Seal inspection device

Abstract

To provide a sealing part inspection device capable of excluding or reducing an influence of a change in a luminance state when inspecting a state of a sealing part.SOLUTION: Executed are the processes for: calculating an average value of luminance of a sealing part of N (first to N-th) continuous packaging bags (N is an integer of 2 or more); determining whether a deviation of the average value relative to a set luminance value exceeds a predetermined threshold; determining whether the determination result continues for an average value of luminance of sealing parts of M sets of N packaging bags (M is an integer of 2 or more), namely for an average value of luminance of sealing parts of first to N-th, second to (N+1)-th,..., (M-1)-th to (N+M-1)-th, and M to (M+N)-th N packaging bags when the deviation exceeds the threshold; and changing illuminance of an illumination part by a predetermined adjustment value when the determination result continues for the M sets of N packaging bags.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a seal inspection device for inspecting the state of a seal part after putting contents into a packaging bag and sealing the opening of the packaging bag.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, packaging bags with openings sealed after putting contents (products) have been manufactured and sold in various forms.

[0003] Here, when the contents are powders such as household flour, the powder may be caught in the seal part. If the degree of being caught is small, there is no problem, but if the degree of being caught is large, there are problems such as poor adhesion of the seal part, moisture or the like entering the packaging bag, or the powder coming out of the packaging bag.

[0004] Therefore, after putting contents into a packaging bag and sealing the opening of the packaging bag, the state of the seal part is inspected.

[0005] Specifically, transmission imaging of the seal part is performed with a near-infrared camera, and an image diagnosis program is applied to the captured image to determine the degree of being caught. The image diagnosis program employs so-called AI technology.

[0006] As prior art documents related to this technology, for example, Utility Model Registration No. 3223757 (Patent Document 1) can be cited.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] The inventors of this case discovered that when the illuminance in the inspection area changes while continuously inspecting the seal portion of a packaging bag, the inspection accuracy decreases.

[0009] In particular, it has been found that when the process of sealing the opening of the packaging bag to form a sealed portion and the process of inspecting the condition of the sealed portion are performed in close proximity to each other, and the contents of the packaging bag are powder, fine particles of the powder may adhere to the lighting equipment (or the camera on the imaging side), potentially having a significant effect on the brightness state of the captured image.

[0010] The present invention was conceived based on the above findings. The object of the present invention is to provide a seal inspection device that can eliminate or reduce the influence of changes in brightness when inspecting the condition of a seal. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention is a seal inspection device for inspecting the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, comprising: an illumination unit for illuminating the seal portion of the packaging bag; a camera for capturing an image of the seal portion illuminated by the illumination unit; a seal diagnosis unit for determining the condition of the seal portion by processing the image captured by the camera; a brightness determination unit for determining the brightness of the seal portion by processing the image captured by the camera; and an illumination control unit for controlling the illumination unit based on the determination result of the brightness determination unit, wherein the illumination control unit includes the step of calculating the average value of the brightness of the seal portions of N consecutive packaging bags from the 1st to the Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more); The seal inspection device is configured to perform the following steps: determine whether the deviation of the average value with respect to a set brightness value exceeds a predetermined threshold; if the deviation exceeds the threshold, determine whether the determination result continues for each of the N packaging bags in M ​​sets (where M is an integer of 2 or more), i.e., the average brightness of the seals of each of the N packaging bags in the 1st to Nth, 2nd to N+1, ..., M-1 to N+M-1, and M to M+N; and if the determination result continues for each of the N packaging bags in M ​​sets, change the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined adjustment value.

[0012] According to the present invention, if the deviation of the average value of the luminance of the sealing portions of N packaging bags from a set luminance value exceeds a predetermined threshold for M consecutive sets, the illuminance of the lighting unit is changed by a predetermined adjustment value. This effectively corrects the deviation from the set luminance value.

[0013] Preferably, the value of N (an integer of 2 or more) and the value of M (an integer of 2 or more) can be changed. This allows the control mode of the illumination section of the seal inspection device to be suitably customized according to the type of packaging bag being inspected, the inspection environment, etc.

