Inspection system and inspection method

Abstract

To provide an inspection system and an inspection method which enables association between information obtained by being engaged with inspection whether or not unnecessary metal is mixed into a subject to be inspected and a step from another point of view.SOLUTION: An inspection system includes: a meter-reading device 10 used in meter reading; a CPU 71a which is configured to execute a processing regarding meter reading; and a memory 71b which stores information regarding meter reading. The meter-reading device 10 includes a detection head 40 and an RFID antenna 50. The processing regarding meter reading includes: a step of acquiring a detection result from the detection head 40; a step of determining whether or not metal is mixed into the product 11; a step of acquiring a detection result from the RFID antenna 50; a step of generating individual information for management; and a step of storing generated individual information for management into the memory 71b. The processing of generating individual information for management includes a processing of linking a detection result of the detection head 40 to an ID signal which an RF tag 12 conveyed together with the product 11 has.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an inspection system and an inspection method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various processes have been required at the time of product shipment. Among these processes, there is a needle detector that performs inspection. For example, when inspecting whether unnecessary metal is mixed in a product before shipment, the needle detector described in Patent Document 1, more specifically, a needle detector including a conveyor belt and a detection head is used. The conveyor belt conveys products such as sewn products, which are inspection targets, in the forward direction. The detection head detects unnecessary metal such as broken needles when the product passes through the detection head while being conveyed in the forward direction by the conveyor belt. The needle detector inspects whether unnecessary metal is mixed in the product before shipment. Thereby, when unnecessary metal is mixed in the product, it can be detected before the product is shipped.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] At the time of product shipment, when implementing a process from another perspective for a product that inspects for the above-mentioned mixing of unnecessary metal, there may be a case. Such a process from another perspective is implemented by a device different from the above-mentioned needle detector. Therefore, there remains room for improvement in terms of associating the information obtained from the needle detector with the process from another perspective.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an inspection system for inspecting whether unwanted metals are mixed in with an object being transported through an inspection area. The inspection system includes equipment used for the inspection, a processing circuit configured to perform the processing related to the inspection, and a memory for storing information related to the inspection. The equipment includes a metal detection unit configured to detect the metal as the object being inspected passes through, and an individual information detection unit configured to detect individual information possessed by a tag transported together with the object being inspected as the tag passes through. The inspection process includes: a process of obtaining a detection result from the metal detection unit included in the device so as the object to be inspected passes through, a process of determining whether or not the object to be inspected contains the metal based on the detection result from the metal detection unit; a process of obtaining a detection result from the individual information detection unit included in the device so as the tag, which is transported together with the object to be inspected, passes through, a process of generating individual information for management based on the detection result from the individual information detection unit; and a process of storing the generated individual information for management in the memory, wherein the process of generating the individual information for management includes a process of associating the detection result from the metal detection unit for the object to be inspected that is transported together with the tag with the individual information held by the tag.

[0006] Another aspect of this disclosure provides an inspection method applicable to an inspection system for inspecting whether unwanted metals are mixed in with an object being transported through an inspection area. The inspection method includes obtaining a detection result from a metal detection unit included in the equipment used for the inspection, which is configured to detect the metal as the object being transported passes through; determining whether the object being transported contains the metal based on the detection result from the metal detection unit; obtaining a detection result from an individual information detection unit included in the equipment, which is configured to detect individual information possessed by a tag as the tag being transported with the object being transported passes through; generating individual information for management based on the detection result from the individual information detection unit; and storing the generated individual information for management in a memory that stores information related to the inspection. Generating the individual information for management includes associating the detection result from the metal detection unit for the object being transported with the tag with the individual information possessed by the tag. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This is a top view of the meter reader according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view of the meter reader according to the second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a top view of the meter reader according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating the usage of the meter reader according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the chute device. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the chute device. [Figure 7] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the chute device. [Figure 8] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the chute device. [Figure 9] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the chute device. [Figure 10] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the chute device. [Figure 11] This is a schematic diagram illustrating a needle detector according to another embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <First Embodiment> The meter reading machine according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the metal detector 10 is an inspection device that checks whether or not unwanted metal is mixed into product 11 before it is shipped. Product 11 is, for example, a sewn product. Unwanted metal in product 11 is, for example, a broken needle. In the following description, the inspection of whether or not unwanted metal is mixed into product 11 may be simply referred to as "metal detection".

[0009] <Meter reading machine> The needle detector 10 comprises a device body 20, a conveyor belt 30, a detection head 40, an RFID antenna 50, at least one photoelectric sensor 60, and a processing device 70. The device body 20 is a rectangular parallelepiped with height in the front-to-back direction of the paper in Figure 1. The device body 20 is installed so as to be movable on the ground of an inspection space in a factory or the like on the back side of the paper in Figure 1 via wheels or the like. In the following description, directions expressed by terms such as "up" and "down" are defined with respect to the direction of gravity. The direction perpendicular to the "up-down direction" of the device body 20, and the up-down direction in Figure 1, is the "width direction" of the device body 20. The direction perpendicular to the "up-down direction" and the "width direction," and the left-to-right direction in Figure 1, is the "conveying direction" of the product 11 when inspecting the product 11. The conveying direction is the forward direction, which is the direction from right to left in Figure 1, or the return direction, which is the direction opposite to the forward direction. In the following description, the forward transport direction may simply be referred to as "forward direction," or the return transport direction may simply be referred to as "return direction." The main body of the device 20 is the base for assembling the components necessary to realize the various functions of the needle detector 10.

[0010] <Device body> The main body of the device 20 has two side sections 21 and 22 on both sides in the width direction. Both side sections 21 and 22 extend along the conveying direction. Side sections 21 and 22 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The area between side sections 21 and 22 in the width direction forms an inspection area 23 for inspecting the product 11. One of the two side sections 21 and 22, side section 22, has an operation input section 22a. The operation input section 22a is located on the upstream side in the forward direction of side section 22. The operation input section 22a is, for example, a liquid crystal display unit. The operation input section 22a allows input of starting and stopping the needle detector 10, the type of inspection and the sensitivity of the sensor, the rotation speed and rotation direction of the conveyor belt 30, etc., or displays the status of the needle detector 10.

[0011] <Conveyor belt> The conveyor belt 30 is assembled between the side portions 21 and 22 in the width direction. The conveyor belt 30 is an endless strip-shaped member having a predetermined thickness. For example, the conveyor belt 30 is shorter than the distance between the two ends of the side portions 21 and 22 in the width direction. The width of the conveyor belt 30 is approximately the same as the distance between the side portions 21 and 22 in the width direction. The conveyor belt 30 is stretched over a plurality of rollers (not shown). The plurality of rollers include a drive roller and a driven roller. The drive roller rotates by the drive of a motor M provided inside the main body 20 of the device. The driven roller rotates by the rotational force transmitted from the drive roller. The conveyor belt 30 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the plurality of rollers to convey the product 11 in the conveying direction. The surface of the conveyor belt 30 is a conveying surface 31 for conveying the product 11 in the conveying direction so that the product 11 passes through the inspection area 23. The conveying surface 31 extends along the conveying direction.

