X-ray inspection apparatus, article inspection system, and X-ray image forming apparatus

Abstract

To provide an X-ray inspection device and system, and an X-ray image forming device, capable of generating an X-ray image suitable for the purpose such as article inspection on the basis of X-ray transmission image data in a plurality of energy regions.SOLUTION: An X-ray inspection device includes: an X-ray inspection unit 20 and an inspection processing unit 30 that execute predetermined image processing on the basis of X-ray transmission image data Xza, Xzb in a plurality of energy regions to generate a determining image Xsc to inspect an inspection object W; and display means 41 that displays the inspection result. The device further includes: displaying image generation means 34 that execute predetermined displaying image processing on the basis of the X-ray transmission image data Xza, Xzb in the plurality of energy regions to generate candidate images Xte, Xs1, Xs2, Xs3 of a displaying image, which is at least different in image concentration of the inspection object W from the determining image Xsc; and display control means 35 that allows the display means 41 to display an inspection result OK / NG and the displaying image Xip on the basis of a preset display aspect.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an X-ray inspection apparatus, an article inspection system, and an X-ray image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an X-ray inspection apparatus, an article inspection system, and an X-ray image forming apparatus that can generate X-ray images suitable for purposes such as article inspection based on transmitted image data of X-rays in multiple different energy ranges. [Background technology]

[0002] An X-ray inspection device is known that irradiates an object with X-rays from multiple energy ranges, acquires transmission image data with varying density according to the distribution of transmitted light, and performs predetermined image processing to create differences in brightness in areas such as foreign matter contamination or packaging defects, thereby enabling accurate inspection of the quality of the object.

[0003] For example, in the X-ray inspection apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 shown below, a transmission image in which foreign objects are emphasized is generated by subtraction processing, and the presence or absence of foreign objects is inspected and displayed on the display unit so that the operator can understand the inspection status.

[0004] Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 2, the display unit can be installed in a work area for post-processing of inspected items, and work instructions including transparent images can be displayed to the worker. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-141736 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-138193 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] However, with conventional X-ray inspection devices and systems as described above, for example, as image processing techniques for improving the accuracy of detecting foreign objects mixed in an item become more sophisticated, areas with a high probability of containing foreign objects are emphasized, resulting in more pronounced contrasts in density and improving the inspection performance for foreign objects. On the other hand, areas with a low probability of containing foreign objects tend to have less pronounced contrasts in density.

[0007] In other words, the X-ray transmission images of the items themselves, obtained as a result of image processing to accurately detect foreign objects, did not provide workers with useful information for visually assessing the condition of the objects for additional inspections or processing.

[0008] For example, when removing residual materials such as bones from an object as an additional processing step, while confirming the location of these materials by viewing a transparent image, it can be difficult to determine the exact location of the residual materials in the object using only an image that emphasizes bones, resulting in a significant decrease in the efficiency of the removal work.

[0009] The present invention has been made to solve the conventional problems described above, and aims to provide an X-ray inspection apparatus, an article inspection system, and an X-ray image forming apparatus that improve inspection performance such as foreign object detection, while also making it easier and more accurate for operators to understand the condition of the inspected object during inspection and work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to achieve the above object, the X-ray inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes: (1) an inspection unit that detects X-rays transmitted through an object to be inspected in a plurality of energy regions, and inspects the object to be inspected using a determination image generated by executing predetermined image processing based on at least two X-ray transmission image data corresponding to at least two energy regions; and display means for displaying the inspection result of the inspection unit. In the X-ray inspection apparatus, there are further provided: display image generation means for executing display image processing different from the image processing for generating the determination image by executing the predetermined image processing based on the X-ray transmission image data to generate a display image; and display control means for causing the display means to display the inspection result and the display image based on a preset display mode.

[0011] With this configuration, in the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention, the display image is generated by the display image generation means so that the image density of the object to be inspected is different from that of the determination image, and is displayed on the display means together with the inspection result in a preset display mode. Therefore, while ensuring the required inspection performance by the determination image, it is possible for the operator to easily and accurately grasp the situation of the object to be inspected corresponding to the inspection result, particularly important inspection parts, or parts for which additional inspections or operations may be required depending on the inspection result, from the display image.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention, (2) the determination image is a difference image obtained by performing difference processing on the X-ray transmission image data of the plurality of energy regions transmitted through the object to be inspected, and the display image can be a high-concentration difference image in which the image density of the object to be inspected in the image is higher than the image density of the object to be inspected in the determination image.

[0013] By doing so, for the determination image which is a difference image, by adjusting the X-rays in a plurality of energy regions, foreign matters, residues, defective parts, etc. having different X-ray transmittance from the inspected object can be reflected with a high density difference with respect to the inspected object. In addition, for the display image of the inspected object generated separately from the determination image, since the image of the object itself becomes a high density difference image with respect to the inspected object in the determination image, it is possible to easily and accurately grasp the situation of a particularly important inspection site or a target site for which additional inspection or work may be required depending on the inspection result from the display image. Here, the density difference referred to here is a light and dark difference or a luminance difference, and it is also conceivable to adopt a display form in which the display image and the determination image can be compared and referred to.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention, it further has (3) operation input means for inputting required information according to the operation input of the user, and the display image generation means is based on the required information from the operation input means, and based on the transmission image data of the X-rays in a specific energy region among the plurality of energy regions, it may be configured to execute a plurality of preset image processes and generate the display image as a plurality of different images showing the same object.

[0015] In this case, since the display image is generated as a plurality of different images showing the same inspected object, the operator can easily and accurately grasp the situation of the inspected object, particularly the situation of a particularly important inspection site or a target site for which additional inspection or work may be required depending on the inspection result, and can select a display image that can be grasped.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention, (4) the display image generation means generates a total X-ray image corresponding to the X-ray transmission image data including the plurality of energy regions by executing a plurality of image processing operations stored in advance as the predetermined image processing, and generates a plurality of heterogeneous difference images by performing differential processing on the X-ray transmission image data of the plurality of energy regions under a plurality of different processing conditions, and the operation input means may be configured to allow operation inputs to request the display output of one or more of the total X-ray image and the plurality of heterogeneous difference images, and operation inputs to request the setting of changing the display output.

[0017] In this configuration, the total image clearly displays the thickness and shape of the entire object under inspection or a specific part of it, while the difference image clearly displays defective areas such as foreign matter, residue, and defects within the object under inspection. By generating multiple different difference images, it becomes easy to identify the difference image that best captures a specific part of the object under inspection that includes a defective area.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the X-ray inspection apparatus of the present invention, (5) the plurality of different difference images may be difference images in which the article influence density of the object to be inspected in the image differs from one another depending on a plurality of different image processing conditions.

[0019] In this case, since the concentration of the object being inspected differs from one another in multiple different difference images, it becomes even easier to identify a difference image that makes it easier to grasp a specific area of ​​interest in the object being inspected that contains a defect (for example, a thick or thin part).

[0020] The article inspection system according to the present invention is an article inspection system comprising (6) an X-ray inspection apparatus as described in (1) above, a transport apparatus for transporting an article along a predetermined transport path, and a post-processing booth located downstream of the transport path, wherein the inspection unit of the X-ray inspection apparatus has an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the article on the transport path and outputs a detection signal, and the display image generation means of the X-ray inspection apparatus outputs the display image to a post-processing display means installed in the post-processing booth.

[0021] With this configuration, in the article inspection system of the present invention, a display image is output to the post-processing display means in the post-processing booth. Based on this display image, it becomes possible to easily and accurately identify the areas to be inspected or worked on in the post-processing booth, thereby improving the processing efficiency in the post-processing booth.

[0022] The X-ray image forming apparatus according to the present invention comprises: (7) a transmission image data generation unit that receives a detection signal of X-rays that have passed through an article and generates transmission image data of X-rays in a plurality of different energy regions; an image processing unit that performs predetermined image processing to generate a difference image of at least the transmission image data of X-rays based on the transmission image data of X-rays in a plurality of energy regions; and an image output unit that outputs the image generated by the image processing unit to a display means, wherein the image processing unit has a display image generation means that generates a total X-ray image corresponding to the transmission image data of X-rays including the plurality of energy regions, and performs the predetermined image processing based on the transmission image data of X-rays in a plurality of energy regions under a plurality of different image processing conditions to generate a plurality of heterogeneous difference images as the difference image; and the image output unit has a selection operation means that switchesly selects and sets at least one of the total X-ray image and the plurality of heterogeneous difference images generated by the display image generation means as the image to be displayed and output.

