JP2004061452A

JP2004061452A - Foreign matter inspection device and its method

Info

Publication number: JP2004061452A
Application number: JP2002223844A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Osamu Hirakawa; 平川　修; Shinji Hatazawa; 畑澤　新治
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Works Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Electric Works Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-07-31
Filing date: 2002-07-31
Publication date: 2004-02-26

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enhance the capability of detecting the presence or absence of foreign matter by suppressing the refraction and reflection of light generated in a translucent container containing contents. SOLUTION: The device is provided with: a translucent liquid bath 2 containing water 20 as translucent liquid, for inserting, in the water 20, a hermetically-sealed translucent container 1 containing translucent liquid contents 10, a lighting equipment 3 which irradiates uniformly surface-like light to the container 1 in the water bath 2; and a CCD camera 4 which photographs the container 1 irradiated with the surface-like light by this lighting equipment 3. The device is configured such that the container 1 is photographed by the CCD camera 4 in a state where the container 1 is inserted into the water 20 contained in the water bath 2, thereby suppressing the refraction and reflection of the light generated in the container 1. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、透光性の容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査する異物検査装置およびその方法に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、透光性の容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査する装置ないし方法が種々提案されている。
【０００３】
例えば、特開平６−２７３３５１号公報には、液体の入った容器を回転させる回転機構と、回転機構により容器を回転させて容器の回転方向における同一位置を複数回透視撮影し、検査画像信号を出力する透視手段と、複数の検査画像信号同士を相互に比較する比較手段と、比較結果に基づいて浮遊異物の有無を判定する判定手段とを有する液中異物検査装置が開示されている。この装置によれば、容器を回転させて液中の浮遊異物が常に同一位置に現れないようにすることで、容器表面に付着した異物と区別し、容器内の液体中に混入した浮遊異物のみを的確に検出することができる。
【０００４】
特開２０００−３２９７０４公報には、被検査体を所定区間傾斜させて搬送して被検査体の容器内部の一箇所に沈殿物を集中させ、集中させた箇所を検査して沈殿異物を検出するようにした沈殿異物検出方法などが開示されている。この方法によれば、集中させた箇所を検査して沈殿異物を検出することで、検出が困難であったガラス片等の沈殿異物を高速且つ高精度で検出することができる。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記双方の公報に記載されたものでは、検査対象物に対する照明および撮像状態により異物の有無を判別することができない場合があった。特に、壜などの透光性の容器に対しては、斜め上方ないし下方から壜の側面の一部を含むその底面側全体をフレーム内に収めて撮像することにより、容器内に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することが望ましいが、このようにして得た画像では、容器による光の屈折および反射のために、容器内に異物が混入しているか否かを的確に検査することが困難となる場合があった。
【０００６】
すなわち、検査対象物がプリズムのような特性を持つ筒状の壜やアンプルなどの透光性の容器である場合、撮像される異物の画像の大きさが変化するという問題と、光源からの光がその軸に沿って容器を透過しなくなるという問題とがあった。
【０００７】
図９に示すように、容器１をこの側面からＣＣＤカメラ４で撮像した場合、容器１の凸プリズムのような特性により光が屈折するので、ＣＣＤカメラ４の視野軌跡４１が容器１を透過する距離に比例して狭くなり、撮像される容器１内部の異物の大きさが変化してしまう。
【０００８】
図１０に示すように、図示しない点光源からの光３０を液体の入った容器１に対して斜め上方から容器１の底面側に向けて照射し、その底面の下方側に図示しないＣＣＤカメラなどを設けて検査する場合、光３０は、容器１の側面で３１，３２の角度で屈折した後、容器１の底面に入射角３３で入射するが、この入射角３３が臨界角を越えると、容器１の底方向に透過しなくなる。この結果、その透過しなくなった部分の画像情報が欠落することとなり、容器１におけるその部分に異物が存在しているか否かを検査することができなくなってしまう。
【０００９】
本発明は、上記事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、特に上記後者の問題を解決し、内容物を含む透光性の容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えて異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる異物検査装置およびその方法を提供することを目的とする。
【００１０】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上記課題を解決するための請求項１記載の発明の異物検査装置は、透光性の液状体を内部に含み、この液状体内に、内容物を含む透光性の容器の一部または全部を入れるための透光性の収容手段と、この収容手段内の容器に光を照射する光源と、この光源によって光が照射された容器の撮像を行う撮像手段と、この撮像手段の撮像結果を基に前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査する検査手段とを備え、前記収容手段が含む液状体内に前記容器を入れて、前記容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、前記撮像手段により前記容器の撮像を行うことを特徴とする。
【００１１】
請求項２記載の発明の異物検査装置は、内容物を含み形状が変形しやすい柔軟な透光性の容器の一部または全部を、空隙を無くすための予め決められた形状に強制的に補正して収容する収容手段と、この収容手段内の容器に光を照射する光源と、この光源によって光が照射された容器の撮像を行う撮像手段と、この撮像手段の撮像結果を基に前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査する検査手段とを備え、前記収容手段内に前記容器を入れて、前記容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えるとともにその容器を前記予め決められた形状に強制的に補正した状態で、前記撮像手段により前記容器の撮像を行うことを特徴とする。
【００１２】
請求項３記載の発明は、請求項２記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段は、透光性の液状体を内部に含み、その液状体を介して、前記容器の一部または全部を前記予め決められた形状に強制的に補正して収容することを特徴とする。
【００１３】
請求項４記載の発明は、請求項２または３記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段は、光に対する屈折率が前記容器に含まれる内容物のそれと近似していることを特徴とする。
【００１４】
請求項５記載の発明は、請求項１または３記載の異物検査装置において、前記液状体は、光に対する屈折率が前記容器に含まれる内容物のそれと近似していることを特徴とする。
【００１５】
請求項６記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段は、液体を内部に貯留する槽であることを特徴とする。
【００１６】
請求項７記載の発明は、請求項６記載の異物検査装置において、前記槽は少なくとも１つの面が平面形状であることを特徴とする。
【００１７】
請求項８記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記容器は、底面から側面が立設する形状に形成され、その底面と側面との間の角が最下点となるように傾けた状態で前記液状体内に入れられることを特徴とする。
【００１８】
請求項９記載の発明は、請求項２または３記載の異物検査装置において、前記液状体はゲル状体であり、前記収容手段は、内面に前記容器の一部または全部を前記予め決められた形状に強制的に補正するための凹部が形成された一対のハーフにより構成され、これら一対のハーフは、それぞれ平面形状の対向面を有し、前記光源は、前記一対のハーフの一方の対向面からそれらハーフ内の容器に光を照射し、前記撮像手段は、前記一対のハーフの他方の対向面からそれらハーフ内の容器を撮像することを特徴とする。
【００１９】
請求項１０記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段の内部に、前記容器と共に前記光源および前記撮像手段を入れることを特徴とする。
【００２０】
請求項１１記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段の外部に、前記光源および前記撮像手段を少なくとも１組み備えることを特徴とする。
【００２１】
請求項１２記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記光源は均一な平面状の光を照射する面光源であり、前記撮像手段は、前記収容手段を前記面光源との間に挟み、前記面光源の光学的な軸と正対した状態で、前記収容手段内の容器の撮像を行い、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる前記光源からの光の透過光量を利用して、前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することを特徴とする。
【００２２】
請求項１３記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記光源は均一な平面状の光を照射する面光源であり、前記撮像手段は前記光源の光軸から外れた位置に設けられ、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる前記面光源からの前記異物での反射ないし屈折光を利用して、前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することを特徴とする。
【００２３】
請求項１４記載の発明は、請求項１から１２のいずれかに記載の異物検査装置において、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる透過光量値を一定のレベルで２値化し、そのレベルよりも低い光量値を持つ画素を前記異物が存在する画素候補として処理し、その画素候補の大きさにより前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することを特徴とする。
【００２４】
請求項１５記載の発明は、請求項１から１１および１３のいずれかに記載の異物検査装置において、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる透過光量値を一定のレベルで２値化し、そのレベルよりも高い光量値を持つ画素を前記異物が存在する画素候補として処理し、その画素候補の大きさにより前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することを特徴とする。
【００２５】
請求項１６記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる各画素の透過光量値を周辺の画素の透過光量値と比較し、光量変化量の大きさにより前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することを特徴とする。
【００２６】
請求項１７記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果と、予め登録された良品の前記撮像手段による撮像結果とを比較することにより、前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することを特徴とする。
【００２７】
請求項１８記載の発明の異物検査方法は、請求項１から１７のいずれかに記載の異物検査装置を用いて、前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査する異物検査方法であって、前記収容手段内に前記容器を入れて、少なくとも前記容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、前記撮像手段により前記容器の撮像を行うことを特徴とする。
【００２８】
【発明の実施の形態】
（第１実施形態）
図１は異物検査装置（システム）の構成図であり、この図を参照しながら本発明に係る第１実施形態について説明する。
【００２９】
第１実施形態の異物検査装置は、図１に示すように、透光性で液状の内容物１０を含み密閉された透光性の容器１の内部にガラス片やゴム片やゴミなどの異物が混入しているか否かを検査するものであり、透光性の収容手段としての水槽２と、光源としての照明器具３と、撮像手段としてのＣＣＤカメラ４と、検査手段としての画像処理装置５とを備えている。容器１の例としては、図１に示すような筒状の壜や例えば上方側が細い筒状のビール壜などが挙げられる。
【００３０】
水槽２は、上方に開口２１を有し、上向きに傾斜し互いに対面する平面形状の側面２３，２４を持つ箱状に透光性部材により形成され、透光性の液状体として例えば水２０を内部に含み、この水２０内に容器１の一部または全部（図では一部）を入れるためのものである。
【００３１】
照明器具３は、面光源として、均一な平面状の光を水槽２内の容器１に照射するものであり、図１の例では、水槽２の側面２４側から容器１に光を照射するように配置されている。
【００３２】
ＣＣＤカメラ４は、照明器具３によって照明された容器１を撮像するものであり、図１の例では、水槽２を間に挟んで照明器具３と対向して、水槽２の側面２３側から容器１の底面側（一部側面を含む）を撮像するように配置されている。なお、本発明の撮像手段は、ＣＣＤカメラに限らず、照明された容器からの光を受光することができるものであればよい。
【００３３】
画像処理装置５は、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像結果を基に容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するための画像処理を実行するものである。図１の例では、ＣＣＤカメラ４が、水槽２を照明器具３との間に挟み、照明器具３の光軸と正対した状態で、水槽２内の容器１の撮像を行うので、画像処理装置５は、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像から得られる照明器具３からの光の透過光量の情報を含む画像（濃淡画像）を利用して、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するための画像処理を実行する。
【００３４】
この画像処理の具体例を幾つか挙げると、透過光量値を一定のレベルで２値化し、そのレベルよりも低い光量値を持つ画素を異物が存在する画素候補として処理することにより、その画素候補の大きさに応じて、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することができる。例えば、画素候補の大きさが所定画素数の大きさ以上であれば、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているとし、そうでなければ異物が混入していないとすることができる。
【００３５】
また、各画素の透過光量値を周辺の画素の透過光量値と比較することにより、光量変化量の大きさに応じて、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することができる。例えば、光量変化量の大きさが所定の基準変化量以上であれば、異物による光量変化量であるとすることができる。
【００３６】
さらに、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像結果と、予め登録された良品のＣＣＤカメラ４による撮像結果とを比較することにより、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することができる。例えば、透過光量値の相違する画素が所定数以上塊となって存在していれば、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているとすることができる。
【００３７】
ここで、照明器具３から照射された光３０は、水槽２の側面２４に対して垂直に入光し、側面２４で屈折しない。水槽２内に入光した光３０は、斜め下方から容器１の底面側に至り、このとき、容器１の内容物１０と水槽２内の水２０との屈折率が近似しているのでそのまま直進し、そして側面２４と対面する側面２３から垂直にＣＣＤカメラ４側へと屈折することなく出光する。従って、容器１内の底面側に異物が存在していなければ均一な面光源で照明された容器１を含む画像が得られ、異物が存在していればその異物の位置が暗くなる画像が得られることになる。
【００３８】
図２に図１の構成から水槽を取り除いた場合の構成図を示し、図３（ａ）に図１の構成により得られる撮像画像を示し、図３（ｂ）に図２の構成から得られる撮像画像を示す。第１実施形態によれば、容器１での光の屈折および反射を抑えることにより、図３（ａ）に示すように、容器１内に混入した異物（図３（ａ）では円内のガラス片）を画像処理により検出可能な濃淡状態で撮像することができる。これに対して、容器１での光の屈折および反射を抑えることができない図２の構成では、図１０で説明した光の屈折および反射により異物を含む領域が暗くなって、その異物を画像処理により検出可能な濃淡状態で撮像することができない。
【００３９】
このように、水槽２が含む水２０内に容器１を入れて、容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、ＣＣＤカメラ４により容器１を撮像することにより、内容物２０を含む透光性の容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えることができるため、ＣＣＤカメラ４を複数台使用することなく、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。特に、第１実施形態では、混入した異物が存在する確率の高い容器１の底面側を重点的に検査することができるので、望ましい異物検査装置となる。
【００４０】
また、水槽２に含まれる水２０は光に対する屈折率が容器１に含まれる内容物１０のそれと近似しているので、容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射をより好適に抑えることができる。
【００４１】
さらに、水槽２における照明器具３側の側面２４およびＣＣＤカメラ４側の側面２３の双方が平面形状であって互いに対面するので、照明器具３から側面２４に光を屈折しないように入光させることができ、側面２３から光を屈折しないように出光させることができるので、全体的な光の屈折の抑制が可能となる。
【００４２】
なお、第１実施形態では、水槽２の側面２３が水槽２内からの光を屈折させることなく出光させるように傾斜面となっているが、水槽２内で容器１を透過した後の光は、図３（ａ）に示した濃淡情報を含んだ状態にあるので、水槽２の側面２３が鉛直方向の平面であっても、その濃淡情報を含んだ状態の光が屈折するだけで、容器１内に混入した異物を検出することができるため、水槽２の側面２３は必ずしも傾斜面でなくても構わない。