[0012] <Detection head> The detection head 40 is integrally assembled to the apparatus main body 20 via both side portions 21, 22. The detection head 40 has two legs 40a extending parallel to each other at both end portions, and a main body portion 40b connecting the two legs 40a to each other. The main body portion 40b extends along the width direction in a state having a space in the vertical direction with respect to the conveyor belt 30, that is, the conveyor surface 31. That is, the detection head 40 is integrally provided to the apparatus main body 20 in the middle along the forward direction of the inspection area 23. The detection head 40 is provided so as to straddle the inspection area 23 in the width direction along the direction orthogonal to the forward direction. In the present embodiment, the detection head 40 is an example of a metal detection unit.

[0013] The detection head 40 divides the inspection area 23 into a plurality of sections. The inspection area 23 has a plurality of sections A1, A2, A3 partitioned with the detection head 40 as a reference. For example, the inspection area 23 has an inlet 23a at the most upstream position in the forward direction. The inspection area 23 has an outlet 23b at the most downstream position in the forward direction.

[0014] More specifically, the section A1 is the upstream section in the forward direction with respect to the detection head 40 among the inspection area 23. That is, the section A1 is the section before the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 when the product 11 is conveyed in the forward direction. The section A1 is the section including the inlet 23a. For example, the section A1 is the section where the product 11 before needle inspection is present. In the present embodiment, the section A1 is an example of the first section.

[0015] The section A2 is the section where the detection head 40 is disposed among the inspection area 23. That is, the section A2 is the section where the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 when the product 11 is conveyed in the forward direction. For example, the section A2 is the section where needle inspection is performed. In the present embodiment, the section A2 is an example of the second section.

[0016] Region A3 is the downstream region of inspection region 23 in the forward direction with respect to detection head 40. That is, when product 11 is conveyed in the forward direction, region A3 is the region after the product 11 passes through detection head 40. Region A3 is a region including exit 23b. For example, region A3 is the region where product 11 exists after needle inspection is performed. In the present embodiment, region A3 is an example of the third region.

[0017] Detection head 40 includes a plurality of upper detection sensors 41 inside thereof. Apparatus main body 20 includes a plurality of lower detection sensors 24 inside thereof. Each upper detection sensor 41 is paired with one of the plurality of lower detection sensors 24. Each lower detection sensor 24 is assembled on the side opposite to main body portion 40b with respect to conveyor belt 30. Between each pair of upper detection sensor 41 and lower detection sensor 24, conveyor belt 30, more specifically conveyor surface 31, is positioned.

[0018] Each upper detection sensor 41 detects, for example, the distortion of the magnetic field passing between each pair of upper detection sensor 41 and lower detection sensor 24 when product 11 conveyed by conveyor belt 30 passes through. Thereby, each upper detection sensor 41 detects whether unnecessary metal is mixed in product 11. For example, the sensitivity of the sensors is adjusted so that each upper detection sensor 41 and each lower detection sensor 24 detect unnecessary metal and do not detect the metal fittings that are necessary for product 11. The sensitivity of the sensors may be adjusted to detect metals other than unnecessary metals.

[0019] <RFID antenna> The RFID antenna 50 is integrally mounted to the device body 20 via side portions 21 and 22 at a position corresponding to area A3. The RFID antenna 50 has two parallel legs 50a at both ends and a main body portion 50b connecting the two legs 50a. The main body portion 50b extends along the width direction with vertical space relative to the conveyor belt 30, i.e., the conveyor surface 31. In other words, the RFID antenna 50 is integrally mounted to the device body 20 on the downstream side in the forward direction relative to the detection head 40. The RFID antenna 50 is positioned so as to straddle the inspection area 23 in the width direction. The RFID antenna 50 is positioned so that the distance from the detection head 40 is less than the distance from the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. The distance from the detection head 40 is less than the distance from the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23. The downstream region A3a in the forward direction relative to the RFID antenna 50 has a length in the forward direction that is approximately the same as the length of region A1 in the forward direction. In this embodiment, the RFID antenna 50 is an example of an individual information detection unit.

[0020] The RFID antenna 50 includes a radio wave transmitting unit 51 and an information reading unit 52 inside. The radio wave transmitting unit 51 emits radio waves of a specific frequency. The output strength, and more specifically the directivity, of the radio wave transmitting unit 51 is adjusted so that it emits radio waves targeting products 11 that pass through the RFID antenna 50. For example, the directivity of the radio waves is adjusted so that the radio waves reach the range of the internal space of the RFID antenna 50, which is part of area A3. In other words, the directivity of the radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmitting unit 51 is adjusted so that they do not reach products 11 that do not pass through the RFID antenna 50. The information reading unit 52 receives and reads the ID signal transmitted from the RF tag 12 (described later) in response to the radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmitting unit 51. As a result, the RFID antenna 50 detects the ID signal transmitted from the RF tag 12 (described later) in response to the radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmitting unit 51.

[0021] <RFタグ> Each product 11 that is to be inspected by the metal detector 10 has an RF tag 12. For example, the RF tag 12 is either directly attached to the product 11 itself or packaged together with the product 11. In other words, when transported by the conveyor belt 30, each product 11 is transported together with the RF tag 12. In this embodiment, the RF tag 12 is an example of a tag.

[0022] The RF tag 12 includes an antenna and an IC chip. The antenna generates power using radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmitter 51. The antenna is of a type that corresponds to the communication method between the RFID antenna 50 and the RF tag 12. For example, if the communication method is radio waves, the antenna can be a plate-shaped antenna. If the communication method is electromagnetic induction, the antenna can be a coil-shaped antenna. The IC chip uses the power generated by the antenna to output an ID signal indicating individual information stored inside to the outside via the antenna. The IC chip includes a memory circuit inside. The memory circuit stores individual information about the RF tag 12, including the IC chip. This individual information is individual information about the product 11 having the RF tag 12. The individual information includes product information for identifying the product 11 having the RF tag 12. The product information includes, for example, the product name, color, size, and shipping destination of the product 11. In addition, the individual information includes, for example, manufacturing information such as the factory and production line where the product 11 was manufactured, or inspection information related to inspections performed during the manufacturing process.

[0023] <Photoelectric sensor> The photoelectric sensor 60 includes a photoelectric sensor 61 and a photoelectric sensor 62. The photoelectric sensor 61 is a photoelectric sensor for the detection head, provided in conjunction with the detection head 40. The photoelectric sensor 61 is provided on the forward upstream side of the detection head 40. In other words, the detection head 40 is used in combination with the photoelectric sensor 61. The photoelectric sensor 62 is a photoelectric sensor for the RFID antenna, provided in conjunction with the RFID antenna 50. In other words, the RFID antenna 50 is used in combination with the photoelectric sensor 62. The photoelectric sensor 61 is, for example, a transmissive type sensor in which the light-emitting part f1a and the light-receiving part f1b are configured separately. In this case, the light-emitting part f1a and the light-receiving part f1b should be provided on different side parts 21 and 22 so that they face each other in the width direction. The same applies to the photoelectric sensor 62. For example, the light-emitting section f2a and the light-receiving section f2b may be provided on different side sections 21 and 22 so as to face each other in the width direction. The two photoelectric sensors 61 and 62 may be reflective type sensors in which the light-emitting section and the light-receiving section are integrated, or they may be replaced with proximity sensors or the like.

