Transfer Apparatus for Video Shooting Unit, Vision-Based Analyzing Apparatus Comprising the Same and Method for Transferring the Object for Vision-Based Analyzing

KR103017182B1Active Publication Date: 2026-09-09LIFE & TECHNOLOGY CO INC
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Patent Information

Application Number
KR1020230195518
Authority / Receiving Office
KR · KR
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-12-28
Publication Date
2026-09-09
Estimated Expiration
2043-12-28

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Abstract

The present invention provides a transfer device for an image capturing unit, wherein the transfer device is an infinite track type transfer unit that continuously transfers a plurality of objects to be captured by an image capturing unit by having a plurality of transfer sections that transfer objects to be captured by an image capturing unit, wherein the transfer unit revolves around a predetermined orbit including a shooting section in which the objects to be captured by the image capturing unit, and each of the transfer sections rotates while the transfer sections revolve and perform translational motion; and a speed control unit that contacts the transfer sections and controls the rotational speed of the transfer sections.
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Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer device for an image capturing unit, an image-based analysis device equipped with the same, and a transfer method for image-based analysis. More specifically, the invention relates to a transfer device for an image capturing unit that transfers agricultural products while capturing images to analyze the surface condition of the agricultural products based on images during the process of classifying agricultural products, an image-based analysis device equipped with the same, and a transfer method for image-based analysis. Background Technology

[0002] Generally, agricultural product classification systems have relied on objective indicators such as weight and sugar content. However, there is a problem in that surface abnormalities or damage occurring during the growth, harvesting, and transportation processes cannot be detected using numerical measuring instruments like weighers or optical sugar content meters, and there is the inconvenience of having to manually inspect the surface of each product.

[0003] As such prior art, Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0044675 may be considered.

[0004] Furthermore, in order to continuously process a large volume of agricultural products, it was necessary to inspect the surface of the products during the process of transporting them via a conveyor system. To this end, a camera that processes the surface of agricultural products needs to capture high-resolution images of the surface of the products passing through the image unit; however, conventionally, there was a problem in that image processing was performed only on a portion of the surface of the agricultural products being transported by the conveyor (the surface exposed toward the camera) while the side facing the camera remained fixed during the transport process.

[0005] In addition, to speed up the processing of agricultural products, the conveyor's transport speed had to be increased; however, this resulted in a problem where the resolution of the image photos of the agricultural product surfaces captured by the camera decreased. The problem to be solved

[0006] The present invention aims to solve the problems of the prior art and to provide a transfer device for an image capturing unit that can rapidly process surface image capture of agricultural products and evenly capture images of the entire surface of the agricultural products without blind spots, not just one side of the agricultural products, even when the camera device is fixed, an image-based analysis device equipped with the same, and a transfer method for image-based analysis.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a transport device for an image capturing unit that enables high-resolution image capturing by maintaining a fast transport speed of agricultural products being transported for image capturing, while maintaining an appropriate rotational speed that is not excessively high so that the entire surface of the agricultural products is exposed to the camera, an image-based analysis device equipped with the same, and a transport method for image-based analysis. means of solving the problem

[0008] To achieve the aforementioned objective, a transfer device for an image capturing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transfer unit of an endless track type that continuously transports a plurality of objects to be captured by an image capturing unit, wherein the transfer unit revolves around a predetermined orbit including a shooting section in which the objects to be captured by the image capturing unit, and each of the transfer units rotates while the transfer unit revolves and performs translational motion; and a speed control unit that contacts the transfer unit and controls the rotational speed of the transfer unit.

[0009] Here, the conveying unit may be a pair of rollers spaced apart by a predetermined widthwise interval.

[0010] The above-described transfer unit includes a transfer chain that connects a plurality of pairs of rollers to each other at a predetermined longitudinal interval in parallel on a predetermined track, so that the plurality of pairs of rollers revolve on a predetermined track.

[0011] Here, the rotation axes of each of the paired rollers are independent of each other.

[0012] The pair of rollers is designed so that the diameter of the faces facing each other is smaller than the diameter of the faces facing in opposite directions.

[0013] Meanwhile, a transfer device according to one embodiment of the present invention further includes a sprocket that engages with the transfer chain to transmit power; and an actuator that provides rotational force to the sprocket.

[0014] The speed control unit comprises at least one belt positioned below the pair of rollers and in contact with the lower side of the rollers.

