441 and the front-side second near-infrared light source 442 may be a non-limiting example of one of the “third irradiation source” and “fourth irradiation source” in the claims. One or both of the rear-side first near-infrared light source 443 and the rear-side second near-infrared light source 444 may be a non-limiting example of the other of the “third irradiation source” and “fourth irradiation source” in the claims.

[0078] F. Sixth embodiment: The sixth embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 12, a sorting device 510 according to the sixth embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that it includes a sorting unit 560 in addition to the measuring device 10 according to the first embodiment. The sorting unit 560 sprays air 563 toward objects 90 that have been identified as defective (rice grains other than those that have been refined) by the identification unit 81, thereby sorting the objects 90. Specifically, the sorting unit 560 includes a plurality of nozzles 561 and a number of valves 562 corresponding to the number of nozzles 561 (in this embodiment, the number is the same as the number of nozzles 561, but the number of valves 562 may be different from the number of nozzles 561). The plurality of nozzles 561 are arranged in the width direction of the chute 73.

[0079] The plurality of nozzles 561 are connected to a compressor (not shown) via a plurality of valves 562, respectively. The plurality of valves 562 are selectively opened in response to control signals from the controller 80, causing the plurality of nozzles 561 to selectively spray air 563 toward the objects 90 identified as defective. The objects 90 identified as defective are blown away by the air 563, deviate from the falling trajectory from the chute 73, and are guided to a defective-item discharge gutter 575 (shown as object 91 in FIG. 12). On the other hand, the air 563 is not sprayed toward the objects 90 identified as non-defective (regular size). Therefore, the objects 90 identified as non-defective (regular size) are guided to a non-defective-item discharge gutter 574 without changing their falling trajectory (shown as object 92 in FIG. 12).

[0080] Note that instead of the configuration in which air 563 is sprayed toward the object 90 after it has dropped from the chute 73, air 563 may be sprayed toward the object 90 sliding down the chute 73, thereby changing the transfer path of the object 90. Also, instead of the chute 73, a belt conveyor may be used as the transfer means. In this case, air may be sprayed from one end of the belt conveyor toward the object dropping. Alternatively, air may be sprayed toward the object being transported on the belt conveyor.

[0081] Such a sorting device 510 can increase the types of defective products (types of conditions of the objects) that can be sorted out. Alternatively, by outputting the results of the identification by the identification unit 81, the conditions of the objects 90 can be grasped in more detail.

[0082] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above-described embodiments are intended to facilitate understanding of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. The present invention may be modified or improved without departing from the spirit thereof, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof. Furthermore, any combination or omission of the components described in the claims and specification is possible within the scope of solving at least part of the above-described problems or achieving at least part of the effects.

[0083] For example, the above-described flowchart is merely an example, and the order of the processes constituting the flowchart can be changed or the processes can be changed to equivalent processes without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0084] Alternatively, the lighting pattern of the light source may be set so that only one of the reflected image and the transmitted image is acquired.

[0085] Alternatively, the measuring device 310 (see FIG. 8) or the measuring device 410 (see FIG. 10) may be combined with the sorting section 560 (see FIG. 12) to form a sorting device.

[0086] Alternatively, any electromagnetic wave source may be installed instead of or in addition to the various light sources described above. Such electromagnetic wave sources may include, for example, a near-infrared source and / or an X-ray source. In this case, among all the electromagnetic wave sources, at least two electromagnetic wave sources (irradiation sources) that differ in at least one of the wavelength range of the electromagnetic waves they irradiate and their installation positions may be set so that their irradiation periods do not overlap and occur alternately.

[0087] Alternatively, the function of the correction unit 83 can be realized independently of the above-described embodiment. In other words, the function of the correction unit 83 is widely applicable to a measuring device or a sorting device that includes an electromagnetic wave irradiation source that irradiates electromagnetic waves in a first wavelength region and electromagnetic waves in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region, and a sensor that includes an element sensitive to both the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 10...Measuring equipment 20...First light source unit 21...Front red light source 22...Front green light source 23...Front blue light source 24...Front red light 25...Front green light 26...Front blue light 30...Second light source unit 31...Rear red light source 32...Rear green light source 33...Rear blue light source 34...Rear red light 35...Rear green light 36...Rear blue light 51...First sensor 52...Second sensor 71...Storage tank 72...Feeder 73...Shoot 74...Discharge gutter 80...Controller 81...Identification unit 82...Irradiation control unit 83...Compensation unit 84...Reception 90, 91, 92...Object 310...Measuring equipment 341...Front near-infrared light source 342...Rear near-infrared light source 441...Front-side first near-infrared light source 442...Front side second near-infrared light source 443...Rear side first near-infrared light source 444...Rear side second near-infrared light source 510...Sorting device 560...Sorting Department 561...Nozzle 562...Valve 563...Air 574...Good product discharge trough 575...Defective product discharge trough T1, T2...non-irradiation period