[0024] The photoelectric sensor 61 detects, for example, that a product 11 being transported by the conveyor belt 30 passes between the light-emitting unit f1a and the light-receiving unit f1b. This causes the photoelectric sensor 61 to detect that there is a product 11 that will pass forward to the detection head 40. This acts as a trigger to activate the detection head 40. In other words, the detection head 40 starts performing detection at each upper detection sensor 41, triggered by the photoelectric sensor 61 detecting the passage of the product 11. Similarly, the photoelectric sensor 62 detects, for example, that a product 11 being transported by the conveyor belt 30 passes between the light-emitting unit f2a and the light-receiving unit f2b. This causes the photoelectric sensor 62 to detect that there is a product 11 that will pass forward to the RFID antenna 50. This acts as a trigger to activate the RFID antenna 50. In other words, the RFID antenna 50, triggered by the photoelectric sensor 62 detecting the passage of product 11, starts transmitting radio waves from the radio wave transmitting unit 51 and starts reading the ID signal from the information reading unit 52.

[0025] <Processing device> The processing unit 70 is located, for example, outside the needle reader 10. The processing unit 70 may also be integrated with the needle reader 10. The processing unit 70 includes a control controller 71 and a motor controller 72. The control controller 71 is a processing circuit consisting of a microcomputer and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 71a. Various processes related to the operation of the needle reader 10 are functional parts realized by the CPU 71a executing a control program. These various processes include, for example, processes related to starting and stopping the needle reader 10, the type of inspection, the sensitivity of the sensor, the rotation speed and direction of the conveyor belt 30, and the inspection results. The control controller 71 includes a memory 71b for storing the control program. The memory 71b includes a computer-readable medium such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory). However, while various processes are implemented by software, at least some of the processes may be implemented by hardware circuits such as logic circuits. Similarly, the motor controller 72 is a processing circuit consisting of a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).

[0026] The control controller 71 is electrically connected, for example, via wires, to the operation input unit 22a, each upper detection sensor 41, the radio wave transmission unit 51, the information reading unit 52, and the photoelectric sensors 60 (61, 62). The control controller 71 performs various processes based on signals input from the operation input unit 22a, each upper detection sensor 41, the radio wave transmission unit 51, the information reading unit 52, and the photoelectric sensors 60 (61, 62). For example, the control controller 71 includes the process of instructing the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward or reverse direction at a predetermined rotational speed. Based on the instruction from the control controller 71, the motor controller 72 controls the drive of the motor M provided inside the main body 20 of the device. As a result, the motor controller 72 rotates the conveyor belt 30 in the forward or reverse direction at a predetermined rotational speed.

[0027] When the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the input result of the operation input unit 22a, it executes various processes based on that signal. For example, when a signal indicating the start of the meter reader 10 is input, the control controller 71 starts the meter reader 10 and controls the display content of the operation input unit 22a so that a display indicating this is shown.

[0028] When the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 61, it determines whether or not to operate the detection head 40 based on the detection result. If it decides to operate the detection head 40, the control controller 71 operates the detection head 40 by supplying power to each upper detection sensor 41, thereby inputting the detection result of each upper detection sensor 41. Based on the detection result of each upper detection sensor 41, the control controller 71 determines whether or not unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11. If it does not determine that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11, the control controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward direction at a predetermined rotational speed. On the other hand, if it determines that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11, the control controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the reverse direction at a predetermined rotational speed. The control controller 71 stops supplying power to each upper detection sensor 41 if, after operating the detection head 40, a predetermined period of time has passed without a decision being made to operate the detection head 40. In other words, the control controller 71 stops the detection head 40.

[0029] When the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 62, it determines whether or not to operate the RFID antenna 50 based on the signal. If it decides to operate the RFID antenna 50, the control controller 71 operates the RFID antenna 50 by supplying power to the radio wave transmitter 51 and the information reading unit 52, thereby inputting the ID signal reading result from the information reading unit 52. As a result, the control controller 71 executes a process to generate individual management information based on the reading result from the information reading unit 52. The process to generate individual management information is a process to associate the detection results of each upper detection sensor 41 that were performed immediately before with the individual information identified from the ID signal. More specifically, the control controller 71 includes a process to store the generated individual management information in memory 71b. The control controller 71 also includes a process to associate the detection environment of each upper detection sensor 41 that were performed immediately before with the individual management information. For example, the detection environment includes the type of inspection, the sensitivity of the sensor, and the rotation speed of the conveyor belt 30. The control controller 71 stops supplying power to the radio wave transmitting unit 51 and the information reading unit 52 if, after activating the RFID antenna 50, a predetermined period of time has passed without the control controller deciding to activate the RFID antenna 50. In other words, the control controller 71 shuts down the RFID antenna 50. For example, the control controller 71 determines that the RF tag 12 is not detected if, after activating the RFID antenna 50, a predetermined period of time has passed without reading an ID signal and without the control controller deciding to activate the RFID antenna 50.

[0030] The control controller 71 controls the display content of the monitor 80 so that it displays information that can be confirmed in the memory 71b. The monitor 80 is, for example, an LCD display unit. The control controller 71 transmits the individual management information stored in the memory 71b to the server 90 via the network. In this case, the control controller 71 can also transmit the individual management information in response to a request from the server 90. The server 90 may be, for example, a stationary server or a cloud server virtually built on the network.

[0031] <Procedure for inspection using a metal detector> As shown in Figure 1, in the needle detector 10, which is equipped to perform needle detection, the conveyor belt 30 rotates in the forward direction. Products 11 are successively placed on the conveyor surface 31 of the conveyor belt 30, which is rotating in the forward direction, near the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23, along with the RF tags 12. Subsequently, as the products 11 are conveyed in the forward direction through area A1, their passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 61. As a result, the detection head 40 is activated, and needle detection is performed on the product 11 as it passes through area A2, or more specifically, through the detection head 40, in the forward direction.

[0032] Next, if it is determined that no unwanted metals are present, the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 and is transported forward through area A3, and its passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 62. As a result, the RFID antenna 50 is activated, and the ID signal is read as the product 11 passes forward through area A3, or more specifically, through the RFID antenna 50. In this case, the transport of the product 11 to area A3 indicates, as demonstrated by the operation of the metal detector 10, that the product 11 does not contain any unwanted metals.