[0015] The above speed control unit includes a first belt that contacts the lower surface of one of the paired rollers and a second belt that contacts the lower surface of the other of the paired rollers.

[0016] The rotational direction of the above belt is set to coincide with the orbital direction of the above roller.

[0017] The moving speed of the above belt is greater than 0 and is smaller than the moving speed in the orbital direction of the above roller.

[0018] The speed control unit further includes: a belt guide plate that supports the lower side of the belt contacting the lower side of the roller to slide the belt and extends along the extension direction of the belt; and a support bar that supports the guide plate from below and extends perpendicularly to the extension direction of the guide plate.

[0019] An image-based analysis device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transfer device having the configuration described above; and an image capturing unit having at least one camera for acquiring an image of a body being transferred by the transfer device and an illumination unit for irradiating light onto the body being transferred.

[0020] A transfer method for image-based analysis according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transfer step of continuously transferring a plurality of transfer units in an infinite track format using a plurality of transfer units that transfer a transfer object to be captured by an image capturing unit, wherein the transfer object revolves in a predetermined orbit including a shooting section captured by the image capturing unit, and each of the transfer units rotates while performing translational motion while revolving; and a speed control step of controlling the rotational speed of the transfer units by contacting a speed control unit with the transfer units.

[0021] Here, the speed control step detects the speed at which the conveyed body rotates while mounted on the conveying unit and transported, and controls the movement of the speed control unit in contact with the conveying unit. Effects of the invention

[0022] As described above, according to the present invention, surface image capture of agricultural products is processed quickly, and even when the camera device is fixed, not only one side of the surface of the agricultural product but also the entire surface of the agricultural product can be captured evenly without blind spots.

[0023] In addition, according to the present invention, it is possible to capture high-resolution images of agricultural products that rotate slowly, while maintaining a fast transport speed of the agricultural products being transported for image capture, so that the surface exposed to the camera becomes diverse. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image-based analysis device including a transfer device for an image capturing unit and an image capturing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a plan view of the image-based analysis device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of the transfer device of the image-based analysis device of Figure 1. FIG. 4 is a partial front view with some components omitted from the partial exploded view of FIG. 3. FIG. 5 is a partial front view with some components omitted from the partial front view of FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the transfer device of FIG. 5. Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the belt support structure. Fig. 8 is a side view of the transfer device of Fig. 5. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view illustrating the relationship between a transfer device and a speed control unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view illustrating the relationship between a transfer device and a speed control unit in another embodiment. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the attached drawings. The following description and the attached drawings are intended to help understand the operation according to the present invention, and parts that can be easily implemented by a person skilled in the art may be omitted.

[0026] Furthermore, this specification and drawings are not provided for the purpose of limiting the invention, and the scope of the invention shall be defined by the claims. The terms used in this specification shall be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical spirit of the invention so as to most appropriately express the invention.

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an image-based analysis device including a transfer device for an image capturing unit and an image capturing unit according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of the image-based analysis device of FIG. 1.

[0028] Referring to the drawings, an image-based analysis device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transfer device (200) for an image capturing unit; an image capturing unit (300) having at least one camera (306a, 306b, 306c) for acquiring an image of the surface of a body being transferred by the transfer device (200); and an illumination unit (308a, 308b) for irradiating light onto the body being transferred.

[0029] The above-mentioned transport object may be, for example, agricultural products, more specifically, fruits. However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and various objects requiring analysis of their surface condition may serve as the transport object. In particular, the transport object may include objects of various shapes capable of rotation while having an outer surface.

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the transfer device (200) includes a transfer unit (210) of an endless track type that continuously transfers a plurality of objects to be transferred (not shown) by having a plurality of transfer sections (222) that transfer an object to be transferred (not shown) to be captured by an image capturing unit (300).

[0031] The above image capturing unit (300) includes an upper frame (302u) positioned above the transfer unit (210) of the transfer device (200) and a lower frame (302d) positioned below the upper frame and positioned around the transfer unit (210).

[0032] Additionally, the upper frame (302u) of the image capturing unit (300) partitions a main shooting chamber (304m) for capturing images of a transported object and sub-shooting chambers (304s) positioned on both sides opposite the main shooting chamber (304m). Although not shown in the drawing, the main shooting chamber and the sub-shooting chambers are closed by a blocking panel installed on the upper frame (302u).