[0023] With this configuration, the X-ray image forming apparatus of the present invention generates a total X-ray image corresponding to X-ray transmission image data including multiple energy regions by the display image generation means of the image processing unit, and generates multiple heterogeneous difference images by performing predetermined image processing under multiple different image processing conditions based on the X-ray transmission image data of multiple energy regions. Then, at least one of the total X-ray image and the multiple heterogeneous difference images can be switched and set as the image to be displayed and output by the selection operation means of the image output unit.Therefore, while ensuring the required inspection performance with judgment images, it becomes possible for operators to easily and accurately understand the condition of the object to be inspected corresponding to the inspection results, especially important inspection areas, or target areas where additional inspection or work may be required depending on the inspection results, from the display images.

[0024] The article processing system according to the present invention is characterized in that (8) an X-ray image forming apparatus as described in (7) above, a transport device for transporting the article along a predetermined transport path, and a post-processing booth located downstream of the transport path, wherein the transmission image data generation unit of the X-ray image forming apparatus has an X-ray detector that detects X-rays transmitted through the article on the transport path and outputs the detection signal, and the post-processing booth has a post-processing display means that displays and outputs at least one image from the total X-ray image and the plurality of different difference images that are generated by the image processing unit and selected by the selection operation means.

[0025] With this configuration, in the article processing system of the present invention, at least one image from among the total X-ray image and multiple heterogeneous difference images generated by the image processing unit and selected by the selection operation means is displayed and output by the post-processing display means in the post-processing booth. Therefore, the user operating the selection operation means can easily and accurately grasp the target areas for additional inspection or work in the post-processing booth based on the displayed image, thereby improving the processing efficiency in the post-processing booth.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the article processing system of the present invention, (9) the post-processing display means is configured to include at least a plurality of displays spaced apart in the direction of article transport, and the post-processing booth is provided with sorting means that sorts the articles transported along the transport path into additional processing spaces corresponding to any one of the plurality of displays in order of transport.

[0027] In this article processing system, the multiple displays of the post-processing display means are spaced apart at least in the direction of article transport along the transport path. As a result, articles transported downstream along the transport path can be sorted by the sorting means into additional processing spaces corresponding to any one of the multiple displays, in the order of their transport. The multiple displays may be arranged alternately on both sides in the direction of the transport path width while being spaced apart in the direction of article transport. [Effects of the Invention]

[0028] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an X-ray inspection apparatus, an article inspection system, and an X-ray image forming apparatus that improve inspection performance such as foreign object detection, while also making it easier and more accurate for operators to understand the condition of the inspected object during inspection and work. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0029] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing an article inspection system equipped with an X-ray inspection apparatus as an X-ray image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram of the sensor configuration of the X-ray detector and the circuit configuration of the transmission image data generation means in the article inspection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This graph, used to explain pulse height value divisions, displays the signal levels of pulsed X-ray detection signals output from multiple sensors of an X-ray detector in an article inspection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, within multiple divided X-ray energy region divisions. The vertical axis represents the pulse signal level, and the horizontal axis represents the scan time. [Figure 4]This diagram illustrates the state in which the display image selection function is selected from the inspection screen when inspection is stopped, and the display image setting menu is expanded on the touch panel which serves as the operation display unit in the article inspection system of the first embodiment of the present invention. The display image setting menu allows the display image selection screen to be displayed. [Figure 5] This is an explanatory diagram of a screen showing a display image selection screen having preview image display areas for multiple display images on a touch panel, which serves as an operation display unit in an article inspection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram of an operation screen in an article inspection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is an operation display unit on a touch panel, and which displays a predetermined number of display images in a display screen setting frame, which is a preview image display area of ​​the display image selection screen, in a way that allows selection and comparison while scrolling (moving and displaying) left and right. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram of a display image setting operation screen in which a display screen setting frame, which is a preview image display area for the display image selection screen, is displayed as a pop-up in the display image setting menu screen on a touch panel, which serves as an operation display unit, in an article inspection system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of an article processing system equipped with an X-ray inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] (First Embodiment) Figures 1 to 7 show an article inspection system equipped with an X-ray image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] First, let me explain the structure.

[0033] The X-ray inspection apparatus 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an item transport unit 10, an X-ray inspection unit 20, an inspection processing unit 30, and an operation display unit 40, and constitutes part of an item inspection system that includes a sorting device (not shown) located downstream of the item transport unit 10.

[0034] The item transport unit 10 transports the object to be inspected W (article) in the direction of arrow Db in Figure 1 (a predetermined transport direction; hereinafter simply referred to as the Db direction). For example, a loop-shaped transport belt 11 is placed between parallel rollers 12 and 13, and the object to be inspected W is transported at a constant speed on the transport path 11a, which is the upper section of the transport belt 11, while passing through the inspection area Zx by the X-ray inspection unit 20. In this case, the item transport unit 10 is a belt conveyor in which either the rollers 12 or 13 is motor-driven, and the transport path 11a is flat. However, it may also be a system in which the object to be inspected W is pumped through a tubular transport path, or a system in which the object to be inspected W passes through the inspection area Zx by its own weight.

[0035] The X-ray inspection unit 20 has an X-ray generator 21 and an X-ray detector 22 positioned with the transport path 11a of the article transport unit 10 in between. Here, the X-ray generator 21 and X-ray detector 22 are positioned opposite each other, for example, while being spaced apart vertically, but they may also be positioned spaced apart both vertically and horizontally.

[0036] The X-ray generator 21 emits X-rays toward the transport path 11a of the object to be inspected W by the item transport unit 10. In this embodiment, the X-rays are irradiated downwards from vertically above the object to be inspected W. However, the direction of X-ray irradiation from the X-ray generator 21 is not limited to downwards; it may be in other directions.

[0037] The X-ray source of the X-ray generator 21 may, for example, incorporate a hot cathode X-ray tube, but it may also be a grid-controlled hot cathode X-ray tube that controls the X-ray dose by controlling the grid voltage applied to the control grid (for example, reducing the X-ray dose with a negative grid voltage).

[0038] This X-ray generating unit 21 applies a negative DC potential to the cathode of an X-ray tube (not shown), causing electrons to be emitted from a filament that has been heated to a high temperature. The electrons emitted from the filament are focused by a focusing electrode to which a negative DC potential is applied, while a positive DC potential is applied to the target to accelerate the electrons emitted from the filament with a high voltage, causing them to collide with the target and generate X-rays from the target.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the X-ray detector 22 has multiple sensors 221-22 that receive X-rays and convert them into electrical signals. N It has multiple sensors 221-22 N These multiple sensors 221-22 output X-ray detection information as an electrical signal. N These are positioned to receive X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator 21 and transmitted through the object W under inspection. They are lined up in a row with almost no gaps in the direction of arrow Da (the width direction of the transport path; hereinafter simply referred to as the Da direction), which is perpendicular to the transport direction of the object W under inspection.

[0040] Specifically, the X-ray detector 22 has multiple sensors 221-22 N It consists of a single line sensor with multiple sensors 221-22 connected integrally, and is positioned on the lower side of the transport path 11a which is inside the loop-shaped transport belt 11 of the item transport unit 10. Here, for example, multiple sensors 221-22 N If the width of each sensor in the Da direction is 1 mm, the gap between sensors is made negligibly small compared to the sensor width, and the width of the transport path 11a that transports the object W to be inspected in the Da direction is 200 mm, then a line sensor with approximately 200 sensors can be used. The X-ray detector 22 is capable of outputting detection information for X-rays in multiple different energy ranges. Details of this configuration will be described later.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the inspection processing unit 30 consists of an image processing block 30A that generates X-ray transmission image data and a control block 30B that performs predetermined inspection control and display output control based on the X-ray transmission image data from the image processing block 30A. The image processing block 30A also includes a transmission image data generation means 31, a transmission image data storage means 32, and a display image generation means 34, while the control block 30B includes a determination means 33, a display control means 35, and a condition setting means 36.