[0033] Subsequently, the product 11 is transported in the forward direction through area A3, and near the exit 23b of the inspection area 23, it detaches from the transport surface 31 of the forward-rotating transport belt 30 along with the RF tag 12. This completes the inspection of the product 11 by the needle detector 10, and the inspection results are managed by the processing unit 70 as individual information for management purposes, along with individual information. If the inspection result is that the RF tag 12 is not detected, this fact is also managed by the processing unit 70.

[0034] On the other hand, if it is determined that unwanted metal is present, the conveyor belt 30 rotates in the return direction. The product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 along with the RF tag 12 so that it does not pass through the detection head 40 and is transported to area A3. This prevents the product 11 from being transported to area A3 and returns it to area A1, indicating through the movement of the metal detector 10 that unwanted metal is present in the product 11. In this case, a re-inspection of the product 11 is performed by the metal detector 10.

[0035] <Operation of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, the meter detector 10 can perform meter detection and also detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 on the product 11 being detected, i.e., individual information about the product 11. This allows the meter detector 10 to associate the information obtained in connection with the meter detection with the RF tag 12, i.e., the product 11 being detected. In this case, the meter detector 10 can perform other processes that can be performed using the RF tag 12 in addition to the meter detection process.

[0036] <Effects of the Embodiment> (1-1) When using the meter reading device 10, the process of performing meter reading and the process from another perspective that can be performed using the RF tag 12 can be carried out as long as there is space to install the meter reading device 10. Therefore, the space required to install equipment for carrying out various processes can be reduced.

[0037] (1-2) In the process of performing needle detection, the needle detector 10 can detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 on the product 11 after it has passed through the detection head 40, that is, the individual information of the product 11. For this reason, the needle detector 10 has excellent scalability, such as generating individual information for management by taking into account the number of products 11 that have already passed through the detection head 40 when associating the information obtained in relation to needle detection with the product 11.

[0038] (1-3) In the process of performing meter detection, the timing at which the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 and the timing at which individual information is detected can be made as close as possible. This makes it possible to suppress differences in the state of the product 11 or RF tag 12 between the timing at which the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 and the timing at which individual information is detected. This contributes to improving the reliability of associating the information obtained in relation to meter detection with the product 11.

[0039] (1-4) The number of RF tags 12 detected by the RFID antenna 50 indicates the number of products 11 that have been inspected by the metal detector 10. For example, even if products 11 are placed on top of each other on the transport surface 31 of the transport belt 30, the number of RF tags 12 detected by the RFID antenna 50 matches the number of products 11 that have been inspected by the metal detector 10 with high accuracy. This contributes to improving the reliability of determining the number of products 11 that have been inspected by the metal detector 10.

[0040] (1-5) The processing device 70 automates the association of information obtained in connection with meter reading with the product 11. This contributes to reducing the workload of workers involved in meter reading and to improving the reliability of information obtained in connection with meter reading.

[0041] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, the RFID antenna 50 according to this embodiment is integrally assembled to the device body 20 via both side portions 21 and 22 at a position corresponding to area A1. In other words, the RFID antenna 50 is integrally provided with respect to the device body 20 on the upstream side in the forward direction relative to the detection head 40. Accordingly, the photoelectric sensor 62 according to this embodiment is provided on the upstream side in the forward direction relative to the detection head 40 and the photoelectric sensor 61. The RFID antenna 50 is provided at a position in area A1 where the distance to the detection head 40 is smaller than the distance to the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23. When the RFID antenna 50 is assembled at a position corresponding to area A1, the distance to the detection head 40 is smaller than the distance to the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. The length of area A1a upstream in the forward direction relative to the RFID antenna 50 is approximately the same as the length of area A3 in the forward direction. For example, the directivity of the radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmitting unit 51 of the RFID antenna 50 is adjusted to emit within the internal space of the RFID antenna 50, which is a part of area A1.

[0043] The control controller 71 in this embodiment executes a process to generate individual management information based on the reading results of the information reading unit 52. The process to generate individual management information is a process to associate the detection results and detection environment of each upper detection sensor 41, which are performed immediately afterward, with the individual information identified from the ID signal.

[0044] <Procedure for inspection using a metal detector> As shown in Figure 2, near the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23, the products 11, along with the RF tags 12, are successively placed on the conveying surface 31 of the conveying belt 30 which is rotating in the forward direction. As the products are conveyed in the forward direction through area A1, their passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 62. This causes the RFID antenna 50 to activate, and as the product 11 passes the RFID antenna 50 in the forward direction, its ID signal is read.

[0045] Next, the product 11, whose ID signal has been read, passes through the RFID antenna 50 and is transported in the forward direction through area A1, and its passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 61. As a result, the detection head 40 is activated, and as the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 in the forward direction, a needle reading is performed.

[0046] Next, if it is determined that no unwanted metals are present, the product 11 is transported in the forward direction through area A3, and together with the RF tag 12, it detaches from the transport surface 31 of the forward-rotating transport belt 30 near the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. This completes the inspection of the product 11 by the metal detector 10.

[0047] On the other hand, if it is determined that unwanted metal is present, the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 along with the RF tag 12, and a re-inspection of the product 11 is performed by the metal detector 10. For example, when the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 along with the RF tag 12, the processing unit 70 may link the result of determining that unwanted metal is present to the individual information identified from the read ID signal. In addition, when the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 along with the RF tag 12, the processing unit 70 may also return the transport belt 30 to a range where the RF ID antenna 50 can detect the RF tag 12. When the processing unit 70 determines that the same ID signal has been read consecutively by the RFID antenna 50, it may delete the information related to the individual information identified from the ID signal in preparation for a re-inspection. In these cases, the predetermined time between activating the RFID antenna 50 and stopping the power supply to the radio wave transmitter 51 and the information reader 52 should be set considering that the product 11 will be returned from area A2 to area A1 along with the RF tag 12.

[0048] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the second embodiment described above, the effects of the first embodiment and the effects of (1-1), (1-3)-(1-5) can be obtained, and further effects described below can be obtained.

[0049] (2-1) In the process of performing needle detection, the needle detector 10 can detect the ID signal of the RF tag 12 on the product 11 before it passes through the detection head 40, that is, the individual information of the product 11. For this reason, the needle detector 10 has excellent scalability, such as generating individual information for management by taking into account the number of products 11 that will pass through the detection head 40 when associating the information obtained in relation to needle detection with the product 11.

[0050] <Third Embodiment> The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0051] As shown in Figure 3, this embodiment has a configuration that adds the configuration of the second embodiment to the configuration of the first embodiment. More specifically, the RFID antenna 50 according to this embodiment includes a first RFID antenna 53 and a second RFID antenna 54. The first RFID antenna 53 is configured in the same way as the RFID antenna 50 of the second embodiment. The second RFID antenna 54 is configured in the same way as the RFID antenna 50 of the first embodiment. In this case, the upstream area A1a in the forward direction relative to the first RFID antenna 53 and the downstream area A3a in the forward direction relative to the second RFID antenna 54 have substantially the same length along the forward direction. In this embodiment, the first RFID antenna 53 is an example of a first individual information detection unit, and the second RFID antenna 54 is an example of a second individual information detection unit.

