JP2004028826A - Inspection device, signal processor, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To inspect with simple constitution an appearance or the like of an inspection object of which the appearance shape is complicated. <P>SOLUTION: Cameras 5a-5e serving as five signal generating devices image-pick up the complicated shape object as the inspection object. Video signals image-picked up by the respective cameras are processed by twenty as total of signal processing parts (image processors) 70 provided with five sets using the four as one set in each of the respective cameras. The signal processing parts 70 of n number in the each set are operated ring-likely, while indicated in order, by an operation indicating part 22 via a distributor 21. Five of processed result information obtained from the five signal processing parts 70 indicated therein are processed integrally by a result summarizing part 25 to output summarily processed result information as to the inspection object. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus suitable for inspection of an inspection object having a complicated appearance, a signal processing apparatus suitable for signal processing in the inspection apparatus, and a program used in each apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, in a process of manufacturing a component having a complicated shape, a surface of the component may be flawed, stained, stained, dented, crushed, sagged, processed in error, mixed with different-sized members, and the like. As a method of inspecting for the presence or absence of such various defects, there is a method of aligning a complicated-shaped part by a certain method at the time of inspection, photographing with a camera, and comparing the image with a previously registered image by image processing. .
In addition, if the automatic inspection of a complex-shaped part is made to have a comprehensive inspection specification, it takes a long processing time, and thus, it may be necessary to rely on a human visual inspection.
In addition, inspection of long objects such as strips is required to be performed continuously and endlessly. Conventionally, simple inspections such as felter processing, threshold processing, and comparison processing of repetitive patterns that can be used at high speed and endlessly are required. The defect was detected by logic.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the method based on the image processing described above, it is necessary to recognize the direction of each of the complicated-shaped parts one by one, rearrange them in the same direction, and take an image. It was inefficient.
In addition, if comprehensive inspection is performed by the automatic inspection of a complex-shaped component, it takes a long time to perform the inspection, so that a human visual inspection must be used.
Further, in the case of continuous endless inspection of a long object, there has been no other choice but to perform defect processing by simple logic such as felter processing and threshold processing which can be used at high speed and endless, or comparison processing of repeated patterns.
[0004]
In recent years, the amount of information and the capturing speed of an image device have been increasing, and a higher speed of inspection is naturally required. In addition, the inspection target becomes complicated and changes in a short period of time. Naturally, the information extraction logic becomes difficult, and it becomes indispensable to perform complicated and detailed analysis in detail. New demands are constantly increasing, and there is a need to be able to respond to new inspection objects in a short time. In order to deal with this, there is no longer enough time or profitability to develop a dedicated processor or a dedicated high-speed inspection device. Although the range that can be dealt with by the computational power of the CPU, which is making remarkable progress, has been increasing, the demand that cannot be met by itself alone is increasing at present.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of such a situation, and requires a complex appearance inspection or the like that cannot be performed by a single device, and requires a plurality of input signals such as inspection signals and a plurality of signal processing means to meet the requirements of the system. By combining and processing according to the specifications, it enables organic judgment and high-speed processing, so that the specifications required for inspection and measurement can be flexibly assembled, and the processing can be done in a small turn according to the entity It is an object of the present invention to provide an inspection device and a signal processing device capable of greatly increasing the capability.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an inspection apparatus according to the present invention is configured to process an inspection signal from m signal generation devices that inspect an inspection target and generate an inspection signal, and an inspection signal from each signal generation device. M × n pieces of signal processing means provided with m sets of n pieces for each signal generation device, and an operation of sequentially instructing and operating the n pieces of signal processing means in each set one by one Instructing means, and generalizing means for comprehensively processing m pieces of processing result information obtained from the m pieces of signal processing means instructed by the operation instructing means and outputting generalized result information on the inspection object are provided. It is a thing.
[0007]
Further, the signal processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured to process m input signals, and to provide m × n signal processing means provided with m sets of n signals for each input signal, The operation instructing means for sequentially instructing and operating the n signal processing means in order one by one, and the m processing result information obtained from the m signal processing means specified by the operation instructing means. And a generalization means for performing general processing and outputting generalization result information.