[0033] The cameras (306a, 306b, 306c) and the lighting units (308a, 308b) are positioned inside the main shooting chamber (304m), for example, three cameras are positioned, with camera (306a) positioned at the top center of the main shooting chamber (304m), and cameras (306b, 306c) are positioned at a predetermined distance from camera (306a) and angled to photograph the interior of the main shooting chamber (304m).

[0034] The lighting unit (308a, 308b) is positioned inside the main shooting chamber (304m) in a location where it can provide optimal lighting without interfering with the cameras (306a, 306b, 306c). Depending on the need to secure various shooting angles, the cameras (306a, 306b, 306c) and the lighting unit (308a, 308b) may also be placed in the sub-shooting chamber (304s). The lighting unit (308a, 308b) may be positioned between two adjacent cameras among the cameras (306a, 306b, 306c).

[0035] For example, the camera (306a) captures an image vertically downward from the center of the main shooting chamber (304m), the camera (306b) captures an image at an angle directed toward the entry opening (304i) of the main shooting chamber (304m), and the camera (306c) captures an image at an angle directed toward the exit opening (304o) of the main shooting chamber (304m). The cameras are positioned at shooting angles that can cover the entire transported body that has entered the shooting section partitioned by the upper frame (30u) while securing various angles.

[0036] The transfer unit (210) enters through the entry opening (304i) of the upper frame (302u) of the image capturing unit (300) and passes through the main shooting chamber (304m) by exiting through the discharge opening (304o). At this time, the transfer unit (210) orbits a predetermined trajectory that includes a shooting section in which the object being transferred is captured by the image capturing unit (300). The shooting section corresponds to a two-dimensional plane of the main shooting chamber (304m) formed by the upper frame (302u) in the direction of travel (X direction) in which the transfer unit (210) proceeds.

[0037] The above-mentioned transfer unit (210) is positioned on a support frame (211), and the transfer unit (210) includes a pair of outer side panels (212) spaced apart at a predetermined interval. A plurality of the above-mentioned transfer units (222) pass between the pair of outer side panels (212) and orbit along a predetermined orbital path.

[0038] The upper side of a pair of the outer side panels (212) includes a flat section (214a) and an inclined section (214b) that are bent toward the transfer sections (222). As shown in FIG. 2, when the image-based analysis device (100) is viewed from above, the transfer sections (222) are not obscured by the flat section (214a) and the inclined section (214b) and are exposed to the cameras (306a, 306b, 306c).

[0039] While the transfer section (222) of the above-mentioned transfer unit (210) revolves and performs translational motion, each of the above-mentioned transfer sections (222) also performs rotational motion.

[0040] The above transfer unit (222) consists of a pair of rollers (222a, 222b) spaced apart by a predetermined widthwise interval.

[0041] Each rotation axis (224a, 224b) of the pair of rollers (222a, 222b) rotates independently of each other with an axis-separating part (226) in between at the point where they are connected in the axial direction. Therefore, since the pair of rollers (222a, 222b) are not connected coaxially, their rotation is performed independently.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of rollers (222a, 222b) are configured such that the diameter (d1) of the faces facing each other is smaller than the diameter (d2) of the faces facing each other. Thus, the rollers (222a, 222b) facing each other, together with the adjacent rollers that are in succession, form a seating space on which the transported object is placed.

[0043] One of the pair of outer side panels (212) is provided with a transfer unit actuator (230) that causes the transfer unit (222) to move in a predetermined orbit orbiting the space between the pair of outer side panels (212).

[0044] FIG. 3 is a partial exploded view of the transfer device of the image-based analysis device of FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the image capturing unit (300) of FIG. 1 is omitted, and a pair of outer side panels (212) are shown in dashed lines.

[0045] The above transfer unit (210) includes a transfer chain (227) that connects a plurality of pairs of rollers (222a, 222b) to each other at a predetermined longitudinal interval in parallel on a predetermined track so that the plurality of pairs of rollers revolve on a predetermined track. The above transfer unit (210) is equipped with a transfer chain (227) connected to the rotation axis (224b) of a roller (222b) among the pairs of rollers (222a, 222b) and a transfer chain (227) connected to the rotation axis (224a) of a roller (222a) among the pairs of rollers (222a, 222b). As previously described, the transfer chain (227) drives the rollers so that the rollers connected to the transfer chain (227) revolve along the connection path of the transfer chain. A vertical section (214c) is provided at the end of the inclined section (214b) of the upper cover (214) to guide the transfer path of the rollers.