[0052] The photoelectric sensor 62 according to this embodiment includes a first photoelectric sensor 63 and a second photoelectric sensor 64. The first photoelectric sensor 63 is a photoelectric sensor for the first RFID antenna, provided in correspondence with the first RFID antenna 53. The second photoelectric sensor 64 is a photoelectric sensor for the second RFID antenna, provided in correspondence with the second RFID antenna 54.

[0053] The control controller 71 in this embodiment executes a process to generate individual management information based on the reading results of the information reading units 52 of both RFID antennas 53 and 54. The process to generate individual management information is a process to associate the detection results and detection environment of each upper detection sensor 41 with the individual information identified from the ID signal.

[0054] <Procedure for inspection using a metal detector> As shown in Figure 3, near the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23, the products 11, along with the RF tags 12, are successively placed on the conveying surface 31 of the conveying belt 30 which is rotating in the forward direction. As the products are conveyed in the forward direction through area A1, their passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 63. This activates the first RFID antenna 53, and as the product 11 passes the first RFID antenna 53 in the forward direction, its ID signal is read.

[0055] Next, the product 11, whose ID signal has been read, passes through the first RFID antenna 53 and is transported in the forward direction through area A1, and its passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 61. As a result, the detection head 40 is activated, and as the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 in the forward direction, a needle reading is performed.

[0056] Next, if it is determined that no unwanted metals are present, the product 11 passes through the detection head 40 and is transported forward through area A3, and its passage is detected by the photoelectric sensor 64. This activates the second RFID antenna 54, and as the product 11 passes through the second RFID antenna 54 in the forward direction, its ID signal is read. Subsequently, as the product 11 is transported forward through area A3, it detaches from the transport surface 31 of the forward-rotating transport belt 30 along with the RF tag 12 near the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. This completes the inspection of the product 11 by the metal detector 10.

[0057] On the other hand, if it is determined that unwanted metals are present, the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 along with the RF tag 12, and a re-inspection of the product 11 is performed by the metal detector 10. For example, when the product 11 is returned from area A2 to area A1 along with the RF tag 12, the processing unit 70 can detect an ID signal that is detected by the first RFID antenna 53 and not detected by the second RFID antenna 54. In this case, the processing unit 70 may associate the result that it is determined that unwanted metals are present with the individual information identified from the detected ID signal. The processing unit 70 may also prepare for re-inspection by deleting information related to the individual information identified from the identified ID signal.

[0058] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the third embodiment described above, the effects of the first embodiment and the effects of (1-1), (1-3)-(1-5) can be obtained, and further effects described below can be obtained.

[0059] (3-1) In the process of performing needle detection, the needle detector 10 can detect the ID signals of the RF tags 12 on the products 11 before and after they pass through the detection head 40, that is, the individual information of the products 11. For this reason, the needle detector 10 has excellent expandability, such as being able to grasp the number of products 11 that are scheduled to pass through the detection head 40 and the number of products 11 that have passed through, when it is possible to associate the information obtained in relation to needle detection with the products 11.

[0060] <Fourth Embodiment> The fourth embodiment will now be described, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to the drawings. For the sake of clarity, components identical to those in the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0061] As shown in Figure 4, the needle detector 10 of this embodiment is used in combination with a chute device 100. The chute device 100 is installed adjacent to the needle detector 10 on the downstream side in the transport direction. In other words, the needle detector 10 and the chute device 100 form a transport path connected via the exit 23b of the inspection area 23.

[0062] <Shooter device> As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the chute device 100 has a main body 101 and a chute section 110. The main body 101 has two panels 102, eight frame pieces 103, two connecting frame pieces 104, and a bottom panel 105. The two panels 102 include a small panel 102a and a large panel 102b with different surface areas. Each panel 102a and 102b is a flat plate with a long side and a short side, and their back surfaces face each other in the conveying direction of the needle detector 10. The long side of each panel 102a and 102b coincides with the width direction of the needle detector 10. The short side of each panel 102a and 102b coincides with the vertical direction of the needle detector 10.

[0063] The eight frame pieces 103 include four frame pieces 103a that reinforce the four sides of the small panel 102a and four frame pieces 103b that reinforce the four sides of the large panel 102b. Two connecting frame pieces 104 connect the lower ends of the frame pieces 103a and 103b that reinforce the short sides of the two panels 102a and 102b, which face each other in the transport direction of the needle detector 10. The opening 105a formed by the lower frame pieces 103a and 103b that reinforce the long sides of the two panels 102a and 102b and the two connecting frame pieces 104 is closed from above by the bottom panel 105.

[0064] The chute section 110 is a flat plate with a long side and a short side, and its surface forms a chute surface 111. The chute surface 111 is the surface over which the product 11 slides when it passes. The chute section 110 connects the upper long sides of the two panels 102a and 102b. In other words, the long side of the chute section 110 coincides with the width direction of the metal detector 10. The short side of the chute section 110 coincides with the transport direction of the metal detector 10. As a result, the chute surface 111 is inclined along the transport direction.

[0065] Each of the two short sides of the chute section 110 has a guide piece 112 extending upward from the chute surface 111. Each of the two short sides of the chute section 110 has a connecting piece 113 extending downward from the end. The first end 113a of each connecting piece 113, on the side closer to the small panel 102a, is connected via a pivot shaft 114 to the upper end of each frame piece 103a that reinforces the short side of the small panel 102a. The second end 113b of each connecting piece 113, on the side closer to the large panel 102b, is connected to the upper end of each frame piece 103b that reinforces the short side of the large panel 102b so as to be able to move toward and away from it. As a result, the chute section 110 rotates toward and away from the large panel 102b around each pivot shaft 114, as shown by the dashed lines in Figure 5. In other words, the chute section 110 rotates around each first end 113a on the lower side of the chute surface 111 so that the inclination angle of the chute surface 111 changes.

[0066] When the chute section 110 rotates to approach the large panel 102b, the inclination angle of the chute surface 111 is small. In this case, the chute device 100 is in a closed state (solid line in Figure 5), with the space between the chute section 110 and the large panel 102b closed. On the other hand, when the chute section 110 rotates to move away from the large panel 102b, the inclination angle of the chute surface 111 is large. In this case, the chute device 100 is in an open state (dotted line in Figure 5), with the space between the chute section 110 and the large panel 102b open. In the open state of the chute device 100, the opening between the chute section 110 and the large panel 102b is large enough for the product 11 to pass through and be collected inside the chute device 100.

[0067] The chute device 100 is installed so that the large panel 102b is adjacent to the exit 23b of the inspection area 23 of the needle detector 10. In this case, the height of the chute device 100 is adjusted so that the higher side of the chute surface 111 in the closed state is approximately the same as the height of the transport surface 31 of the needle detector 10. The height of the chute device 100 is adjusted by four legs 106 extending from the bottom of the main body 101. As a result, when the chute device 100 is in the closed state, the needle detector 10 and the chute device 100 form a transport path that allows the product 11 to slide through by passing over the chute surface 111. On the other hand, when the chute device 100 is in the open state, the needle detector 10 and the chute device 100 form a transport path that prevents passage over the chute surface 111, i.e., blocks it, and collects the product 11 inside the chute device 100.