[0014] Furthermore, it is preferable that the set brightness value, the threshold value, and the adjustment value can each be changed. This also allows for the control mode of the illumination section of the seal inspection device to be suitably customized according to the type of packaging bag being inspected and the inspection environment.

[0015] Furthermore, it is preferable that the value of N (an integer of 2 or more), the value of M (an integer of 2 or more), the set brightness value, the threshold value, and the adjustment value are set for each type of packaging bag. For example, these values ​​may be stored in advance as a set of digital data for each type of packaging bag in a suitable storage medium and can be read out and used by the lighting control unit as needed.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention can also be understood as a control device for an illumination unit used to inspect the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag. That is, another aspect of the present invention is a control device for an illumination unit used to inspect the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, characterized in that it is configured to perform the following steps: calculate the average value of the brightness of the seal portions of N consecutive packaging bags from the 1st to the Nth (where N is an integer of 2 or more); determine whether the deviation of the average value from a set brightness value exceeds a predetermined threshold; if the deviation exceeds the threshold, determine whether the determination result continues for each of the N packaging bags in M ​​sets (where M is an integer of 2 or more), i.e., the average value of the brightness of the seal portions of each of the N packaging bags from the 1st to the Nth, the 2nd to the N+1st, ..., the M-1st to the N+M-1st, and the Mst to the M+Nth; and if the determination result continues for each of the N packaging bags in the M sets, change the illuminance of the illumination unit by a predetermined adjustment value.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention can also be understood as a control method for an illumination unit used to inspect the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag. That is, yet another aspect of the present invention is a control method for an illumination unit used to inspect the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, comprising the steps of: calculating the average value of the luminance of the seal portions of N consecutive packaging bags from the 1st to the Nth (where N is an integer of 2 or more); determining whether the deviation of the average value from a set luminance value exceeds a predetermined threshold; if the deviation exceeds the threshold, determining whether the determination result continues for each of the N packaging bags in M ​​sets (where M is an integer of 2 or more), i.e., the average value of the luminance of the seal portions of each of the N packaging bags from the 1st to the Nth, the 2nd to the N+1st, ..., the M-1st to the N+M-1st, and the Mst to the M+Nth; and if the determination result continues for each of the N packaging bags in the M sets, changing the illuminance of the illumination unit by a predetermined adjustment value.

[0018] Furthermore, yet another aspect of the present invention is a seal inspection device for inspecting the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, comprising: an illumination unit for illuminating the seal portion of the packaging bag; a camera for capturing an image of the seal portion illuminated by the illumination unit; a seal diagnosis unit for determining the condition of the seal portion by processing the image captured by the camera; a brightness determination unit for determining the brightness of the seal portion by processing the image captured by the camera; and an illumination control unit for controlling the illumination unit based on the determination result of the brightness determination unit, wherein the illumination control unit performs the steps of: calculating the average value of the brightness of the seal portions of N consecutive packaging bags from the 1st to the Nth (N is an integer of 2 or more); determining whether the deviation of the average value from a set brightness value exceeds a predetermined first threshold; determining whether the deviation of the average value from a set brightness value exceeds a predetermined second threshold; and if the deviation exceeds the first threshold, the determination result is M1 set (M1 is an integer of 2 or more). The steps include determining whether the average brightness of the seal portion of each of the N packaging bags, i.e., the average brightness of the seal portion of each of the N packaging bags in the 1st to Nth, 2nd to N+1, ..., M1-1 to N+M1-1, and M1 to M1+N, continues; if the determination result continues for each of the N packaging bags in the M1 group, changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined first adjustment value; and if the deviation exceeds the second threshold, determining whether the determination result is continued for the M2 group (M2 is 2 or more adjustment values). The seal inspection device is characterized by being configured to perform the following steps: determine whether the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each of the N packaging bags (let's call it a number), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each of the N packaging bags in the M2 sets, from the 1st to the Nth, the 2nd to the N+1st, ..., the M2-1st to the N+M2-1st, and the M2nd to the M2+Nth; and if the determination result is that the value is consistent for each of the N packaging bags in the M2 sets, change the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined second adjustment value.

