Information processing device and program

Abstract

To provide an information processing device and a program that can detect changes of contents being inspection targets.SOLUTION: In an inspection device 13, which is one type of information processing device, a communication unit 35 acquires feature information related to contents being inspection targets. A storage unit 34 stores a database that registers the feature information. A processor 31 determines whether the contents have changed based on the acquired feature information and the feature information registered by the database, and transmits change detection information indicating a determination result to a higher-level management device through the communication unit 35.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to an information processing apparatus and a program.

Background Art

[0002] There is provided a system for inspecting whether a predetermined object (specific object) such as a drug or a dangerous substance exists in a luggage (inspection target) using an X-ray CT (Computed Tomography) apparatus at an inspection site or the like.

[0003] Conventionally, the system has a problem that when an article is excluded or added from the inspection target after the inspection is completed, it cannot detect that there has been a change in the contents of the luggage.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, there is provided an information processing apparatus and a program capable of detecting a change in the contents of an inspection target.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] According to an embodiment, an information processing apparatus includes a communication interface, a memory, and a processor. The communication interface acquires feature information related to the contents of an inspection target. The memory stores a database for registering the feature information. The processor determines whether the contents have changed based on the acquired feature information and the feature information registered in the database, and transmits change detection information indicating the determination result through the communication interface.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing the overall configuration of an inspection system including an inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of an information management system including an inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the imaging device and the control system in the inspection device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a higher-level management device in an information management system including an inspection device according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of the operation of an information management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows an example of the operation of an information management system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the higher-level management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows another example of feature information according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows another example of feature information according to the embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The information management system according to this embodiment inspects whether a predetermined target object (specific target object), such as drugs or dangerous goods, is present in the contents of an object to be inspected, such as luggage. The information management system generates and displays an X-ray image showing the contents of the object to be inspected using an inspection system. The information management system also detects changes in the contents of the object to be inspected based on the characteristic quantities of the contents of the object to be inspected.

[0009] For example, information management systems are used in inspection areas installed at airports, ports, customs offices, and other locations. Specified items include, for example, hazardous goods, hazardous chemicals, drugs whose handling is prohibited, and substances whose import or export into or out of designated areas such as within a country is prohibited. Furthermore, specified items do not have to be solids with a specific shape; they may also include liquids, powders, and other substances.

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of an inspection system 1 including an inspection device 13 according to an embodiment. In the configuration example shown in Figure 1, the inspection system 1 includes a conveyor 11, an imaging device 12, an inspection device 13, a display device 14, an operating device 15, a speaker 16, and a reader 17. The inspection device 13 is connected to the imaging device 12, the display device 14, the operating device 15, the speaker 16, and the reader 17 via communication.

[0011] Here, inspection system 1 inspects the package M to be inspected. Package M has a code Ma attached to it. Code Ma is a code obtained by encoding the ID (identifier) ​​that identifies package M. For example, code Ma may be a barcode or a two-dimensional code. Code Ma is attached to package M by a sticker or similar means.

[0012] The conveyor 11 is a device for transporting packages M. The conveyor 11 transports the packages M to be inspected to the image capture position (reading position) of the imaging device 12. For example, the conveyor 11 transports packages M supplied by a worker. Alternatively, the conveyor 11 may be configured to transport packages M supplied by a robotic arm or the like.

[0013] The imaging device 12 irradiates the package M to be inspected with electromagnetic waves (for example, X-rays) to obtain imaging data including an imaging image of the inspection target and physical property information indicating the physical properties of each part of the imaging image. The imaging device 12 supplies the imaging data of the package M to the inspection device 13. The imaging device 12 may acquire two-dimensional image data as the imaging image, or may acquire three-dimensional image data.

[0014] The imaging device 12 is, for example, an X-ray CT imaging device. The X-ray CT imaging device as an example of the imaging device 12 irradiates X-rays from around the package M conveyed by the conveyor 11 to obtain three-dimensional X-ray image data as the imaging image. Further, the X-ray CT imaging device as the imaging device 12 acquires imaging data including a three-dimensional X-ray image (imaging image) of the package M and physical property information indicating the physical properties of each constituent unit (pixel or voxel) constituting the X-ray image. The X-ray CT imaging device as the imaging device 12 supplies the imaging data acquired from the package M to the inspection device 13.

[0015] Note that the imaging device 12 is not limited to an X-ray CT imaging device, but in the following embodiments, it is assumed that the imaging device 12 is an X-ray CT imaging device for the description.