[0068] When used in combination with the chute device 100, the needle detector 10 has a photoelectric sensor 120. The photoelectric sensor 120 is a photoelectric sensor for the chute device, provided in conjunction with the chute device 100. The photoelectric sensor 120 has a similar configuration to the photoelectric sensor 61, etc. The photoelectric sensor 120 detects the presence of a product 11 that is about to pass through the chute device 100.

[0069] <Control of the shooter device> In this embodiment, the control controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward direction at a predetermined rotational speed, regardless of whether it determines that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11. In other words, the control controller 71 instructs the motor controller 72 to rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the forward direction at a predetermined rotational speed while the inspection of the product 11 is being performed.

[0070] In addition, the control controller 71 of this embodiment determines whether or not to operate the RFID antenna 50 based on whether or not it determines that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11. If it does not determine that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11, the control controller 71 operates the RFID antenna 50. On the other hand, if it determines that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11, the control controller 71 does not operate the RFID antenna 50. In this case, the control controller 71 continues to operate the RFID antenna 50 that is already operating until it is stopped.

[0071] In this embodiment, the control controller 71 is electrically connected to the photoelectric sensor 120 and the chute device 100, for example, via an electric wire. The control controller 71 controls the drive of the actuator AT located inside the chute device 100. For example, the actuator AT is an actuator that uses a fluid such as air, or an electric actuator such as a motor. The control controller 71 controls the closed and open states of the chute device 100.

[0072] The control controller 71 controls the closed and open states of the chute device 100 based on whether or not it determines that unwanted metal is mixed in with the product 11. If it does not determine that unwanted metal is mixed in with the product 11, the control controller 71 controls the chute device 100 to the closed state. As a result, the product 11 to be inspected passes through the chute device 100.

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that product 11 contains unwanted metal, the control controller 71 controls the chute device 100 to the open state. When controlling the chute device 100 to the open state, the control controller 71 changes the control method depending on the status of other products 11. More specifically, if the control controller 71 is not transporting other products 11 that have already been inspected, it uses the determination that product 11 to be inspected contains unwanted metal as a trigger to control the chute device 100 to the open state. As a result, product 11 to be inspected is collected by the chute device 100. Subsequently, when the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, it uses the elapsed recovery time as a trigger to control the chute device 100 to the closed state. For example, the recovery time should be set considering the time it takes for product 11 to complete its passage through the chute device 100.

[0074] The control controller 71 reserves control of the chute device 100 to the open state when transporting other inspected products 11 and when it is determined that no unwanted metals are mixed in with the inspected products 11. The reserved state is a state in which the control controller 71 waits to control the chute device 100 to the open state after the inspected products 11 have finished passing through the chute device 100. The reserved state is also when the RFID antenna 50 is operating. After the RFID antenna 50 reads the ID signal of the inspected products 11, the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, and, triggered by the elapsed recovery time, controls the chute device 100 to the open state based on the reserved state. As a result, the product 11 to be inspected is collected by the chute device 100. Subsequently, the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, and, triggered by the elapsed recovery time, controls the chute device 100 to the closed state.

[0075] If the control controller 71 determines that unwanted metal is mixed in with the other inspected product 11 during transport, it maintains control of the chute device 100 in the open state. The continuous state is the state in which the control controller 71 maintains the chute device 100 in the open state after the other inspected product 11 has been collected in the chute device 100. The continuous state also means that the RFID antenna 50 is stopped. Subsequently, when the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, it maintains the chute device 100 in the open state based on the continuous state. As a result, the product 11 to be inspected is collected in the chute device 100. Further after that, when the control controller 71 receives a signal related to the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 120, it controls the chute device 100 to the closed state, triggered by the elapsed recovery time.

[0076] <Operational Mode of the Shooter Device> Figures 6(a) and (b) illustrate the case in which good products 11A, which are not determined to contain unwanted metal, are transported. The chute device 100 remains closed. As a result, good products 11A pass through the chute device 100 after being inspected and having their ID signals read by the RFID antenna 50. In other words, the chute device 100 sorts the good products 11A as good products that were not determined to contain unwanted metal by allowing them to pass through.

[0077] Figures 7(a) and (b) illustrate the case in which a defective product 11B, which is determined to contain unwanted metal, is transported. The chute device 100 opens after the defective product 11B has been inspected. As a result, the defective product 11B is inspected, but the RFID antenna 50 does not read the ID signal, and it is collected by the chute device 100. In other words, the chute device 100 sorts the defective product 11B as a defective product that has been determined to contain unwanted metal by collecting it.

[0078] Figures 8(a) to (d) illustrate the case where defective products 11B are transported following good products 11A. The chute device 100 remains closed. As a result, the good products 11A, which are transported first, undergo inspection and have their ID signals read by the RFID antenna 50 before passing through the chute device 100. In other words, the chute device 100 sorts the good products 11A as good products that were not found to contain unwanted metal by allowing them to pass through.

[0079] After good product 11A passes through, the chute device 100 opens. As a result, the defective product 11B, which is transported after the good product 11A, is inspected, but its ID signal is not read by the RFID antenna 50, and it is collected by the chute device 100. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 sorts it as a defective product that has been determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0080] Figures 9(a) to (c) illustrate the case where defective product 11B is transported followed by another defective product 11B. The chute device 100 is opened. As a result, the defective product 11B that is transported first is inspected, but the RFID antenna 50 does not read the ID signal, and it is collected by the chute device 100. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 sorts it as a defective product that has been determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0081] After the defective product 11B is collected, the chute device 100 remains open. As a result, any subsequent defective product 11B being transported will undergo inspection, but will not have their ID signal read by the RFID antenna 50, and will be collected by the chute device 100. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 sorts it as a defective product that has been determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0082] Figures 10(a) to (c) illustrate the case where a good product 11A is transported following a defective product 11B. The chute device 100 is opened. As a result, the defective product 11B, which is transported first, is inspected, but the RFID antenna 50 does not read the ID signal, and it is collected by the chute device 100. In other words, by collecting the defective product 11B, the chute device 100 sorts it as a defective product that has been determined to contain unwanted metal.

[0083] After the defective product 11B is collected, the chute device 100 closes. As a result, the good product 11A, which is transported after the defective product 11B, undergoes inspection and then has its ID signal read by the RFID antenna 50 before passing through the chute device 100. In other words, the chute device 100 sorts the good product 11A as a good product that was not found to contain any unwanted metal by allowing it to pass through.

[0084] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the fourth embodiment described above, the effects of the first embodiment and the effects similar to those described in (1-1)-(1-5) can be obtained, and further effects described below can be obtained.

[0085] (4-1) When the needle detector 10 is used in combination with the chute device 100, it can perform the process of performing needle detection, and other processes that can be performed using the RF tag 12, as well as the process of sorting good and defective products 11. Therefore, various processes can be combined and automated into a single process.

