JP2015155830A - Lipid content measuring device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a lipid content measuring device which measures a content of a lipid of an inspection object on the basis of a detection result of the transmission quantity of an X-ray transmitting the inspection object, and can measure the content of the lipid of the inspection object without calculating the mass of a sample.

SOLUTION: A lipid content measuring device 10 of emitting an X-ray from an X-ray irradiator 13 to an article, detecting the transmission quantity of the X-ray transmitting the article by line sensors 14, 15 and measuring a content of a lipid of the article on the basis of detection results of the line sensors, comprises a difference image generation part 22e, a conversion information generation part 22g, and a determination part 22h. The difference image generation part generates a difference X-ray image on the basis of the detection results of the line sensors. The conversion information generation part acquires the relationship between the content of the lipid and the luminance of the X-ray image in a plurality of samples in which the contents of the lipid are known and the contents of the lipid are different, and generates conversion information of the content of the lipid of the article on the basis of the relationship. The determination part determines the content of the lipid of the article by using the conversion information.

COPYRIGHT: (C)2015,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a lipid content measurement device that measures the content of lipid in a test object based on the result of detecting the amount of X-ray transmitted through the test object by irradiating the test object with X-rays.

  In the food field, it is required to grasp the lipid content of food as one of the indexes for grasping the quality of food such as meat and fish.

  Conventionally, the lipid content of foods such as meat and fish is often determined based on the experience of producers and distributors. However, the lipid content may be measured using X-rays in order to quantitatively grasp the lipid content, regardless of the operator's experience.

  For example, in patent document 1 (Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2012-141176), the component which mainly comprises the protein containing iron (for example, a lean part if beef) and the component which mainly consists of fat (for example, In order to measure the fat content of meat consisting of beef and fat, an apparatus having X-ray detection means for measuring X-ray transmission amounts in two different energy bands is used. In the apparatus of Patent Document 1, the amount of X-ray transmission in each energy band is first measured for two samples having different lipid contents and different values, and each component is determined based on the measurement result. Then, a coefficient for converting the X-ray absorption amount of each energy band by the component into the mass of the component is calculated. After that, the amount of X-ray transmission in each energy band of the test object is measured, the mass of each component is calculated based on the measurement result, and the lipid content of the measurement based on the calculated mass of each component Is calculated.

  However, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-141176), since it is necessary to calculate the mass of the sample, setting takes time.

  An object of the present invention is a lipid content measurement apparatus that measures the content of lipid in a test object based on the detection result of the amount of X-ray transmitted through the test object by irradiating the test object with X-rays. An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus capable of measuring the lipid content of a test object without calculating the mass of a sample.

  The lipid content measurement apparatus according to the present invention irradiates an inspection object with X-rays from an X-ray irradiation unit, detects the amount of X-ray transmitted through the inspection object with an X-ray detection sensor, and detects the X-ray detection sensor. The lipid content of the test object is measured based on the result. The lipid content measurement apparatus includes a measurement image generation unit, a conversion information generation unit, and a determination unit. The measurement image generation unit generates a measurement X-ray image based on the detection result of the X-ray detection sensor. The conversion information generation unit obtains the relationship between the lipid content and the luminance of the X-ray image in a plurality of samples with known lipid content rates and different lipid content rates, and performs an examination based on the relationship. The conversion information of the lipid content of the product is generated. The determination unit determines the lipid content of the test object using the conversion information.

  Here, the lipid content is measured using the lipid content conversion information generated based on the relationship between the lipid content and the brightness of the X-ray image, and the mass information of the sample is not required. is there. Therefore, it is possible to easily set the lipid content measurement device.

  In the lipid content measurement apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the conversion information generation unit generates a relational expression for converting the luminance of the measurement X-ray image into the lipid content of the test object.

  Here, since the relationship between the luminance of the measurement X-ray image and the lipid content is expressed by a mathematical expression, the lipid content can be determined in a short time from the luminance of the measurement X-ray image.

  Further, in the lipid content measurement apparatus according to the present invention, the conversion information generation unit includes the lipid content of the sample and the average luminance that is the average of the luminance of the sample region of the X-ray image for measurement of the sample. Based on this, it is preferable to generate conversion information. The determination unit preferably uses the conversion information to determine the lipid content of the test object based on the average luminance that is the average of the luminance of the test object region in the X-ray image for measurement of the test object.

  Here, since the average luminance is used as a representative value of the luminance of the measurement X-ray image, the lipid content of the entire test object is measured, not the lipid content of only a part of the test object. it can. For this reason, various inspection objects such as minced meat and marbled meat in which the lipid part is dispersed, and loin meat in which the lipid part is concentrated in a part can be set as inspection objects.

  Moreover, in the lipid content rate measuring apparatus according to the present invention, it is preferable that the X-ray detection sensor detects X-ray transmission amounts in two different energy bands.

  By using the X-ray detection sensor to detect X-rays in two different energy bands, the lipid content of the test object can be measured more accurately based on more information.

  Furthermore, the lipid content measurement apparatus according to the present invention preferably further includes a first individual image generation unit, a second individual image generation unit, and a luminance adjustment unit. Preferably, the first individual X-ray image generation unit generates the first individual X-ray image based on one detection result of X-ray transmission amounts of two different energy bands detected by the X-ray detection sensor, The second individual X-ray image generation unit preferably generates a second individual X-ray image based on the other detection result. In the first individual X-ray image and the second individual X-ray image generated for the thickness correction samples having the same and uniform lipid content and different thicknesses, the luminance adjustment unit is configured to output the first individual X-ray. It is preferable to adjust the luminance of the first individual X-ray image so that the luminance of each pixel of the image matches or approximates the luminance of the corresponding pixel of the second individual X-ray image. The measurement image generation unit may generate a measurement X-ray image based on a difference in luminance of each pixel between the first individual X-ray image whose luminance has been adjusted by the luminance adjustment unit and the second individual X-ray image. preferable.

  Here, the X-ray image for measurement is generated using the first individual X-ray image whose brightness has been adjusted and the second individual X-ray image, so that the difference in the thickness of the inspection object becomes the X-ray transmission amount. It can remove the influence. Therefore, even when the thickness of the test object is not uniform, it is easy to accurately grasp the lipid content of each test object.

  In the lipid content measurement apparatus according to the present invention, the lipid content is measured using the conversion information of the lipid content of the test object, which is generated based on the relationship between the lipid content and the luminance of the X-ray image. Sample mass information is not required. Therefore, it is possible to easily set the lipid content measurement device.

It is an external appearance perspective view of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is the schematic of the lipid content rate measuring system containing the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. It is a simple block diagram inside the shield box of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. It is an example of the graph which shows the transmitted X-ray dose detected by two line sensors with which the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. 1 is provided. It is a block diagram of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart of the production | generation process of the brightness | luminance adjustment type | formula of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. It is an example of the relative cumulative frequency distribution of the brightness | luminance of a low energy X-ray image and a high energy X-ray image used for the production | generation process of a brightness | luminance adjustment type | formula. It is an example of the graph of the brightness | luminance adjustment type which the brightness | luminance adjustment part of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. 1 uses. It is a flowchart of the production | generation process of conversion information of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. It is an example of the graph of the relational expression as conversion information produced | generated by the conversion information production | generation part of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart of the determination process of the lipid content rate of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart of the production | generation process of conversion information in the case of using a low energy X-ray image as a measurement X-ray image based on the modification A. It is a flowchart of the determination process of the lipid content rate in the case of using a low energy X-ray image as a measurement X-ray image according to Modification A. It is a side view of the sample for thickness correction used for the production | generation process of a brightness | luminance adjustment type based on the modification F.