【００４３】
（第２実施形態）
図４は異物検査装置の構成図であり、この図を参照しながら本発明に係る第２実施形態について説明する。
【００４４】
第２実施形態の異物検査装置は、図４に示すように、照明器具３と、ＣＣＤカメラ４と、画像処理装置５とを第１実施形態と同様に備えているほか、第１実施形態との相違点として、水槽２とは形状が異なる水槽２Ａを備えている。すなわち、水槽２Ａは、上方に開口２１を有し、底面２２から立設し互いに対面する平面形状の側面２３，２４を持つ箱状に透光性部材により形成されている。また、容器１は、底面から側面が立設する形状に形成されるが、その底面と側面との間の角が最下点となるように傾けた状態で水２０内に入れられる。
【００４５】
上記構成の異物検査装置でも、水槽２Ａが含む水２０内に容器１を入れて、容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、ＣＣＤカメラ４により容器１の撮像が行われる。そして、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像から得られる照明器具３からの光の透過光量の情報を含む画像を利用して、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かの検査が画像処理装置５によって実行される。
【００４６】
ここで、照明器具３から照射された光３０は、水槽２Ａの側面２４に対して垂直に入光し、側面２４で屈折しない。水槽２Ａ内に入光した光３０は、底面と側面との間の角が最下点となるように傾いた容器１の底面側に至り、このとき、容器１の内容物１０と水槽２Ａ内の水２０との屈折率が近似しているのでそのまま直進し、そして側面２４と対面する側面２３から垂直にＣＣＤカメラ４側へと屈折することなく出光する。従って、第２実施形態でも、容器１内の底面側に異物が存在していなければ均一な面光源で照明された容器１を含む画像が得られ、異物が存在していればその異物の位置が暗くなる画像が得られることになる。
【００４７】
このような第２実施形態によれば、第１実施形態と同様の効果が得られるとともに、容器１を底面と側面との間の角が最下点となるように傾けることにより、容器１に混入した異物をその角に集めることができ、その角をＣＣＤカメラ４で撮像して容器１に異物が混入しているか否かを重点的に検査することができる。
【００４８】
（第３実施形態）
図５は異物検査装置の構成図であり、この図を参照しながら本発明に係る第３実施形態について説明する。
【００４９】
第３実施形態の異物検査装置は、図５に示すように、照明器具３と、ＣＣＤカメラ４と、画像処理装置５とを第１実施形態と同様に備えているほか、第１実施形態との相違点として、水槽２とは形状が異なる水槽２Ｂを備えている。すなわち、水槽２Ｂは、容器１と共に照明器具３およびＣＣＤカメラ４を水２０内に入れることができる大きさの箱状に形成されている。ただし、照明器具３およびＣＣＤカメラ４は防水構造になっているものとする。
【００５０】
上記構成の異物検査装置では、水槽２Ｂが含む水２０内に、第１実施形態と同様の位置関係で、容器１と共に照明器具３およびＣＣＤカメラ４を入れて、容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、ＣＣＤカメラ４により容器１の撮像が行われる。そして、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像から得られる照明器具３からの光の透過光量の情報を含む画像を利用して、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かの検査が画像処理装置５によって実行される。
【００５１】
ここで、照明器具３から照射された光３０は、屈折することなく、斜め下方から容器１の底面側に至り、このとき、容器１の内容物１０と水槽２Ｂ内の水２０との屈折率が近似しているのでそのまま直進し、そして屈折することなくＣＣＤカメラ４側へと入光する。従って、容器１内の底面側に異物が存在していなければ均一な面光源で照明された容器１を含む画像が得られ、異物が存在していればその異物の位置が暗くなる画像が得られることになる。
【００５２】
このような第３実施形態によれば、全てがほぼ同じ媒体中に設置されるため、屈折による影響を受けずに異物の混入検査が可能となる。
【００５３】
（第４実施形態）
図６は異物検査装置の構成図であり、この図を参照しながら本発明に係る第４実施形態について説明する。
【００５４】
第４実施形態の異物検査装置は、図６に示すように、照明器具３と、ＣＣＤカメラ４とを第１実施形態と同様に備えているほか、第１実施形態との相違点として、水槽２Ｃと、画像処理装置５Ａとを備えている。
【００５５】
ただし、ＣＣＤカメラ４は、照明器具３から直接光が入射しないように照明器具３の光軸から外れた位置に設けられる。図６の例では、立設した容器１の底面側を斜め上方から撮像するように配置されている。
【００５６】
水槽２Ｃは、上方に開口２１を有し、平面形状の底面２２から立設する平面形状の側面２４を持つ箱状に透光性部材により形成され、底面２２に遮光性の黒い背景板６が設けられている。なお、側面２４以外の側面は、平面形状の側面でも例えば断面がＣ字状の局面形状でもよいが、少なくとも側面２４と対面する側面は平面形状であるのが望ましい。
【００５７】
画像処理装置５Ａは、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像結果を基に容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するための画像処理を実行するものである。図６の例では、ＣＣＤカメラ４が照明器具３の光軸から外れた位置に設けられるので、画像処理装置５Ａは、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像から得られる照明器具３からの異物での反射ないし屈折光を利用して、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するための画像処理を実行する。
【００５８】
この画像処理の具体例としては、透過光量値を一定のレベルで２値化し、そのレベルよりも高い光量値を持つ画素を異物が存在する画素候補として処理することにより、その画素候補の大きさに応じて、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査することができる。なお、この他の具体例については、第１実施形態の画像処理例と同様である。
【００５９】
上記構成の異物検査装置では、水槽２Ｃが含む水２０内に容器１を入れて、容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、ＣＣＤカメラ４により容器１の撮像が行われる。そして、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像から得られる照明器具３からの異物９での反射ないし屈折光を利用して、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かの検査が画像処理装置５Ａによって実行される。
【００６０】
ここで、照明器具３から照射された光３０は、水槽２Ｃの側面２４に対して垂直に入光し、側面２４で屈折しない。水槽２Ｃ内に入光した光３０は、容器１の底面側に至り、このとき、容器１の内容物１０と水槽２Ｃ内の水２０との屈折率が近似しているので、容器１内に異物がなければそのまま直進し、容器１の側面２３から出光する。これに対し、容器１内に異物９があれば、そこで光が反射ないし屈折する。従って、容器１内の底面側に異物が存在していなければ濃淡がほぼ均一な画像が得られ、異物が存在していればその異物の位置が明るくなる画像が得られることになる。
【００６１】
このように、水槽２Ｃが含む水２０内に容器１を入れて、容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、ＣＣＤカメラ４により容器１を撮像することにより、内容物２０を含む透光性の容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えることができるため、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００６２】
また、水槽２Ｃに含まれる水２０は光に対する屈折率が容器１に含まれる内容物１０のそれと近似しているので、容器１で発生する光の屈折をより好適に抑えることができる。
【００６３】
さらに、水槽２Ｃにおける照明器具３側の側面２４が平面形状であるので、照明器具３から側面２４に光を屈折しないように入光させることができるので、全体的な光の屈折の抑制が可能となる。
【００６４】
（第５実施形態）
図７は異物検査装置の構成図であり、この図を参照しながら本発明に係る第５実施形態について説明する。
【００６５】
第５実施形態の異物検査装置は、図７に示すように、照明器具３と、ＣＣＤカメラ４と、画像処理装置５Ａとを第４実施形態と同様に備えているほか、第４実施形態との相違点として水槽２Ｄを備えている。
【００６６】
水槽２Ｄは、上方に開口２１を有し、平面形状の底面２２から立設する平面形状の側面２４を持つ箱状に透光性部材により形成され、側面２４に遮光性の黒い背景板６が設けられている。なお、側面２４以外の側面は、平面形状の側面でも例えば断面がＣ字状の局面形状でもよいが、少なくとも側面２４と対面する側面２３は平面形状であるのが望ましい。
【００６７】
ただし、照明器具３は、水槽２Ｄの底面２２から容器１の底面側に光を照射するように配置されている。また、ＣＣＤカメラ４は、照明器具３から直接光が入射しないように照明器具３の主軸から外れた位置に設けられ、水槽２Ｄを介してその背景板６と対向するように配置されている。
【００６８】
上記構成の異物検査装置では、水槽２Ｄが含む水２０内に容器１を入れて、容器１で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、ＣＣＤカメラ４により容器１の撮像が行われる。そして、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像から得られる照明器具３からの異物９での反射ないし屈折光を利用して、容器１の内部に異物が混入しているか否かの検査が画像処理装置５Ａによって実行される。
【００６９】
ここで、照明器具３から照射された光３０は、水槽２Ｄの底面２２に対して垂直に入光し、底面２２で屈折しない。水槽２Ｄ内に入光した光３０は、容器１の底面側に至り、このとき、容器１の内容物１０と水槽２Ｄ内の水２０との屈折率が近似しているので、容器１内に異物がなければそのまま直進し、容器１の開口２１から出光する。これに対し、容器１内に異物９があれば、そこで光が反射ないし屈折する。従って、容器１内の底面側に異物が存在していなければ濃淡が均一な画像が得られ、異物が存在していればその異物の位置が明るくなる画像が得られることになる。
【００７０】
このような第５実施形態によっても、第４実施形態と同様の効果を奏することができる。
【００７１】
（第６実施形態）
図８は異物検査装置の構成図であり、この図を参照しながら本発明に係る第６実施形態について説明する。
【００７２】
第６実施形態の異物検査装置は、例えば点滴パックなどのように、透光性の液剤を内容物として含み形状が変形しやすい柔軟な透光性の（樹脂製）容器１Ａに異物が混入しているか否かを検査するものであり、図８に示すように、照明器具３と、ＣＣＤカメラ４と、画像処理装置５とを第１実施形態と同様に備えているほか、第１実施形態との相違点として、透光性で例えば樹脂製の収容体７を透光性の収容手段として備えている。
【００７３】
この収容体７は、容器１Ａの一部または全部を、空隙を無くすための予め決められた形状に強制的に補正して収容するものであり、容器１Ａを包み込む凹部７０を有する一対のハーフ７１，７２により構成され、それらの各凹部７０に例えばゲル状で透光性の液状体を含んでいる。それらの各凹部７０は、容器１Ａの変形しやすい形状のうち、容器１Ａとの間の空隙が最も少なくなるような形状に対応する凹面形状に形成され、容器１Ａの一部または全部（図８では一部）を一対のハーフ７１，７２で挟み込むことにより、空隙を無くすための予め決められた形状に容器１Ａを強制的に補正する。また、容器１Ａは、ゲル状で透光性の液状体を介してハーフ７１，７２で挟み込まれることになる。
【００７４】
ここで、上記透光性の液状体およびハーフ７１，７２は、容器１Ａの内容物と近似する屈折率を有している。また、ハーフ７１のＣＣＤカメラ４側の面７１１およびハーフ７２の照明器具３側の面７２１は、互いに対面する平面形状になっている。そして、照明器具３は、ハーフ７２の面７２１側から容器１Ａに光を照射するように配置され、ＣＣＤカメラ４は、ハーフ７１の面７１１側から容器１Ａを撮像するように配置されている。
【００７５】
上記構成の異物検査装置では、収容体７が含む透光性の液状体内に容器１Ａを入れて、容器１Ａで発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、ＣＣＤカメラ４により容器１Ａの撮像が行われる。そして、ＣＣＤカメラ４の撮像から得られる照明器具３からの光の透過光量の情報を含む画像を利用して、容器１Ａの内部に異物が混入しているか否かの検査が画像処理装置５によって実行される。
【００７６】
ここで、照明器具３から照射された光３０は、収容体７のハーフ７２の面７２１に対して垂直に入光し、面７２１で屈折しない。収容体７内に入光した光３０は、容器１Ａに至り、このとき、容器１Ａの内容物と収容体７の透光性の液状体との屈折率が近似しているのでそのまま直進し、そして面７２１と対面するハーフ７１の面７１１から垂直にＣＣＤカメラ４側へと屈折することなく出光する。従って、容器１Ａ内に異物が存在していなければ均一な面光源で照明された容器１Ａを含む画像が得られ、異物が存在していればその異物の位置が暗くなる画像が得られることになる。
【００７７】
このような第６実施形態によっても、内容物を含む透光性の容器１Ａで発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えることができるため、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００７８】
なお、第６実施形態では、収容体７は、各凹部７０に液状体を含む構成になっているが、各凹部７０が空隙を無くすための予め決められた形状に容器１Ａを強制的に補正するので、各凹部７０に液状体を含まなくても構わない。
【００７９】
【発明の効果】
以上のことから明らかなように、請求項１記載の発明は、透光性の液状体を内部に含み、この液状体内に、内容物を含む透光性の容器の一部または全部を入れるための透光性の収容手段と、この収容手段内の容器に光を照射する光源と、この光源によって光が照射された容器の撮像を行う撮像手段と、この撮像手段の撮像結果を基に前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査する検査手段とを備え、前記収容手段が含む液状体内に前記容器を入れて、前記容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、前記撮像手段により前記容器の撮像を行うので、内容物を含む透光性の容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えることができるため、撮像手段を複数使用しなくても、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００８０】
請求項２記載の発明の異物検査装置は、内容物を含み形状が変形しやすい柔軟な透光性の容器の一部または全部を、空隙を無くすための予め決められた形状に強制的に補正して収容する収容手段と、この収容手段内の容器に光を照射する光源と、この光源によって光が照射された容器の撮像を行う撮像手段と、この撮像手段の撮像結果を基に前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査する検査手段とを備え、前記収容手段内に前記容器を入れて、前記容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えるとともにその容器を前記予め決められた形状に強制的に補正した状態で、前記撮像手段により前記容器の撮像を行うので、内容物を含む透光性の容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えることができるため、撮像手段を複数使用しなくても、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。また、容器の一部または全部を予め決められた形状に強制的に補正するので、容器の一部または全部と収容手段との間の空隙を無くし、空隙による光の屈折および反射を抑えることができる。
【００８１】
請求項３記載の発明は、請求項２記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段は、透光性の液状体を内部に含み、その液状体を介して、前記容器の一部または全部を前記予め決められた形状に強制的に補正して収容するので、より好適に、容器の一部または全部と収容手段との間の空隙を無くし、空隙による光の屈折および反射を抑えることができる。
【００８２】
請求項４記載の発明は、請求項２または３記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段は、光に対する屈折率が前記容器に含まれる内容物のそれと近似しているので、容器で発生する光の屈折をより好適に抑えることができる。
【００８３】
請求項５記載の発明は、請求項１または３記載の異物検査装置において、前記液状体は、光に対する屈折率が前記容器に含まれる内容物のそれと近似しているので、容器で発生する光の屈折をより好適に抑えることができる。
【００８４】
請求項６記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段は、液体を内部に貯留する槽であり、この構成でも、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００８５】
請求項７記載の発明は、請求項６記載の異物検査装置において、前記槽は少なくとも１つの面が平面形状であるので、その平面形状の面から容器に光源の光を照射するようにすれば、槽での光の屈折をも抑えることが可能になる。
【００８６】
請求項８記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記容器は、底面から側面が立設する形状に形成され、その底面と側面との間の角が最下点となるように傾けた状態で前記液状体内に入れられるので、その角を撮像手段で撮像して容器に異物が混入しているか否かを重点的に検査することができる。
【００８７】
請求項９記載の発明は、請求項２または３記載の異物検査装置において、前記液状体はゲル状体であり、前記収容手段は、内面に前記容器の一部または全部を前記予め決められた形状に強制的に補正するための凹部が形成された一対のハーフにより構成され、これら一対のハーフは、それぞれ平面形状の対向面を有し、前記光源は、前記一対のハーフの一方の対向面からそれらハーフ内の容器に光を照射し、前記撮像手段は、前記一対のハーフの他方の対向面からそれらハーフ内の容器を撮像するので、ハーフの対向面での光の屈折をも抑えることが可能になる。
【００８８】
請求項１０記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段の内部に、前記容器と共に前記光源および前記撮像手段を入れるので、屈折による影響を受けず異物の混入検査が可能となる。
【００８９】
請求項１１記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記収容手段の外部に、前記光源および前記撮像手段を少なくとも１組み備えるのであり、この構成でも、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００９０】
請求項１２記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記光源は均一な平面状の光を照射する面光源であり、前記撮像手段は、前記収容手段を前記面光源との間に挟み、前記面光源の光学的な軸と正対した状態で、前記収容手段内の容器の撮像を行い、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる前記光源からの光の透過光量を利用して、前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するのであり、この構成でも、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００９１】
請求項１３記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記光源は均一な平面状の光を照射する面光源であり、前記撮像手段は前記光源の光軸から外れた位置に設けられ、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる前記面光源からの前記異物での反射ないし屈折光を利用して、前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するのであり、この構成でも、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００９２】
請求項１４記載の発明は、請求項１から１２のいずれかに記載の異物検査装置において、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる透過光量値を一定のレベルで２値化し、そのレベルよりも低い光量値を持つ画素を前記異物が存在する画素候補として処理し、その画素候補の大きさにより前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するのであり、この構成でも、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００９３】