[0008]
Also, the program according to the present invention may be configured such that each set of m × n pieces of signal processing means provided in m sets of n sets of n input signals is one for each of m input signals. Operation processing for instructing each operation signal, signal processing for processing each input signal by the m signal processing means specified by the operation instruction processing, and m processing result information obtained by the signal processing. This is for causing a computer to execute a general process of processing and outputting general result information.
[0009]
[Action]
Therefore, according to the present invention, each set of n signal processing means is sequentially and cyclically instructed one by one, and the inspections obtained from the m signal generating devices and the like by the indicated m signal processing means. By processing input signals such as signals and comprehensively processing the m pieces of processing result information obtained thereby, it is possible to obtain general result information including the results of pass / fail determination of the inspection target.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a visual inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a complex-shaped object 1, for example, a part as an inspection object (inspection object) is manufactured, and is conveyed on a conveyance line 2 at a predetermined interval at a speed of, for example, 30 pieces per second in a straight line. Has been done. As shown in FIG. 2, the complex-shaped object 1 has a substantially cylindrical bottom, a deformed circular plate on the bottom, a curved wall surface, and two dents formed on the wall surface. It is.
[0011]
A camera 5a is installed above the inspection position X on the transport line 2, and four cameras 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e are installed above the periphery of the inspection position X. These cameras 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e constitute a signal generating device according to the present invention, and a video signal which is imaged and output is used as an inspection signal.
[0012]
The cameras 5a to 5e are area cameras capable of obtaining a two-dimensional image, and the upper camera 5a can capture the positions of two dents on the upper surface or the slope of the wall surface of the complex-shaped object 1 and the inside of the groove at the outer peripheral portion, and can capture images of the surroundings. The cameras 5b, 5c, 5d and 5e are arranged around the complex shape object 1 at the inspection position X at an interval of about 90 ° from each other, and photograph the peripheral surface and the upper portion of the complex shape object 1 obliquely from above. Thus, the entire peripheral surface and upper surface of the complex-shaped object 1 can be photographed as a whole. These cameras 5a to 5e are connected to the inspection signal processing unit 3.
[0013]
Above the inspection position X, a strobe light 6 is arranged coaxially with the complex-shaped object 1. The strobe light 6 is set so as not to cause halation on the surface of the complex-shaped object 1 with respect to, for example, a camera for imaging. Each camera captures an image of the complex-shaped object 1 moving at a high speed in a state where the object 1 is stopped by short-time irradiation of the strobe light 6. Further, a sensor A7 for detecting the complex-shaped object 1 that has reached the inspection position X is provided. Further, in front of the inspection position X, a rejected product selection unit 4 that removes the rejected complex-shaped object 1 on the transport line 2 from the transport line 2 and transfers it to the transport line 9, and a pass / fail determination before that. A sensor B8 for detecting the finished complex shaped object 1 is provided.
[0014]
The inspection signal processing unit 3 includes the signal control unit 20 to which the multi-signal processing unit 69 is connected. The cameras 5a to 5e, the strobe light 6, the sensors A7 and B8 are connected to the inspection signal processing unit 3. When the sensor A7 detects that the complex-shaped object 1 conveyed on the conveyance line 2 has reached the inspection position X, an imaging trigger signal 37 is input from the sensor A7 to the inspection signal processing unit 3, and as described later. An operation trigger signal 31 for the cameras 5a to 5e and the strobe lighting 6 is transmitted through the operation instructing unit 22 in FIG.
[0015]
All five captured images of the complex-shaped object 1 captured by each camera enter the inspection signal processing unit 3. In the inspection signal processing section 3, image information from all cameras is comprehensively processed, and a pass / fail judgment of the complex shaped object 1 is performed. When the sensor B8 outputs the sensing trigger signal 38 corresponding to the rejected product based on the determination result, the driving trigger signal 33 of the rejected product selection unit 4 is output in accordance with the output. The inspection signal processing section 3 outputs general result information 61.
[0016]
FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the test signal processing unit 3, and shows the configurations of the signal control unit 20 and the multi-signal processing unit 69.
3, the signal control unit 20 includes an operation instruction unit 22, five distributors 21, a setting / generating unit 23, and a result operation output unit 24. The setting / summarizing unit 23 includes a result summarizing unit 25, a condition setting unit 17, an mxn matrix limiting unit 28, and an information output unit 29.