Claims

1. A measuring device for measuring a state of an object, comprising: a transport unit configured to transport the object; an electromagnetic wave irradiation source configured to irradiate the object being transferred by the action of the transfer unit with an electromagnetic wave; a sensor configured to detect at least one of a reflected electromagnetic wave irradiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and reflected by the object and a transmitted electromagnetic wave transmitted through the object; an identification unit configured to identify a state of the object based on the signal acquired by the sensor; an irradiation control unit configured to control the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source; Equipped with the electromagnetic wave irradiation source includes a first irradiation source disposed on a first side with respect to a transport path of the object and configured to irradiate visible light, and a second irradiation source disposed on a second side opposite the first side and configured to irradiate the visible light; the irradiation control unit is configured to control the electromagnetic wave irradiation source so that a first irradiation period, which is a period during which the first irradiation source irradiates the electromagnetic waves, and a second irradiation period, which is a period during which the second irradiation source irradiates the electromagnetic waves, do not overlap and appear alternately; the sensor is configured to individually detect at least one of the reflected electromagnetic wave and the transmitted electromagnetic wave during the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period; The sensors include a first sensor disposed on the first side and a second sensor disposed on the second side. Measuring device.

2. A measuring device for measuring a state of an object, comprising: a transport unit configured to transport the object; an electromagnetic wave irradiation source configured to irradiate the object being transferred by the action of the transfer unit with an electromagnetic wave; a sensor configured to detect at least one of a reflected electromagnetic wave irradiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and reflected by the object and a transmitted electromagnetic wave transmitted through the object; an identification unit configured to identify a state of the object based on the signal acquired by the sensor; an irradiation control unit configured to control the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source; a receiving unit configured to receive the type of object to be measured by the measurement device; Equipped with the electromagnetic wave irradiation source includes a first irradiation source and a second irradiation source that are different in at least one of the wavelength range of the electromagnetic wave to be irradiated and the installation position; the irradiation control unit is configured to control the electromagnetic wave irradiation source so that a first irradiation period, which is a period during which the first irradiation source irradiates the electromagnetic waves, and a second irradiation period, which is a period during which the second irradiation source irradiates the electromagnetic waves, do not overlap and appear alternately; At least one of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source is configured to irradiate at least electromagnetic waves in a first wavelength region and electromagnetic waves in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region; the sensor includes an element sensitive to both the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region; the measurement device includes a correction unit that performs correction to reduce the intensity of the signal acquired by the element; the identification unit is configured to identify the state of the object based on the intensity of the corrected signal; The correction unit is configured to change the degree of correction depending on the type of the object accepted by the acceptance unit. Measuring device.

3. A measuring device for measuring a state of an object, comprising: a transport unit configured to transport the object; an electromagnetic wave irradiation source configured to irradiate the object being transferred by the action of the transfer unit with an electromagnetic wave; a sensor configured to detect at least one of a reflected electromagnetic wave irradiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source and reflected by the object and a transmitted electromagnetic wave transmitted through the object; an identification unit configured to identify a state of the object based on the signal acquired by the sensor; an irradiation control unit configured to control the irradiation of the electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source; Equipped with the electromagnetic wave irradiation source includes a first irradiation source and a second irradiation source that are different in at least one of the wavelength range of the electromagnetic wave to be irradiated and the installation position; the irradiation control unit is configured to control the electromagnetic wave irradiation source so that a first irradiation period, which is a period during which the first irradiation source irradiates the electromagnetic waves, and a second irradiation period, which is a period during which the second irradiation source irradiates the electromagnetic waves, do not overlap and appear alternately; At least one of the first irradiation source and the second irradiation source is configured to irradiate at least electromagnetic waves in a first wavelength region and electromagnetic waves in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region; the sensor includes an element sensitive to both the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region; the measurement device includes a correction unit that performs correction to reduce the intensity of the signal acquired by the element; the identification unit is configured to identify the state of the object based on the intensity of the corrected signal; The correction unit is configured to change the degree of correction depending on the intensity of the signal acquired by the element. Measuring device.

4. The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the irradiation control unit is configured to control the electromagnetic wave irradiation source so that a non-irradiation period in which the electromagnetic waves are not irradiated from the electromagnetic wave irradiation source is interposed between the first irradiation period and the second irradiation period. Measuring device.

5. 5. The measuring device according to claim 1, the electromagnetic radiation source comprises a third radiation source and a fourth radiation source configured to radiate near-infrared light; the third irradiation source and the fourth irradiation source are different in at least one of the wavelength range of the near-infrared light they irradiate and their installation positions; The irradiation control unit is further configured to control the electromagnetic wave irradiation source so that a third irradiation period, which is a period during which the third irradiation source irradiates the near-infrared light, and a fourth irradiation period, which is a period during which the fourth irradiation source irradiates the near-infrared light, do not overlap and appear alternately. Measuring device.

6. A sorting device comprising: The measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a sorting unit configured to sort the objects based on the identification result of the identification unit; A sorting device comprising:

Images