[0016] The inspection device 13 has various functions such as a function of processing the imaging image obtained by the imaging device 12 by irradiating the package M with electromagnetic waves. For example, the inspection device 13 has a function of acquiring the imaging image obtained by the imaging device 12 by irradiating the package M with electromagnetic waves and a function of outputting the output information based on the information obtained by a predetermined inspection process using an output device such as the display device 14 or the speaker 16.

[0017] In addition, the inspection device 13 has a function of detecting candidates (object candidates) estimated to be specific objects existing in the package M from the captured image data acquired from the imaging device 12. The inspection device 13 detects candidates (object candidates) estimated to be specific objects in the captured image of the package M acquired from the imaging device 12 based on set values set based on the physical properties of the specific objects.

[0018] For example, the inspection device 13 acquires captured image data from an X-ray CT imaging device as the imaging device 12. The inspection device 13 extracts object information from the captured image data. The inspection device 13 detects object candidates based on the object information. A pixel corresponds to a pixel, which is the smallest unit constituting two-dimensional image data. A voxel is the smallest unit of data constituting three-dimensional data and represents a value of a regular grid unit. A voxel is a value corresponding to a pixel in two-dimensional image data.

[0019] In addition, the inspection device 13 has a function of detecting a specific part or a specific object (hereinafter, also simply referred to as a specific part) from an image obtained by imaging the package M. For example, the inspection device 13 detects a specific part, which is a specific part or a specific object, in the captured image captured by the imaging device 12. The specific part is a part or an object where a specific object collected in advance is likely to be hidden. The specific part may be a part or an object having a predetermined shape, or may be a part or an object arranged at a predetermined position in the package. For example, as the specific part, walls of packages such as shoes, cameras, personal computers, trunks, and cigarettes are assumed.

[0020] In the specific part detection unit of the inspection device 13, an image of a region that seems to be a part or an object to be a specific part set (learned) in advance is extracted from the captured image captured by the imaging device 12, and the specific part is detected by recognizing the shape of the extracted image. Specifically, the specific part detection unit of the inspection device 13 can detect a specific part using semantic segmentation that associates labels or categories with all pixels in the captured image.

[0021] However, the method for detecting specific parts applied to the specific part detection unit is not limited to the method described above. It may also be a general image recognition method, or an object recognition method such as SSD (Single Shot Detector, Single Shot MultiBox Detector) using machine learning or deep learning that takes features such as HOG (Histograms of Oriented Gradients) features extracted from an image as input.

[0022] The display device 14 is an output device for informing the inspector of the inspection results. The display device 14 displays guidance screens and the like in accordance with the control of the inspection device 13. As a guidance screen to be presented to the inspector, the display device 14 displays guidance screens that show the results of the inspection processing on the captured image of the luggage M. For example, the display device 14 displays an image that clearly identifies the target object candidate and specific parts in the image captured by the camera 12 generated by the inspection device 13.

[0023] The operating device 15 generates an operation signal in response to the operator's input and supplies the operation signal to the inspection device 13. The operating device 15 is composed of an operation device such as a keyboard and a pointing device. Alternatively, the operating device 15 may be composed of a touch panel or the like on the display screen of the display device 14.

[0024] Speaker 16 is an output device for informing inspectors of inspection results and other information by voice. Speaker 16 outputs voice guidance to inform inspectors of the results of the inspection process and other information.

[0025] The reader 17 reads the code Ma. The reader 17 decodes the code Ma and transmits the resulting ID to the inspection device 13. The reader 17 may be fixed to the imaging device 12 or the like, or it may be a handheld type held by an operator. For example, the reader 17 may consist of a light to illuminate the code Ma and a camera to photograph the code Ma.

[0026] Furthermore, the inspection device 13 has a function to perform an alerting process that notifies (issues an alert) the inspector of information such as potential target objects. For example, the inspection device 13 displays on the display device 14 the potential target objects that are determined to be highly likely to be specific target objects, along with the captured image taken by the camera device 12 of the package M being transported by the conveyor 11.