[0086] <Other Embodiments> Each of the above embodiments may be modified as follows. Furthermore, the following other embodiments can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not conflict with the technical standards.

[0087] In the first embodiment described above, of the two photoelectric sensors 61 and 62, the photoelectric sensor 61 located on the forward upstream side may also have the function of photoelectric sensor 62. For example, the RFID antenna 50 operates when the photoelectric sensor 61 detects the passage of product 11. In this case, photoelectric sensor 62 can be omitted. In other words, the needle detector 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In the other embodiments described herein, for example, as shown in Figure 11, the RFID antenna 50 may be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the forward downstream side. The other embodiments described herein can also be applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0088] In the first embodiment described above, the RFID antenna 50 may be positioned in an area A3 where the distance from the detection head 40 is greater than the distance from the antenna to the exit 23b of the inspection area 23. The other embodiments described herein can also be applied to the fourth embodiment.

[0089] In the second embodiment described above, of the two photoelectric sensors 61 and 62, the photoelectric sensor 62 located on the upstream side in the forward direction may have the function of photoelectric sensor 61. For example, the detection head 40 operates when the photoelectric sensor 62 detects the passage of the product 11. In this case, photoelectric sensor 61 can be eliminated. In other words, the needle detector 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In other embodiments described herein, for example, as shown in Figure 11, the RFID antenna 50 may be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the upstream side in the forward direction.

[0090] In the second embodiment described above, the RFID antenna 50 may be positioned in an area A1 where the distance from the detection head 40 is greater than the distance from the antenna 50 to the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23.

[0091] In the third embodiment described above, the first photoelectric sensor 63, which is located on the upstream side in the forward direction among the two photoelectric sensors 61, 62 (63, 64), may have the functions of both photoelectric sensor 61 and the second photoelectric sensor 64. For example, the detection head 40 operates when the photoelectric sensor 63 detects the passage of the product 11. Also, the second RFID antenna 54 operates when the photoelectric sensor 63 detects the passage of the product 11. In this case, the photoelectric sensor 61 and the second photoelectric sensor 64 can be omitted. In other words, the needle detector 10 only needs to have one photoelectric sensor 60. In the other embodiments described herein, for example, as shown in Figure 11, the first RFID antenna 53 may be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the upstream side in the forward direction. Also, the second RFID antenna 54 may be adjacent to the detection head 40 on the downstream side in the forward direction.

[0092] In the third embodiment described above, the first RFID antenna 53 may be positioned in an area A1 where the distance from the detection head 40 is greater than the distance from the antenna to the entrance 23a of the inspection area 23. The second RFID antenna 54 may also be positioned in an area A3 where the distance from the detection head 40 is greater than the distance from the antenna to the exit 23b of the inspection area 23.

[0093] In the fourth embodiment described above, the control controller 71 may control the shooter device 100 to the open state if it determines that the RF tag 12 is not detected, even if it does not determine that the product 11 contains unwanted metal. In other words, the control controller 71 may be configured to control the shooter device 100 to the open state in either case: when it determines that the product 11 contains unwanted metal, or when it determines that the RF tag 12 is not detected.

[0094] In the fourth embodiment described above, the photoelectric sensor 120 may be provided on the chute device 100. For example, the photoelectric sensor 120 may be provided in front of the opening between the chute section 110 and the large panel 102b, that is, on the side of the needle detector 10.

[0095] In the fourth embodiment described above, the photoelectric sensor 120 may be omitted. In other words, the meter reader 10 does not need to have the photoelectric sensor 120. In the other embodiments described herein, the control controller 71 may control the closed and open states of the chute device 100 based on the detection result of the photoelectric sensor 60.

[0096] The chute device 100 in the fourth embodiment described above may be replaced with a device having a similar function, as long as it can sort the product 11 into good and defective products. In the fourth embodiment described above, the specific configuration of the chute device 100 may be modified as appropriate. For example, the bottom panel 105 may be omitted in the chute device 100, and the widthwise side of the main body 101 may be closed off with an openable door.

[0097] The chute device 100 of the fourth embodiment described above can also be used in combination with the needle detector 10 of the second and third embodiments. In the first to third embodiments described above, the photoelectric sensor 60 may be omitted. In other words, the metal detector 10 does not need to have the photoelectric sensor 60. In the other embodiments described herein, the detection head 40 and RFID antenna 50 (53, 54) may be activated, for example, when the metal detector 10 is started, and continue to operate while the metal detector 10 is running. For example, in the fourth embodiment, if it is determined that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11, the control controller 71 may choose not to read or delete the ID signal of the product 11 to be detected.

[0098] In the first to third embodiments described above, the control controller 71 may stop the rotation of the conveyor belt 30 if it determines that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11. In this case, the control controller 71 may rotate the conveyor belt 30 in the return direction via the input of the operation input unit 22a.

[0099] In each of the above embodiments, the RF tag 12 may be replaced with, for example, a tag with a 2D or 3D code containing individual information. In this case, the RFID antenna 50 may be replaced with a reader capable of reading the 2D or 3D code.

[0100] In each of the above embodiments, the detection head 40 should be provided so as to span the width of the inspection area 23 along a direction intersecting the forward direction. In each of the above embodiments, the RFID antennas 50(53,54) may be provided separately from the main body 20. In this case, the RFID antennas 50(53,54) only need to be installed in a fixed position corresponding to the main body 20 when the metal detector 10 is in use. In other words, the RFID antennas 50(53,54) only need to be provided substantially integrally with the main body 20.

[0101] In each of the above embodiments, the association between the information obtained in connection with meter reading and the product 11 may be performed on a server 90 or other processing device connected to the processing device 70 via a network. In this case, the processing device 70 only needs to have the function of generating information obtained in connection with meter reading and individual information identified from the ID signal. The processing device connected to the processing device 70 via a network may be, for example, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc.

[0102] In each of the above embodiments, the RFID antenna 50 may have a shielding shield to suppress leakage of radio waves emitted by the radio wave transmitting unit 51 from within its internal space. In each of the above embodiments, the RFID antenna 50 may be integrally provided with respect to the detection head 40. That is, the detection head 40 may include a radio wave transmitting unit 51 and an information reading unit 52 that constitute the RFID antenna 50.

[0103] In each of the above embodiments, the needle detector 10 may include at least one detection head 40, and may include two detection heads, for example, a first detection head and a second detection head. In one example, the first detection head and the second detection head may be arranged such that the RFID antenna 50 is positioned between them in the forward direction.