請求項１５記載の発明は、請求項１から１１および１３のいずれかに記載の異物検査装置において、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる透過光量値を一定のレベルで２値化し、そのレベルよりも高い光量値を持つ画素を前記異物が存在する画素候補として処理し、その画素候補の大きさにより前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するのであり、この構成でも、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００９４】
請求項１６記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果から得られる各画素の透過光量値を周辺の画素の透過光量値と比較し、光量変化量の大きさにより前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するのであり、この構成でも、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【００９５】
請求項１７記載の発明は、請求項１記載の異物検査装置において、前記検査手段は、前記撮像手段の撮像結果と、予め登録された良品の前記撮像手段による撮像結果とを比較することにより、前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査するので、より好適に容器内の異物を検出することができる。
【００９６】
請求項１８記載の発明の異物検査方法は、請求項１から１７のいずれかに記載の異物検査装置を用いて、前記容器の内部に異物が混入しているか否かを検査する異物検査方法であって、前記収容手段内に前記容器を入れて、少なくとも前記容器で発生する光の屈折および反射を抑えた状態で、前記撮像手段により前記容器の撮像を行うので、異物の有無の検出能力を高めることができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係る第１実施形態の異物検査装置の構成図である。
【図２】図１の構成から水槽を取り除いた場合の構成図である。
【図３】図１の異物検査装置の効果を説明するための図であって、表示装置上に表示された中間画像をプリンタで印刷出力して得た図面に代わる写真である。
【図４】本発明に係る第２実施形態の異物検査装置の構成図である。
【図５】本発明に係る第３実施形態の異物検査装置の構成図である。
【図６】本発明に係る第４実施形態の異物検査装置の構成図である。
【図７】本発明に係る第５実施形態の異物検査装置の構成図である。
【図８】本発明に係る第６実施形態の異物検査装置の構成図である。
【図９】撮像される異物の画像の大きさが変化する問題点の説明図である。
【図１０】光源からの光がその軸に沿って容器を透過しなくなる問題点の説明図である。
【符号の説明】
１，１Ａ　容器
１０　内容物
２，２Ａ，２Ｂ，２Ｃ，２Ｄ　水槽
２０　水
３　照明器具
４　ＣＣＤカメラ
５，５Ａ　画像処理装置
６　背景板
７　収容体[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a foreign matter inspection apparatus and a method for inspecting whether or not foreign matter is mixed in a translucent container.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various devices and methods have been proposed for inspecting whether or not foreign matter is mixed in a translucent container.
[0003]
For example, JP-A-6-273351 discloses a rotating mechanism for rotating a container containing a liquid, and a rotating mechanism for rotating the container to perform fluoroscopic imaging of the same position in the rotating direction of the container a plurality of times. There is disclosed an apparatus for inspecting foreign substances in liquid having a fluoroscopic means for outputting, a comparing means for comparing a plurality of inspection image signals with each other, and a determining means for determining the presence or absence of a floating foreign substance based on the comparison result. According to this device, by rotating the container so that the floating foreign matter in the liquid does not always appear at the same position, it is distinguished from the foreign matter attached to the surface of the container, and only the floating foreign matter mixed into the liquid in the container. Can be accurately detected.
[0004]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-329704 discloses that an object to be inspected is inclined at a predetermined section, conveyed, and the sediment is concentrated at one place inside the container of the object to be inspected, and the concentrated part is inspected to detect a precipitated foreign matter. A method for detecting precipitated foreign matter as described above is disclosed. According to this method, it is possible to detect a precipitated foreign substance such as a glass piece, which has been difficult to detect, at high speed and with high accuracy by inspecting the concentrated portion and detecting the precipitated foreign substance.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in both of the above publications, it may not be possible to determine the presence or absence of a foreign object based on the illumination of the inspection target and the imaging state. In particular, for light-transmissive containers such as bottles, foreign matter is mixed into the container by capturing the entire bottom side, including a part of the side surface of the bottle, from the upper side or lower side in the frame and taking an image. It is desirable to inspect whether or not foreign matter has entered the container because of the refraction and reflection of light by the container. Sometimes it was difficult.
[0006]
That is, when the object to be inspected is a translucent container such as a cylindrical bottle or an ampule having characteristics such as a prism, the size of the image of the foreign matter to be captured changes, and the light from the light source However, there is a problem that it does not pass through the container along the axis.
[0007]
As shown in FIG. 9, when the container 1 is imaged from this side by the CCD camera 4, the light is refracted by the characteristic of the container 1 such as a convex prism, so that the visual field locus 41 of the CCD camera 4 passes through the container 1. It becomes narrow in proportion to the distance, and the size of the foreign matter inside the container 1 to be imaged changes.
[0008]
As shown in FIG. 10, light 30 from a point light source (not shown) is radiated obliquely from above onto the container 1 containing liquid toward the bottom surface of the container 1, and a CCD camera or the like (not shown) is provided below the bottom surface. In the case of inspection, the light 30 is refracted at angles 31 and 32 on the side surface of the container 1 and then incident on the bottom surface of the container 1 at an incident angle 33. When the incident angle 33 exceeds the critical angle, It does not pass through the bottom of the container 1. As a result, the image information of the portion where the light transmission is lost is lost, and it becomes impossible to inspect whether or not the foreign material exists in the portion of the container 1.
[0009]
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and in particular, solves the latter problem, and suppresses the refraction and reflection of light generated in a light-transmitting container containing contents to detect the presence or absence of a foreign substance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a foreign matter inspection device and a method thereof capable of improving the quality.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a foreign matter inspection apparatus including a light-transmitting liquid material, and a part or all of a light-transmitting container including contents therein. A light-transmissive storage means for receiving the light, a light source for irradiating the container within the storage means with light, an imaging means for imaging the container illuminated by the light source, and Inspection means for inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container, and the container is placed in a liquid body contained in the storage means, thereby suppressing refraction and reflection of light generated in the container. In this state, the imaging unit images the container.
[0011]
In the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, a part or all of the flexible translucent container including the contents and whose shape is easily deformed is forcibly corrected to a predetermined shape for eliminating a void. Receiving means for irradiating the container with light, a light source for irradiating the container with light, an imaging means for capturing an image of the container illuminated by the light source, and the container based on an imaging result of the imaging means. Inspection means for inspecting whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the inside of the container, the container is placed in the storage means, refraction and reflection of light generated in the container are suppressed, and the container is determined in advance. The container is imaged by the imaging means in a state where the shape is forcibly corrected to the set shape.
[0012]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the second aspect, the housing means includes a light-transmissive liquid material therein, and a part or the entirety of the container is provided through the liquid material. It is characterized in that it is forcibly corrected to a predetermined shape and accommodated.
[0013]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the second or third aspect, the accommodation means has a refractive index with respect to light similar to that of the contents contained in the container.
[0014]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first or third aspect, the liquid material has a refractive index with respect to light similar to that of the contents contained in the container.
[0015]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage means is a tank for storing a liquid therein.
[0016]
The invention according to claim 7 is the foreign matter inspection device according to claim 6, wherein at least one surface of the tank has a planar shape.
[0017]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the container is formed to have a shape in which a side surface is erected from a bottom surface, and an angle between the bottom surface and the side surface is a lowest point. It is characterized in that it can be put into the liquid body in a state where it is tilted.
[0018]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection device according to the second or third aspect, the liquid material is a gel-like material, and the housing means has a part or the entirety of the container on an inner surface thereof, which is determined in advance. It is constituted by a pair of halves in which a concave portion for forcibly correcting the shape is formed, each of the halves has a plane-shaped opposing surface, and the light source is one opposing surface of the pair of halves. And irradiating the containers in the halves with light, and the imaging means images the containers in the halves from the other facing surface of the pair of halves.