[0042] Although the detailed configuration of this inspection processing unit 30 is not shown in the diagram, it is implemented by a combination of hardware such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and software such as programs that perform various functions on that hardware. However, the hardware may also include FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and DSP (Digital Signal Processor). The various functions referred to here are the functions of the means for generating the aforementioned X-ray transmission image data, predetermined inspection control, and display output control.

[0043] The transmission image data generation means 31 divides the electrical signals (detection information) output from multiple sensors of the X-ray detector 22 into predetermined scan time units while the object to be inspected W is passing between the X-ray generator 21 and the X-ray detector 22, and performs predetermined signal processing, determining the direction of transport of the object to be inspected, Db, and sensors 221-22 N The system detects two-dimensional position information determined by the Da direction in which the elements are aligned, and image density values ​​corresponding to the signal processing results for each position, thereby generating transparent image data of the object W under inspection.

[0044] Furthermore, in response to the X-ray detector 22 outputting detection information in each of multiple different energy regions, the transmission image data generation means 31 generates transmission image data of the object W under inspection corresponding to each of the multiple energy regions.

[0045] Specifically, the X-ray detector 22 outputs detection information for X-rays in a certain energy region, for example, a first energy region, and the transmission image data generation means 31 generates first X-ray transmission image data (Xza in Figure 1) based on this X-ray detection information in the first energy region. The first energy region is, for example, an energy region where the X-ray energy is 20 keV to 40 keV. The X-ray detector 22 also outputs detection information for X-rays in an energy region different from the first energy region, for example, a second energy region, and the transmission image data generation means 31 generates second X-ray transmission image data (Xzb in Figure 1) based on this X-ray detection information in the second energy region. The second energy region is, for example, an energy region where the X-ray energy is 50 keV to 70 keV.

[0046] In other words, in this embodiment, the energy of the X-rays corresponding to the detection signal level of the X-ray detector 22 has a magnitude relationship of "first energy region" < "second energy region". In the example described above, the first energy region was set to 20 keV to 40 keV and the second energy region to 50 keV to 70 keV, and these two energy regions were described as being separated, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The relationship between these two energy regions can be separated, adjacent, or partially overlapping, as long as the median values ​​of each energy region satisfy the above magnitude relationship. Furthermore, the number of energy regions is not limited to two, and there may be three or more energy regions with different median values.

[0047] The transmission image data storage means 32 has an image memory function that sequentially acquires transmission image data Xza and Xzb of the object under inspection W, which are generated by the transmission image data generation means 31 corresponding to each of a plurality of energy domains, that is, transmission image data Xza and Xzb of the object under inspection W, which are generated based on the two-dimensional position information of the object under inspection W and the signal processing results for each position, as line image data for each scan time over a predetermined inspection time. Furthermore, the transmission image data storage means 32 stores, in a readable format, transmission image data Xia and Xib, which show the entire object under inspection W as a transmission image of X-rays in different first and second energy domains (multiple different energy domains), respectively, after the predetermined inspection time has elapsed. The predetermined inspection time is, for example, the X-ray inspection time for each object under inspection W, which is set according to the transport direction length and transport speed of each object under inspection W, based on the timing of the object under inspection W being brought into the article transport unit 10, and is set to be a sufficient time for each object under inspection W to complete passing over the X-ray detector 22.

[0048] The determination means 33, in accordance with the predetermined determination processing conditions and conditions additionally set by the condition setting means 36, uses at least two transmission image data Xia and Xib corresponding to the same object under inspection W from among multiple energy range X-ray transmission image data stored in the transmission image data storage means 32, and applies predetermined image processing algorithms to each of them for determination. It also performs a difference processing known as energy subtraction processing between the processed transmission image data Xia and Xib, and determines the presence or absence of foreign objects, bones, or other defects in the object under inspection W based on the transmission image data (hereinafter also simply called the difference image) Xsc obtained as a result of this difference processing. The predetermined image processing algorithm here refers to, for example, a combination of multiple image processing filters and image processing for feature extraction.

[0049] When performing the difference processing described above, for example, by setting the energy ranges such that X-rays in one of the low-energy ranges have difficulty penetrating defective areas such as foreign objects or bone, while X-rays in the high-energy range have relatively easier penetration of such areas, the difference image will show transmission image data that emphasizes defective areas such as foreign objects or bone compared to the product effect image that shows the object W itself. This improves the accuracy of the determination means 33 that determines whether or not there are defective areas in the object W that contain foreign objects or bone residue.

[0050] The determination result of the determination means 33 (the signal indicating the presence or absence of the aforementioned defective part) is used as a sorting command signal to control a subsequent sorting device (not shown). When an object W to be inspected that has been determined to have a defective part reaches the sorting device, the defective object W is removed from the transport path for good products that extends downstream from the sorting device in response to the sorting command signal.

[0051] The display image generation means 34 performs predetermined display image processing based on the X-ray transmission image data Xia and Xib of the first and second energy regions stored in the transmission image data storage means 32, to generate a display image in which the image density of the object W under inspection is different from the judgment image Xsc obtained by the differential processing described above. Here, the predetermined display image processing involves applying predetermined image processing algorithms, etc., to the transmission image data Xia and Xib of each energy region read from the transmission image data storage means 32, and the predetermined image processing algorithm is, for example, a combination of multiple image processing filters and image processing for feature extraction.

[0052] Specifically, the determination image obtained by the determination means 33 is a differential image data Xsc obtained by differential processing of X-ray transmission image data Xia and Xib in multiple energy ranges. As mentioned above, compared to an X-ray image taken of the object under inspection W itself, this is a transmission image data in which defective parts such as foreign objects and bones are emphasized. On the other hand, the display image generation means 34 generates image data for a display image Xip in which the image density of the object under inspection W is greater than that of the object under inspection W in the determination image Xsc, as multiple different candidate images. The density difference referred to here is the difference in brightness or luminance.

[0053] For example, the display image generation means 34 generates a total X-ray image Xte (transmission image data of X-rays in a total energy range including X-rays in multiple energy ranges) as a candidate for the display image Xip, which is obtained by adding up the density values ​​of X-ray transmission image data Xia and Xib in multiple energy ranges. The total X-ray image Xte is obtained by adding up the density values ​​of each pixel in the high-energy image and the low-energy image, but instead of adding up the density values ​​of each pixel, an average value may be used.

[0054] Furthermore, the display image generation means 34 performs multiple types of difference processing, each with different processing conditions from the predetermined image processing (filtering, feature extraction, etc.) and difference processing performed by the determination means 33, and also with conditions that differ from each other. This generates multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, and Xs3, which have a higher density difference in the image density of the object W under inspection than the determination image Xsc, as multiple other candidate images for the display image Xip. The difference images referred to here are subtraction images using a high-energy image and a low-energy image, and at least one of the high-energy image and the low-energy image is used with an image that emphasizes either the low-density or high-density portion. When the multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, and Xs3 are used as candidate images for the display image Xip, it is also conceivable to display the determination image Xsc in a display format that allows for comparison and reference.

[0055] Multiple types of differential processing involve, for example, selecting the X-ray detection signals from any two of the multiple energy regions R1, R2, R3, and R4 shown in Figure 3, applying the predetermined image processing for display described above to each, and then performing differential processing on the transmitted X-ray image data of those two regions. In this case, the pulse signal levels L1, L2, and L3 of the X-ray detector 22 that divides the multiple energy regions R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be set such that the second energy region, which has higher energy than the first energy region, includes a portion of the higher energy regions R1 and R2 of the multiple energy regions R1, R2, R3, and R4 in Figure 3, and the first energy region includes a portion of the lower energy regions R3 and R4. The multiple pulsed X-ray detection signals P1, P2, P3, and P4 during the scan time shown in Figure 3 will be described later.

[0056] The operation display unit 40 is a touch panel type display device, such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and combines the functions of the display means 41 and the operation means 42 (operation input means).