[0027] Furthermore, the inspection device 13 may display all potential objects in the captured image of the package M on the display device 14, and may also display object candidates that are determined to be highly likely to be specific objects using a different color or mark from other candidates. In addition, the inspection device 13 may display images on the display device 14 that clearly indicate the potential objects and the specific parts in the captured image of the package M. Furthermore, the inspection device 13 may switch the content displayed on the display device 14 in response to instructions from the worker via the operation device 15.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the information management system 100, which includes the inspection system 1 according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 2 shows an example configuration of an information management system 100 including an inspection system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the information management system 100 includes a plurality of inspection systems 1 installed in each inspection area, and a higher-level management device 101 that is connected to the inspection devices 13 of each inspection system 1 via communication.

[0030] Each inspection system 1 inspects the same package M. Each inspection system 1 inspects package M at each point along the route to which package M is transported. For example, one inspection system 1 inspects package M at its source, while another inspection system 1 inspects package M at its destination.

[0031] The higher-level management device 101 (information processing device) functions as an information management device that collects data from inspection devices in each inspection system 1 and supplies data to each inspection device.

[0032] The higher-level management device 101 is composed of a computer, such as a server. The higher-level management device 101 has a storage device that stores information related to the inspections performed by each inspection system 1. The higher-level management device 101 may also have an interface that connects to the server device that stores the inspection information.

[0033] The higher-level management device 101 acquires information from the inspection devices 13 in each inspection system 1. The higher-level management device 101 stores and aggregates the information acquired from the inspection devices 13 in each inspection system 1. The higher-level management device 101 supplies information to the inspection devices 13 in each inspection system 1. For example, the higher-level management device 101 distributes setting values ​​used for inspection processing to the inspection devices 13 in each inspection system 1. The higher-level management device 101 may also distribute update data for the programs that each inspection device 13 uses to execute inspection processing.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the control systems for the imaging device 12 and the inspection device 13 in the inspection system 1 according to this embodiment will be described. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control systems for the imaging device 12 and the inspection device 13 in the inspection system 1 according to this embodiment.

[0035] As shown in Figure 3, the imaging device 12 has an imaging unit 21, a processing unit 22, and an output unit 23. The imaging unit 21 irradiates an object to be inspected, such as luggage M, with electromagnetic waves such as X-rays to capture an image. For example, if the imaging device 12 is an X-ray CT scanner, the imaging unit 21 acquires three-dimensional X-ray image data by irradiating X-rays from around the luggage M being transported by the conveyor belt 11.

[0036] The processing unit 22 includes a processor and various types of memory, and the processor executes various processes by running programs stored in the memory. For example, the processing unit 22 processes the X-ray image data acquired by the imaging unit 21 when it irradiates electromagnetic waves to generate captured image data that includes the captured image and physical property information indicating the physical properties of the constituent units (pixels or voxels) that make up the captured image.

[0037] The output unit 23 is an interface for outputting data such as captured image data. The output unit 23 has an interface that corresponds to the image interface 39 of the inspection device 13 and outputs captured image data to the inspection device 13. The output unit 23 may also be an input / output interface that includes an interface for inputting data such as control data from the connected inspection device 13.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3, the inspection device 13 includes a processor 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, storage unit 34, communication unit 35, display interface 36, operation interface 37, voice interface 38, and image interface 39.

[0039] The processor 31 performs arithmetic processing. The processor 31 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 31 functions as a processing unit that performs various operations by executing programs stored in the ROM 32 or storage unit 34 using the RAM 33.

[0040] ROM32 is a read-only, non-volatile memory. ROM32 stores program data and control data, among other things. RAM33 is a volatile memory that functions as working memory. RAM33 temporarily stores data.

[0041] The memory unit 34 is a rewritable non-volatile memory. The memory unit 34 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), etc. The memory unit 34 stores information such as program data, setting values ​​as control data, and the results of inspection processing.

[0042] Furthermore, the memory unit 34 stores the bar graph database. The bar graph database will be described later.

[0043] The communication unit 35 is a communication interface for communicating with the higher-level management device 101. The processor 31 communicates with the higher-level management device 101 via the communication unit 35. The processor 31 sends data such as processing results to the higher-level management device 101 and receives data from the higher-level management device 101 via the communication unit 35.

[0044] The display interface 36 is an interface for connecting to the display device 14, which acts as an output device. The display interface 36 only needs to be compatible with the interfaces provided by the display device 14. The processor 31 controls the content to be displayed on the display device 14 via the display interface 36.