[0046] The above transfer unit actuator (230) drives the transfer chain (227), causing the rollers (222a, 222b) connected to the transfer chain (227) to move in orbit along the extended path of the transfer chain. A transfer chain guide plate (216) that guides the transfer chain is disposed on the path corresponding to the transfer chain (227) on the lower side of the upper cover (214).

[0047] A pair of outer side panels (212) are spaced apart from each other by a panel spacer (211a). On one of the pair of outer side panels (212), a side window (213) is formed in the center of the panel to ensure accessibility to a component placed between the pair of outer side panels (212).

[0048] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned transfer device (200) includes a speed control unit (250) that controls the rotational speed of the rollers (222a, 222b) of the transfer unit (222) by contacting the rollers (222a, 222b) of the transfer unit (222) as they pass through the upper horizontal section, which is the shooting section of the image shooting unit (300).

[0049] FIG. 4 is a partial front view in which the paired outer side panels (212) in the partial exploded view of FIG. 3 are omitted, FIG. 5 is a partial front view in which one of the paired inner side panels (251) in the partial front view of FIG. 4 is omitted, and FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of the transfer device of FIG. 5.

[0050] The above transfer device (200) includes sprockets (228a, 228b, 228c, 228d) that engage with the transfer chain (227) to transmit power, and a transfer unit actuator (230) that provides rotational force to the sprockets (228d). The rotation axis of the sprockets (228d) is connected to the transfer unit actuator (230) so as to transmit driving force.

[0051] The sprockets (228a, 228b, 228c, 228d) form a movement path (rotation path or orbital path) of the transfer chain (227). Between the sprocket (228d) and the sprocket (228a), the transfer chain (227) extends in a horizontal direction, and pairs of rollers (222a, 222b) of adjacent transfer sections (222) connected to the transfer chain (227) also move in a horizontal direction.

[0052] The speed control unit (250) is positioned below the transfer chain (227) extending between the sprocket (228d) and the sprocket (228a) in a horizontal direction.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the speed control unit (250) includes at least one belt (252) that is positioned below the conveying section (222) formed by the rollers (222a, 222b) arranged in pairs and in contact with the lower side of the rollers (222a, 222b).

[0054] The speed control unit (250) includes a plurality of guide pulleys (254a, 254b, 254c, 254d) that form a conveying path of the belt (252) and guide the belt, and a drive pulley (253) that transmits driving force to the belt (252). The drive pulley (253) is driven by a control unit actuator (270: FIG. 2, FIG. 3).

[0055] The rotational direction of the belt (252) corresponds to the orbital direction (A) of the roller of the conveying unit (222) shown in FIG. 4.

[0056] Here, the moving speed (rotational speed) of the belt (252) is greater than 0 and is formed to be smaller than the moving speed in the orbital direction of the rollers (222a, 222b) of the conveying unit (222) (i.e., the rotational speed along the orbital direction of the conveying chain (227)).

[0057] Accordingly, when the rollers (222a, 222b) of the conveying unit (222), which are connected to the conveying chain (227) at predetermined intervals and rotate in orbit, come into contact with the belt (252) of the speed control unit (250), the individual rollers (222a, 222b) rotate along a predetermined orbital path along the orbital direction (A) shown in FIG. 4, while simultaneously rotating in the rotational direction (B).

[0058] In FIG. 5, a front view is shown in which one of the pair of inner side panels (251) shown in FIG. 4 is omitted. Referring to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 simultaneously, the inner side panel (251) is provided with a slot (255) through which the rotation axis of a guide pulley (254c) among a plurality of guide pulleys can slide. The guide pulley (254c) slides in the slot (255) and is fixed in a predetermined position to apply and change a predetermined tension to the belt.

[0059] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a belt support structure. Referring to FIGS. 5 through 7, the speed control unit (250) is provided with a belt guide plate (256) that supports the lower side of the belt (252) in contact with the lower side of the rollers (222a, 222b) of the conveying unit (222) to slide the belt. The belt guide plate (256) extends in a pair along the extension direction of the belt (252). However, it is not necessarily limited to this, and the belt guide plate (256) may be formed as a single long plate, unlike that shown in FIG. 7.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 7, the belt guide plate (256) is provided with inclined ends (256a, 256b) extending downward at one end and the other end, respectively, so that the belt (252) can be smoothly seated and slid on the belt guide plate (256).