[0019] According to the present invention, if a determination result of M1 sets indicates that the deviation of the average value of the luminance of the seal portions of N packaging bags relative to a set luminance value exceeds a predetermined first threshold, the illuminance of the lighting unit is changed by a predetermined first adjustment value. In addition, if a determination result of M2 sets indicates that the deviation of the average value of the luminance of the seal portions of N packaging bags relative to the set luminance value exceeds a predetermined second threshold, the illuminance of the lighting unit is also changed by a predetermined second adjustment value. This corrects the deviation from the set luminance value in a more effective manner.

[0020] Preferably, the value of N (an integer of 2 or more), the value of M1 (an integer of 2 or more), and the value of M2 (an integer of 2 or more) are all adjustable. This allows for the control mode of the illumination section of the seal inspection device to be suitably customized according to the type of packaging bag being inspected, the inspection environment, and so on.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferable that the set brightness value, the first threshold, the second threshold, the first adjustment value, and the second adjustment value can each be changed. This also allows for the control mode of the illumination section of the seal inspection device to be suitably customized according to the type of packaging bag being inspected and the inspection environment.

[0022] Furthermore, it is preferable that the value of N (an integer of 2 or more), the value of M1 (an integer of 2 or more), the value of M2 (an integer of 2 or more), the set brightness value, the threshold value, and the adjustment value are set for each type of packaging bag. For example, these values ​​may be stored in advance as a set of digital data for each type of packaging bag in a suitable storage medium and can be read out and used by the lighting control unit as needed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, if the deviation of the average value of the luminance of the sealing portions of N packaging bags from a set luminance value exceeds a predetermined threshold for M consecutive sets, the illuminance of the lighting unit is changed by a predetermined adjustment value. This effectively corrects the deviation from the set luminance value.

[0024] Alternatively, according to the present invention, when the determination result that the deviation of the average value of the brightness of the seal portions of N packaging bags with respect to the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined first threshold value continues for M1 sets, in addition to changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined first adjustment value, when the determination result that the deviation of the average value of the brightness of the seal portions of N packaging bags with respect to the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined second threshold value continues for M2 sets, the illuminance of the lighting unit is also changed by a predetermined second adjustment value. Thereby, the deviation with respect to the set brightness value is corrected in a more effective manner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] [Figure 1] It is a schematic block diagram of a seal portion inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a photograph showing an example of a photographed image of the seal portion of a packaging bag with a large degree of bite. [Figure 3] It is a photograph showing an example of a photographed image of the seal portion of a packaging bag immediately after the start of inspection. [Figure 4] It is a photograph showing an example of a photographed image of the seal portion of a packaging bag at the 40-minute point after the start of inspection. [Figure 5] It is a graph showing the transition of the average value of the brightness of the seal portions of 10 packaging bags. [Figure 6] It is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the seal portion inspection device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the seal portion inspection device of FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is a graph showing the transition of the average value of the brightness of the seal portions of 10 packaging bags when the lighting unit is controlled according to the flowchart of FIG. 7.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] (Basic Configuration) Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a seal inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. The seal inspection device 1 shown in Figure 1 is a seal inspection device 1 for inspecting the condition of the seal S of a packaging bag B containing flour as its contents, and comprises: an illumination unit 10 for illuminating the seal S of the packaging bag B; a camera 20 for taking an image of the seal S illuminated by the illumination unit 10; a seal diagnosis unit 30 for determining the condition of the seal S by processing the image taken by the camera 20; a brightness determination unit 40 for determining the brightness of the seal S (specifically, the brightness of the central part of the seal S) by processing the image taken by the camera 20; and an illumination control unit 50 for controlling the illumination unit 10 based on the determination result by the brightness determination unit 40.

[0028] The lighting unit 10 of this embodiment is capable of adjusting the illuminance in 256 steps (illuminance values ​​from "0" to "255") according to the control of the lighting control unit 50. For example, by default, the illuminance value is set to "120", and the illuminance value increases by adjustment values ​​such as "2" or "3", which will be described later.