  Hereinafter, a lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following embodiments are specific examples of the embodiments of the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) Overall Overview FIG. 1 is an external perspective view of a lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a lipid content measurement system 100 as an embodiment of a lipid content measurement system in which the lipid content measurement device 10 is incorporated.

  In the lipid content measurement system 100, measurement of the lipid content of the article P as an inspection object and selection of the article P based on the measured lipid content are performed. The lipid content measurement apparatus 10 irradiates the article P continuously conveyed with X-rays, detects the amount of X-rays transmitted through the article P, and based on the detection result, the lipid of the article P The content of is measured.

  The article P of the test object of the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 is, for example, beef minced meat. In addition, the lipid content of the product P is a portion containing a protein containing iron as a main component (for example, a red portion if the product P is beef minced meat) and a portion containing a fat as a main component (for example, The percentage of the weight of the part of the article P consisting mainly of fat relative to the total weight of the article P is expressed as a percentage. In addition, the test object of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus 10 is not limited to beef, but may be pork, chicken, fish, or the like. In addition, the state of the test object of the lipid content measurement device 10 is not limited to a mince shape, and can be applied to the article P in various states such as a slice shape, a flake shape, and a lump shape.

  In the lipid content measurement system 100, the article P is conveyed to the lipid content measurement device 10 by the front conveyor 60. In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10, the lipid content of the article P is measured. The measurement result of the lipid content of the article P obtained by the lipid content measurement device 10 is transmitted to the sorting mechanism 70. In addition, the article P in which the lipid content is measured is delivered to the sorting mechanism 70 disposed on the downstream side of the lipid content measuring device 10. The distribution mechanism 70 sends the article P to the line conveyor unit 80 as a non-defective product when the lipid content of the article P received from the lipid content measurement device 10 is within the predetermined range, and is outside the predetermined range. In this case, the article P is distributed as a nonstandard product in the discharge directions 90 and 91. In FIG. 2, an arm-type distribution mechanism that distributes the articles P by driving the arm is depicted as the distribution mechanism 70, but is not limited thereto. Various distribution methods can be applied to the distribution mechanism 70.

(2) Detailed Description The lipid content measurement apparatus 10 mainly includes a shield box 11 (see FIG. 1), a conveyor unit 12 (see FIG. 3), an X-ray irradiator 13 (see FIG. 3), Second line sensors 14 and 15 (see FIG. 3), a touch panel display 30 (see FIG. 1), and a controller 20 (see FIG. 5) are provided.

(2-1) Shield Box The shield box 11 (see FIG. 1) is a casing of the lipid content measurement device 10. In the shield box 11, a conveyor unit 12, an X-ray irradiator 13, first and second line sensors 14, 15 and a controller 20 are accommodated. In addition, a touch panel display 30, a key slot, a power switch, and the like are arranged on the upper front portion of the shield box 11.

  On the side surface of the shield box 11, openings 11a for carrying in and out the articles P are formed at two locations along the conveying direction of the conveyor unit 12 (see FIG. 1). The opening 11a is used to carry the article P and samples (first and second samples, thickness correction samples) to be described later into the shield box 11 or to carry the article P and samples outside the shield box 11. Used for. The opening 11 a is closed by a shielding nole 19 that suppresses X-ray leakage to the outside of the shield box 11. The shielding nolen 19 is made of rubber containing tungsten. The shielding nolen 19 is used when the article P or sample is carried into the shield box 11 or when the article P or sample is carried out of the shield box 11. Pushed away by.

(2-2) Conveyor unit The conveyor unit 12 conveys the article P. As shown in FIG. 1, the conveyor unit 12 is disposed so as to penetrate through the openings 11 a formed on both side surfaces of the shield box 11.

  The conveyor unit 12 mainly includes an inverter type conveyor motor 12a (see FIG. 5), an encoder 12b (see FIG. 5), a conveyor roller 12c (see FIG. 3), and an endless belt 12d (see FIG. 3). Have. The encoder 12b is attached to the conveyor motor 12a. The conveyor roller 12c is driven by the conveyor motor 12a. By driving the conveyor roller 12c, the belt 12d rotates and the article P on the belt 12d is conveyed downstream (toward the sorting mechanism 70 side). The conveyance speed of the articles P by the conveyor unit 12 varies according to the set speed input to the touch panel display 30 described later. The controller 20 performs inverter control of the conveyor motor 12a based on the set speed, and finely controls the conveyance speed of the article P. The encoder 12 b detects the conveyance speed by the conveyor unit 12 and transmits the detection result to the controller 20.

(2-3) X-ray irradiator The X-ray irradiator 13 is an example of an X-ray irradiator. As shown in FIG. 3, the X-ray irradiator 13 is disposed above the conveyor unit 12. The X-ray irradiator 13 irradiates the first and second line sensors 14 and 15 located below the conveyor unit 12 with X-rays (radiated light) so as to spread in a fan shape from the radiation source. The irradiation range Y of the X-ray irradiator 13 extends perpendicular to the transport surface of the conveyor unit 12 as shown in FIG. In addition, the irradiation range Y extends in a direction that intersects the transport direction of the conveyor unit 12. That is, the X-rays irradiated from the X-ray irradiator 13 spread in the width direction of the belt 12d.

(2-4) First and second line sensors The first and second line sensors 14 and 15 detect X-rays that are irradiated from the X-ray irradiator 13 and transmitted through the article P and the conveyor unit 12. It is an example of a sensor. The first and second line sensors 14 and 15 are sensors that detect X-rays in different energy bands (wavelengths). The first line sensor 14 is a sensor that detects X-rays in a low energy band (having a relatively long wavelength). The second line sensor 15 is a sensor that detects X-rays in a high energy band (having a relatively short wavelength).

  The 1st and 2nd line sensors 14 and 15 are arrange | positioned so that it may rank up and down like FIG. Of the X-rays emitted from the X-ray irradiator 13, X-rays in a low energy band are detected by the first line sensor 14. Among the X-rays that have penetrated the first line sensor 14, the medium energy band (X-ray in the intermediate energy band between the high energy band and the low energy band described above) is the first line sensor 14, the second line sensor 15, Is removed by a filter (not shown) arranged between the two. The X-ray in the high energy band that has passed through the filter is detected by the second line sensor 15.

  The first and second line sensors 14 and 15 are mainly composed of a large number of X-ray detection elements 14a and 15a, respectively (see FIG. 3). The X-ray detection elements 14 a and 15 a are horizontally arranged on a straight line in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the conveyor unit 12.