[0061] Meanwhile, the speed control unit (250) supports the belt guide plate (256) from below and includes at least one support bar (258) that extends perpendicularly to the extension direction of the belt guide plate (256). The support bar (258) may be provided in multiple numbers, and in this case, they are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval.

[0062] Since the belt (252) contacts the lower side of the rollers (222a, 222b) of the conveying unit (222) on the upper surface of the belt, downward pressure is applied to the belt. Therefore, a belt guide plate (256) must be installed on the lower part of the belt (252) so that the belt does not sag and can maintain a constant contact pressure with the rollers of the conveying unit.

[0063] In addition, since the belt guide plate (256) also has an elongated shape, sagging of the beam may occur. Therefore, to prevent this, support bars (258) are arranged at predetermined intervals on the lower side of the belt guide plate (256), so that the lower side of the rollers (222a, 222b) of the conveying unit (222) can maintain stable contact with the upper surface of the belt (252).

[0064] FIG. 8 is a side view of the conveying device of FIG. 5. A product (AG), which is the conveying chain, is placed on a pair of rollers (222a, 222b) of the conveying section (222) and conveyed. A belt (252) is positioned on the lower side of the rollers (222a, 222b) that are connected to the conveying chain and conveyed, and the upper surface of the belt (252) comes into contact with the lower side of the rollers (222a, 222b) that are conveyed along an orbital path by the conveying chain, and as the rollers orbit by the conveying chain, the rollers themselves also undergo rotational motion due to the frictional force caused by contact with the belt (252).

[0065] FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view illustrating the relationship between a transfer device and a speed control unit according to one embodiment.

[0066] A conveying unit (222) consisting of a pair of rollers (222a, 222b) is moved in the X direction by a conveying chain (227) at a conveying speed (V1) as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6. At this time, a belt (252) positioned below the rollers (222a, 222b) and in contact with the rollers at point C is conveyed in the X direction at a belt conveying speed (V2).

[0067] Here, if the belt conveying speed (V2) becomes 0, that is, if the belt does not move and remains stationary, the rollers (222a, 222b) experience frictional force due to contact with the stationary belt (252), and the rollers are conveyed in the X direction according to the conveying speed (V1) of the chain. V1, which is the conveying speed of the rollers and the conveying speed of the conveying chain, becomes the tangential linear speed of the rollers at the point where the rollers and the belt come into contact, and the rollers (222a, 222b) also undergo rotational motion in response to that linear speed.

[0068] Therefore, in order to process a large number of agricultural products (AG) being transported per unit time, if the transport speed of the transport chain (227), that is, the transport speed V1 of the transport section, is increased, the rotational speed of the rollers (222a, 222b) of the transport section (222) also increases accordingly. In this case, if the rotational speed of the rollers is fast, the rotational speed (rotational speed) of the agricultural products (AG) being transported in the seating space between adjacent transport sections also increases, making it difficult to capture a clear, high-resolution, and accurate still image of the surface of the agricultural products by the image capturing unit (300).

[0069] Although a still image of the surface of a rapidly rotating agricultural product can be obtained by increasing the shutter speed of the camera (306a, 306b, 306c) of the image shooting unit (300), there is a problem in that the faster the shutter speed, the darker the image becomes, and consequently, the image quality for reading deteriorates.

[0070] To solve these problems, it is necessary to maintain a high speed of V1 for the conveying chain (227), that is, the conveying speed (V1) of the conveying unit (222), that is, the conveying speed of the agricultural product (AG), while slowing down the rotational speed of the rollers (222a, 222b) so that the rotational speed of the agricultural product (AG) placed on the rollers is also slowed down. To this end, if the conveying speed of the belt (252) that contacts the conveying unit (222) and moves in a direction consistent with the conveying direction of the conveying unit (222) is made to exceed 0, the conveying speed of the conveying unit is not transmitted directly to the rotational speed of the rollers, and the rotational speed of the rollers can be reduced.

[0071] If the transfer speed (V2) of the belt (252) is equal to the transfer speed (V1) of the rollers (222a, 222b) of the transfer section (222), the rollers will not rotate in the rotational direction (B). Therefore, by making the transfer speed (V2) of the belt (252) greater than 0 and less than the transfer speed of the transfer section V1, it is possible to reduce the rotational speed in the rotational direction (B) while maintaining the transfer speed in the orbital direction (A) of the rollers.

[0072] [Mathematical Formula 1] 0 < V2 < V1

[0073] As the rotational speed of the rollers (222a, 222b) is reduced, the camera of the image capturing unit (300) can capture the surface of the agricultural product (AG) rotating in the opposite direction of the rotational direction (B) with an appropriate shutter within a range that prevents the image from becoming dark.