[0019]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the light source and the image pickup unit are placed together with the container in the housing unit.
[0020]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, at least one set of the light source and the imaging unit is provided outside the housing unit.
[0021]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the light source is a surface light source that irradiates a uniform planar light, and the imaging unit moves the housing unit between the surface light source and the housing unit. Between the light source and the optical axis of the surface light source, the imaging unit performs imaging of the container in the housing unit, and the inspection unit transmits light from the light source obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit. It is characterized in that it is inspected whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container by using the amount of light.
[0022]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the light source is a surface light source that irradiates uniform planar light, and the imaging unit is provided at a position off the optical axis of the light source. The inspection means inspects whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container using reflected or refracted light of the foreign matter from the surface light source obtained from an imaging result of the imaging means. It is characterized by the following.
[0023]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the inspection unit binarizes a transmitted light amount value obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit at a constant level, A pixel having a light amount value lower than that level is processed as a pixel candidate in which the foreign matter is present, and whether the foreign matter is mixed in the container is inspected based on the size of the pixel candidate. .
[0024]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh and thirteenth aspects, the inspection means converts a transmitted light amount value obtained from an imaging result of the imaging means into a binary value at a constant level. And processing a pixel having a light amount value higher than that level as a pixel candidate in which the foreign matter is present, and inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container according to the size of the pixel candidate. And
[0025]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the inspection unit compares a transmitted light amount value of each pixel obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit with a transmitted light amount value of a peripheral pixel, It is characterized in that whether or not a foreign substance has entered the inside of the container is inspected based on the magnitude of the light amount change amount.
[0026]
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the inspection unit compares an imaging result of the imaging unit with an imaging result of a pre-registered good product by the imaging unit. It is characterized in that it is inspected whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container.
[0027]
A foreign matter inspection method according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a foreign matter inspection method for inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container using the foreign matter inspection device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects. Then, the container is placed in the storage means, and the container is imaged by the imaging means in a state where at least refraction and reflection of light generated in the container are suppressed.
[0028]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device (system), and a first embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0029]
As shown in FIG. 1, the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a foreign matter such as a glass piece, a rubber piece, or dust inside a sealed translucent container 1 containing a translucent liquid content 10. To check whether water is mixed in, a water tank 2 as a light-transmissive housing means, a lighting fixture 3 as a light source, a CCD camera 4 as an imaging means, and an image processing device as an inspection means. 5 is provided. Examples of the container 1 include a cylindrical bottle as shown in FIG. 1 and, for example, a cylindrical beer bottle having a thin upper side.
[0030]
The water tank 2 has an opening 21 at the top, is formed of a box-shaped light-transmitting member having planar side surfaces 23 and 24 inclined upward and facing each other. It is contained inside and is for putting a part or all (a part in the figure) of the container 1 in the water 20.
[0031]
The lighting fixture 3 irradiates a uniform planar light to the container 1 in the water tank 2 as a surface light source. In the example of FIG. 1, the light is applied to the container 1 from the side surface 24 side of the water tank 2. Are located in
[0032]
The CCD camera 4 captures an image of the container 1 illuminated by the lighting device 3. In the example of FIG. 1, the CCD camera 4 faces the lighting device 3 with the water tank 2 interposed therebetween, and the container is viewed from the side surface 23 of the water tank 2. 1 are arranged so as to capture an image of the bottom surface side (including some side surfaces). Note that the imaging means of the present invention is not limited to a CCD camera, but may be any means capable of receiving light from an illuminated container.
[0033]
The image processing device 5 executes image processing for inspecting whether or not a foreign substance has entered the inside of the container 1 based on the imaging result of the CCD camera 4. In the example of FIG. 1, since the CCD camera 4 sandwiches the water tank 2 between the lighting apparatus 3 and faces the optical axis of the lighting apparatus 3, the CCD camera 4 images the container 1 in the water tank 2. The device 5 inspects whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container 1 using an image (shade image) containing information on the amount of transmitted light of the light from the lighting device 3 obtained from the image captured by the CCD camera 4. To perform image processing.
[0034]
Some specific examples of this image processing are as follows. The transmitted light amount is binarized at a certain level, and a pixel having a light amount lower than that level is processed as a pixel candidate having a foreign substance. It is possible to inspect whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container 1 according to the size of the container. For example, if the size of the pixel candidate is equal to or larger than the predetermined number of pixels, it can be determined that foreign matter has entered the inside of the container 1, and otherwise, it can be determined that foreign matter has not entered.
[0035]
Further, by comparing the transmitted light amount value of each pixel with the transmitted light amount values of peripheral pixels, it is possible to inspect whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container 1 according to the magnitude of the amount of change in light amount. it can. For example, if the magnitude of the change in light amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference change amount, it can be determined that the change amount is a light amount change due to foreign matter.
[0036]
Furthermore, by comparing the imaging result of the CCD camera 4 with the imaging result of the non-defective CCD camera 4 registered in advance, it is possible to inspect whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container 1. For example, if a predetermined number or more of the pixels having different transmitted light amount values exist as a lump, it can be determined that a foreign substance has entered the inside of the container 1.
[0037]
Here, the light 30 emitted from the lighting fixture 3 enters perpendicularly to the side surface 24 of the water tank 2 and does not refract at the side surface 24. The light 30 that has entered the water tank 2 reaches the bottom surface side of the container 1 from obliquely below, and at this time, the refractive index of the content 10 of the container 1 and the water 20 in the water tank 2 are similar, so that the light 30 proceeds straight. Then, light is emitted from the side surface 23 facing the side surface 24 to the CCD camera 4 side vertically without refraction. Therefore, if no foreign matter is present on the bottom side of the container 1, an image including the container 1 illuminated with a uniform surface light source can be obtained, and if foreign matter exists, an image in which the position of the foreign matter is dark can be obtained. Will be done.
[0038]
FIG. 2 shows a configuration diagram when the water tank is removed from the configuration in FIG. 1, FIG. 3A shows a captured image obtained by the configuration in FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B shows the captured image obtained from the configuration in FIG. 4 shows a captured image. According to the first embodiment, by suppressing the refraction and reflection of light in the container 1, as shown in FIG. 3A, the foreign matter mixed in the container 1 (in FIG. 3A, the glass inside the circle) ) Can be imaged in a shaded state that can be detected by image processing. On the other hand, in the configuration of FIG. 2 in which the refraction and reflection of light in the container 1 cannot be suppressed, the region including the foreign matter becomes dark due to the refraction and reflection of the light described with reference to FIG. It is not possible to take an image in a shade state that can be detected.
[0039]