[0017]
In the multi-signal processing unit 69, n = 4 signal processing units (here, image processing devices) are used for one device (one camera) of m = 5 cameras 5a to 5e as the signal generation device 5. ) 70 are provided. That is, the signal processing unit 70 processes the inspection signals (video signals) from the m signal generating devices, and sets m (= m × n) with n as one set for each signal generating device. Is provided.
Therefore, the test signal processing unit 3 according to the present embodiment has 5 × 4 = 20 signal control units 20 including five distributors 21 for one operation instruction unit 22 and one result generalization unit stage 23. Is connected to the signal processing unit (image processing device) 70.
[0018]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described.
When the complex object 1 to be inspected, which is transported on the transport line 2, reaches the inspection position X, the sensor A7 detects it, and the imaging trigger signal 37 is input from the sensor A7 to the inspection signal processing unit 3. The imaging trigger signal 37 passes through the operation instructing section 22 to become the operation trigger signals 31 of the cameras 5a to 5e and the strobe lighting 6, and they perform strobe light emission and photographing in synchronization. At the same time, the operation instruction unit 22 outputs a trigger signal 17 to the result operation output unit 24 and operates the distributor 21, the signal processing unit 70, and the result generalization unit 25 to operate a specific part. Instruction signals 12, 15, 16 are issued.
[0019]
The operation instruction signal 12 instructs one of each set in the twenty signal processing units 70 to process the video signal 35 as an inspection signal from one camera 5. The video signal 35 is sent to the designated signal processing unit 70 via the distributor 21. The instructed signal processing unit 70 receives the video signal 35, performs an analysis process on the video signal 35, and sends the processing result information 13 to the result generalization unit 25.
[0020]
This will be described with respect to the processing system of one camera 5a, for example. A captured image A of the first complex-shaped object 1 captured by the camera 5a based on the operation trigger signal 31 is transmitted via the distributor 21a to the operation instruction signal 12a. Is taken into the signal processing unit 70a of the image designated by the above. The second captured image A of the complex-shaped object 1 is taken into the image processing unit 70a designated by the operation instruction signal 12a via the distributor 21a, and the third captured image A is supplied via the distributor 21a. The image specified by the operation instruction signal 12a is captured by the signal processing unit 70a. Similarly, the fourth captured image A is captured by the signal processing unit 70a. Then, in photographing the fifth complex-shaped object 1, the operation instruction signal 12a returns to step A, and the image is taken into the signal processing unit 70a designated by the operation instruction signal 12a. Similarly, in the sixth shooting, the image is taken into the image processing device 70a. In this way, the four signal processing units 70 are sequentially instructed to operate in a circular manner in order of A, D, A, and so on, so that inspection of the complex-shaped object 1 is performed one by one.
[0021]
The above operation is performed in parallel for each camera, and this is repeated until the end. The signal processing unit 70a previously arranges a typical defect-free standard complex shape object as a standard test object at the inspection position X, and preliminarily captures images of each direction at the position shown in FIG. The captured image A is analyzed and processed from the CAD under the imaging characteristic conditions in which the optical system of the camera 5a and the inspection object position of the complicated shape object 1 and the light reflection factor are determined from the CAD, and the abnormal portion and the shape information of the complicated shape object 1 Find out. The determined abnormal part and shape information are sent to the result generalization part 25 as the processing result information 13.
[0022]
At the same time, images B, C, D, and E obtained by the other cameras 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e are similarly processed. The five types of captured images A, B, C, D, and E obtained from the signal processing units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, and 70e that perform image processing on the images A, B, C, D, and E, respectively. The processing result information 13 such as the abnormal part and the shape information is sent to the result generalization part 25.
[0023]
In the result summarizing unit 25, the processing result information 13 of all five camera images is evaluated by the preset soft computing software, and the pass / fail of the complex shape object 1 as the object to be inspected is determined comprehensively. The result signal 14 is output. The result operation output unit 24 receives the sensing trigger signal 38 and the operation instruction signal 17 from the sensor B8, and outputs the drive trigger signal 33 in accordance with the transport timing of the inspection object 1 when the total result signal 14 fails. In response to the drive trigger signal 33, the rejected product selection unit 4 removes rejected products from the transport line 2 and transfers to the rejected product discharge line 9 to be discharged.