[0074] FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view illustrating the relationship between a conveying device and a speed control unit in another embodiment. Compared to FIG. 9, by contacting a separate belt to each roller of a pair of rollers (222a, 222b), the rotational speeds of each of the pair of rollers can be controlled to be different from each other.

[0075] That is, referring to FIG. 10, the speed control unit (250) includes a first belt (252a) that contacts the lower surface of a paired roller (222a) and a second belt (252b) that contacts the lower surface of a paired roller (222b).

[0076] When a conveying unit (222) consisting of a pair of rollers (222a, 222b) is connected to a conveying chain (227) and conveyed in the X direction, if the conveying speed of the conveying chain (227) is V1, the conveying speed of the rollers (222a, 222b) in the X direction is also V1. At this time, the first belt (252a) positioned in contact with the lower side of the roller (222a) is conveyed in the X direction at a speed of V2a, and the second belt (252b) positioned in contact with the lower side of the roller (222b) is conveyed in the X direction at a speed of V2a.

[0077] Here, the conveying speed (V2a) of the first belt (252a) and the conveying speed (V2b) of the second belt (252b) exceed 0 and become different speeds and become less than the conveying speed (V1) of the rollers (222a, 222b).

[0078] [Mathematical Equation 2] 0 < (V2a ≠ V2b) < V1

[0079] According to this speed relationship, the agricultural product (AG) placed on the rollers (222a, 222b) and transported is transported in the X direction at a speed of V1, and at the same time, rotates on the rollers in the opposite direction to the rotation of the rollers at a rotational speed that is slower than the rotational speed according to the linear speed of V1, and at the same time, rotates in the Y direction due to the difference in rotational speed between the rollers (222a) and the rollers (222b).

[0080] Accordingly, the rotational direction of the agricultural product (AG) placed on the roller and transported becomes varied, so that there are no blind spots on the surface of the agricultural product captured by the camera of the image capturing unit (300).

[0081] Since wear may occur during the process of contact between the roller and the belt, a coating may be formed on the contact surface of the roller or the upper surface of the belt to prevent this.

[0082] A transfer method for image-based analysis according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a transfer step of continuously transferring a plurality of transfer units in an infinite track format using a plurality of transfer units that transfer a transfer object to be captured by an image capturing unit, wherein the transfer object revolves in a predetermined orbit including a shooting section captured by the image capturing unit, and each of the transfer units rotates while performing translational motion while revolving; and a speed control step of controlling the rotational speed of the transfer units by contacting a speed control unit with the transfer units.

[0083] Here, the speed control step detects the speed at which the conveyed body rotates while mounted on the conveying unit and transported, and controls the movement of the speed control unit in contact with the conveying unit.

[0084] It is preferable for the video shooting unit (300) to acquire at least 20 still images for each transported object in the shooting section where the transported object passes through the upper frame (302u).

[0085] The acquired still image can be analyzed by a separate AI analysis device to determine whether there is damage to the surface of the agricultural product (AG) being transported.

[0086] Although specific embodiments have been described in detail in this invention, this invention is not limited thereto. A person skilled in the art may implement various modifications to this invention, and such modifications are included within the scope of this invention.

[0087] Regarding interpretation, it can be understood that this invention may be implemented in a modified form to the extent that it does not deviate from the essential characteristics of this invention.

[0088] The disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a limiting sense. The scope of this invention is defined in the claims, not in the foregoing description, and differences within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in this invention.

[0089] In the case of terms whose inherent meaning is not specifically defined in this invention, they should be interpreted broadly in their general sense and should be interpreted to include other terms within an equivalent scope. Explanation of the symbols

[0090] 100: Image-based analysis device 200: Transfer device 210: Transfer Unit 211: Support Frame 211a: Panel spacer 212: Outer side panel 213: Side Window 214: Upper cover 214a: Planar section 214b: Inclined section 214c: Vertical section 216: Transfer chain guide plate 222: Transfer Unit 222a, 222b: Roller 224a, 224b: Axis of rotation 226: Shaft-separator 227: Transfer chain 228a, 228b, 228c, 228d: Sprockets 230: Transfer unit actuator 250: Speed ​​control unit 251: Inner side panel 252: Belt 252a: First belt 252b: 2nd belt 253: Drive pulley 254a, 254b, 254c, 254d: Guide pulleys 255: Slot 256: Belt guide plate 256a. 256b: Inclined end 270: Control unit actuator 300: Video Recording Unit 302u: Upper frame 302d: Lower frame 304i: Entry opening 304o: Exhaust opening 304m: Main shooting chamber 304s: Sub-shooting chamber 306a, 306b, 306c: Camera 308a, 308b: Lighting unit A; Orbital direction B: Direction of rotation