As described above, the container 20 is put into the water 20 included in the water tank 2, and the content 20 is imaged by the CCD camera 4 while the refraction and reflection of light generated in the container 1 are suppressed. Since refraction and reflection of light generated in the translucent container 1 can be suppressed, the ability to detect the presence or absence of a foreign substance can be enhanced without using a plurality of CCD cameras 4. In particular, in the first embodiment, since it is possible to mainly inspect the bottom surface side of the container 1 in which there is a high probability that mixed foreign matter is present, a desirable foreign matter inspection apparatus is obtained.
[0040]
Further, since the refractive index of the water 20 contained in the water tank 2 with respect to light is similar to that of the contents 10 contained in the container 1, refraction and reflection of light generated in the container 1 can be suppressed more suitably.
[0041]
Furthermore, since both the side surface 24 on the side of the lighting fixture 3 and the side surface 23 on the side of the CCD camera 4 in the water tank 2 have a planar shape and face each other, the light from the lighting fixture 3 enters the side surface 24 so as not to be refracted. And light can be emitted from the side surface 23 so as not to be refracted, so that overall refraction of light can be suppressed.
[0042]
In the first embodiment, the side surface 23 of the water tank 2 has an inclined surface so as to emit light from the water tank 2 without refraction. 3 (a), even if the side surface 23 of the water tank 2 is a vertical plane, the light containing the density information is merely refracted, and the The side surface 23 of the water tank 2 does not necessarily have to be an inclined surface because foreign substances mixed into the inside 1 can be detected.
[0043]
(2nd Embodiment)
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device, and a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 4, the foreign matter inspection device of the second embodiment includes a lighting device 3, a CCD camera 4, and an image processing device 5 in the same manner as the first embodiment. As a different point, a water tank 2A having a shape different from that of the water tank 2 is provided. That is, the water tank 2A has an opening 21 above, and is formed of a box-shaped translucent member having planar side surfaces 23 and 24 that stand upright from the bottom surface 22 and face each other. Further, the container 1 is formed in a shape in which the side surface stands from the bottom surface, and is put into the water 20 in a state where the angle between the bottom surface and the side surface is inclined to be the lowest point.
[0045]
Also in the foreign substance inspection device having the above configuration, the container 1 is imaged by the CCD camera 4 in a state where the container 1 is put in the water 20 contained in the water tank 2A and the refraction and reflection of light generated in the container 1 are suppressed. The image processing apparatus 5 checks whether or not foreign matter has entered the container 1 using an image including information on the amount of transmitted light of the light from the lighting device 3 obtained from the image captured by the CCD camera 4. Be executed.
[0046]
Here, the light 30 emitted from the lighting fixture 3 enters perpendicularly to the side surface 24 of the water tank 2A, and is not refracted by the side surface 24. The light 30 entering the water tank 2A reaches the bottom surface side of the container 1 inclined such that the angle between the bottom surface and the side surface becomes the lowest point. At this time, the contents 10 of the container 1 and the inside of the water tank 2A Since the refractive index of the water 20 is similar to that of the water 20, the light travels straight, and the light is emitted from the side surface 23 facing the side surface 24 without refraction to the CCD camera 4 side. Therefore, in the second embodiment as well, an image including the container 1 illuminated with a uniform surface light source is obtained if no foreign matter is present on the bottom surface side in the container 1, and the position of the foreign matter is detected if foreign matter is present. Will be obtained.
[0047]
According to such a second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the container 1 is tilted so that the angle between the bottom surface and the side surface is the lowest point. The contaminated foreign matter can be collected at the corner, and the corner can be imaged by the CCD camera 4 to check whether or not the foreign matter has entered the container 1.
[0048]
(Third embodiment)
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device, and a third embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0049]
As shown in FIG. 5, the foreign matter inspection device according to the third embodiment includes a lighting device 3, a CCD camera 4, and an image processing device 5 in the same manner as the first embodiment. As a different point, a water tank 2B having a shape different from that of the water tank 2 is provided. That is, the water tank 2 B is formed in a box shape having a size that allows the lighting fixture 3 and the CCD camera 4 to be put in the water 20 together with the container 1. However, the lighting fixture 3 and the CCD camera 4 have a waterproof structure.
[0050]
In the foreign matter inspection device having the above-described configuration, the lighting apparatus 3 and the CCD camera 4 are put together with the container 1 in the water 20 contained in the water tank 2B in the same positional relationship as in the first embodiment, and the light generated in the container 1 is refracted. The imaging of the container 1 is performed by the CCD camera 4 with the reflection suppressed. The image processing apparatus 5 checks whether or not foreign matter has entered the container 1 using an image including information on the amount of transmitted light of the light from the lighting device 3 obtained from the image captured by the CCD camera 4. Be executed.
[0051]
Here, the light 30 emitted from the lighting fixture 3 does not refract and reaches the bottom side of the container 1 from obliquely below, and at this time, the refractive index of the content 10 of the container 1 and the water 20 in the water tank 2B. Are straight forward, and enter the CCD camera 4 without refraction. Therefore, if no foreign matter is present on the bottom side of the container 1, an image including the container 1 illuminated with a uniform surface light source can be obtained, and if foreign matter exists, an image in which the position of the foreign matter is dark can be obtained. Will be done.
[0052]
According to the third embodiment, since all are installed in the substantially same medium, it is possible to perform a foreign substance mixing inspection without being affected by refraction.
[0053]
(Fourth embodiment)
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a foreign matter inspection apparatus, and a fourth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 6, the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the fourth embodiment includes a lighting device 3 and a CCD camera 4 in the same manner as the first embodiment. 2C and an image processing device 5A.
[0055]
However, the CCD camera 4 is provided at a position off the optical axis of the lighting fixture 3 so that light does not directly enter from the lighting fixture 3. In the example of FIG. 6, the container 1 is arranged so that the bottom surface side of the standing container 1 is imaged obliquely from above.
[0056]
The water tank 2C has an opening 21 on the upper side, is formed of a box-shaped translucent member having a planar side surface 24 standing upright from a planar bottom surface 22, and a light-shielding black background plate 6 is formed on the bottom surface 22. Is provided. The side surfaces other than the side surface 24 may have a planar shape or a C-shaped cross-sectional shape, for example, but it is preferable that at least the side surface facing the side surface 24 has a planar shape.
[0057]
The image processing device 5 A performs image processing for inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container 1 based on the imaging result of the CCD camera 4. In the example of FIG. 6, since the CCD camera 4 is provided at a position off the optical axis of the lighting fixture 3, the image processing device 5 A reflects or refracts foreign matter from the lighting fixture 3 obtained from the imaging of the CCD camera 4. Using light, image processing for inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container 1 is executed.
[0058]
As a specific example of this image processing, a transmitted light amount value is binarized at a certain level, and a pixel having a light amount value higher than that level is processed as a pixel candidate having a foreign substance, thereby obtaining the size of the pixel candidate. According to the above, it is possible to inspect whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container 1. Other specific examples are the same as the image processing example of the first embodiment.
[0059]
In the foreign matter inspection device having the above-described configuration, the container 1 is imaged by the CCD camera 4 in a state where the container 1 is placed in the water 20 contained in the water tank 2C and the refraction and reflection of light generated in the container 1 are suppressed. Then, the image processing device 5A performs an inspection as to whether or not the foreign matter is mixed in the container 1 using the reflected or refracted light of the foreign matter 9 from the lighting device 3 obtained from the image captured by the CCD camera 4. Is done.