[0024]
At the same time, the processing result information 13 of all five camera images is evaluated by the preset soft computing software, and comprehensive information 61 of the complex shape object 1 as the test object is obtained comprehensively. Is sent to a management system for the next process (not shown), and is used for adjusting parameters of a manufacturing machine in the process.
The mxn matrix limiting unit 28 controls the distributor 21 with the matrix limiting signal 18 and controls the result generalizing unit 25 with the matrix limiting signal 19.
[0025]
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the signal control unit 20 including the operation instruction unit 22.
The imaging trigger signal 37 input to the operation instructing unit 22 is shaped by an amplifier 53 and fan-out (signal transmission capability and influence of a signal transmission side on a source side) so as to ensure the operation of the signal. Then, the trigger signal 32 is sent to the amplifier 54 and the demultiplexer 55 via the trigger switching unit 52. Note that the trigger switching unit 52 can also switch to a signal from the internal trigger generation unit 51 that can program trigger conditions without using an external imaging trigger signal 37.
[0026]
At the time of reset, the demultiplexer 55 returns to the beginning by the reset unit 59, and when the first trigger signal 32 is input, the processing instruction signal 12a, the operation instruction signal 15a, and the operation instruction signal 16a are output from the amplifier 56a. Is done. At the next trigger signal 32, the demultiplexer 55 advances by one, and the processing instruction signal 12a, the operation instruction signal 15a, and the operation instruction signal 16a are output from the amplifier (a) 56a. At the next trigger signal 32, the demultiplexer 55 advances by one again, and the amplifier (W) 56W outputs the processing instruction signal 12W, the operation instruction signal 15W, and the operation instruction signal 16W. Similarly, the processing instruction signal 12 e, the operation instruction signal 15 e, and the operation instruction signal 16 e are output from the amplifier 56 d by the next trigger signal 32.
[0027]
In the next trigger signal 32, since signal control is limited to 5 × 4, the demultiplexer 55 returns to the beginning, and the amplifier (A) 56A outputs the processing instruction signal 12A, the operation instruction signal 15A, and the operation instruction signal 16A. Output. Each of the amplifiers 56 has a processing instruction signal 12a, an operation instruction signal 15a, and an operation instruction signal 16a for lines from the cameras 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d, 5e which are operated at the same time, a, b, c, d, e, respectively. 5 outputs.
[0028]
The operation instruction signal 12a is output to the signal processing units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, and 70e of FIG. 3 simultaneously with the operation trigger signal 31 of the imaging instruction. The signal processing unit 70a receiving the operation instruction signal 12a receives the video signal 11a transmitted via the distributor 21a and processes the video signal 35a of the image of the camera 5a via the distributor 21a.
[0029]
The trigger signal 32 is input to the demultiplexer 55 and, at the same time, passes through the amplifier 54 to become the operation trigger signal 31 for the cameras 5a to 5e and the strobe lighting 6, which perform flash emission and photographing in synchronization. At the same time, the trigger signal 17 is output to the result operation output unit 24. In parallel with this, the operation instructing unit 22 outputs operation instructing signals 12, 15, and 16 for operating the specific parts to the distributor 21, the signal processing unit 70, and the result generalizing unit 25.
[0030]
The operation instruction signal 12 indicates one of the twenty signal processing units 70 that processes the video signal 35 of one signal generating device (camera) 5. The video signal 35 is sent to the designated signal processing unit 70 via the distributor 21. The instructed signal processing unit 70 receives this video signal, analyzes its characteristics, and sends the processing result information 13 to the result generalization unit 25.