[0029] The camera 20 in this embodiment is a near-infrared camera and is configured to capture a transmitted image of the seal portion S. For example, the exposure time is 150 μs and the shooting delay time is 0.26 seconds (it is preferable to disclose this information unless there is a particular reason not to). However, the type of camera 20 in this invention is not limited and may be a type that captures a normal image (reflection image).

[0030] The seal portion diagnostic unit 30 of this embodiment applies an image diagnostic program to the captured image acquired by the camera 20 to determine the degree of jamming of the flour (powder). The image diagnostic program employs so-called AI technology, and the image characteristics (shape and density) of the jamming state are pre-learned and stored, so that only the jamming state is appropriately identified (effectively avoiding misidentification due to folds or wrinkles in the seal portion). As shown in Figure 2, packaging bag B with a large degree of flour (powder) jamming is determined to be unsuitable as a product (defective product) and is not transported to the line for the next process. Figure 2 is a photograph showing an example of a captured image of the seal portion S of packaging bag B with a large degree of jamming.

[0031] On the other hand, the brightness determination unit 40 of this embodiment applies a brightness diagnosis program to the captured image acquired by the camera 20 and determines the brightness of the central part of the seal part S in 256 gradations ("0" to "255").

[0032] Furthermore, the lighting control unit 50 in this embodiment is composed of, for example, a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), and controls the lighting unit 10 as described later, based on the determination result by the brightness determination unit 40, that is, the brightness value of the central part of the seal unit S (any of "0" to "255").

[0033] (Configuration related to lighting control) Figure 3 is a photograph showing an example of an image of the seal portion S of packaging bag B immediately after the start of inspection, in which case the brightness value of the central part of the seal portion S of packaging bag B was "160". On the other hand, Figure 4 is a photograph showing an example of an image of the seal portion S of packaging bag B 40 minutes after the start of inspection, in which case the brightness value of the central part of the seal portion S of packaging bag B was "130". Figure 5 is a graph showing the change in the average brightness of the seal portion S of 10 consecutive packaging bags B (excluding packaging bags B that were judged to have a large degree of jamming). As shown in Figures 3 to 5, in this embodiment, flour adheres to the lighting unit 10 and / or camera 20, causing a significant change in the brightness state in the captured image.

[0034] The lighting control unit 50 in this embodiment functions to eliminate or mitigate such changes in brightness state.

[0035] Specifically, as shown in Figure 6, first, the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment calculates the average value of the brightness of the seal portion S of N consecutive packaging bags B, from the 1st to the Nth (where N is an integer of 2 or more (for example, 10)), excluding packaging bags B that are judged to have a large degree of jamming (STEP 1).

[0036] Next, the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment determines whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value (e.g., "180") exceeds a predetermined first threshold (e.g., "3") (STEP 2).

[0037] If the deviation does not exceed the first threshold, no change in illumination is performed, and the process is repeated from STEP 1 when inspecting the next packaging bag B.

[0038] Next, if the deviation exceeds the first threshold, the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment determines whether the determination result continues to be the same as the average value of the brightness of the seal portion S of each N packaging bag B in M ​​(=M1) sets (where M is an integer of 2 or more (for example, 10)), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion S of each N packaging bag B in the 1st to Nth, 2nd to N+1, ..., M-1 to N+M-1, and M to M+N (STEP 3).

[0039] Then, if the average brightness of the M sets (M sets are calculated), that is, the average brightness of the seal portion S of each N packaging bags B starting from each of the M consecutive packaging bags from the 1st to the Mth sets (excluding packaging bags B that are judged to have a large degree of jamming), is determined to exceed a predetermined first threshold (for example, "3"), the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment increases the illuminance of the lighting unit 10 by a predetermined first adjustment value (for example, "2") (STEP 4).

[0040] If the judgment is interrupted before continuing for M sets, STEP 4 will not be performed, meaning the illumination will not be changed, and the process will be repeated from STEP 1 when inspecting the next package bag B.

[0041] Furthermore, after STEP 4 is executed and the illuminance is changed, if it is determined that the illuminance still exceeds a predetermined first threshold (e.g., "3") during the inspection of the next packaging bag B (if the determination result continues for the average value of the luminance of the seal portion S of each of the N packaging bags B from the 2nd to the N+1th, 3rd to the N+2th, ..., M to the N+Mth, and M+1 to the M+1+Nth), the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment will continue to execute STEP 4, that is, it will further increase the illuminance of the lighting unit 10 by a predetermined first adjustment value (e.g., "2").