[0057] The function of the display means 41 is to display the operating status and setting information of the X-ray inspection device 1, as well as various other information required for X-ray inspection, on the display screen. The function of the operation means 42 is to perform various touch panel operations, such as selecting a display screen, switching between inspection mode, setting mode, or other modes, and inputting various parameters in setting mode, and to input requested information in response to user input.

[0058] This operation display unit 40 is not limited to a touch panel integrated with the X-ray inspection device 1, but may also be provided in the form of a portable tablet-type information terminal or other similar device, or may be additionally installed in the form of a separate display and control panel from the touch panel integrated with the X-ray inspection device 1.

[0059] The display control means 35 takes in the OK / NG signal (and further, the judgment image Xsc in response to a display request) which is the judgment result from the judgment means 33, candidate image data for the display image Xip which is the image data generated by the display image generation means 34, such as the total X-ray image Xte and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, and the request operation input from the operation means 42, such as the display control conditions set by the condition setting means 36 in response to the operation of selecting the type of object W to be inspected, and executes a predetermined display control process. The display control means 35 then displays the X-ray inspection result and the display image Xip of the object W to be inspected on the display means 41 in a display format set by the condition setting means 36 according to the type and other inspection conditions.

[0060] The display control means 35 generates a total X-ray image Xte and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, and Xs3 for a sample of the object W to be inspected for the purpose of setting the type of display image Xip, for example, when the type of object W to be inspected is set, as candidates for the display image Xip to be displayed on the display means 41. Then, in the pre-inspection state after the type setting is completed, or in the inspection stop state when an operation request to switch the display image Xip is input from the operation means 42, or in other non-inspection states, the display control means 35 generates candidate image data Xte, Xs1, Xs2, and Xs3 for the display image Xip, suitable for each user using the operation display unit 40, so that they can be scrolled and selected, and output to the display screen. If multiple displays are installed as the display means 41, it may be possible to set the selection of the display image Xip for each display.

[0061] The display control means 35 also stores a display control program and display screen information that allows the display means 41 to display and expand any of the stored display screens, which can be progressively expanded from the main menu screen, in response to an operation input to the operation means 42. When the X-ray inspection device 1 is operating in inspection mode, the display means 41 can display, for example, the first operation display screen 60 shown in Figure 4, in response to an operation input to the operation display unit 40.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the first operation display screen 60 includes an inspection status display area 61 that shows the inspection status of the X-ray inspection device 1, a common information display area 62 that displays information common to all inspections regardless of inspection conditions such as product type, an image display area 63 that displays the object to be inspected W, an inspection information display area 64 that displays the main inspection information corresponding to the currently set product type, and an operation button display area 65 that displays images of multiple operation buttons and other operation parts in an aligned manner and functions as part of the operation display unit 40.

[0063] When a touch operation is performed on the setting / adjustment button 65a in the operation button display area 65, the condition setting means 36 of the inspection control unit 30 will switch the X-ray inspection device 1 to an inspection stop state, and will also display a function selection / setting operation window 66 above the operation section image of the setting / adjustment button 65a, which allows the user to select and set functions such as inspection settings, sorting settings, transport settings, communication settings, operation confirmation request, and display screen settings.

[0064] Furthermore, when a display screen setting is selected in the function selection / setting operation window 66, the display control means 35 can switch the X-ray inspection device 1 from the inspection stop state to the setting mode and output a second operation display screen 70, as shown in Figure 5, via the display means 41.

[0065] As shown in Figure 5, this second operation display screen 70 is a display image Xip selection setting operation screen that includes an inspection status display area 71 that indicates that the inspection is stopped, a common information display area 72 that displays information common to the inspection in general regardless of the inspection conditions, a preview image display area 73 that displays multiple candidate images 73a, 73b for identifying the type of display image Xip of the object under inspection W, a display image type selection input display area 74 having radio buttons 74a and scroll buttons 74b for selection operation, an update button 75a for the selected image type based on the selection input in the selection input display area 74, a cancel button 75b for the selected image type based on the selection input in the selection input display area 74, and a return operation button 75c that returns to the state before the operation after the operation.

[0066] In this case, the second operation display screen 70 is displayed by the display image selection function of the function selection / setting operation window 66. However, once the supply of the object to be inspected W is stopped, the system transitions to an inspection stop state, and the display image setting menu in the function selection / setting operation window 66 is selected to display the second operation display screen 70 using the display means 41.

[0067] Furthermore, when the display image setting menu is selected, multiple display image Xip selection candidates that can be displayed on the operation display screen 70 are read from the memory of the condition setting means 36, and the number of display images is narrowed down according to the selection input in the selection input display area 74 and displayed as preview images (images 1 and 3 in Figure 5). In addition, by switching to an access-restricted management mode by entering a passcode from the operation means 42, the update button 75a and cancel button 75b on the operation display screen 70 become operable, and display candidates can be changed or added. Furthermore, when the desired image is selected from the selection candidates, a preview image of the display image Xip candidate image, which has been processed with the corresponding enhancement processing etc. based on the latest stored transparent image data, is displayed. Setting items can be switched on and off by operation on the touch panel, and the preview display can be switched by pressing the update button 75a. Furthermore, selection changes are possible until the return operation button 75c is pressed. When the settings in the non-inspection state are finished and inspection is to be started in inspection mode, X-ray inspection is resumed for the objects W being brought in sequentially, and the inspection results and the display image Xip for the newly set image type are displayed by the display means 41.

[0068] The display control means 35 may, as shown in Figure 6, when a display screen setting is selected in the function selection / setting operation window 66, pop up a display screen selection setting window 83 on the touch panel constituting the display means 41 of the operation display unit 40, which replaces the preview image display area 73 of the display image selection screen 70. In the display screen selection setting window 83, multiple candidate images 83a, 83b, 83c, etc., for identifying the type of display image Xip of the object under inspection W to be inspected may be arranged and displayed in a predetermined direction, for example, left or right, so that they can be scrolled (moved and displayed) and selected, and an operation to select and set a display image of a specific type may be performed. In this case, multiple candidate images 83a, 83b, 83c, etc., can be previewed as scrollable thumbnail images without having to display them in a dedicated preview image display area. Furthermore, when the display screen selection setting window 83 is displayed as a pop-up, if you scroll through and select some of the multiple candidate images 83a to 83f displayed in the preview, for example, candidate images 83c and 83d of a specific image type in Figure 6, using the touch panel, both candidate images 83c and 83d will be highlighted with a thicker border than the other candidate images, entering a pre-selection state. Then, if you press the display image setting button again in this pre-selection state, the selection setting will be confirmed and reflected in the condition setting means 36.

[0069] Of course, when a function selection / setting operation window 66 is displayed on the first operation display screen 60 and an operation to select a function for display screen settings is performed, the display control condition of whether to display the display image selection screen 70 or to display the display screen selection / setting window 83 as a pop-up can be selectively selected by the condition setting means 36 and switched as needed. Alternatively, it is conceivable that the transition from the function selection / setting operation window 66 to the display output of the display image selection screen 70 or to the pop-up display of the display screen selection / setting window 83 can be switched by performing touch operation inputs with different operation conditions.

[0070] Even when displaying either the preview image display area 73 of the display image selection screen 70, or the display screen selection setting window 83 that pops up in the first operation display screen 60, the display image generation means 34, based on the request information from the operation means 42, executes a number of pre-set image processing methods (display image processing) based on X-ray transmission image data of a specific energy region among multiple energy regions, to generate a display image Xip as multiple different candidate images that depict the same object, for example, as candidate images 83c to 83e in a specific scroll region in the display screen selection setting window 83 in Figure 7 (including candidate images 83b, 83f, etc. that are outside the display screen selection setting window 83 in the same figure).

[0071] For example, the display image generation means 34 generates a total X-ray image Xte corresponding to X-ray transmission image data including multiple energy regions as part of multiple candidate images 83a, 83b, 83c, 83d, 83e, 83f, and generates multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3 obtained by differential processing of X-ray transmission image data of multiple energy regions under multiple different processing conditions. The differential processing involves selecting X-ray detection signals from any two regions among multiple energy regions R1, R2, R3, R4, etc., applying the aforementioned image processing filters and feature extraction processing to each, and then differential processing the X-ray transmission image data of each pair of regions, which may also include a determination image Xsc.