[0031]
Next, the operation of the visual inspection device according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
・ (Preparation) (Step S101)
[Matrix mxn setting]
The inspection processing unit 3 sequentially inspects the appearance of the complex-shaped objects 1 sent at predetermined intervals on the transport line 2. For example, imaging is performed with five cameras in a minimum tact time of 30 milliseconds, and analysis of an image captured by each camera requires a maximum of 100 milliseconds. In this case, in order to satisfy the minimum tact, the maximum time of 100 milliseconds for analyzing the image is less than four times the tact. In order to secure this, four signal processing units that perform image analysis for one camera are prepared, and the images are processed one by one in a ring shape until a fifth analysis process is requested. The processing can be performed by outputting the result to
[0032]
In addition, the results of the analysis of the images of the five cameras can be summarized to determine whether or not the inspection object is acceptable, and the rejected product is discharged in accordance with the transport. Therefore, by using 5 × 4 among the control units of the matrix 5 × 5, this inspection processing capability becomes possible. For this purpose, a total of 20 cameras including 5 cameras and 4 image processing devices (signal processing units 70) per camera are connected to the signal control unit 20 to form a system, so that the above-mentioned necessary capability is provided. A visual inspection device can be constructed.
[0033]
Since the signal control unit 20 can be set within the range of 5 × 5, the number of distributors 21 is increased by the m × n matrix limiter 28 and the connection of signals is changed by changing the input matrix of the soft computing software. By increasing the capacity of the distributor 21 and increasing the capacity of the demultiplexer 55 and the number of amplifiers 56 of the operation instructing section 22, it is possible to expand to 1 × 20. In reality, 5 × 5 can be extended to 8 × 8.
[0034]
[Setting processing program and processing conditions of signal processing unit 70]
An analysis program for analyzing the image of the transmitted video signal 11 to extract characteristic information, an abnormal part, and the like, and designation or distribution of previously determined inspection condition data are performed. Determine the processing program and conditions. The same settings are used for the time series A to D systems, and the device series a to e are set according to the image. The values of b to e in the present embodiment are the same except for the characteristic difference of the variation of the camera and the illumination.
[0035]
[Setting the processing mode and processing factor of the result summarizing unit 25]
In the result generalization unit 25, software computing engine software integrating fuzzy evaluation, artificial intelligence, and neural network is loaded, and the processing result information 13 of the signal 11 of each device (camera) 5 from the signal processing unit 70 is communicated. Summarize the information obtained. An mxn information input matrix and input information contents, a judgment processing factor used for pass / fail judgment, and an information general factor for processing the result information into general result information are set. In addition, extraction of individual general information, identification of trends and unique data of general result information, and setting of conditions for sending are performed.
[0036]
[Reset to start inspection]
The demultiplexer 55 is reset so that the signal processing unit 70 and the result generalization unit 25 can be accepted for inspection.
・ (Inspection)
When the inspection is ready, the control waits for the detection trigger signal 37 of the sensor A7. When the complex-shaped object 1 reaches the inspection position X, it is detected by the sensor A7 (step S102, hereinafter abbreviated as step), a trigger signal 37 for image pickup is input to the operation instruction unit 22, and an operation trigger is issued to the camera 5 and the strobe light 6. The signal 31 is sent (S103). The demultiplexer 55 counts up endlessly in a ring shape, and sends the operation instruction signal 12 to the image processing device in the signal processing unit 70 (S121). The strobe lighting 6 and each of the cameras 5a to 5e receive an operation trigger signal 31 from the operation instructing unit 22, and the strobe lighting 6 emits light in synchronization with the camera 5a to 5e. It is photographed as a still image that is not blurred (S104). Then, the cameras 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e can photograph the entire periphery of the complex-shaped object 1 from the upper surface except for the back surface of the complicated-shaped object 1 with the cameras 5b, 5c, 5d, and 5e.
[0037]
The five images picked up by the camera 5 are transferred by the video signal 35 for each camera (S105). The sensor A7 waits for the next inspection object 1 to be sensed (S106), and when it is sensed, the inspection is repeated. The process ends when an inspection end instruction is input. The video signal 35 is distributed by the distributor 21, receives the operation instruction signal 12, and sends the video signal 11 to the designated signal processing unit 70 (S122). The nominated signal processing unit 70 receives (grabs) this video signal 11 (S123). Before the signal processing units 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, and 70e are nominated next and the grab ends, the image signal analysis (S124) of each imaging surface is completed. Send to generalization section 25.