  The first and second line sensors 14 and 15 detect the X-ray dose (transmitted X-ray dose) that has passed through the article P and the belt 12d of the conveyor unit 12 for the X-rays in the target energy band, and the transmitted X-ray dose. An X-ray transmission signal based on the above is output. In other words, the first and second line sensors 14 and 15 output an X-ray transmission signal corresponding to the intensity of the transmitted X-ray. The intensity of the transmitted X-ray depends on the magnitude of the transmitted X-ray dose. The brightness (luminance) of images generated by a low-energy image generation unit 22a and a high-energy image generation unit 22b of the controller 20 to be described later is based on X-ray transmission signals output from the first and second line sensors 14 and 15. It is determined.

  FIG. 4 is a graph showing an example of transmitted X-ray dose (detection amount) detected by the X-ray detection elements 14 a and 15 a of the first and second line sensors 14 and 15. Since there are two line sensors 14 and 15 having different X-ray energy bands to be detected, a graph of the detection result of the first line sensor 14 (see solid line L) and a graph of the detection result of the second line sensor 15 ( (See broken line H) (see FIG. 4). The horizontal axis of the graph of FIG. 4 corresponds to the position of each X-ray detection element 14a, 15a. That is, the horizontal axis of the graph corresponds to the distance in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the conveyor unit 12. The vertical axis of the graph indicates the transmitted X-ray dose (detection amount) detected by the X-ray detection elements 14a and 15a.

  In the transmission images (low energy X-ray image and high energy X-ray image) generated by the low energy image generation unit 22a and the high energy image generation unit 22b, a portion with a large amount of transmitted X-ray is displayed brightly and a portion with a small amount of transmitted X-ray is small. It appears dark. That is, the brightness (brightness) of the transmission image generated by the low energy image generation unit 22a and the high energy image generation unit 22b corresponds to the transmitted X-ray dose.

  The first line sensor 14 also functions as a sensor for detecting the timing when the article P passes through the X-ray irradiation range Y (see FIG. 3). Specifically, when the article P conveyed on the belt 12d of the conveyor unit 12 comes to an upper position (irradiation range Y) of the first line sensor 14, any of the X-ray detection elements 14a of the first line sensor 14 is detected. Outputs an X-ray transmission signal (first signal) indicating a voltage equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold. Further, when the article P finishes passing through the irradiation range Y, all the X-ray detection elements 14a of the first line sensor 14 output an X-ray transmission signal (second signal) indicating a voltage exceeding a predetermined threshold. The presence or absence of the article P in the irradiation range Y is detected by inputting the first signal and the second signal to the controller 20 described later.

(2-5) Touch panel display The touch panel display 30 is a liquid crystal display having a touch panel function. The touch panel display 30 is electrically connected to the controller 20 and exchanges signals with the controller 20.

  The touch panel display 30 functions as a display unit and an input unit. On the touch panel display 30, for example, the lipid content of the article P measured by the lipid content measurement device 10 is displayed. The touch panel display 30 displays a screen that prompts input of various settings and various information at the time of initial setting or the like. The touch panel display 30 receives various settings and various information input by the operator.

  The settings input to the touch panel display 30 include information such as the conveyance speed and the conveyance direction of the conveyor unit 12. The information input to the touch panel display 30 includes the lipid content values of the first and second samples used when generating conversion information by the conversion information generation unit 22g, which will be described later. The first and second samples will be described in detail later.

(2-6) Controller The controller 20 is mainly configured by a CPU, ROM, RAM, HDD (hard disk), and the like.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the controller 20 includes a storage unit 21 and a control unit 22. The controller 20 includes a display control circuit, a key input circuit, a communication port, and the like (not shown). The display control circuit is a circuit that controls data display on the touch panel display 30. The key input circuit is a circuit that captures key input data input by an operator via the touch panel of the touch panel display 30. The communication port enables connection to a printer, an external device such as the distribution mechanism 70, and a network such as a LAN.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 20 is electrically connected to the conveyor motor 12 a, the encoder 12 b, the X-ray irradiator 13, the first line sensor 14, the second line sensor 15, and the touch panel display 30. The controller 20 acquires data related to the rotation speed of the conveyor motor 12a from the encoder 12b, and grasps the moving distance of the article P based on the data. Further, as described above, the controller 20 detects the timing at which the article P on the belt 12d of the conveyor unit 12 has reached the irradiation range Y based on the signal output from the first line sensor 14.

  The controller 20 controls the operation of each part of the lipid content measurement apparatus 10. Further, the controller 20 measures the lipid content of the article P based on the detection results of the X-ray transmission amounts of the first and second line sensors 14 and 15.

(2-6-1) Storage Unit The storage unit 21 stores various programs executed by the control unit 22 and various settings and various information for controlling each unit of the lipid content measurement device 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the storage unit 21 includes a brightness adjustment type storage area 21 a and a conversion information storage area 21 b.

(2-6-1-1) Brightness Adjustment Formula Storage Area The brightness adjustment formula storage area 21a stores the brightness adjustment formula generated by the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c described later. The brightness adjustment formula is information used by the brightness adjusting unit 22d described later to adjust the brightness of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image. The brightness adjustment formula will be described in detail later.

(2-6-1-2) Conversion Information Storage Area Conversion information generated by a conversion information generation unit 22g described later is stored in the conversion information storage area 21b. Specifically, the conversion information is obtained by converting the average luminance of the region of the article P of the difference X-ray image generated by the difference image generation unit 22e for the article P that is an inspection object into the lipid content of the article P. It is a relational expression for The conversion information will be described in detail later.

(2-6-2) Control part The control part 22 controls the operation | movement of each part of the lipid content rate measuring apparatus 10 by running the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 21. FIG. Moreover, the control part 22 performs the program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 21, and based on the detection result of the X-ray permeation | transmission amount of the 1st and 2nd line sensors 14 and 15, the content rate of the lipid of a test object is demonstrated. taking measurement.

  The control unit 22 includes a low energy image generation unit 22a, a high energy image generation unit 22b, a luminance adjustment expression generation unit 22c, a luminance adjustment unit 22d, a difference image generation unit 22e, as functional units related to the measurement of lipid content. It mainly includes an average luminance calculation unit 22f, a conversion information generation unit 22g, and a determination unit 22h (see FIG. 5).

(2-6-2-1) Low Energy Image Generation Unit The low energy image generation unit 22a is an example of a second individual image generation unit. The low energy image generation unit 22 a generates a low energy X-ray image as a transmission image based on the transmission X-ray dose of X-rays in the low energy band detected by the first line sensor 14. The low energy X-ray image is an example of a second individual X-ray image.

  The low energy image generation unit 22a acquires X-ray transmission signals corresponding to the intensity of transmitted X-rays output from each X-ray detection element 14a of the first line sensor 14 at fine time intervals, and acquires the acquired X-rays. A low energy X-ray image is generated based on the transmission signal. In particular, the low energy image generation unit 22a uses the low energy X-rays based on the X-ray transmission signals output from the X-ray detection elements 14a when the article P passes through the X-ray irradiation range Y (see FIG. 3). Generate an image. The low energy image generation unit 22a generates a low energy X-ray image by connecting data for each time interval regarding the X-ray intensity obtained from each X-ray detection element 14a in a time series in a matrix. Whether or not the article P is present in the X-ray irradiation range Y is determined by the signal output from the first line sensor 14 as described above.