[0072] The image type for display image Xip can include, for example, the total X-ray image Xte and the judgment image Xsc mentioned above, as well as simple difference images. Other possible image types include difference images that emphasize the faint areas of the high-energy X-ray transmission image (e.g., the thick parts of the object W being inspected), difference images that emphasize the dense areas of the low-energy X-ray transmission image (e.g., parts of foreign matter or residue), difference images that emphasize the dense areas of the high-energy X-ray transmission image (e.g., parts of foreign matter or residue), and difference images that also emphasize the faint areas of the low-energy X-ray transmission image (e.g., the thin parts of the object W being inspected). However, the candidate images for display are not necessarily limited to these. The selection list for display image Xip can be changed or the selection list can be displayed in a scrollable format so that users can select the high-energy X-ray transmission image, the low-energy X-ray transmission image, and the pre-diffusion versions of these images with added emphasis.

[0073] In the preview image display area 73 of the display image selection screen 70, and in the display screen selection setting window 83 that pops up during the first operation display screen 60, the number of switchable display modes can be, for example, three or more, but it goes without saying that it can also be two or four or more. Furthermore, if grayscale display is possible, it may be displayed in grayscale, but it may also be acceptable to display the candidate options for the display image Xip with just the screen frame and symbols. Only the selected image may be previewed as the selected display image within its thick-bordered display frame.

[0074] In the display screen selection setting window 83 shown in Figure 7, the dotted line indicates that candidate images 83b and 83f are outside the selectable area. By moving candidate images 83b or 83f into the selectable area through operation on the touch panel, they can be made selectable. Also, if the display image setting button is pressed again while the pop-up is displayed, the setting will be applied. This corresponds to the back operation button 75c in the display image selection screen 70, and the difference from the display in the preview image display area 73 on the display image selection screen 70 is that a preview is displayed as a thumbnail image without needing to preview it.

[0075] The operation means 42 (operation input means) allows for operation input to request a display output of one or more images selected from the total X-ray image Xte and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., and operation input to request a change in the setting of such display output. In Figure 7, after a touch operation is performed to select candidate images 83c and 83d, both candidate images 83c and 83d are highlighted with a thicker border compared to the other candidate images, indicating that the selected image type has been displayed.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, multiple candidate images 83a to 83f, such as candidate images 83c, 83d, and 83e, which correspond to multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., are difference images in which the object influence density of the object under inspection W in each image differs from one another according to multiple different image processing conditions. For candidate image 83d, in which the object influence density of the object under inspection W (fish fillet in the illustrated example) is low, the parts below a predetermined density value are not displayed, and the image region of the object under inspection W is displayed as an image focused on the part with a certain thickness or greater. Conversely, candidate image 83e, in which the object influence density of the object under inspection W is high, is an image corresponding to the total X-ray image Xte, which corresponds to X-ray transmission image data containing multiple energy regions.

[0077] Next, we will describe the detailed configuration of the X-ray inspection unit 20 shown in Figure 2 and the multiple pulsed X-ray detection signals P1, P2, P3, and P4 during the scan time shown in Figure 3.

[0078] Figure 3 illustrates the generated images during a predetermined scan time in the transmission image data generation means 31 corresponding to the photon detection type sensors when the X-ray inspection unit 20 uses, for example, photon detection type sensors as multiple sensors for the X-ray detector 22.

[0079] As shown in Figure 2, the transmission image data generation means 31 generates multiple sensors 221-22 of the X-ray detector 22. N A / D conversion units 511-51 receive X-ray detection signals within their respective detection width regions in the Da direction. Nand the A / D conversion units 511 to 51 that are output at a predetermined calculation period N A peak value detection unit 521 to 52 that detects the peak value of the X-ray detection signal (details will be described later) based on the output signals of N and the peak value detection unit 521 to 52 N An area determination unit 531 to 53 that determines the X-ray energy region detected by each based on the peak value detected by the peak value detection unit 521 to 52 N and an area-by-area accumulation unit 541 to 54 that executes a process of accumulating the signal level value during the scan time while taking in the determination result of the area determination unit 531 to 53 at a predetermined calculation period as the signal level value of the X-ray detection signal N and a transmission image data output unit 55 that generates and outputs transmission image data of a line image corresponding to the scan time based on the position of the detection width region in the Da direction from the plurality of sensors 221 to 22 N and the plurality of sensors 221 to 22 N has.

[0080] Note that the article conveyance unit 10 and the X-ray inspection unit 20 in FIG. 2 are views of the article conveyance unit 10 and the X-ray inspection unit 20 shown in FIG. 1 as seen from the Db direction which is the article conveyance direction.

[0081] Regarding the X-ray detector 22, in more detail, the X-ray detector 22 outputs, as detection information, a pulse signal of a peak value corresponding to the energy of the photon every time a photon of X-ray that has passed through the inspection object W is input. A plurality of sensors 221 to 22 N is composed of line sensors arranged in N in the conveyance width direction. Therefore, the transmission image data generated by the transmission image data generation means 31 represents the density of the transmission image corresponding to the number of pulses output by each of the sensors 221 to 22 N per unit time.

[0082] ​​​​The pulse signal output from this device exhibits variations in its peak value.

[0083] Within the scan time, each sensor 221-22 N By determining which of the multiple different signal level intervals, for example, multiple energy regions R1, R2, R3, and R4 shown in Figure 3, the pulse height value of the pulse signal output from the sensor falls into, and by accumulating the number of pulse signal inputs within the scan time for each detection width region of the sensor, it is possible to generate multiple transmission image data, for example, X-ray transmission image data Xza and Xzb of the first and second energy regions, for the portion of the object W being inspected that corresponds to the scan time, with different X-ray transmission energy ranges.

[0084] Furthermore, in order to generate multiple transmission image data with different X-ray transmission energy ranges, the transmission image data generation means 31 corresponds each sensor 221-22 to the position in the Da direction, which is the transport width direction. N The output signals are each passed to the A / D conversion units 511~51 N This converts the data into a digital sequence, and the wave height detection unit 521~52 N Enter it here.

[0085] Wave peak detection units 521-52 N This is for detecting the pulse peak value of a pulse signal from the input data sequence. For example, it performs differential processing on the input data sequence, detects the zero-crossing timing when the differential value (signal slope) switches from a positive value above a predetermined value to a negative value below a predetermined value, detects the data value at that zero-crossing timing as the pulse peak value of the pulse signal, and then uses the respective region determination units 531 to 53 N Output to [this location].

[0086] Area determination section 531~53 N The output range of the aforementioned wave height values ​​is divided into M (multiple) regions R1 to R M Boundary value region L1~L M-1 And, wave height detection units 521~52 NThe wave height value detected is compared with the region to determine which region the wave height value falls into, and a region identification signal representing the region in which the wave height value falls is generated by the region-specific accumulation units 541-54. N Output to [this location].

[0087] Cumulative section for each area 541~54 N The area determination units 531-53 within the scan time N The system receives region identification signals output from each sensor, accumulates the number of input region identification signals indicating the same region, calculates the cumulative number for each region within the scan time, and outputs it sequentially. This cumulative number of region identification signals is the cumulative number of pulse signals output from a single sensor within the scan time that contain the same region in which their peak value falls.

[0088] The transparent image data output unit 55 has accumulation units 541 to 54 for each region. N The cumulative number of region identification signals output at each scan time is arranged in parallel and time-series as data, and this data is output as transparent image data for each region of the object W being inspected.

[0089] The method of dividing the pulse height range as described above is arbitrary. For example, the pulse height of the pulse signal output by the sensor relative to the maximum energy of the X-ray photons emitted from the X-ray generator 21 (a theoretical value that depends on the electron acceleration voltage in the case of an X-ray tube) can be divided into multiple equal parts between this value and a predetermined reference value (e.g., 0). The number of ranges can also be any number of two or more. Transmission image data can be generated in many ranges initially, and then the transmission image data suitable for foreign object detection or mass measurement can be selected and used from among these transmission image data.