[0042] (Effects and Benefits) According to the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment as described above, if the determination result that the deviation of the average value of the brightness of the sealing portions S of N (e.g., 10) packaging bags B from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined first threshold is repeated for M sets (e.g., 10 sets), the illuminance of the lighting unit 10 is changed by a predetermined first adjustment value (e.g., "2"). This effectively corrects the deviation from the set brightness value.

[0043] (supplement) In this embodiment, the value of N (an integer greater than or equal to 2) and the value of M (an integer greater than or equal to 2) can be changed (they can be changed via the user input screen). This allows the control mode of the illumination unit 10 of the seal inspection device 1 to be suitably customized according to the type of packaging bag B being inspected and the inspection environment.

[0044] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the set brightness value, a predetermined first threshold value, and a predetermined first adjustment value can each be changed (these can be changed via the user input screen). This also allows for the control mode of the illumination unit 10 of the seal inspection device 1 to be suitably customized according to the type of packaging bag B being inspected and the inspection environment.

[0045] Furthermore, it is preferable that a set of suitable values ​​for N (an integer greater than or equal to 2), M (an integer greater than or equal to 2), the set brightness value, a predetermined first threshold, and a predetermined first adjustment value are verified in advance for each type of packaging bag B, and are set and entered, for example, on a user input screen, according to the type of packaging bag B to be inspected. Alternatively, these sets of values ​​may be stored in advance as a set of digital data on an appropriate storage medium, and read out and used by the lighting control unit 50 according to the type of packaging bag B to be inspected.

[0046] (Other configurations related to lighting control) In the embodiment described above, the illuminance of the lighting unit 10 is corrected (feedback control) by the routines of STEP2 to STEP4 based on the brightness of the seal portion S of the packaging bag B in the image captured by the camera 20.

[0047] The inventors of this case have found that it is more effective in maintaining inspection accuracy to prepare a separate routine (separate track) in parallel with the routines of STEP2 to STEP4 for correcting (feedback control) the illuminance of the lighting unit 10.

[0048] In this case, as shown in Figure 7, the lighting control unit 50 determines whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value (e.g., "180") exceeds a predetermined second threshold (e.g., "10") (STEP 5).

[0049] If the deviation does not exceed the second threshold, the illumination change in the separate routine is not performed, and the process is repeated from STEP 1 when inspecting the next package bag B.

[0050] Next, if the deviation exceeds the second threshold, the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment determines whether the determination result continues to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion S of each N packaging bag B in M2 sets (M2 is an integer of 2 or more (for example, 6)), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion S of each N packaging bag B in the 1st to Nth, 2nd to N+1, ..., M2-1 to N+M2-1, and M2 to M2+N (STEP 6).

[0051] Then, if it is determined that the average brightness of the M2 sets (M2 sets are calculated), that is, the average brightness of the seal portion S of each N packaging bags B starting from each of the M2 consecutive packaging bags from the 1st to the 2nd set (excluding packaging bags B that are judged to have a large degree of jamming), exceeds a predetermined threshold (for example, "6"), the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment increases the illuminance of the lighting unit 10 by a predetermined adjustment value (for example, "3") (STEP 7).

[0052] If the judgment is interrupted before continuing for M2 sets, STEP 7 will not be executed, meaning that the illumination change in that separate routine will not be performed, and the process will be repeated again from STEP 1 when inspecting the next package bag B.

[0053] Furthermore, if, after STEP 7 is executed and the illuminance is changed, it is determined during the inspection of the next packaging bag B that the illuminance still exceeds a predetermined threshold (e.g., "10") (if the determination result continues for the average value of the luminance of the seal portion S of each of the N packaging bags B, from the 2nd to the N+1st, the 3rd to the N+2nd, ..., from the M2nd to the N+M2nd, and from the M2+1st to the M2+1+Nth), the lighting control unit 50 of this embodiment will continue to execute STEP 7, that is, it will further increase the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined adjustment value (e.g., "3").