  In the low energy X-ray image generated by the low energy image generation unit 22a, a portion with a large amount of transmitted X-ray detected by the X-ray detection element 14a is displayed brightly (lightly and with high brightness), and a portion with a small amount of transmitted X-ray is dark ( Dark and low brightness). The low energy X-ray image is, for example, an image having 256 gradations.

(2-6-2-2) High energy image generation unit The high energy image generation unit 22b is an example of a first individual image generation unit. The high energy image generation unit 22 b generates a high energy X-ray image as a transmission image based on the transmission X-ray amount of X-rays in the high energy band detected by the second line sensor 15. The high energy X-ray image is an example of a first individual X-ray image.

  The high energy image generation unit 22b acquires X-ray transmission signals corresponding to the intensity of transmitted X-rays output from the X-ray detection elements 15a of the second line sensor 15 at fine time intervals, and acquires the acquired X-rays. A high energy X-ray image is generated based on the transmission signal. In particular, the high energy image generation unit 22b generates high energy X-rays based on X-ray transmission signals output from the X-ray detection elements 15a when the article P passes through the X-ray irradiation range Y (see FIG. 3). Generate an image. The high energy image generation unit 22b generates a high energy X-ray image by connecting data for each fine time interval obtained from each X-ray detection element 15a in a time series in a matrix. Whether or not the article P is present in the X-ray irradiation range Y is determined by the signal output from the first line sensor 14 as described above.

  In the high-energy X-ray image generated by the high-energy image generation unit 22b, a portion where the transmitted X-ray dose detected by the X-ray detection element 15a is large is displayed brightly (light and high in luminance), and a portion where the transmitted X-ray dose is small is dark ( (Light and bright). The high energy X-ray image is an image having the same gradation (here, 256 gradations) as the low energy image.

(2-6-2-3) Luminance Adjustment Formula Generation Unit The brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c is more specific to the luminance of the high energy X-ray image generated by the high energy image generation unit 22b by the luminance adjustment unit 22d described later. Specifically, a brightness adjustment formula for adjusting the brightness of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image is generated. The brightness adjustment formula generated by the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c is stored in the brightness adjustment formula storage area 21a. The brightness adjustment formula generation process executed by the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c will be described later.

(2-6-2-4) Luminance Adjustment Unit The luminance adjustment unit 22d calls the luminance adjustment formula generated by the luminance adjustment formula generation unit 22c from the luminance adjustment formula storage area 21a, and is generated by the high energy image generation unit 22b. Adjust the brightness of the high energy X-ray image. The processing executed by the brightness adjustment unit 22d will be described later.

(2-6-2-5) Difference Image Generation Unit The difference image generation unit 22e is an example of a measurement image generation unit. The difference image generation unit 22e generates a difference X-ray image as a measurement X-ray image based on the detection results of the first and second line sensors 14, 15. More specifically, the difference image generation unit 22e is based on the difference in luminance of each pixel between the low energy X-ray image and the high energy X-ray image whose luminance is adjusted by the luminance adjustment unit 22d. Is generated. The process of generating the difference X-ray image will be described later.

(2-6-2-6) Average Luminance Calculation Unit The average luminance calculation unit 22f is an area of the article P (background area around the article P) of the difference X-ray image of the article P generated by the difference image generation unit 22e. The average luminance, which is the average of the luminance of the area excluding), is calculated. In the following, when the average luminance of the difference image of the article P is described, it means the average of the luminance of the pixels in the area of the article P of the difference image of the article P. In addition, the average luminance calculation unit 22f is a (first or second) sample region (background region around the sample) of the difference X-ray image of the first or second sample described later generated by the difference image generation unit 22e. The average luminance of the area excluding () is calculated as the average luminance of the (first or second) sample. In the following description, when the average luminance of the difference image of the (first or second) sample is described, the pixels of the (first or second) sample area of the difference image of the (first or second) sample are described. Means the average brightness. The average luminance is calculated by dividing the sum of the luminance values of the pixels in the target region of the difference X-ray image by the number of pixels in the target region.

(2-6-2-7) Conversion Information Generation Unit The conversion information generation unit 22g generates the lipid content of the first and second samples, which will be described later, and the difference image generation unit 22e for the first and second samples. A relationship with the luminance of the difference X-ray image is acquired, and conversion information on the lipid content of the article P is generated based on the acquired relationship. In particular, the conversion information generation unit 22g has a relationship between the lipid content of the first and second samples and the average luminance of the difference X-ray images of the first and second samples calculated by the average luminance calculation unit 22f. Based on the acquired relationship, the conversion information of the lipid content of the article P is generated. The conversion information of the lipid content of the article P is information for converting the luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P into the lipid content of the article P. More specifically, the conversion information is a relational expression for converting the average luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P into the lipid content of the article P. The conversion information (relational expression) generated by the conversion information generation unit 22g is stored in the conversion information storage area 21b. The conversion information generation process will be described later.

(2-6-2-8) Determination Unit The determination unit 22h determines the lipid content of the article P using the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage area 21b. Specifically, the determination unit 22h determines the lipid content of the article P based on the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage area 21b and the luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P. More specifically, the determination unit 22h substitutes the average luminance value of the difference X-ray image of the article P into the relational expression stored in the conversion information storage area 21b, thereby determining the lipid content of the article P. judge. The determination process of the lipid content will be described later.

(3) Processing Performed by Controller (3-1) Brightness Adjustment Formula Generation Processing Brightness adjustment formula generation processing by the controller 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The brightness adjustment formula is a low-energy X-ray created using the results of detecting the X-rays irradiated to the thickness correction sample conveyed by the conveyor unit 12 with the first and second line sensors 14 and 15. Generated based on the image and the high energy X-ray image. Note that the thickness correction sample is a sample of the same type of article as the article P. For example, if the article P is beef minced meat, the thickness correction sample is also the same kind of beef minced meat as the article P. A plurality of thickness correction samples are prepared. The lipid content of the plurality of thickness correction samples is the same. Moreover, the content rate of the lipid of each thickness correction sample is uniform irrespective of a site | part. For example, the lipid content of the thickness correction sample is 50%. Each thickness correction sample is different in thickness in the X-ray transmission direction from other thickness correction samples. For example, ten samples having different thicknesses are prepared as thickness correction samples. Note that the thickness correction sample is determined so as to cover the range of thickness that the actual article P can take. In particular, it is preferable that the thickness correction sample is determined so as to cover the range of thickness that the actual article P can take without any deviation. For example, if the thickness range of the article P is Tmm to (T + 9ΔT) mm, Tmm, (T + ΔT) mm, (T + 2ΔT) mm,..., (T + 9ΔT) mm It is preferable that a thickness correction sample is prepared.

  When an operator inputs an execution instruction for generating a brightness adjustment expression to the touch panel display 30, the brightness adjustment expression generation process is performed as follows.

  First, in step S <b> 11, ten thickness correction samples are put into the lipid content measurement apparatus 10. That is, ten thickness correction samples are conveyed by the conveyor unit 12, and the conveyed thickness correction sample is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 13, and the first and second line sensors 14, 15 emit X-rays. Is detected. Then, based on the detection results of the first and second line sensors 14 and 15, the low energy X-ray image is obtained for each of the ten thickness correction samples by the low energy image generation unit 22a and the high energy image generation unit 22b. And a high energy X-ray image is generated.