[0038]
The result generalization unit 25 receives the operation instruction signal 16 from the operation instruction unit 22, receives all the processing result information 13 from the signal processing unit 70 corresponding to each camera, and collectively performs a pass / fail determination (S 132). As the total result signal 14 to the result operation output unit 24 (S125). The result operation output unit 24 receives the sensing trigger signal 38 and the operation instruction signal 17 from the sensor B8, and outputs a drive trigger signal 33 in accordance with the transport timing of the inspection object 1 when the inspection object 1 fails. The rejected product selection unit 4 is driven by the drive trigger signal 33 and removes the rejected inspection object 1 (step 133).
[0039]
The result summarizing unit 25 sums up the processing result information 13 from the signal processing unit 70 corresponding to each camera at the same time using soft computing software, and performs pass / fail judgment (S132) and extracts the summarizing result information (S135). In the general result information extraction (S135), the processing result information 13 of all the images from all the cameras is evaluated by a preset soft computing software, and the general result of the complex shape object 1 which is the test object is comprehensively evaluated. The information 61 is obtained, sent to the process management system (not shown) by the information output unit 29, and used for adjusting parameters of the manufacturing machine in the process. The general information 61 also includes individual general information, and characteristic specific data including trends and rejection factors of the individual general information.
[0040]
In this way, the inspection signal processing unit 3 that connects the required number of signal processing units 70 to the signal control unit 20 for the complex shape object 1 that is sequentially conveyed at high speed on the conveyance line 2 causes, for example, 30 inspection objects per second. It is possible to judge the pass / fail of the complex-shaped object 1 as an object, and perform an appearance inspection that can select the object. If one signal processing unit 70 is added, it can be expanded to 37 visual inspection devices per second.
[0041]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, by using the signal control unit 20, it is possible to secure several times the processing capability of one signal processing unit 70, and to comprehensively determine information from a plurality of devices. Pass / fail processing can be performed. At the same time, by outputting the summary result information, it is possible to obtain a state of the production line and an information transmission system of a high-speed feedback type automatic process self-adjustment function.
[0042]
Also, the signal control unit is provided with a result summarizing unit that sums up the m pieces of processing result information of each device with soft computing software, and extracts the individual summarizing result information, and identifies and sends out trends and unique data of the summarizing result information. As a result, it can be used as information to control the overall analysis result of the test object by multiple devices and its trend and unique information as high-order control, and it becomes high-speed feedback data of the process, information that enables stable product manufacturing control and error handling It can be a transmitter.
[0043]
Further, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to increase the speed by passing the signal of one camera to a plurality of processing systems in order and performing the processing, and returning the results from each of the processing systems. In addition, in order to inspect a three-dimensional object, it is possible to realize an inspection device that performs processing by distributing a plurality of cameras and a plurality of processing systems and processing them, integrating them, and outputting a result at a high speed. .
[0044]
In addition, it is possible to have a signal control that organically controls a plurality of processing devices that process high-speed and high-resolution devices with software that can be quickly turned around and distributes and allocates signals to create a total high-resolution and high-speed processing system. As a result, it is possible to secure a high processing capability that can make a small turn.
Further, it is possible to realize matrix signal control which receives results in series with a system which issues an instruction signal in parallel and outputs a total result, and furthermore, this matrix configuration and timing can be externally set or controlled.
[0045]
In addition, this signal control unit is equipped with a trigger sensor and illumination operated by a trigger and a plurality of cameras, and a plurality of image processing devices (or image grab analysis boards) are connected to form a complicated shape that cannot be achieved by one signal processing unit. By combining a plurality of signal generating devices and a plurality of signal processing means in accordance with the requirements of the system and controlling the visual inspection of an inspection object or the like having the above, organic judgment and high-speed processing can be performed. The inspection apparatus as described above can be realized.
In addition, by using actuators via a plurality of drivers for the general information output system, the system can be extended to automatic devices.
[0046]
As described above, the m × n signal control unit according to the present embodiment incorporates a plurality of inexpensive batch processing information grab boards and a plurality of CPUs to flexibly assemble specifications required for inspection and measurement. Thus, it is possible to provide a device capable of greatly increasing the processing ability to be able to make small turns in accordance with the substance of the device.
[0047]
In operation, the control system can output each instruction signal so as to capture an image or the like into a free processing device. Further, the processing device that receives the instruction signal can fetch the target data such as an image in synchronization with the timing, process the data, and output the result.