[0090] For example, one could initially set the number of regions to 10, generate transparent image data for each region, assign the first region (counting from the highest energy) to region R1, the third region to region R2, and so on, selectively assigning these regions to the final region, and then using the transparent image data of these assigned regions. Alternatively, one could combine the transparent image data of the first and second regions (counting from the highest energy) to create the transparent image data for region R1, combine the transparent image data of the third and fourth regions to create the transparent image data for region R2, and so on, combining the transparent image data of multiple initial regions to create the transparent image data for a single final region, and then use that combined transparent image data.

[0091] In the specific example shown here, transmission image data is generated for the initial number of regions, and region allocation and transmission image data synthesis are performed according to the optimal combination of transmission image data for detecting foreign objects, etc. However, if the optimal combination of transmission image data for detecting foreign objects, etc., for the object under inspection W is known, it is sufficient to generate only the transmission image data for the allocated region. Alternatively, instead of synthesizing multiple transmission image data, the cumulative number of region identification signals for multiple regions may be added together to generate a single transmission image data (total X-ray image). This saves storage space in the transmission image data storage means 32.

[0092] Multiple pulse signal level regions R1~R M This can be described as multiple different X-ray energy regions. In other words, by using a photon detection type sensor, X-ray transmission image data from multiple different energy regions can be obtained, including the first X-ray transmission image data Xza and the second X-ray transmission image data Xzb mentioned above. For example, the transmission image data from energy region R4 may be used as the first X-ray transmission image data Xza, and the transmission image data from region R2, where the X-ray energy is higher than that of energy region R4, may be used as the second X-ray transmission image data Xzb, and the determination means 33 and the display image generation means 34 may perform the necessary image processing.

[0093] Thus, in a configuration using a photon detection sensor and a corresponding transmission image data generation means 31, it is easy to acquire X-ray transmission image data in a desired energy range. Based on X-ray transmission image data in an energy range suitable for detecting foreign objects and residual materials such as bone, an X-ray inspection device with good X-ray inspection capabilities can be created. In such a device configuration, as described above, the display switching on the operation display unit 40 is performed after temporarily stopping the X-ray inspection, and the operation display unit 40 displays a selection of display images that the user can choose. One or more options can be selected, and when selected, a preview is displayed as a candidate image and / or selected image. In this case, if multiple options are selected, they are displayed side by side. It is also possible to read the transmission image data and perform different image processing on a single transmission image data to generate multiple types of display images Xip.

[0094] Next, I will explain how it works.

[0095] In the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment, configured as described above, the operating mode is switched by the condition setting means 36 in response to the input of a mode selection operation to the operating means 42 of the operation display unit 40, between an X-ray inspection mode capable of performing X-ray inspection and another mode, such as a setting mode capable of various settings.

[0096] Then, when X-ray inspection is performed in the inspection mode of the X-ray inspection device 1, the object to be inspected W is transported in the transport direction Db by the item transport unit 10, and X-rays are irradiated from the X-ray generator 21 in the X-ray inspection unit 20. The X-rays that pass through the object to be inspected W are detected by the X-ray detector 22 and input to the transmission image data generation means 31, and transmission image data of the object to be inspected W corresponding to each of the multiple energy regions, for example, transmission image data Xza and Xzb of the first and second energy regions.

[0097] Furthermore, the X-ray transmission image data Xza and Xzb of the object W to be inspected from the transmission image data generation means 31 are sequentially acquired by the transmission image data storage means 32 as line image data for each scan time over a predetermined inspection time, and are stored in a readable format as transmission image data Xia and Xib, respectively, which show the entire object W to be inspected.

[0098] Then, the determination means 33 uses the transparent image data read from the transparent image data storage means 32, for example, two transparent image data Xia and Xib corresponding to the same object W to be inspected, to generate a determination image Xsc, which is a difference image, through image processing and difference processing of a predetermined image processing algorithm. Based on the determination image Xsc, the presence or absence of foreign objects, bones, or other defective parts in the object W to be inspected is determined.

[0099] On the other hand, when X-ray inspection is performed in this inspection mode, the display control means 35 takes in the OK / NG signal and judgment image Xsc, which are the judgment results from the judgment means 33, the total X-ray image Xte and heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., which are the generated image data from the display image generation means 34, and the requested operation input from the operation means 42, and displays the X-ray inspection result and the display image Xip of the inspected object in the image display area 63 and inspection information display area 64 of the first operation display screen 60 in a display format set by the condition setting means 36 according to the product type and other inspection conditions.

[0100] The image display area 63 of the first operation display screen 60 displays an X-ray transmission image of the object to be inspected W, which is generated by the same image processing as one of the pre-selected types of images. When selecting the type of display image, the function selection / setting operation window 66 is displayed on the first operation display screen 60, and when the display image setting function is selected, the second operation display screen 70 is displayed, and candidate display images for the display image Xip, such as the total X-ray image Xte and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., are displayed as selectable candidate images.

[0101] Then, when the user selects the desired image type from the multiple candidate images displayed in the preview image display area 73 of the second operation display screen 70, a display image Xip is generated based on the latest transparent image data, with image processing similar to that of the selected image type applied. This Xip is then previewed, with its display frame highlighted, etc. Furthermore, by entering a passcode from the operation means 42, the system switches to an access-restricted management mode, which allows the display candidates to be changed or added.

[0102] Alternatively, depending on the settings of the condition setting means 36, a display screen selection setting window 83 is displayed in place of the preview image display area 73 of the display image selection screen 70, and multiple candidate images 83a, 83b, 83c, etc. for identifying the type of display image Xip are arranged and displayed in a scrollable and selectable manner, and an operation is performed to select and set a display image Xip of a specific type.

[0103] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

[0104] In this embodiment, the display image generation means 34 generates a display image Xip such that the image density of the object W under inspection differs from that of the judgment image Xsc, and displays it on the display means 41 along with the inspection results in a preset display mode. Therefore, the required inspection performance is ensured by the judgment image Xsc, and the operator monitoring the inspection status via the display means 41 can easily and accurately grasp the status of the object W under inspection corresponding to the inspection results, particularly important inspection areas, or target areas where additional inspection or work may be required depending on the inspection results, from the display image Xip displayed in the preview image display area 73 of the display image selection screen 70.

[0105] Furthermore, in this embodiment, for the determination image Xsc, which is a difference image, the X-rays in multiple energy ranges are adjusted so that the object under inspection W has a low density difference. This causes foreign matter, residues, defective areas, etc., which have different X-ray transmittance from the object under inspection W, to be displayed with a high density difference relative to the object under inspection W, thereby ensuring the required inspection accuracy. On the other hand, for the candidate images Xte, Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., which are generated separately from the determination image Xsc and are used for displaying the object under inspection W, the image density of the object under inspection W itself is a high density difference compared to the image density of the object under inspection W in the determination image Xsc. Therefore, when additional inspections or work are performed downstream of the X-ray inspection device 1, the target area for additional inspection or processing can be easily and accurately identified from the display image Xip.

[0106] In this embodiment, based on X-ray transmission image data in a specific energy region among multiple energy regions, the display image Xip is generated as multiple different candidate images Xte, Xsc, Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., showing the same object W under inspection. This allows the operator to easily and accurately understand the condition of the object W under inspection, particularly the condition of important inspection areas, or target areas where additional inspection or work may be required depending on the inspection results, by using one or more of the multiple different display images Xip.

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, the display output of one or more images from among the total X-ray image Xte containing multiple energy ranges and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc. can be easily changed to the desired display output format in response to the requested operation input from the operation means 42. Moreover, the total X-ray image Xte clearly displays the overall thickness and shape of the object under inspection W, and multiple heterogeneous difference image data Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc. are displayed, so defective areas such as foreign matter, residues, and faulty parts in the object under inspection W are displayed relatively clearly, and it is possible to select a difference image that makes it easy to grasp a specific part of the object under inspection W that includes the defective part.

[0108] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since the multiple different difference images Xs1, Xs2, and Xs3 are difference images in which the article influence density of the object W under inspection differs from one another, it becomes even easier to identify a difference image that makes it easier to grasp a specific part of the object W under inspection that includes a defective area.