  Next, in step S12, the brightness adjustment expression generation unit 22c indicates the brightness distribution of the low energy X-ray image using the brightness of each pixel of the low energy X-ray image generated for the ten thickness correction samples. Generate a histogram. Further, the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c generates a relative cumulative frequency distribution of the brightness of the low energy X-ray image based on the generated histogram.

  Next, in step S13, the luminance adjustment formula generation unit 22c indicates the luminance distribution of the high energy X-ray image using the luminance of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image generated for the ten thickness correction samples. Generate a histogram. Further, the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c generates a relative cumulative frequency distribution of the brightness of the high-energy X-ray image based on the generated histogram.

  The relative cumulative frequency distribution (solid line) of the low-energy X-ray image and the relative cumulative frequency distribution (dotted line) of the high-energy X-ray image generated in steps S12 and S13 are drawn together. Is the graph of FIG.

  In step S14, the luminance adjustment expression generation unit 22c compares the relative cumulative frequency distribution of the luminance of the low energy X-ray image with the relative cumulative frequency distribution of the luminance of the high energy X-ray image, and determines the high energy X-ray image. A multiplier that matches or approximates the luminance of each pixel with the luminance of the corresponding pixel of the low-energy X-ray image is calculated for each pixel luminance of the high-energy X-ray image. Specifically, the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c corresponds to the luminance value I1 (see FIG. 7) of the high-energy X-ray image corresponding to a certain relative cumulative power value J to the same relative cumulative power value J. The multiplier (I2 / I1) to be matched with the brightness value I2 (see FIG. 7) of the low energy X-ray image is calculated for each pixel brightness of the high energy X-ray image.

  In step S15, the luminance adjustment formula generation unit 22c uses various numerical analysis techniques (for example, the least square method) on the multiplier value data calculated for each luminance of the high-energy X-ray image, and uses high-energy X-rays. A brightness conversion formula (multiplier calculation formula) using the brightness of the image as a variable is generated as a brightness adjustment formula. For example, the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c generates a brightness adjustment formula expressed by a quadratic formula of the brightness of the high energy X-ray image. FIG. 8 is an example of a graph of the luminance adjustment formula generated by the luminance adjustment formula generation unit 22c. The brightness adjustment formula generated by the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c is stored in the brightness adjustment formula storage area 21a.

  In step S11, when the luminance of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image obtained for a certain thickness correction sample is adjusted using the luminance adjustment formula obtained in step S15, the same thickness correction sample is obtained. Match or approximate the brightness of the corresponding pixel in the low energy X-ray image. That is, if the brightness adjusting unit 22d adjusts the brightness of each pixel of a high-energy X-ray image of a certain thickness correction sample by the brightness adjustment formula generated as described above, the same thickness correction sample Match or approximate the brightness of the corresponding pixel in the low energy X-ray image. Note that the pixel of the high energy X-ray image obtained for the thickness correction sample corresponds to the pixel of the low energy X-ray image obtained for the same thickness correction sample. This means that the luminance of both pixels is determined based on the result of X-ray detection elements 14a, 15a of the first and second line sensors 14, 15 detecting X-rays that have passed through the location.

(3-2) Conversion Information Generation Processing Conversion information generation processing by the controller 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  The conversion information is a difference X-ray created using the results of detecting the X-rays irradiated to the first and second samples conveyed by the conveyor unit 12 with the first and second line sensors 14 and 15. Based on the images and the known lipid content of the first and second samples. The first and second samples are samples of the same type of article as the article P. For example, if the article P is beef minced meat, the first and second samples are also the same kind of beef minced meat as the article P. The lipid content of the first and second samples is known. The lipid content of the first sample is different from the lipid content of the second sample. In addition, it is desirable that the difference between the lipid content of the first sample and the lipid content of the second sample is relatively large. For example, the lipid content of the first sample is 30%, and the lipid content of the second sample is 70%. The thickness of the first sample and the second sample need not be the same.

  When an operator inputs a conversion information generation process execution command to the touch panel display 30, the conversion information generation process is performed as follows.

  First, in step S <b> 21, the first sample is put into the lipid content measurement apparatus 10. That is, the first sample is transported by the conveyor unit 12, the X-ray is irradiated from the X-ray irradiator 13 to the transported first sample, and the X-rays are detected by the first and second line sensors 14 and 15. And based on the detection result of the 1st and 2nd line sensors 14 and 15, low energy X-ray image and high energy X-ray image about the 1st sample by low energy image generation part 22a and high energy image generation part 22b. Is generated.

  Next, in step S22, the luminance adjustment unit 22d adjusts the luminance of each pixel of the high-energy X-ray image generated for the first sample using the luminance adjustment formula stored in the luminance adjustment formula storage area 21a. . That is, the luminance adjustment unit 22d substitutes the luminance of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image into the luminance adjustment equation stored in the luminance adjustment equation storage area 21a, and uses the multiplier obtained from the luminance adjustment equation as the luminance of the pixel. Multiply The luminance adjustment unit 22d performs this process on all the pixels of the high energy X-ray image, thereby generating a high energy X-ray image whose luminance is adjusted.

  Next, in step S23, the difference image generation unit 22e has the luminance of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image of the first sample and the low energy X-ray image of the first sample, the luminance of which is adjusted by the luminance adjustment unit 22d. A difference X-ray image is generated based on the difference. Specifically, the difference image generation unit 22e corresponds to the luminance of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image of the first sample, the luminance of which is adjusted by the luminance adjustment unit 22d, corresponding to the low energy X-ray image of the first sample. A process of dividing by the luminance of the pixel is performed. Note that the pixels of the high energy X-ray image of the first sample and the pixels of the low energy X-ray image of the first sample correspond to the first and second X-rays transmitted through the same portion of the first sample. This means that the luminance of both pixels is determined based on the results detected by the X-ray detection elements 14a, 15a of the line sensors 14, 15. For example, the difference image generation unit 22e increases the difference X-ray as the value obtained by dividing the luminance of a pixel in the high-energy X-ray image whose luminance is adjusted by the luminance of the corresponding pixel in the low-energy X-ray image is larger than 1. A difference X-ray image is generated so that the luminance value of the corresponding pixel of the image is increased. In addition, the difference image generation unit 22e is configured so that the value obtained by dividing the luminance of a certain pixel of the high-energy X-ray image whose luminance is adjusted by the luminance of the corresponding pixel of the low-energy X-ray image is smaller than 1, A difference X-ray image is generated so that the luminance value of the corresponding pixel becomes smaller. The difference X-ray image is, for example, an image having 256 gradations.

  Next, in step S24, the average luminance calculation unit 22f performs binarization processing on the low-energy X-ray image or the high-energy X-ray image, so that the first in the low-energy X-ray image or the high-energy X-ray image. A region of one sample (a region where a low energy X-ray image or a high energy X-ray image is generated based on a detection result of X-rays transmitted through the first sample) is determined. Then, the average luminance calculating unit 22f removes the region other than the first sample region (background region) from the difference X-ray image, and calculates the average luminance of the first sample region as the average luminance.