[0054] (Effects and Benefits) In the above configuration, if the determination result that the deviation of the average brightness of the sealing portion S of N (e.g., 10) packaging bags B from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined first threshold (e.g., "3") continues for M (=M1) sets (e.g., 10 sets) (each time M sets continue), the illuminance of the lighting unit 10 is changed by a predetermined first adjustment value (e.g., "2") (STEP2~STEP4). In addition, if the determination result that the deviation of the average brightness of the sealing portion S of N (e.g., 10) packaging bags B from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined second threshold (e.g., "10") continues for M2 sets (e.g., 6 sets) (each time M2 sets continue), the illuminance of the lighting unit 10 is changed by a predetermined second adjustment value (e.g., "3"). This corrects the deviation from the set brightness value in a more effective manner. Figure 8 is a graph showing the change in the average brightness of the sealing portion S of the packaging bag B when the lighting unit 10 is controlled according to the embodiment (flowchart in Figure 7).

[0055] (supplement) In this embodiment, the values ​​of N (an integer greater than or equal to 2), M (=M1) (an integer greater than or equal to 2), and M2 (an integer greater than or equal to 2) can each be changed (they can be changed via the user input screen). This allows the control mode of the illumination unit 10 of the seal inspection device 1 to be suitably customized according to the type of packaging bag B being inspected and the inspection environment.

[0056] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the set brightness value, first threshold, second threshold, first adjustment value, and second adjustment value can each be changed (they can be changed via the user input screen). This also allows the control mode of the illumination unit 10 of the seal inspection device 1 to be suitably customized according to the type of packaging bag B being inspected and the inspection environment.

[0057] Furthermore, it is preferable that the values ​​of N (an integer greater than or equal to 2), M (=M1) (an integer greater than or equal to 2), M2 (an integer greater than or equal to 2), the set brightness value, the first threshold, the second threshold, the first adjustment value, and the second adjustment value are pre-verified as suitable sets of values ​​for each type of packaging bag B, and are set and entered, for example, on a user input screen, according to the type of packaging bag B to be inspected. Alternatively, these sets of values ​​may be pre-stored as a set of digital data on an appropriate storage medium and read out and used by the lighting control unit 50 according to the type of packaging bag B to be inspected.

[0058] In the above configuration, the routines in STEP2 to STEP4 and the routines in STEP5 to STEP7 are completely independent, meaning that the execution of STEP4 and the execution of STEP7 may occur simultaneously and in superposition. However, if the execution decisions for STEP4 and STEP7 overlap, only one of them may be executed.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the routines in STEP2 to STEP4 and the routines in STEP5 to STEP7 both use the average value of the brightness of the seal portion S of N packaging bags B as a comparison target. However, the method is not limited to this, and the routines in STEP2 to STEP4 may use the average value of the brightness of the seal portion S of N1 packaging bags B, while the routines in STEP5 to STEP7 may use the average value of the brightness of the seal portion S of N2 packaging bags B that are different from N1. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1. Seal inspection device 10 Lighting Section 20 cameras 30 Seal Diagnosis Section 40 Brightness determination unit 50 Lighting control unit

Claims

1. A seal inspection device for inspecting the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, A lighting unit that illuminates the sealed part of the packaging bag, A camera that captures an image of the seal portion illuminated by the aforementioned illumination unit, A seal portion diagnostic unit that processes images captured by the camera to determine the state of the seal portion, A brightness determination unit that processes an image captured by the camera to determine the brightness of the seal portion, A lighting control unit that controls the lighting unit based on the determination result by the brightness determination unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned lighting control unit, A step of calculating the average brightness of the seal portion of N consecutive packaging bags, from the 1st to the Nth (where N is an integer of 2 or more), A step of determining whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined threshold, If the deviation exceeds the threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in M ​​sets (where M is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in the 1st to Nth, 2nd to N+1, ..., M-1 to N+M-1, and M to M+N. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N packaging bags in the M group, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined adjustment value, It is configured to implement A seal inspection device characterized by the following features.