[0045] The operation interface 37 is an interface for connecting to the operating device 15 and the reader 17. The operation interface 37 only needs to correspond to the interfaces provided by the operating device 15 and the reader 17. The processor 31 acquires information input by the operating device 15 and the reader 17 via the operation interface 37. The operation interface 37 may consist of an interface for connecting to the operating device 15 and an interface for connecting to the reader 17.

[0046] The audio interface 38 is an interface for connecting to the speaker 16, which acts as an output device. The audio interface 38 only needs to be compatible with the interface provided by the speaker 16. The processor 31 causes the speaker 16 to output sound via the audio interface 38.

[0047] The image interface 39 is an interface for connecting to the imaging device 12. The image interface 39 is an image acquisition unit (image acquisition interface) for acquiring captured image data from the imaging device 12. The image interface 39 can be any interface that is provided by the imaging device 12, such as an X-ray CT scanner. The processor 31 acquires captured image data, including captured images (X-ray images) and physical property information, taken by the X-ray CT scanner (imaging device 12) via the image interface 39. The processor 31 may also control the imaging operation of the imaging device 12 on the luggage M via the image interface 39.

[0048] Next, the configuration of the higher-level management device 101 in the information management system 100, which includes the inspection system 1 according to the embodiment, will be described. Figure 4 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a higher-level management device 101 in an information management system 100 including an inspection system 1 according to an embodiment.

[0049] The higher-level management device 101 is an information management device that manages information for the entire inspection system 1. The higher-level management device 101 is a computer that communicates with the inspection devices 13 of the inspection system 1 installed in each inspection area. The higher-level management device 101 is configured, for example, as a server device.

[0050] In the configuration example shown in Figure 4, the higher-level management device 101 includes a processor 41, ROM 42, RAM 43, storage unit 44, and communication unit 45. The processor 41 performs arithmetic processing. The processor 41 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 41 functions as a processing unit that performs various operations by executing programs stored in the ROM 42 or storage unit 44 using the RAM 43.

[0051] ROM42 is a read-only non-volatile memory. ROM42 stores program data and control data, etc. RAM43 is a volatile memory that functions as working memory. RAM43 temporarily stores data.

[0052] The memory unit 44 is a rewritable non-volatile memory. The memory unit 44 is composed of a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state drive (SSD), etc. The memory unit 34 stores information such as program data, setting values ​​as control data, and data collected from each inspection device 13.

[0053] The communication unit 45 is a communication interface for communicating with the inspection device 13 in each inspection system 1. The processor 41 communicates with the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45. The processor 41 receives data such as processing results from the inspection device 13 and transmits data to the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45.

[0054] Next, the functions implemented by the inspection system 1 will be described. The functions implemented by the inspection system 1 are achieved by the processor 31 executing a program stored in the internal memory, ROM 32, or storage unit 34, etc.

[0055] First, the processor 31 has the function of obtaining the ID of package M. For example, when a package M is loaded onto the conveyor belt 11, the processor 31 drives the conveyor belt 11. When the package M reaches the reading position of the reader 17, the reader 17 reads and decodes the code Ma. After decoding the code Ma, the reader 17 transmits the decoded ID to the inspection device 13.

[0056] The processor 31 obtains an ID from the reader 17 through the operation interface 37.

[0057] If the reader 17 is a handheld type, the operator holds the reader 17 over the code Ma. The reader 17 reads and decodes the code Ma. After decoding the code Ma, the reader 17 transmits the decoded ID to the inspection device 13.

[0058] Alternatively, the operator may visually inspect the ID of the package M and input it into the operating device 15. In this case, the processor 31 obtains the ID from the operating device 15 through the operating interface 37.

[0059] Furthermore, if no ID is assigned to package M, the operator may issue an ID. In this case, the operator may affix a code Ma, obtained by encoding the ID, to package M.

[0060] Furthermore, the processor 31 has the function of acquiring captured image data from the imaging device 12. Once the ID is obtained, the processor 31 continues to drive the conveyor 11, allowing the package M to pass through the camera 12.

[0061] The imaging unit 21 of the imaging device 12 irradiates the luggage M with electromagnetic waves while the luggage M is passing through to generate X-ray image data. Once the imaging unit 21 has generated the X-ray image data, the processing unit 22 of the imaging device 12 generates image data including the captured image and physical property information based on the X-ray image data. Once the processing unit 22 has generated the image data, the output unit 23 of the imaging device 12 transmits the generated image data to the inspection device 13.

[0062] The processor 31 acquires captured image data from the imaging device 12 through the image interface 39.