[0060]
Here, the light 30 emitted from the lighting fixture 3 enters perpendicularly to the side surface 24 of the water tank 2C and is not refracted by the side surface 24. The light 30 that has entered the water tank 2C reaches the bottom side of the container 1. At this time, since the refractive indexes of the contents 10 of the container 1 and the water 20 in the water tank 2C are similar, the light 30 enters the container 1. If there is no foreign matter, the light proceeds straight and emits light from the side surface 23 of the container 1. On the other hand, if there is a foreign substance 9 in the container 1, light is reflected or refracted there. Therefore, if there is no foreign matter on the bottom side in the container 1, an image having a substantially uniform density can be obtained, and if there is a foreign matter, an image in which the position of the foreign matter is bright can be obtained.
[0061]
Thus, the container 20 is put in the water 20 contained in the water tank 2C, and the contents 20 are imaged by the CCD camera 4 in a state where the refraction and reflection of light generated in the container 1 are suppressed. Since the refraction and reflection of light generated in the translucent container 1 can be suppressed, the ability to detect the presence or absence of a foreign substance can be enhanced.
[0062]
Further, since the refractive index of the water 20 contained in the water tank 2C with respect to light is similar to that of the contents 10 contained in the container 1, refraction of light generated in the container 1 can be suppressed more suitably.
[0063]
Furthermore, since the side surface 24 of the water tank 2C on the side of the lighting fixture 3 has a planar shape, light can be made to enter the side surface 24 from the lighting fixture 3 so as not to be refracted, so that overall refraction of light can be suppressed. It becomes.
[0064]
(Fifth embodiment)
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a foreign matter inspection apparatus, and a fifth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0065]
As shown in FIG. 7, the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the fifth embodiment includes a lighting device 3, a CCD camera 4, and an image processing device 5A as in the fourth embodiment. A difference is that a water tank 2D is provided.
[0066]
The water tank 2D has an opening 21 above, is formed of a box-shaped translucent member having a planar side surface 24 standing upright from a planar bottom surface 22, and a light-shielding black background plate 6 is provided on the side surface 24. Is provided. The side surfaces other than the side surface 24 may have a planar shape or, for example, a C-shaped cross-sectional shape, but it is preferable that at least the side surface 23 facing the side surface 24 has a planar shape.
[0067]
However, the lighting fixture 3 is arranged so as to emit light from the bottom surface 22 of the water tank 2D to the bottom surface side of the container 1. The CCD camera 4 is provided at a position off the main axis of the lighting fixture 3 so that light does not directly enter from the lighting fixture 3, and is arranged so as to face the background plate 6 via the water tank 2D.
[0068]
In the foreign substance inspection apparatus having the above-described configuration, the container 1 is placed in the water 20 contained in the water tank 2D, and the container 1 is imaged by the CCD camera 4 in a state where refraction and reflection of light generated in the container 1 are suppressed. Then, the image processing device 5A performs an inspection as to whether or not the foreign matter is mixed in the container 1 using the reflected or refracted light of the foreign matter 9 from the lighting device 3 obtained from the image captured by the CCD camera 4. Is done.
[0069]
Here, the light 30 emitted from the lighting fixture 3 enters the bottom surface 22 of the water tank 2D perpendicularly and does not refract at the bottom surface 22. The light 30 that has entered the water tank 2D reaches the bottom surface side of the container 1, and at this time, the refractive index of the contents 10 of the container 1 and the water 20 in the water tank 2D are similar, so that the light 30 If there is no foreign matter, the light goes straight and emits light from the opening 21 of the container 1. On the other hand, if there is a foreign substance 9 in the container 1, light is reflected or refracted there. Therefore, if there is no foreign matter on the bottom side in the container 1, an image having a uniform density can be obtained, and if there is a foreign matter, an image in which the position of the foreign matter is bright can be obtained.
[0070]
According to such a fifth embodiment, the same effect as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.
[0071]
(Sixth embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device, and a sixth embodiment according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0072]
The foreign substance inspection apparatus according to the sixth embodiment includes a transparent translucent (resin) container 1A that contains a translucent liquid agent as a content and is easily deformed, such as a drip pack. As shown in FIG. 8, the lighting device 3 includes a lighting device 3, a CCD camera 4, and an image processing device 5 as in the first embodiment. A different point from the above is that a housing 7 made of a light-transmitting resin, for example, is provided as a light-transmitting housing means.
[0073]
The container 7 accommodates a part or all of the container 1A by forcibly correcting it to a predetermined shape for eliminating a gap, and accommodates a pair of halves 71 having a concave portion 70 that wraps the container 1A. , 72, and each of the concave portions 70 contains, for example, a gel-like translucent liquid. Each of these concave portions 70 is formed in a concave shape corresponding to a shape that minimizes the gap between the container 1A and the container 1A among the easily deformable shapes of the container 1A, and a part or all of the container 1A (FIG. 8). Is partially sandwiched between a pair of halves 71 and 72, thereby forcibly correcting the container 1A to a predetermined shape for eliminating a gap. Further, the container 1A is sandwiched between the halves 71 and 72 via a gel-like translucent liquid.
[0074]
Here, the translucent liquid and the halves 71 and 72 have a refractive index similar to that of the contents of the container 1A. The surface 711 of the half 71 on the side of the CCD camera 4 and the surface 721 of the half 72 on the side of the lighting fixture 3 have a planar shape facing each other. The lighting fixture 3 is arranged to irradiate the container 1A with light from the surface 721 of the half 72, and the CCD camera 4 is arranged to image the container 1A from the surface 711 of the half 71.
[0075]
In the foreign substance inspection apparatus having the above-described configuration, the container 1A is put into the translucent liquid contained in the container 7, and the CCD camera 4 captures an image of the container 1A with the refraction and reflection of light generated in the container 1A suppressed. Is performed. Then, the image processing device 5 checks whether or not a foreign substance has entered the inside of the container 1A using an image including information on the amount of transmitted light of the light from the lighting device 3 obtained from the image captured by the CCD camera 4. Be executed.
[0076]
Here, the light 30 emitted from the lighting fixture 3 enters perpendicularly to the surface 721 of the half 72 of the container 7 and does not refract at the surface 721. The light 30 that has entered the container 7 reaches the container 1A. At this time, since the refractive indexes of the contents of the container 1A and the translucent liquid of the container 7 are close to each other, the light 30 proceeds straight, Then, light is emitted without refraction from the surface 711 of the half 71 facing the surface 721 to the CCD camera 4 side vertically. Therefore, if there is no foreign matter in the container 1A, an image including the container 1A illuminated with a uniform surface light source can be obtained, and if there is a foreign matter, an image in which the position of the foreign matter is dark can be obtained. Become.
[0077]
According to the sixth embodiment as well, since the refraction and reflection of light generated in the translucent container 1A containing the contents can be suppressed, the ability to detect the presence or absence of a foreign substance can be enhanced.
[0078]
In the sixth embodiment, the container 7 is configured to include the liquid material in each of the recesses 70. However, each of the recesses 70 forcibly corrects the container 1A to a predetermined shape for eliminating voids. Therefore, the liquid material may not be included in each recess 70.
[0079]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, the invention according to claim 1 includes a light-transmitting liquid material therein, and a part or all of the light-transmitting container containing the contents is placed in the liquid material. A light-transmissive storage means, a light source for irradiating light to a container in the storage means, an imaging means for imaging the light-irradiated container by the light source, and Inspection means for inspecting whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the container is provided, and the container is placed in a liquid body included in the storage means, and in a state where refraction and reflection of light generated in the container are suppressed. Since the imaging unit captures an image of the container, refraction and reflection of light generated in the light-transmitting container including the contents can be suppressed. Can be improved.