  Specifically, for example, for a low energy X-ray image, the average luminance calculation unit 22f determines an area whose luminance is lower than a predetermined threshold as the first sample area, and sets an area whose luminance is higher than the predetermined threshold as the background Determine the area. Then, the average luminance calculation unit 22f performs a process of masking a region corresponding to the determined background region on the difference X-ray image. Furthermore, the average luminance calculation unit 22f calculates the average luminance of the pixels included in the unmasked region (first sample region) as the average luminance of the first sample difference X-ray image.

  In step S24, the average luminance calculation unit 22f may perform noise removal processing in addition to binarization processing when determining the first sample region and the background region.

  Next, in step S25, the controller 20 receives the lipid content of the first sample input via the touch panel display 30, and obtains it as the lipid content of the first sample.

  In steps S26 to S30, the same processing as in steps S21 to S25 is performed on the second sample. Description is omitted.

  In step S31, the conversion information generation unit 22g generates a relational expression for converting the luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P into the lipid content of the article P as the conversion information of the lipid content of the article P. To do. More specifically, the conversion information generating unit 22g converts the average luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P into the lipid content of the article P as conversion information of the lipid content of the article P. The following formula is defined.

  In step S31, the average brightness of the difference X-ray image of the first sample calculated in step S24, the average brightness of the difference X-ray image of the second sample calculated in step S29, and the first brightness acquired in steps S25 and S30. The lipid content of one sample and the second sample is used. The conversion information generation unit 22g determines the difference X-ray image of the article P based on the relationship between the average luminance of the difference X-ray images of the first and second samples and the value of the lipid content of the first and second samples. A linear equation for converting the average luminance into the lipid content of the article P is defined. FIG. 10 is an example of graphing a linear expression for converting the average luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P into the lipid content of the article P. The generated conversion information (related expression) is stored in the conversion information storage area 21b.

  In the flowchart of the conversion information generation process in FIG. 9, the lipid content values of the first and second samples are input in steps S25 and S30, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lipid content values of the first and second samples may be input at the start of the conversion information generation process. Further, for example, the lipid content values of the first and second samples may be input together after calculating the average luminance of the difference X-ray images of the first and second samples.

(3-3) Determination Process of Lipid Content A determination process of the lipid content of the article P by the controller 20 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 41, the article P is put into the lipid content measurement device 10. That is, the article P is transported by the conveyor unit 12, the transported article P is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 13, and X-rays are detected by the first and second line sensors 14 and 15. And based on the detection result of the 1st and 2nd line sensors 14 and 15, low energy X-ray image and high energy X-ray image about article P are carried out by low energy image generation part 22a and high energy image generation part 22b. Generated.

  Next, in step S42, the luminance adjustment unit 22d adjusts the luminance of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image generated for the article P using the luminance adjustment formula stored in the luminance adjustment formula storage area 21a. That is, the luminance adjustment unit 22d substitutes the luminance of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image into the luminance adjustment equation stored in the luminance adjustment equation storage area 21a, and uses the multiplier obtained from the luminance adjustment equation as the luminance of the pixel. Multiply The luminance adjustment unit 22d performs this process on all the pixels of the high energy X-ray image, thereby generating a high energy X-ray image whose luminance is adjusted.

  Next, in step S43, the difference image generation unit 22e adjusts the luminance of each pixel of the high energy X-ray image of the article P and the low energy X-ray image of the article P, the luminance of which is adjusted by the luminance adjustment unit 22d. A difference X-ray image is generated based on the difference in luminance of the pixels. Specifically, the difference image generation unit 22e uses the luminance of each pixel of the high-energy X-ray image of the article P, the luminance of which is adjusted by the luminance adjustment unit 22d, as the corresponding pixel of the low-energy X-ray image of the article P. A process of dividing by luminance is performed to generate a difference X-ray image. The generation process of the difference X-ray image of the article P is the same as the generation process of the difference X-ray image of Sample 1 described above, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  Next, in step S44, the average luminance calculation unit 22f determines, for example, a region having a luminance lower than a predetermined threshold as the region of the article P for a low energy X-ray image, and selects a region having a luminance higher than the predetermined threshold. The background area is determined. Then, the average luminance calculation unit 22f performs a process of masking a region corresponding to the determined background region on the difference X-ray image. Furthermore, the average luminance calculation unit 22f calculates the average luminance of the pixels included in the unmasked region (the region of the article P) as the average luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P.

  In step S44, as in step S24 of the conversion information generation process, the average luminance calculation unit 22f determines the first sample area and the background area in addition to the binarization process and the noise removal process. May be executed.

  Next, in step S45, the determination unit 22h determines the lipid content of the article P using the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage area 21b. Specifically, the determination unit 22h substitutes the value of the average luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P calculated in step S44 into a primary expression stored as conversion information in the conversion information storage area 21b. The lipid content of the article P is estimated.

(4) Features (4-1)
The lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment irradiates an article P as an inspection object from an X-ray irradiator 13 as an example of an X-ray irradiation unit, and transmits X-rays transmitted through the article P. Is detected by the first and second line sensors 14, 15, and the lipid content of the article P is measured based on the detection results of the first and second line sensors 14, 15. The lipid content measurement apparatus 10 includes a difference image generation unit 22e as an example of a measurement image generation unit, a conversion information generation unit 22g, and a determination unit 22h. The difference image generation unit 22e generates a difference X-ray image as a measurement X-ray image based on the detection results of the first and second line sensors 14, 15. The conversion information generation unit 22g calculates the lipid content and the luminance of the X-ray image (difference X-ray image) for two first and second samples with known lipid contents and different lipid contents. The relationship is acquired, and conversion information for the lipid content of the article P is generated based on the relationship. The determination unit 22h determines the lipid content of the article P using the conversion information. More specifically, the determination unit 22h determines the lipid content of the article P using the conversion information based on the luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P.

  Here, the lipid content rate is measured using the conversion information of the lipid content rate of the article P, which is generated based on the relationship between the lipid content rate and the luminance of the difference X-ray image, and the first and second samples are measured. No mass information is required. Therefore, the setting of the lipid content measurement device 10 can be easily performed.

(4-2)
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, the conversion information generation unit 22g generates a relational expression for converting the luminance of the difference X-ray image into the lipid content of the article P as conversion information.

  Here, since the relationship between the luminance of the difference X-ray image and the lipid content is expressed by a mathematical expression (especially, a linear expression here), the lipid content is determined in a short time from the luminance of the difference X-ray image. Is possible. In addition, unlike the case of using a table in which the luminance of the difference X-ray image is associated with the lipid content, the relationship between the luminance of the difference X-ray image and the lipid content can be obtained continuously.

  However, the conversion information is not limited to this, and the conversion information may be a table in which the luminance of the difference X-ray image is associated with the lipid content. However, as described above, from the viewpoint that the determination time of the lipid content rate can be shortened and the relationship between the luminance of the difference X-ray image and the lipid content rate can be continuously obtained, the conversion information is related. The formula is preferred.