[0063] Furthermore, the processor 31 has the function of displaying the captured image on the display device 14 based on the captured image data.

[0064] Upon acquiring captured image data, the processor 31 extracts the captured image from the captured image data. After extracting the captured image, the processor 31 displays the captured image on the display device 14. The processor 31 may also detect target object candidates and specific parts from the captured image. The processor 31 may also display an image in which the target object candidates and specific parts are clearly indicated in the captured image.

[0065] Furthermore, the processor 31 has the function of generating a bar graph of the materials that make up the package M. Figure 5 shows an example of how processor 31 generates a bar graph.

[0066] The processor 31 extracts physical property information from the captured image data. Here, the physical property information indicates the density and effective atomic number of each pixel or voxel. After extracting the physical property information, the processor 31 identifies the substance contained in each pixel or voxel based on the density and effective atomic number of each pixel or voxel.

[0067] Once the substance contained in each pixel or voxel is identified, the processor 31 counts the pixels or voxels for each substance. That is, the processor 31 counts the pixels or voxels that contain the same substance.

[0068] When the pixels or voxels are counted for each substance, the processor 31 generates a bar graph (feature information) showing the counted value (detected amount) for each substance. That is, the bar graph shows the amount of each substance that makes up the pixels or voxels of the package M.

[0069] In the example shown in Figure 5, the processor 31 generates a bar graph X. As shown in Figure 5, in the bar graph X, the horizontal axis represents the substance, and the vertical axis represents the detected amount corresponding to the substance.

[0070] When the bar graph X is generated, the processor 31 sends the ID and the bar graph X to the higher-level management device 101 via the communication unit 35, associating them with each other.

[0071] As described later, the higher-level management device 101 registers the ID and bar graph X. If the ID and bar graph X are already registered, the higher-level management device 101 transmits information (change detection information) indicating whether the contents of package M have changed to the inspection device 13.

[0072] When the processor 31 of the inspection device 13 receives change detection information, it displays the change detection information on the display device 14. The processor 31 may also output a warning sound or the like through the speaker 16 based on the change detection information.

[0073] Next, the functions implemented by the higher-level management device 101 will be described. The functions implemented by the higher-level management device 101 are achieved by the processor 41 executing a program stored in the internal memory, ROM 42, or storage unit 44, etc.

[0074] First, the processor 41 has the function of registering the bar graph X in the bar graph database. Figure 5 shows an example of how the processor 41 registers bar graph X in the bar graph database.

[0075] The bar graph database is a database that stores the ID of each package in association with a bar graph.

[0076] Here, the processor 31 of the inspection device 13 that first inspected package M will associate the ID of package M with the bar graph X and transmit it to the higher-level management device 101.

[0077] The processor 41 obtains the ID of package M and the bar graph X from the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45. Upon obtaining the ID of package M and the bar graph X, the processor 41 determines whether the obtained ID is registered in the bar graph database.

[0078] Here, processor 41 determines that the acquired ID is not registered in the bar graph database.

[0079] If the processor 41 determines that the acquired ID is not registered in the bar graph database, it associates the acquired ID with bar graph X and registers it in the bar graph database.

[0080] Furthermore, when the processor 41 associates the acquired ID with the bar graph X and registers it in the bar graph database, it may send a response to the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45 indicating that the registration is complete.

[0081] Furthermore, the processor 41 has a function to determine whether the contents of package M have changed based on the bar graph X. Figure 6 shows an example of the processor 41 determining whether the contents of package M have changed.

[0082] Here, we assume that the bar graph database registers the ID of package M and bar graph X. Furthermore, the processor 31 of the inspection device 13 that inspects the package M further downstream will associate the ID of the package M with the bar graph X and transmit it to the higher-level management device 101.

[0083] The processor 41 obtains the ID of package M and the bar graph X from the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45. Upon obtaining the ID of package M and the bar graph X, the processor 41 determines whether the obtained ID is registered in the bar graph database.

[0084] Here, processor 41 determines that the acquired ID is registered in the bar graph database.

[0085] If the processor 41 determines that the acquired ID is registered in the bar graph database, it retrieves the bar graph X corresponding to that ID from the bar graph database.

[0086] When bar graph X is obtained from the bar graph database, the processor 41 determines whether the bar graph X obtained from the inspection device 13 matches the bar graph X obtained from the bar graph database.