[0080]
In the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention, a part or all of the flexible translucent container including the contents and whose shape is easily deformed is forcibly corrected to a predetermined shape for eliminating a void. Receiving means for irradiating the container with light, a light source for irradiating the container with light, an imaging means for capturing an image of the container illuminated by the light source, and the container based on an imaging result of the imaging means. Inspection means for inspecting whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the inside of the container, the container is placed in the storage means, refraction and reflection of light generated in the container are suppressed, and the container is determined in advance. The container is imaged by the imaging unit in a state in which the shape is forcibly corrected to the given shape, so that refraction and reflection of light generated in the translucent container including the contents can be suppressed. Without using multiple , It is possible to improve the detection ability of the presence or absence of foreign matter. In addition, since part or all of the container is forcibly corrected to a predetermined shape, a gap between a part or all of the container and the storage means is eliminated, and refraction and reflection of light due to the gap can be suppressed. it can.
[0081]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the second aspect, the housing means includes a light-transmissive liquid material therein, and a part or the entirety of the container is provided through the liquid material. Since the container is forcibly corrected to a predetermined shape and accommodated, the gap between a part or all of the container and the accommodating means can be more preferably eliminated, and the refraction and reflection of light due to the gap can be suppressed.
[0082]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the second or third aspect, since the refractive index for the light is similar to that of the contents contained in the container, the accommodation means may emit light generated in the container. Can be more suitably suppressed.
[0083]
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first or third aspect, the liquid material has a refractive index with respect to light that is similar to that of the contents contained in the container. Can be more suitably suppressed.
[0084]
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the storage means is a tank for storing a liquid therein, and this configuration can also enhance the ability to detect the presence or absence of foreign matter.
[0085]
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the sixth aspect, since at least one surface of the tank has a planar shape, light from a light source is applied to the container from the planar shape surface. In addition, it is possible to suppress refraction of light in the tank.
[0086]
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the container is formed to have a shape in which a side surface is erected from a bottom surface, and an angle between the bottom surface and the side surface is a lowest point. Since it is put into the liquid body in a state of being inclined, the corner can be imaged by the image pickup means, and it can be focused on whether or not foreign matter has entered the container.
[0087]
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection device according to the second or third aspect, the liquid material is a gel-like material, and the housing means has a part or the entirety of the container on an inner surface thereof, which is determined in advance. It is constituted by a pair of halves in which a concave portion for forcibly correcting the shape is formed, each of the halves has a plane-shaped opposing surface, and the light source is one opposing surface of the pair of halves. Irradiates the containers in the halves with light, and the imaging unit images the containers in the halves from the other opposing surfaces of the pair of halves, so that the refraction of light on the opposing surfaces of the halves is also suppressed. Becomes possible.
[0088]
According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the light source and the imaging means are placed together with the container in the housing means, so that foreign matter can be inspected without being affected by refraction. It becomes.
[0089]
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, at least one set of the light source and the imaging means is provided outside the housing means. Can be enhanced.
[0090]
According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the light source is a surface light source that irradiates a uniform planar light, and the imaging unit moves the housing unit between the surface light source and the housing unit. Between the light source and the optical axis of the surface light source, the imaging unit performs imaging of the container in the housing unit, and the inspection unit transmits light from the light source obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit. It is checked whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container by using the amount of light, and this configuration can also enhance the ability to detect the presence or absence of foreign matter.
[0091]
According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the light source is a surface light source that irradiates uniform planar light, and the imaging unit is provided at a position off the optical axis of the light source. The inspection means inspects whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container using reflected or refracted light of the foreign matter from the surface light source obtained from an imaging result of the imaging means. Therefore, even with this configuration, the ability to detect the presence or absence of a foreign substance can be improved.
[0092]
According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the inspection unit binarizes a transmitted light amount value obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit at a constant level, A pixel having a light intensity value lower than that level is processed as a pixel candidate in which the foreign matter is present, and it is checked whether or not a foreign matter has entered the inside of the container according to the size of the pixel candidate. However, the ability to detect the presence or absence of a foreign substance can be improved.
[0093]
According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to any one of the first to eleventh and thirteenth aspects, the inspection means converts a transmitted light amount value obtained from an imaging result of the imaging means into a binary value at a constant level. And processing a pixel having a light amount value higher than that level as a pixel candidate in which the foreign matter is present, and inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container according to the size of the pixel candidate, Also in this configuration, the ability to detect the presence or absence of a foreign substance can be improved.
[0094]
According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the inspection unit compares a transmitted light amount value of each pixel obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit with a transmitted light amount value of a peripheral pixel, It is checked whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container according to the magnitude of the amount of change in the amount of light. Even with this configuration, the ability to detect the presence or absence of foreign matter can be enhanced.
[0095]
According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, in the foreign matter inspection apparatus according to the first aspect, the inspection unit compares an imaging result of the imaging unit with an imaging result of a pre-registered good product by the imaging unit. Since it is checked whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container, foreign matter in the container can be detected more suitably.
[0096]
A foreign matter inspection method according to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention is a foreign matter inspection method for inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container using the foreign matter inspection device according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects. Since the container is placed in the container and the container is imaged by the imager in a state where at least the refraction and reflection of light generated in the container are suppressed, the ability to detect the presence or absence of foreign matter is improved. Can be enhanced.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram when a water tank is removed from the configuration of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a view for explaining the effect of the foreign matter inspection device of FIG. 1, and is a photograph replacing a drawing obtained by printing out an intermediate image displayed on a display device by a printer.
FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a foreign substance inspection device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a problem that a size of an image of a foreign substance to be captured changes.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory view of a problem that light from a light source does not pass through a container along an axis thereof.
[Explanation of symbols]
1,1A container
10 Contents
2,2A, 2B, 2C, 2D tank
20 water
3 lighting equipment
4 CCD camera
5,5A image processing device
6 Background plate
7 container