[0104] In each of the embodiments described above, area A1 of the inspection area 23 may be defined as an area indicating that there is a possibility that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11 before inspection. In this case, for example, areas A2 and A3 may be defined as areas indicating that there is no possibility that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11 after inspection. In the other embodiments described herein, the inspection area 23 only needs to include at least one area indicating that there is no possibility that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11 and one area indicating that there is a possibility that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11. For example, the area where inspection is performed and the area indicating that there is a possibility that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11 may overlap in some respects. In the first and fourth embodiments, the area indicating that there is no possibility that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11 may be the area downstream of the RFID antenna 50, i.e., area A3a. In the second embodiment, the area indicating that there is a possibility that unwanted metal is mixed into the product 11 may be the area upstream of the RFID antenna 50, i.e., area A1a. These also apply to the third embodiment, where the "area indicating that there is no possibility of unwanted metal being mixed into product 11" may be area A3a, and the "area indicating that there is a possibility of unwanted metal being mixed into product 11" may be area A1a.

[0105] <Other technological ideas> Next, the technical concepts that can be understood from each of the above embodiments are added below. (i) The metal detector is configured to inspect whether or not unwanted metal is mixed in with the object to be inspected. The metal detector includes a device body having an inspection area for performing the inspection of the object to be inspected; a conveyor belt configured to transport the object to be inspected in at least in the forward direction so that the object to be inspected passes through the inspection area; at least one metal detection unit configured to detect the metal when the object to be inspected passes through as it is transported in the forward direction by the conveyor belt; and at least one individual information detection unit configured to detect individual information possessed by a tag when the tag is transported together with the object to be inspected passes through, wherein the individual information includes information relating to the object to be inspected that is transported together, and the individual information detection unit is provided at a position where it can detect the individual information possessed by the tag as it passes through the inspection area.

[0106] (b) The metal detection unit is integrally provided with respect to the main body of the device in the inspection area and is provided so as to straddle the inspection area in a direction intersecting the forward direction, the inspection area has a plurality of areas partitioned with respect to the metal detection unit, the plurality of areas include a first area, a second area and a third area, the first area is the area of ​​the inspection area upstream of the metal detection unit in the forward direction, the second area is the area of ​​the inspection area in which the metal detection unit is located, the third area is the area of ​​the inspection area downstream of the metal detection unit in the forward direction, and the individual information detection unit is provided at a position in which it can detect the individual information possessed by the tag as it passes through the third area, the metal detector according to the technical concept of (a).

[0107] (h) The individual information detection unit is integrally provided with respect to the main body of the device in the third area, as described in the technical concept of the needle detector according to (b). (ii) The metal detection unit is integrally provided with respect to the main body of the device in the inspection area and is provided so as to straddle the inspection area in a direction intersecting the forward direction, the inspection area has a plurality of areas partitioned with respect to the metal detection unit, the plurality of areas include a first area, a second area and a third area, the first area is the area of ​​the inspection area upstream of the metal detection unit in the forward direction, the second area is the area of ​​the inspection area in which the metal detection unit is located, the third area is the area of ​​the inspection area downstream of the metal detection unit in the forward direction, and the individual information detection unit is provided at a position in which it can detect the individual information possessed by the tag as it passes through the first area, the metal detector according to the technical concept of (a).

[0108] (e) The individual information detection unit is integrally provided with respect to the main body of the device in the first area, as described in the technical concept of the needle detector (d). (h) The metal detection unit is integrally provided with respect to the main body of the device in the inspection area and is provided so as to straddle the inspection area in a direction intersecting the forward direction, the inspection area has a plurality of areas partitioned with respect to the metal detection unit, the plurality of areas include a first area, a second area, and a third area, the first area is the area of ​​the inspection area upstream of the metal detection unit in the forward direction, the second area is the area of ​​the inspection area in which the metal detection unit is located, the third area is the area of ​​the inspection area downstream of the metal detection unit in the forward direction, the individual information detection unit includes a first individual information detection unit and a second individual information detection unit, the first individual information detection unit is provided at a position capable of detecting the individual information possessed by the tag as it passes through the first area, and the second individual information detection unit is provided at a position capable of detecting the individual information possessed by the tag as it passes through the third area, the metal detector according to the technical concept of (a).

[0109] (t) The needle detector according to the technical concept of (f), wherein the first individual information detection unit is integrally provided with respect to the main body of the device in the first area, and the second individual information detection unit is integrally provided with respect to the main body of the device in the third area.

[0110] (h) The individual information detection unit is provided at a position where the distance from the metal detection unit is smaller than the distance from the entrance of the inspection area and the distance from the exit of the inspection area, the entrance of the inspection area is located on the upstream side in the forward direction of the inspection area, and the exit of the inspection area is located on the downstream side in the forward direction of the inspection area, the metal detector according to any one of the technical concepts (h), (e), and (g).

Claims

1. An inspection system for checking whether unwanted metals are mixed into an object being transported through an inspection area, The inspection system includes equipment used for the inspection, a processing circuit configured to perform the processing related to the inspection, and a memory for storing information related to the inspection. The device includes a metal detection unit configured to detect the metal as the object to be inspected passes through, and an individual information detection unit configured to detect the individual information contained in a tag as the tag, which is transported together with the object to be inspected, passes through. The process related to the aforementioned inspection is as follows: The process of obtaining a detection result from the metal detection unit included in the device so as the object to be inspected passes through, A process to determine whether or not the metal is mixed in the object to be inspected, based on the detection result of the metal detection unit, The process of obtaining detection results from the individual information detection unit included in the device so as the tag, which is transported together with the object to be inspected, passes through, to detect the individual information possessed by the tag, Based on the detection results of the individual information detection unit, a process is performed to generate individual information for management purposes. The process includes storing the generated individual management information in the memory, The inspection system is configured such that the process for generating the individual information for management includes a process for associating the detection results of the metal detection unit for the object to be inspected, which is transported together with the tag, with the individual information possessed by the tag.

2. The process for generating the individual information for management includes, in addition to associating the detection results of the metal detection unit for the inspection target transported together with the tag with the individual information held by the tag, the detection environment of the metal detection unit as well. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the detection environment of the metal detection unit includes at least the sensitivity of the sensor provided in the metal detection unit.

3. The inspection system according to claim 1, further comprising the process of displaying the individual management information stored in the memory on a display device included in the device, relating to the inspection process.

4. The inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the processing circuit is configured to transmit the individual management information stored in the memory to a server via a network.

5. The aforementioned tag is an RF tag, The inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the individual information possessed by the tag is an ID signal stored inside the RF tag.

6. An inspection method applied to an inspection system that checks whether or not unwanted metals are mixed in with an object being transported through an inspection area, The aforementioned inspection method is The detection result is obtained from a metal detection unit included in the equipment used for the inspection, which is configured to detect the metal as the object to be inspected passes through it. Based on the detection results of the metal detection unit, it is determined whether or not the metal is mixed in the object to be inspected. The detection results are obtained from an individual information detection unit included in the device, which is configured to detect individual information possessed by the tag as the tag, transported together with the object to be inspected, passes through the device. Based on the detection results of the individual information detection unit, individual information for management is generated. This includes storing the generated individual management information in a memory that stores the information related to the inspection, The method for generating the aforementioned management-related individual information includes associating the detection results of the metal detection unit for the object to be inspected, which is transported together with the tag, with the individual information possessed by the tag.

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