In addition, one or a plurality of all processing results for one object can be collected, a conclusion of the sorting can be comprehensively obtained (by a circuit such as a fuzzy circuit), and a sorting control signal can be output in synchronization with the actual thing. .
[0048]
Although the above has been described focusing on the inspection and measurement in the production line, the signal control unit 20 is intended to create a new mode of the sensor fadeback automation device such as traffic monitoring, engine characteristic test, automatic driving, robot, and the like. Become.
[0049]
In the present embodiment, the test object is a complex shape object 1. However, the test object is not limited to the complex shape object, and a surface high-speed defect inspection which requires a load on other objects having a surface color pattern can also be performed. A possible system can be easily constructed.
In addition, the signal generation device 5 does not need to be a camera, and an inspection system using a plurality of various sensors such as a microphone and an ultrasonic sensor can be easily configured.
[0050]
In this case, as a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 6 shows a schematic configuration of a measurement processing apparatus using signal control having four types of signal generation devices and three signal processing units built in each. Show.
In FIG. 6, a signal control unit 20 capable of incorporating a signal processing unit up to 5 × 5 is used, and an area camera, a displacement sensor, an overcurrent sensor, and an ultrasonic sensor are attached as a signal generation device 5, each of which is four in total. It is assumed that the measurement processing device includes three signal processing units 70 per device.
[0051]
Therefore, the measurement processing device with built-in signal processing means according to the present embodiment is built in the signal control unit 20 in which each of the operation instructing unit 22 and the result generalizing unit 23 has five distributors 22 (including one for expansion). The configuration is such that three (12 in total) mold signal processing units 70 are incorporated.
The arrangement of devices, sensors, and the like varies depending on the inspection object and the required line specifications. The distributor 21 is the same if there is no problem such as the band of the signal, and is replaced if a signal suitable for the signal such as band characteristics is required. A required number of built-in signal processing units 71 of a one-board type equipped with a built-in CPU and RAM as signal processing units are incorporated. Otherwise, if each condition is set according to the previous example and the process is returned to the initial state and started, a 4 × 3 automatic measurement process becomes possible.
[0052]
Further, by slightly changing the configuration of this apparatus, the apparatus is changed from a batch type apparatus to an endless inspection apparatus.
For example, the area camera in FIG. 6 is replaced with a line sensor that outputs an endless video signal. The demultiplexer 55 (FIG. 4) which can also switch to the generation of an internal trigger of the operation instruction unit 22 and also has a function of overlapping the end of the operation instruction signal 12 of the embedded signal processing unit 71 with the start of the next operation instruction signal 12. ) To make the next operation instruction signal 12 overlap.
[0053]
The one-board type built-in signal processing unit 71 uses a mode in which signal acquisition is continued while the operation instruction signal 12 is input, and signal analysis is started when the operation instruction signal 12 is cut off. Thereby, the signal processing unit 71 can perform signal processing with ensuring the overlap. By repeating this cyclically, it is possible to easily construct an endless inspection apparatus without continuous omission.
[0054]
In the case of an endless inspection apparatus that continuously inspects a sheet-like product or a long object using four sensors by flowing it on a line, the acquired data of 12 milliseconds is overlapped by 2 milliseconds. At this time, if three signal processing units 71 are set for each device, an automatic endless device may be configured in which the corresponding signal processing unit 71 completes the analysis in 26 milliseconds and finishes transmitting the processing result information 13. it can.
[0055]
Next, a program according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.
When the inspection apparatus (including the measurement processing apparatus) according to the first and second embodiments described above is configured by a computer system, the above-described processing including the flowchart of FIG. 5 by each apparatus illustrated in FIGS. The programs to be executed by the CPU of the computer each constitute a program according to the present invention. Further, a recording medium for recording the program constitutes a recording medium according to the present invention.
[0056]
As this recording medium, a magneto-optical disk, an optical disk, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic recording medium, or the like can be used, and these may be configured as a ROM, a RAM, a CD-ROM, a flexible disk, a memory card, or the like. The recording medium holds the program for a certain period of time, such as a volatile memory such as a RAM inside a computer system serving as a server or a client when the program is transmitted through a network such as the Internet or a communication line such as a telephone line. Some of them are included.