2. The value of N (an integer greater than or equal to 2) and the value of M (an integer greater than or equal to 2) are both configurable. The seal inspection device according to feature 1.

3. The set brightness value, the threshold value, and the adjustment value are each changeable. The seal inspection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The value of N (an integer of 2 or more), the value of M (an integer of 2 or more), the set brightness value, the threshold value, and the adjustment value are set for each type of packaging bag. The seal inspection device according to feature 1.

5. A control device for an illumination unit used to inspect the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, A step of calculating the average brightness of the seal portion of N consecutive packaging bags, from the 1st to the Nth (where N is an integer of 2 or more), A step of determining whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined threshold, If the deviation exceeds the threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in M ​​sets (where M is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in the 1st to Nth, 2nd to N+1, ..., M-1 to N+M-1, and M to M+N. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N packaging bags in the M group, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined adjustment value, A control device characterized by being configured to perform the following actions.

6. A method for controlling an illumination unit used to inspect the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, A step of calculating the average brightness of the seal portion of N consecutive packaging bags, from the 1st to the Nth (where N is an integer of 2 or more), A step of determining whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined threshold, If the deviation exceeds the threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in M ​​sets (where M is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in the 1st to Nth, 2nd to N+1, ..., M-1 to N+M-1, and M to M+N. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N packaging bags in the M group, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined adjustment value, A method characterized by comprising:

7. A seal inspection device for inspecting the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, A lighting unit that illuminates the sealed part of the packaging bag, A camera that captures an image of the seal portion illuminated by the aforementioned illumination unit, A seal portion diagnostic unit that processes images captured by the camera to determine the state of the seal portion, A brightness determination unit that processes an image captured by the camera to determine the brightness of the seal portion, A lighting control unit that controls the lighting unit based on the determination result by the brightness determination unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned lighting control unit, A step of calculating the average brightness of the seal portion of N consecutive packaging bags, from the 1st to the Nth (where N is an integer of 2 or more), A step of determining whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined first threshold, A step of determining whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined second threshold, If the deviation exceeds the first threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in set M1 (where M1 is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in sets M1 to N, 2 to N+1, ..., M1-1 to N+M1-1, and M1 to M1+N. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N packaging bags in the M1 group, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined first adjustment value, If the deviation exceeds the second threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in set M2 (where M2 is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in sets 1 to N, 2 to N+1, ..., M2-1 to N+M2-1, and M2 to M2+N. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N packaging bags in the M2 set, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined second adjustment value, It is configured to implement A seal inspection device characterized by the following features.

8. The values ​​of N (an integer greater than or equal to 2), M1 (an integer greater than or equal to 2), and M2 (an integer greater than or equal to 2) are all configurable. The seal inspection device according to feature 7.

9. The set brightness value, the first threshold, the second threshold, the first adjustment value, and the second adjustment value are each changeable. The seal inspection device according to claim 7 or 8.

10. The value of N (an integer of 2 or more), the value of M1 (an integer of 2 or more), the value of M2 (an integer of 2 or more), the set brightness value, the first threshold, the second threshold, the first adjustment value, and the second adjustment value are set for each type of packaging bag. The seal inspection device according to feature 7.

11. A seal inspection device for inspecting the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, A lighting unit that illuminates the sealed part of the packaging bag, A camera that captures an image of the seal portion illuminated by the aforementioned illumination unit, A seal portion diagnostic unit that processes images captured by the camera to determine the state of the seal portion, A brightness determination unit that processes an image captured by the camera to determine the brightness of the seal portion, A lighting control unit that controls the lighting unit based on the determination result by the brightness determination unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned lighting control unit, A step of calculating the average brightness of the seal portion of N consecutive packaging bags, from the 1st to the Nth (where N is an integer of 2 or more), A step of determining whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined first threshold, A step of determining whether the deviation of the average value from the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined second threshold, If the deviation exceeds the first threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in set M1 (where M1 is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in sets M1 to N, 2 to N+1, ..., M1-1 to N+M1-1, and M1 to M1+N. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N packaging bags in the M1 group, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined first adjustment value, If the deviation exceeds the second threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in set M2 (where M2 is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N packaging bag in sets 1 to N, 2 to N+1, ..., M2-1 to N+M2-1, and M2 to M2+N. If the aforementioned determination result is consistent for each of the N packaging bags in the M2 set, and the aforementioned determination result is not consistent for each of the N packaging bags in the M1 set, the illuminance of the lighting unit is changed by a predetermined second adjustment value. It is configured to implement A seal inspection device characterized by the following features.