[0087] For example, the processor 41 calculates the similarity between the two according to a predetermined algorithm. After calculating the similarity between the two, the processor 41 determines whether the similarity is above a predetermined threshold. If it determines that the similarity is above the predetermined threshold, the processor 41 determines that the two are consistent. If it determines that the similarity is below the predetermined threshold, the processor 41 determines that the two are inconsistent.

[0088] If the processor determines that both are consistent, it transmits change detection information (change detection information indicating the determination result) to the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45, indicating that the contents of package M have not changed.

[0089] Furthermore, if the processor 41 determines that the two do not match, it transmits change detection information (change detection information indicating the determination result) to the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45, indicating that the contents of package M have changed.

[0090] Next, we will describe an example of the operation of the inspection device 13. Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the inspection device 13.

[0091] First, the processor 31 of the inspection device 13 obtains the ID of the package M using the reader 17 (S11). Once the ID is obtained, the processor 31 obtains image data of the package M using the imaging device 12 (S12).

[0092] When captured image data is acquired, the processor 31 displays the captured image on the display device 14 (S13). After displaying the captured image, the processor 31 generates a bar graph X based on the captured image data (S14).

[0093] When the bar graph X is generated, the processor 31 transmits the ID and the bar graph X to the higher-level management device 101 via the communication unit 35 (S15). When the ID and the bar graph X are associated and sent to the higher-level management device 101, the processor 31 terminates its operation.

[0094] Next, we will describe an example of the operation of the higher-level management device 101. Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the higher-level management device 101.

[0095] First, the processor 41 of the higher-level management device 101 obtains the ID and bar graph X from the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45 (S21). After obtaining the ID and bar graph X, the processor 41 determines whether the obtained ID is registered in the bar graph database (S22).

[0096] If the processor determines that the acquired ID is not registered in the bar graph database (S22, NO), it associates the acquired ID with bar graph X and registers it in the bar graph database (S23).

[0097] If the processor determines that the acquired ID is registered in the bar graph database (S22, YES), the processor 41 retrieves the bar graph X corresponding to the acquired ID from the bar graph database (S24).

[0098] When bar graph X is obtained from the bar graph database, the processor 41 determines whether the bar graph X obtained from the inspection device 13 matches the bar graph X obtained from the bar graph database (S25).

[0099] If the processor determines that both are consistent (S25, YES), it transmits change detection information to the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45, indicating that the contents of package M have not changed (S26).

[0100] If the processor determines that the two do not match (S25, NO), it transmits change detection information to the inspection device 13 via the communication unit 45, indicating that the contents of package M have changed (S27).

[0101] The processor 41 terminates its operation when it registers the acquired ID and bar graph X in association with each other in the bar graph database (S23), when it sends change detection information to the inspection device 13 indicating that the contents of package M have not changed (S26), or when it sends change detection information to the inspection device 13 indicating that the contents of package M have changed (S27).

[0102] The information management system 100 may inspect package M three or more times. In this case, the information management system 100 will determine whether the contents of package M have changed during the second and subsequent inspections.

[0103] Furthermore, the inspection device 13 may transmit information other than bar graphs as characteristic information.

[0104] Figure 9 shows another example of feature information. As shown in Figure 9, feature information can also be presented as a line graph. Here, the horizontal axis represents the substance, and the vertical axis represents the detected amount corresponding to the substance.

[0105] Figure 10 shows yet another example of characteristic information. As shown in Figure 9, characteristic information can also be presented in a table. Here, the table shows the detected amount of each substance.

[0106] Furthermore, the processor 31 of the inspection device 13 may calculate the feature quantities of the captured image data according to a predetermined algorithm and generate feature information indicating the feature quantities. The structure of the feature information is not limited to a specific structure.

[0107] Furthermore, the processor 41 of the higher-level management device 101 may generate a bar graph (feature information). In this case, the processor 41 acquires captured image data from the inspection device 13. The processor 41 generates a bar graph from the captured image data.

[0108] The information management system configured as described above generates a bar graph of the contents of a package based on the inspection results obtained by X-ray inspection of the package. The information management system similarly generates bar graphs downstream along the package's transport route. If the two bar graphs do not match, the information management system determines that the contents of the package have changed. As a result, the information management system can detect changes in the contents of a package after inspection.