Claims

A light-transmitting container for containing a part or all of a light-transmitting container containing contents therein, the light-transmitting liquid being contained in the container, A light source for illuminating the container, imaging means for imaging the container illuminated by the light source, and inspection means for inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the container based on the imaging result of the imaging means. A foreign substance, wherein the container is placed in a liquid body contained in the storage unit, and the container is imaged by the imaging unit in a state where refraction and reflection of light generated in the container are suppressed. Inspection equipment.

A housing means for forcibly correcting and housing a part or all of a flexible translucent container whose contents are easily deformed, including the contents, into a predetermined shape for eliminating a void; A light source for irradiating the container with light, imaging means for imaging the container illuminated by the light source, and whether or not foreign matter has entered the container based on the imaging result of the imaging means. Inspection means for inspecting, with the container put in the storage means, while suppressing the refraction and reflection of light generated in the container and forcibly correcting the container to the predetermined shape, A foreign matter inspection apparatus, wherein the imaging means captures an image of the container.

The storage means includes a translucent liquid material therein, and forcibly corrects and stores a part or all of the container to the predetermined shape via the liquid material. 3. The foreign matter inspection device according to claim 2, wherein:

The foreign matter inspection device according to claim 2, wherein the accommodation unit has a refractive index for light that is similar to that of the contents included in the container.

The foreign matter inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the liquid material has a refractive index with respect to light that is similar to that of the content contained in the container.

2. The foreign matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage means is a tank for storing a liquid therein.

The foreign matter inspection device according to claim 6, wherein at least one surface of the tank has a planar shape.

The container is formed in a shape in which a side surface stands upright from a bottom surface, and is inserted into the liquid body in a state where the container is inclined so that an angle between the bottom surface and the side surface is a lowest point. 2. The foreign matter inspection device according to 1.

The liquid material is a gel-like material, and the storage means is constituted by a pair of halves having a concave portion formed on an inner surface thereof for forcibly correcting a part or all of the container to the predetermined shape. The pair of halves each have a planar opposing surface, the light source irradiates light from one of the opposing surfaces of the pair of halves to the containers in the halves, and the imaging unit The foreign matter inspection apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an image of a container in the halves is taken from the other facing surface of the halves.

2. The foreign matter inspection device according to claim 1, wherein the light source and the imaging unit are placed together with the container inside the accommodation unit.

The foreign matter inspection device according to claim 1, wherein at least one set of the light source and the imaging unit is provided outside the housing unit.

The light source is a surface light source that irradiates uniform planar light, and the imaging unit sandwiches the housing unit between the surface light source and faces the optical axis of the surface light source. An image of the container in the storage unit is taken, and the inspection unit uses a transmitted light amount of light from the light source obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit to determine whether a foreign object is mixed in the container. 2. The foreign matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection is performed to determine whether the foreign matter is present.

The light source is a surface light source that irradiates a uniform planar light, the imaging unit is provided at a position off the optical axis of the light source, and the inspection unit is a surface obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit 2. The foreign matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the foreign matter is inspected as to whether or not the foreign matter is mixed in the inside of the container by using reflected or refracted light from the foreign matter from the light source.

The inspection unit binarizes a transmitted light amount value obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit at a certain level, processes a pixel having a light amount value lower than the level as a pixel candidate where the foreign matter is present, and 13. The foreign matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container is inspected based on the size of the candidate.

The inspection unit binarizes a transmitted light amount value obtained from an imaging result of the imaging unit at a certain level, processes a pixel having a light amount value higher than the level as a pixel candidate in which the foreign substance exists, and The foreign matter inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein whether or not foreign matter has entered the inside of the container is inspected based on the size of the candidate.

The inspection unit compares the transmitted light amount value of each pixel obtained from the imaging result of the imaging unit with the transmitted light amount value of peripheral pixels, and determines whether a foreign substance has entered the inside of the container according to the magnitude of the light amount change amount. 2. The foreign matter inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inspection is performed to determine whether the foreign matter is present or not.

The inspection means compares the imaging result of the imaging means with the imaging result of the pre-registered non-defective product by the imaging means, thereby inspecting whether or not foreign matter is mixed in the container. The foreign matter inspection device according to claim 1, wherein:

A foreign matter inspection method for inspecting whether or not foreign matter has entered the container using the foreign matter inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the container is placed in the storage means. A method of inspecting the foreign matter, wherein the imaging means captures an image of the container at least in a state where refraction and reflection of light generated in the container are suppressed.