(4-3)
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the embodiment, the conversion information generation unit 22g includes the lipid content of the (first and second) samples and the difference X-ray image of the (first and second) samples. Conversion information is generated based on the average luminance that is the average of the luminance of the (first and second) sample areas. The determination unit 22h uses the conversion information to determine the lipid content of the article P based on the average brightness that is the average brightness of the area of the article P in the difference X-ray image of the article P.

  Here, since the average luminance is used as a representative value of the luminance of the difference X-ray image, the lipid content of the article P as a whole can be measured instead of measuring the lipid content of only a part of the article P. . For this reason, various inspection objects such as minced meat and marbled meat in which the lipid part is dispersed, and loin meat in which the lipid part is concentrated in a part can be set as inspection objects.

(4-4)
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment, the first and second line sensors 14 and 15 detect X-ray transmission amounts in two different energy bands.

  By using the first and second line sensors 14 and 15 that detect X-rays in two different energy bands as the X-ray detection sensor, the lipid content of the article P can be more accurately based on more information. Can measure well.

(4-5)
The lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the embodiment includes a high energy image generation unit 22b as an example of a first individual image generation unit, a low energy image generation unit 22a as an example of a second individual image generation unit, and luminance. And an adjustment unit 22d. Based on one detection result (detection result of the second line sensor 15) of X-ray transmission amounts of two different energy bands detected by the first and second line sensors 14, 15, the high energy image generation unit 22b. Generates a high-energy X-ray image as the first individual X-ray image, and based on the other detection result (detection result of the first line sensor 14), the low-energy image generation unit 22a generates the second individual X-ray image. A low energy X-ray image is generated. The luminance adjusting unit 22d uses the high energy X-rays in the high energy X-ray images and the low energy X-ray images generated for the plurality of thickness correction samples having the same and uniform lipid content and different thicknesses. The luminance of the high energy X-ray image is adjusted so that the luminance of each pixel of the image matches or approximates the luminance of the corresponding pixel of the low energy X-ray image. The difference image generation unit 22e generates a difference X-ray image based on the luminance difference of each pixel between the high energy X-ray image whose luminance is adjusted by the luminance adjustment unit 22d and the low energy X-ray image.

  Here, a difference X-ray image is generated using a brightness-adjusted high-energy X-ray image and a low-energy X-ray image, so that the difference in thickness of the article P affects the amount of X-ray transmission. Can be removed. Therefore, even when the thickness of the article P is not uniform, it is easy to accurately grasp the lipid content of each article P.

(5) Modifications Modifications of the above embodiment are shown below. The following modifications may be combined with other modifications as long as they do not contradict each other.

(5-1) Modification A
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment, the difference X-ray image generated by the difference image generation unit 22e is used as the measurement X-ray image, but is not limited thereto. For example, a low energy X-ray image or a high energy X-ray image generated by the low energy image generation unit 22a or the high energy image generation unit 22b may be used as the measurement X-ray image. In particular, when the thickness of the article P is constant or the difference in the thickness of the article P is small, the low energy X-ray image or the high energy X-ray image is used as the measurement X-ray image, and the lipid of the article P It is relatively easy to accurately measure the content.

  A process executed by the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 when using a low energy X-ray image or a high energy X-ray image as an X-ray image for measurement will be described. Here, a case where a low energy X-ray image is used as a measurement X-ray image will be described as an example. The same applies when a high-energy X-ray image is used as a measurement X-ray image.

  When the low energy X-ray image is used for the measurement X-ray image, the functions of the high energy image generation unit 22b, the luminance adjustment expression generation unit 22c, the luminance adjustment unit 22d, and the difference image generation unit 22e are unnecessary. The average luminance calculation unit 22f calculates the average luminance of the article P region of the low energy X-ray image of the article P instead of calculating the average luminance of the article P region of the difference X-ray image of the article P. Is calculated as the average luminance. In addition, the average luminance calculator 22f does not calculate the luminance of the (first or second) sample area of the difference X-ray image of the first or second sample, but instead of calculating the luminance of the first or second sample. The average luminance of the (first or second) sample area of the line image is calculated as the average luminance. The process of the average luminance calculation unit 22f is the same except that the average luminance calculation target image is different.

  A conversion information generation process when a low-energy X-ray image is used as a measurement X-ray image will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S121, the first sample is put into the lipid content measurement apparatus 10. That is, the first sample is transported by the conveyor unit 12, the X-ray is irradiated from the X-ray irradiator 13 to the transported first sample, and the X-ray is detected by the first line sensor 14. And based on the detection result of the 1st line sensor 14, the low energy X-ray image is produced | generated about the 1st sample by the low energy image generation part 22a.

  Next, in step S122, the average luminance calculation unit 22f determines, for the low-energy X-ray image, an area whose luminance is lower than a predetermined threshold as the first sample area, and an area whose luminance is higher than the predetermined threshold. Determine as the background area. Then, the average luminance calculation unit 22f performs a process of masking the background area of the low energy X-ray image. Furthermore, the average luminance calculation unit 22f calculates the average luminance of the pixels included in the unmasked region (first sample region) as the average luminance of the low energy X-ray image of the first sample.

  In step S122, the average luminance calculation unit 22f may perform noise removal processing in addition to binarization processing when determining the first sample region and the background region.

  Next, in step S123, the controller 20 receives the lipid content rate of the first sample input via the touch panel display 30, and obtains it as the lipid content rate of the first sample.

  In steps S124 to S126, the same processing as in steps S121 to S123 is performed on the second sample. Description is omitted.

  In step S127, the conversion information generation unit 22g uses a relational expression for converting the luminance of the low energy X-ray image of the article P into the lipid content of the article P as the conversion information of the lipid content of the article P. Generate. More specifically, the conversion information generation unit 22g converts the average luminance of the low energy X-ray image of the article P into the lipid content of the article P as the conversion information of the lipid content of the article P. Define the relational expression.

  In step S127, the average luminance of the low energy X-ray image of the first sample calculated in step S122 (the average luminance of the pixels in the region of the first sample of the low energy X-ray image of the first sample), in step S125. The calculated average brightness of the low-energy X-ray image of the second sample (the average brightness of the pixels in the region of the second sample in the low-energy X-ray image of the second sample) and the first brightness acquired in steps S123 and S126. The lipid content of one sample and the second sample is used. The conversion information generation unit 22g uses the low-energy X-rays of the article P based on the relationship between the average luminance of the low-energy X-ray images of the first and second samples and the value of the lipid content of the first and second samples. A relational expression for converting the average brightness of the image in the region of the article P of the image (average brightness of the low energy X-ray image of the article P) into the lipid content of the article P is determined. The generated conversion information is stored in the conversion information storage area 21b.

  In the flowchart of the conversion information generation process in FIG. 12, the values of the lipid content rates of the first and second samples are input in steps S123 and S126, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the lipid content values of the first and second samples may be input at the start of the conversion information generation process. Further, for example, the lipid content values of the first and second samples may be input together after calculating the average luminance of the low energy X-ray images of the first and second samples.