[0057]
Further, the above program may be transmitted from a computer system storing the program in a storage device or the like to another computer system via a transmission medium or by a transmission wave in the transmission medium. The transmission medium is a medium having a function of transmitting information, such as a network (communication network) such as the Internet or a communication line (communication line) such as a telephone line.
[0058]
Further, the program may be for realizing a part of the functions described above. Furthermore, what can implement | achieve the function mentioned above in combination with the program already recorded on the computer system, and what is called a difference file (difference program) may be sufficient.
[0059]
Therefore, each of the embodiments can also be implemented by using this recording medium in a system or apparatus different from the system or apparatus of FIGS. 3 and 6 and executing a program stored in the recording medium by a computer of the system or apparatus. Functions and effects equivalent to the functions and effects described above can be obtained, and the object of the present invention can be achieved.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, when performing signal processing such as appearance inspection of an inspection object having a complicated shape that cannot be performed by one signal processing unit, the number of used signal generation devices (the number of input signals) And the number of signal processing means used are appropriately combined according to the inspection content and processing content, and by introducing a signal control unit that controls and evaluates them, efficient and high-speed processing is performed with a minimum necessary processing. Processing can be realized. In addition, various system constructions can be easily realized, and an inexpensive and small-turn system can be realized.
Further, by overlapping the operation instruction signals to the signal processing means, it is possible to easily realize an endless inspection apparatus for continuously inspecting a long object or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIGS. 1A and 1B are a top view and a front view, respectively, showing a configuration of a visual inspection apparatus for a complex-shaped object according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are a top view and a front view showing an example of a complex-shaped object. FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a visual inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a signal control unit.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an operation of the visual inspection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measurement processing apparatus using signal control according to a second embodiment of the present invention, which also has signal processing means having four types of signal generation devices.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 complex shapes
2 Transport line
3 Inspection processing section
5 Camera (signal generation device)
11 Video signal
12, 15, 16 Operation instruction signal
13 Processing result information
14 Total result signal
20 signal control unit
22 Operation instruction section
23 Setting and Generalization Department
24 Result operation output section
25 Results Division
28 Matrix limiter
29 Information output means
35 Video signal
69 Multi-signal processing unit
70 signal processing unit (image processing device)
71 Embedded signal processing unit

Claims (8)

M signal generating devices for inspecting an inspection object and generating an inspection signal;
M × n signal processing means configured to process test signals from each signal generating device, and provided m sets of n sets for each signal generating device;
Operation instructing means for sequentially instructing and operating the n signal processing means in each set one by one in a circular fashion;
General processing means for comprehensively processing the m pieces of processing result information obtained from the m signal processing means instructed by the operation instructing means and outputting general result information on the inspection object. Inspection equipment. 2. The operation instruction unit according to claim 1, wherein the operation instruction unit outputs an operation instruction signal at a time required for the signal processing unit to capture the inspection signal, and sequentially outputs the operation instruction signals. Inspection equipment. m × n signal processing means configured to process m input signals, and provided m sets of n signals for each input signal;
Operation instructing means for sequentially instructing and operating the n signal processing means in each set one by one in a circular fashion;
A signal processing device comprising: a generalization unit that comprehensively processes m pieces of processing result information obtained from the m signal processing units specified by the operation instruction unit and outputs generalization result information. . 4. The operation instruction unit according to claim 3, wherein the operation instruction unit outputs an operation instruction signal at a time required for the signal processing unit to capture the signal, and sequentially outputs the operation instruction signals in an overlapping manner. Signal processing device. 5. The signal processing device according to claim 3, wherein the m input signals are of 1 to m types. 6. The signal processing device according to claim 3, wherein the number of m and n is changeable. an operation of sequentially instructing and operating each set of signal processing means in the m × n signal processing means provided in m sets, where n sets are set for every one of the m input signals. Instruction processing,
Signal processing for processing each input signal by m signal processing means instructed by the operation instruction processing;
A program for causing a computer to execute a general process of comprehensively processing m pieces of processing result information obtained by the signal processing and outputting general result information. 8. The program according to claim 7, wherein the operation instruction processing outputs an operation instruction signal at a time necessary for the signal processing unit to capture an inspection signal, and the operation instruction signals are sequentially overlapped and output. .

Images