Claims

Claim 1 In a transfer device for an image capturing unit, the transfer device comprises a plurality of transfer sections for transferring objects to be captured by an image capturing unit, and is an endless track type transfer unit for continuously transferring a plurality of objects, wherein the transfer unit revolves around a predetermined orbit including a shooting section in which the objects are captured by the image capturing unit, and each of the transfer sections rotates while the transfer sections revolve and perform translational motion; and a speed control unit that contacts the transfer sections and controls the rotational speed of the transfer sections; wherein the transfer sections are a pair of rollers spaced apart by a predetermined widthwise interval, and the speed control unit comprises: at least one belt disposed below the pair of rollers and contacting the lower surface of the rollers; a plurality of guide pulleys that form a transfer path of the belt and guide the belt; a drive pulley that transmits driving force to the belt; and a belt guide plate that supports the lower side of the belt contacting the lower side of the rollers of the transfer sections and slides the belt.A transfer device for an image capturing unit, comprising: a belt; wherein the rotational direction of the belt coincides with the orbital direction of the roller; wherein the belt guide plate includes inclined ends extending downward at one end and the other end, respectively; wherein the moving speed of the belt exceeds zero but is smaller than the moving speed of the roller in the orbital direction, so that while the moving speed of the roller in the orbital direction is maintained, the rotational speed of the roller in the rotational direction corresponding to the tangential velocity of the roller at the part where the roller and the belt contact is decelerated to a speed lower than the moving speed of the roller in the orbital direction; wherein the image capturing unit captures a conveyed object placed on the roller whose rotational speed in the rotational direction is decelerated; wherein the rotational center of the drive pulley is positioned furthest from the belt guide plate in a vertically downward direction relative to the rotational center of each of the plurality of guide pulleys; and wherein the speed control unit additionally includes an inner side panel having a slot through which the rotational axis of one of the plurality of guide pulleys can slide. Claim 2 delete Claim 3 A transfer device for an image capturing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer unit includes a transfer chain that connects a plurality of pairs of rollers to each other at a predetermined longitudinal interval in parallel on a predetermined track so that the plurality of pairs of rollers revolve on a predetermined track. Claim 4 A transfer device for an image capturing unit, characterized in that, in claim 3, the rotation axes of each of the paired rollers are independent of each other. Claim 5 A transfer device for an image capturing unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the diameter of the faces of the paired rollers facing each other is smaller than the diameter of the faces facing in opposite directions. Claim 6 A transfer device for an image capturing unit, characterized in that, in claim 5, it further comprises: a sprocket that engages with the transfer chain to transmit power; and an actuator that provides rotational force to the sprocket. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 A transfer device for an image capturing unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the speed control unit comprises a first belt in contact with the lower surface of one paired roller and a second belt in contact with the lower surface of the other paired roller. Claim 9 delete Claim 10 delete Claim 11 A transfer device for an image capturing unit according to claim 1, wherein the speed control unit further includes a support bar that supports the guide plate from below and extends perpendicularly to the extension direction of the guide plate. Claim 12 An image-based analysis device comprising: a transfer device according to claim 1; and an image capturing unit having at least one camera for acquiring an image of a body being transferred by the transfer device and an illumination unit for irradiating light onto the body being transferred. Claim 13 A transfer method for performing image-based analysis using a transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer method comprises: a step of continuously transferring a plurality of transfer units in an infinite track format using a plurality of transfer units that transfer a transfer object to be captured by an image capturing unit, wherein the transfer object revolves around a predetermined orbit including a shooting section captured by the image capturing unit, and each of the transfer units rotates while performing translational motion while revolving; and a speed control step of controlling the rotational speed of the transfer units by contacting a speed control unit with the transfer units. Claim 14 A transfer method for image-based analysis according to claim 13, wherein the speed control step detects the speed at which the body to be transferred rotates while being transferred while mounted on the transfer unit, and controls the movement of the speed control unit in contact with the transfer unit.

Citation Information

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