  Next, processing for determining the lipid content of the article P when a low-energy X-ray image is used for the measurement X-ray image will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  First, in step S <b> 141, the article P is put into the lipid content measurement device 10. That is, the article P is conveyed by the conveyor unit 12, the conveyed article P is irradiated with X-rays from the X-ray irradiator 13, and the first line sensor 14 detects X-rays. And based on the detection result of the 1st line sensor 14, the low energy X-ray image about the article | item P is produced | generated by the low energy image generation part 22a.

  Next, in step S142, the average luminance calculation unit 22f determines, for the low energy X-ray image, an area having a luminance lower than a predetermined threshold as the area of the article P, and sets an area having a luminance higher than the predetermined threshold as the background Determine as an area. Then, the average luminance calculation unit 22f performs a process of masking the background area of the low energy X-ray image. Furthermore, the average luminance calculation unit 22f calculates the average luminance of the pixels included in the unmasked region (the region of the article P) as the average luminance of the low energy X-ray image of the article P.

  In step S142, as in step S122 of the conversion information generation process, the average luminance calculation unit 22f performs noise removal processing in addition to binarization processing when determining the first sample region and the background region. May be executed.

  Next, in step S143, the determination unit 22h determines the lipid content of the article P using the conversion information stored in the conversion information storage area 21b. Specifically, the determination unit 22h substitutes the average luminance value of the low energy X-ray image of the article P calculated in step S142 into the relational expression stored as the conversion information in the conversion information storage area 21b. The lipid content of the article P is estimated.

  The lipid content measurement apparatus 10 may be configured so that an image to be used as a measurement X-ray image can be selected from a low energy X-ray image, a high energy X-ray image, and a difference X-ray image. Further, the lipid content measurement device 10 includes only one of the first line sensor 14 and the second line sensor 15 and is configured to be able to use only a low energy X-ray image or a high energy X-ray image as a measurement X-ray image. May be.

(5-2) Modification B
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment, the luminance adjustment unit 22d adjusts the luminance of the high-energy X-ray image using the luminance adjustment formula generated by the luminance adjustment formula generation unit 22c, but is not limited thereto. It is not something. For example, the lipid content measurement device 10 generates a map that derives a map for deriving a multiplier for adjusting the luminance of the high-energy X-ray image for each luminance of the high-energy X-ray image, instead of the luminance adjustment formula generation unit 22c. An adjustment map generation unit may be provided, and the luminance adjustment unit 22d may adjust the luminance of the high-energy X-ray image using the generated luminance adjustment map. However, from the viewpoint of shortening the time of the brightness adjustment process, it is preferable that the brightness adjustment formula is generated rather than the brightness adjustment map.

(5-3) Modification C
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the above embodiment, the difference is based on the high-energy X-ray image and the low-energy X-ray image that are brightness-adjusted using the brightness-adjustment expression generated by the brightness-adjustment-expression generating unit 22c. Although the image generation unit 22e generates a difference X-ray image, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the brightness adjustment formula generation unit 22c matches or approximates the brightness of each pixel of the low energy X-ray image of a certain thickness correction sample with the brightness of the corresponding pixel of the high energy X-ray image of the same thickness correction sample. A brightness adjustment formula may be generated. Then, the difference image generation unit 22e may generate a difference X-ray image based on the low-energy X-ray image whose luminance has been adjusted and the high-energy X-ray image.

(5-4) Modification D
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment, the conversion information generation unit 22g uses a linear expression that converts the average luminance of the difference X-ray image of the article P into the lipid content of the article P as conversion information. Determine. This shows that the average luminance of the difference X-ray image of the test object such as minced meat of beef and the lipid content of the test object are aligned on the linear line in the range of the experiment. This is because. However, if there is a test object in which the relationship between the average luminance of the difference X-ray image and the lipid content is represented by a relational expression other than the primary expression, the relational expression generated as conversion information is: It is not limited to the primary expression.

(5-5) Modification E
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment, two samples (first sample and second sample) are used for the conversion information generation process, but the number of samples is not limited to this, and 3 Conversion information may be generated using two or more samples. By generating the conversion information by increasing the number of samples, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the linear expression of the conversion information.

(5-6) Modification F
In the lipid content measurement apparatus 10 according to the above-described embodiment, a plurality of thickness correction samples are used to generate a brightness adjustment formula, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the brightness adjustment formula is generated by one thickness correction sample A having a uniform lipid content (same and uniform) and partially different thicknesses and having a shape as shown in FIG. Good.

  The lipid content measurement apparatus of the present invention is useful as an apparatus capable of measuring the lipid content of a test object based on the detection result of the amount of X-ray transmitted through the test object without calculating the mass of the sample. It is.

10 Lipid content measuring device 13 X-ray irradiator (X-ray irradiation unit)
14 First line sensor (X-ray detection sensor)
15 Second line sensor (X-ray detection sensor)
22a Low energy image generation unit (measurement image generation unit, second individual image generation unit)
22b High energy image generation unit (measurement image generation unit, first individual image generation unit)
22d Brightness adjustment unit 22e Difference image generation unit (measurement image generation unit)
22g Conversion information generation unit 22h Determination unit P Article (inspection object)

JP 2012-141176 A

Claims (5)

The X-ray irradiation unit irradiates the inspection object with X-rays, detects the amount of X-ray transmitted through the inspection object with an X-ray detection sensor, and based on the detection result of the X-ray detection sensor, the lipid of the inspection object A lipid content measuring device for measuring the content of
An image generator for measurement that generates an X-ray image for measurement based on a detection result of the X-ray detection sensor;
The relationship between the lipid content and the brightness of the X-ray image is obtained for a plurality of samples having different lipid contents and different lipid contents, and the lipid content of the test object is determined based on the relationship. A conversion information generator for generating rate conversion information;
Using the conversion information, a determination unit that determines the lipid content of the test object,
An apparatus for measuring lipid content, comprising: The conversion information generation unit generates a relational expression for converting the luminance of the measurement X-ray image into the lipid content of the test object,
The lipid content measurement apparatus according to claim 1. The conversion information generation unit generates the conversion information based on the lipid content of the sample and the average luminance that is the average luminance of the sample region of the measurement X-ray image of the sample. ,
The determination unit uses the conversion information to determine the lipid content of the test object based on an average luminance that is an average of the luminance of the region of the test object in the measurement X-ray image of the test object. I do,
The lipid content rate measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 and 2. The X-ray detection sensor detects the transmission amount of X-rays in two different energy bands.
The lipid content rate measuring apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A first individual image generation unit that generates a first individual X-ray image based on one detection result of transmission amounts of X-rays in two different energy bands detected by the X-ray detection sensor, and the other detection result A second individual image generation unit that generates a second individual X-ray image based on
In the first individual X-ray image and the second individual X-ray image, which are generated for the thickness correction samples having the same and uniform lipid content and different thicknesses, the first individual X-ray image A brightness adjusting unit that adjusts the brightness of the first individual X-ray image so that the brightness of each pixel matches or approximates the brightness of the corresponding pixel of the second individual X-ray image;
Further comprising
The measurement image generation unit is configured to measure the X-ray image for measurement based on a difference in luminance between the first individual X-ray image and the second individual X-ray image whose luminance is adjusted by the luminance adjustment unit. Generate
The lipid content measurement apparatus according to claim 4.

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