[0109] The program according to this embodiment may be transferred while stored on an electronic device, or it may be transferred while not stored on an electronic device. In the latter case, the program may be transferred via a network, or it may be transferred while stored on a storage medium. The storage medium is a non-temporary tangible medium. The storage medium is a computer-readable medium. The storage medium can be any medium that is capable of storing a program and is readable by a computer, such as a CD-ROM or memory card, and its form is not limited.

[0110] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. The invention described in the original claims of this application is listed below. [Note 1] A communication interface for acquiring characteristic information related to the contents of the object being inspected, A memory for storing the database in which the aforementioned characteristic information is registered, Based on the acquired characteristic information and the characteristic information registered in the database, it is determined whether the contents have changed. The communication interface transmits change detection information indicating the determination result. Processor and An information processing device equipped with the following features. [Note 2] The characteristic information is generated based on data obtained by irradiating the object to be inspected with X-rays. The information processing device described in Appendix 1. [Note 3] The characteristic information is generated based on the density and effective atomic number of the object being inspected. The information processing device described in Appendix 2. [Note 4] The characteristic information indicates a substance identified based on the density and effective atomic number of the object being inspected. The information processing device described in Appendix 3. [Note 5] The characteristic information is a bar graph showing the amount of each substance constituting each pixel or voxel of the subject being inspected. The information processing device described in Appendix 4. [Note 6] The aforementioned processor, If the acquired feature information matches the feature information registered in the database, the change detection information indicating that the contents have not changed is transmitted through the communication interface. If the acquired feature information does not match the feature information registered in the database, the change detection information indicating that the contents have changed is transmitted through the communication interface. An information processing device as described in any one of the appendices 1 to 5. [Note 7] The database registers the ID of the object to be inspected and the characteristic information in association with each other. The communication interface acquires the ID and the characteristic information, If the ID is not registered in the database, the processor associates the acquired ID with the feature information and registers it in the database. The information processing device described in Appendix 1. [Note 8] The subject of the inspection is luggage. The information processing device described in Appendix 1. [Note 9] A program executed by a processor, The aforementioned processor, A function to acquire characteristic information related to the contents of the object being inspected, A function to determine whether the contents have changed based on the acquired characteristic information and the characteristic information registered in the database, A function to transmit change detection information indicating the judgment result, The program to be executed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1...Inspection system, 11...Conveyor, 12...Imaging device, 13...Inspection device, 14...Display device, 15...Operating device, 16...Speaker, 17...Reader, 21...Imaging unit, 22...Processing unit, 23...Output unit, 31...Processor, 32...ROM, 33...RAM, 34...Storage unit, 35...Communication unit, 36...Display interface, 37...Operation interface, 38...Voice interface, 39...Image interface, 41...Processor, 42...ROM, 43...RAM, 44...Storage unit, 45...Communication unit, 100...Information management system, 101...Higher-level management device.

Claims

1. A communication interface for acquiring the ID of the object to be inspected and characteristic information related to the contents of the object to be inspected, A memory that stores a database for registering the aforementioned ID and the aforementioned characteristic information in association, If the acquired ID is not registered, the acquired ID and the characteristic information are associated and registered in the database; if the acquired ID is already registered, the registered characteristic information corresponding to the registered ID is acquired from the database; and based on the acquired characteristic information and the characteristic information registered in the database, it is determined whether the contents have changed. The communication interface transmits change detection information indicating the determination result. Processor and An information processing device equipped with the following features.

2. The characteristic information is generated based on data obtained by irradiating the object to be inspected with X-rays. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The characteristic information is generated based on the density and effective atomic number of the object being inspected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The characteristic information indicates a substance identified based on the density and effective atomic number of the object being inspected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 3.

5. The characteristic information is a bar graph showing the amount of each substance constituting each pixel or voxel of the subject being inspected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned processor, If the acquired feature information matches the feature information registered in the database, the change detection information indicating that the contents have not changed is transmitted through the communication interface. If the acquired feature information does not match the feature information registered in the database, the change detection information indicating that the contents have changed is transmitted through the communication interface. The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The subject of the inspection is luggage. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

8. A program executed by a processor, The aforementioned processor, A function to acquire the ID of the object to be inspected and characteristic information related to the contents of the object to be inspected, If the acquired ID is not registered, the acquired ID and the characteristic information are registered in the database in association with each other. If the acquired ID is already registered, the registered characteristic information corresponding to the registered ID is acquired from the database. The function determines whether the contents have changed based on the acquired characteristic information and the characteristic information registered in the database. A function to transmit change detection information indicating the judgment result, The program to be executed.

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