[0109] Thus, in this embodiment, the transmission image generation means 31 and transmission image storage means 32 of the image processing block 30A of the inspection processing unit 30 generate a total X-ray image corresponding to X-ray transmission image data Xia and Xib including multiple energy regions. Based on the X-ray transmission image data Xia and Xib of multiple energy regions, predetermined image processing is performed under multiple different image processing conditions to generate multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, and Xs3. The operation means 42 of the inspection processing unit 30 allows switching between selecting and setting at least one of the total X-ray image Xte and the multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, and Xs3 as the image to be displayed and output. Therefore, while ensuring the required inspection performance with the judgment image Xsc, the operator can easily and accurately grasp the status of the object W to be inspected in accordance with the inspection results, particularly important inspection areas, or target areas where additional inspection or work may be required depending on the inspection results, from the display image Xip.

[0110] As a result, we can provide an X-ray inspection apparatus 1, an article inspection system, and an X-ray image forming apparatus that offer excellent inspection performance and workability.

[0111] (Second Embodiment) Figure 8 shows a schematic configuration of an article inspection and processing system equipped with an X-ray inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0112] The article inspection and processing system 100 of this embodiment is equipped with a front conveyor 91 and a rear conveyor 92 in front of and behind the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 of the first embodiment described above, which is an X-ray image forming apparatus, and is equipped with a plurality of work booths 93A, 93B, 93C, and 93D along the rear conveyor 92. It is an article inspection system as well as an article processing system that can perform additional inspections and post-processing.

[0113] In other words, as shown in Figure 8, the item inspection and processing system 100 includes an item transport unit 10 that transports the item to be inspected W (item) along a predetermined transport path, an X-ray inspection unit 20 that irradiates the item to be inspected W with X-rays and outputs multiple types of X-ray transmission image data Xza and Xzb, which are X-ray line sensor images, and generates X-ray transmission image data Xia and Xib that show the item to be inspected W based on the X-ray transmission image data Xza and Xzb from the X-ray inspection unit 20, and also generates a judgment image Xsc, which is a difference image between them, to perform X-ray inspection. The system includes an inspection processing unit 30 that outputs the inspection result OK / NG and candidate images for the display image Xip of the inspected object W, such as a total X-ray image Xte, heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., an operation display unit 40, and a plurality of post-processing booths 93A, 93B, 93C, 93D arranged in a roughly staggered pattern along the downstream conveyor 92, which is on the downstream side of the transport path, spaced apart from each other in the article transport direction (direction Db in the figure) and also spaced apart from each other on both sides of the width direction of the downstream conveyor 92 (direction Da in the figure).

[0114] This item inspection and processing system 100 includes an inspection processing unit 30 of an X-ray inspection device 1, which is an X-ray image forming apparatus, which includes an image processing block 30A that generates X-ray transmission image data and a control block 30B that performs predetermined inspection control and display output control based on the X-ray transmission image data from the image processing block 30A.

[0115] Although not shown in Figure 8, similar to the first embodiment described above, the image processing block 30A includes a transparent image data generation means 31, a transparent image data storage means 32, and a determination means 33, while the control block 30B includes the determination means 33, display control means 35, and condition setting means 36 shown in the same figure (see Figure 1).

[0116] The post-processing booths 93A, 93B, 93C, and 93D are equipped with post-processing display means 94A, 94B, 94C, and 94D, which include multiple displays capable of displaying and outputting at least one image from among the total X-ray image Xte and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., generated by the image processing block 30A and selected by the operating means 42 of the operation display unit 40. In addition, near each post-processing booth 93A, 93B, 93C, and 93D, there are provided sorting means, such as multiple flipper-type sorting devices 95A, 95B, 95C, and 95D (only the main parts are shown), which are capable of sorting and discharging the objects W to be inspected on the downstream conveyor 92 to one of the corresponding post-processing booths 93A, 93B, 93C, or 93D at their respective sorting positions b1, b2, b3, b4.

[0117] In this embodiment, the inspection processing unit 30 of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 is equipped with a sorting control block 30C that, in addition to the control block 30B which outputs the inspection result OK / NG from the X-ray inspection unit 20 and a display image Xip of the object to be inspected W, which is at least one image from among the total X-ray image Xte, judgment image Xsc, and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., is also equipped with a sorting control block 30C that selects and sets the output destination of the display image Xip of the object to be inspected W according to the progress of additional inspection and / or additional processing (e.g., removal of remaining bone) in the post-processing booths 93A to 93D, and causes the sorting control block 30C to selectively sort and discharge the object to one of the multiple sorting devices 95A to 95D.

[0118] This sorting control block 30C measures the processing time until, for example, when the object to be inspected W is sorted by one of the sorting devices 95A to 95D to the corresponding post-processing booth 93A, 93B, 93C, or 93D, the processed object to be inspected W, after undergoing additional inspection and / or processing, is manually returned to its original sorting position b1, b2, b3, or b4, as detected by a sensor or switch (not shown) for work completion detection provided in each post-processing booth 93A, 93B, 93C, or 93D. Then, for example, according to the start time and duration of the processing time, it selects and sets the output destination of the display image Xip of the object to be inspected W, and causes the sorting and discharge operation to be selectively performed by one of the sorting devices 95A to 95D.

[0119] In the article processing system of this embodiment, at least one image from among the total X-ray image Xte and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc., generated by the image processing block 30A of the inspection control unit 30 and selected by the operating means 42, is selectively displayed and output by the post-processing display means 94A to 94D of the post-processing booths 93A to 93D. Therefore, a user operating the operating means 42 can easily and accurately identify the target area for additional inspection or work in one of the corresponding post-processing booths 93A to 93D based on the displayed image Xip, thereby improving processing efficiency.

[0120] Furthermore, the items to be inspected W, transported by the transport path of the article transport unit 10 and the downstream conveyor 92, are distributed in order of transport to one of the workbench spaces (additional processing space) on one of the multiple displays in the post-processing booths 93A to 93D by one of the multiple sorting devices 95A to 95D, via the post-processing display means 94A to 94D, which include at least multiple displays spaced apart in the transport direction of the items to be inspected W. Therefore, in the article inspection system of this embodiment, the total X-ray image Xte and multiple heterogeneous difference images Xs1, Xs2, Xs3, etc. are output as display images Xip to the post-processing display means 94A to 94D of the post-processing booths 93A to 93D. Based on these display images Xip, the target areas for additional inspection and work in the post-processing booths 93A to 93D can be easily and accurately identified, thereby increasing the processing efficiency in the post-processing booths 93A to 93D.

[0121] Furthermore, in the article processing system, the multiple displays of the post-processing display means 94A to 94D are spaced apart at least in the article transport direction. Therefore, on the transport path from the article transport section 10 through the downstream conveyor 92, the inspected item W that the determination means 33 determines requires additional inspection or processing (for example, a dedicated inspector visually inspects for any remaining small bones and removes them if any remain) is distributed and transported to one of the post-processing booths 93A to 93D. This ensures that sufficient processing time is secured for additional inspection or processing, enabling stable execution of additional inspection or processing.

[0122] Thus, in this embodiment, the X-ray inspection apparatus 1, which has the function of an X-ray image forming apparatus, improves inspection performance such as foreign object detection, while also enabling operators to easily and accurately grasp the condition of the inspected object during inspection and work, thereby realizing a highly efficient material processing system.

[0123] In the first embodiment described above, the X-ray inspection apparatus 1 was defined as the X-ray image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and an article inspection system including a sorting device was described downstream of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. In the second embodiment, an article processing system was described in which a plurality of work booths 93A to 93D, each using a plurality of sorting devices 95A to 95D as sorting means, were provided downstream of the X-ray inspection apparatus 1. However, the form and arrangement of the work booths for post-processing are arbitrary.

[0124] Furthermore, the conditions for controlling the display output of the display image Xip to multiple work booths 93A to 93D and the distribution and discharge of the inspected objects W are also arbitrary. However, such control conditions could be managed, maintained, and updated in a memory table format, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-138193, by managing distribution rules that include the user's work code, work time, number of work items, etc.