12. A seal inspection device for inspecting the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, A lighting unit that illuminates the sealed part of the packaging bag, A camera that captures an image of the seal portion illuminated by the aforementioned illumination unit, A seal portion diagnostic unit that processes images captured by the camera to determine the state of the seal portion, A brightness determination unit that processes an image captured by the camera to determine the brightness of the seal portion, A lighting control unit that controls the lighting unit based on the determination result by the brightness determination unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned lighting control unit, A step of calculating the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of N1 consecutive packaging bags, from the 1st to the N1st (where N1 is an integer of 2 or more), A step of determining whether the deviation of the N1 average values ​​with respect to the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined first threshold, A process for calculating the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of N2 consecutive packaging bags, numbered from 1st to N2nd (where N2 is an integer of 2 or more different from N1), A step of determining whether the deviation of the N2 average values ​​with respect to the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined second threshold, If the deviation of the N1 average values ​​exceeds the first threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N1 packaging bag in the M1 group (where M1 is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N1 packaging bag in the 1st to N1, 2nd to N1+1, ..., M1-1 to N1+M1-1, and M1 to M1+N1. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N1 packaging bags in the M1 group, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined first adjustment value, If the deviation of the N2 average values ​​exceeds the second threshold, the step is to determine whether the determination result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N2 packaging bag in M2 sets (where M2 is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N2 packaging bag in the 1st to N2, 2nd to N2+1, ..., M2-1 to N2+M2-1, and M2 to M2+N2. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N2 packaging bags of the M2 set, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined second adjustment value, It is configured to implement A seal inspection device characterized by the following features.

13. A seal inspection device for inspecting the condition of the seal portion of a packaging bag, A lighting unit that illuminates the sealed part of the packaging bag, A camera that captures an image of the seal portion illuminated by the aforementioned illumination unit, A seal portion diagnostic unit that processes images captured by the camera to determine the state of the seal portion, A brightness determination unit that processes an image captured by the camera to determine the brightness of the seal portion, A lighting control unit that controls the lighting unit based on the determination result by the brightness determination unit, Equipped with, The aforementioned lighting control unit, A step of calculating the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of N1 consecutive packaging bags, from the 1st to the N1st (where N1 is an integer of 2 or more), A step of determining whether the deviation of the N1 average values ​​with respect to the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined first threshold, A process for calculating the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of N2 consecutive packaging bags, numbered from 1st to N2nd (where N2 is an integer of 2 or more different from N1), A step of determining whether the deviation of the N2 average values ​​with respect to the set brightness value exceeds a predetermined second threshold, If the deviation of the N1 average values ​​exceeds the first threshold, the process involves determining whether the judgment result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N1 packaging bag in the M1 group (where M1 is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N1 packaging bag in the 1st to N1, 2nd to N1+1, ..., M1-1 to N1+M1-1, and M1 to M1+N1. If the above determination result is continued for each of the N1 packaging bags in the M1 group, the process of changing the illuminance of the lighting unit by a predetermined first adjustment value, If the deviation of the N2 average values ​​exceeds the second threshold, the step is to determine whether the determination result continues with respect to the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N2 packaging bag in M2 sets (where M2 is an integer of 2 or more), that is, the average value of the brightness of the seal portion of each N2 packaging bag in the 1st to N2, 2nd to N2+1, ..., M2-1 to N2+M2-1, and M2 to M2+N2. If the determination result is continued for each of the N2 packaging bags in the M2 group, and the determination result is not continued for each of the N1 packaging bags in the M1 group, the illuminance of the lighting unit is changed by a predetermined second adjustment value. It is configured to implement A seal inspection device characterized by the following features.

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