[0125] As described above, the X-ray inspection apparatus, article inspection system, and X-ray image forming apparatus of the present invention can provide an X-ray inspection apparatus, article inspection system, and X-ray image forming apparatus that improve inspection performance such as foreign object detection, while also making it easier and more accurate for operators to understand the condition of the inspected object during inspection and work. The present invention is useful for X-ray inspection apparatuses, article inspection systems, and X-ray image forming apparatuses in general, as it enables the generation of X-ray images suitable for purposes such as article inspection based on transmitted image data of X-rays in multiple different energy ranges. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1. X-ray inspection equipment (X-ray image forming apparatus) 10. Goods transport section 11. Belt (conveyor belt) 11a Conveyor path (part of the conveyor route) 12, 13 Laura 20 X-ray Examination Department (Examination Department) 21. X-ray generator (X-ray generating means) 22 X-ray detector (X-ray detection means, transmission image data generation unit) 221~22 NSensor (photon detection type sensor) 30 Inspection Processing Unit (Inspection Unit, designated image processing unit, designated display image processing unit) 30A Image Processing Block 30B Control Block 30C Sorting Control Block 31. Transparency image data generation means (transparency image data generation unit) 32 Transparent image data storage means (display image generation means) 33 Judgment means 34 Display image generation means 35 Display control means (means for executing display image processing, means for executing multiple types of difference processing) 36 Condition setting means 40 Operation display section 41 Display means 42. Operating means (operation input means, selection operation means) 511~51 N A / D conversion unit 521~52 N Wave height detection unit 531~53 N Area determination section 541~54 N Cumulative section by area 55 Transparent Image Data Output Unit 60 First operation display screen 61 Inspection status display area 62 Common information display area 63. Image display area (graphic display area) to be inspected 64. Inspection Information Display Area 65 Operation button display area 65a Settings / Adjustment Button 66 Function Selection / Setting Operation Window 70. Second operation display screen (display image selection screen) 71 Inspection status display area 72 Common information display area 73. Display area of ​​the preview image Candidate images 73a and 73b 74. Selection Input Display Area 74a Radio button 74b Scroll button 75a Update button 75b Cancel button 75c Operation Buttons 83 Display screen selection settings window Candidate images 83a and 83b 83c, 83d Candidate images (highlighted selection images) Candidate images 83e, 83f 91. Front conveyor (upstream portion of the transport path) 92. Downstream conveyor (the downstream portion of the transport path) 93A, 93B, 93C, 93D Post-processing booths (post-processing work booths, workbenches) 94A, 94B, 94C, 94D Post-processing display means (display) 95A, 95B, 95C, 95D Sorting device (sorting means) 100. Goods Inspection and Processing Systems (Goods Inspection Systems, Goods Processing Systems) b1, b2, b3, b4 distribution position Boundary region of pulse signal levels L1, L2, L3 R1, R2 energy range (high energy side division, pulse signal level division) R3, R4 energy range (low energy side division, pulse signal level division) Xia X-ray transmission image (X-ray transmission image data in the first energy range) Xib X-ray transmission image (X-ray transmission image data in the second energy region) Xip display image (display image data) Xs1, Xs2, Xs3 Differential Images (Image Data for Display) Xsc detection image (difference image data for detection; display data) Xte Total Image Data (Image Data for Display) Xza 1st X-ray transmission image data (X-ray line image data) Xzb Second X-ray transmission image data (X-ray line image data)

Claims

1. An X-ray inspection apparatus comprising: an inspection unit (20, 30) that detects X-rays transmitted through an object to be inspected (W) in multiple energy regions and inspects the object to be inspected using a determination image (Xsc) generated by performing predetermined image processing based on transmission image data (Xia, Xib) of at least two X-rays corresponding to at least two energy regions; and a display means (41) that displays the inspection results of the inspection unit, A display image generation means (34) that performs predetermined image processing based on the X-ray transmission image data and performs display image processing different from the image processing for generating the determination image to generate a display image (Xte, Xs1, Xs2 or / and Xs3), The display means further includes a display control means (35) that displays the inspection result (OK / NG) and the display image based on a preset display mode. The determination image is a difference image obtained by performing a difference process on the transmission image data of the X-rays in the plurality of energy ranges that have passed through the object to be inspected. The X-ray inspection apparatus is characterized in that the display image is a high-density difference image in which the image density of the object to be inspected in the display image is higher than the image density of the object to be inspected in the determination image.

2. The device further has an operation input means (42) for inputting request information in response to user operation input, The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the display image generation means, based on the request information from the operation input means, performs a plurality of pre-set image processing operations based on X-ray transmission image data of a specific energy region among the plurality of energy regions, to generate the display image as a plurality of different images (Xte, Xs1, Xs2, Xs3) depicting the same object.

3. The display image generation means generates a total X-ray image (Xte) corresponding to the X-ray transmission image data including the plurality of energy regions by executing a plurality of image processing operations that have been stored in advance as the predetermined image processing, and generates a plurality of heterogeneous difference images (Xs1, Xs2, Xs3) by performing difference processing on the X-ray transmission image data of the plurality of energy regions under a plurality of different processing conditions. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the operation input means is capable of receiving an operation input to request the display output of one or more images from the total X-ray image and the plurality of different difference images, and an operation input to request the setting to change the display output.

4. The X-ray inspection apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the plurality of different difference images are difference images in which the article influence density of the object to be inspected in the image differs from one another according to a plurality of different image processing conditions.

5. An article inspection system comprising: an X-ray inspection apparatus (1) as described in Claim 1; a transport apparatus (10) for transporting articles along a predetermined transport path; and post-processing booths (93A, 93B, 93C, 93D) located downstream of the transport path, The inspection unit of the X-ray inspection apparatus has an X-ray detector (22) that detects X-rays that have passed through the article on the transport path and outputs a detection signal. An article inspection system characterized in that the display image generation means of the X-ray inspection apparatus outputs the display image to post-processing display means (94A, 94B, 94C, 94D) installed in the post-processing booth.

6. The post-processing display means is configured to include at least a plurality of displays spaced apart in the direction of transport of the article, The article inspection system according to claim 5, characterized in that the post-processing booth is provided with sorting means (95A, 95B, 95C or / and 94D) that sorts the articles transported along the transport path into additional processing spaces (94A, 94B, 94C or / and 94D) corresponding to any one of the plurality of displays in the order of transport.

7. An X-ray image forming apparatus comprising: a transmission image data generation unit (22, 31) that receives a detection signal of X-rays transmitted through an article (W) and generates transmission image data of X-rays in multiple different energy regions; an image processing unit (30) that performs predetermined image processing to generate a difference image (Xsc) of at least the transmission image data of X-rays in multiple energy regions based on the transmission image data of X-rays in multiple energy regions; and an image output unit (40) that outputs the image generated by the image processing unit to a display means, The image processing unit has a display image generation means (34) that generates a total X-ray image (Xte) corresponding to the X-ray transmission image data including the plurality of energy regions as an image in which the image density of the article has a higher density difference than the image density in the difference image, and that performs the predetermined image processing under multiple different image processing conditions based on the X-ray transmission image data of the plurality of energy regions to generate a plurality of heterogeneous difference images (Xs1, Xs2, Xs3) as the difference image, An X-ray image forming apparatus characterized in that the image output unit has a selection operation means (42) that allows switching between selecting and setting at least one image from the total X-ray image and the plurality of different difference images generated by the display image generation means as the image to be displayed and output, in a display format that can be compared with the difference image.

8. An article processing system comprising: an X-ray image forming apparatus (1) as described in claim 7; a transport device (10) for transporting the article along a predetermined transport path; and post-processing booths (93A, 93B, 93C, 94D) located downstream of the transport path, The transmission image data generation unit of the X-ray image forming apparatus has an X-ray detector (22) that detects X-rays that have passed through the article on the transport path and outputs the detection signal. The article processing system is characterized in that the post-processing booth has post-processing display means 94A, 94B, 94C, 94D) that display and output at least one image from the total X-ray image and the plurality of heterogeneous difference images, which are generated by the image processing unit and selected by the selection operation means.

9. The post-processing display means is configured to include at least a plurality of displays spaced apart in the direction of transport of the article, The article processing system according to claim 8, characterized in that the post-processing booth is provided with sorting means (95A, 95B, 95C or / and 94D) that sorts the articles transported along the transport path into additional processing spaces (94A, 94B, 94C or / and 94D) corresponding to any one of the plurality of displays in the order of transport.

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