JP2006153534A - Defect inspection device and ptp packaging machine - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a defect inspection device constituted so as to be capable of achieving the drastic enhancement of inspection precision at the time of inspection of defect in a PTP sheet manufacturing process, and a PTP packaging machine. <P>SOLUTION: The defect inspection device 21 is equipped with an illumination device 22, a camera 23 and a image processor 24. A tablet 5 and a container film 3 are irradiated with infrared rays using the illumination device 22 and the inspection of transmitted light related to the break or the like of the tablet is performed by infrared rays. The illumination device 22 is equipped with an angle transmittance control filter 29 and the light directly incident on the camera 23 through the container film 3 is removed or made extinct by the angle transmittance control filter 29. That is, the light on the straight line connecting a light source and the center of the lens part of the camera 23 and the light within the image angle of the lens part with respect to the straight line are totally reflected. By this constitution, the direct incidence of the light from the light source on the camera 23 is restricted and the trouble caused by the highly intensive light incident on the camera 23 can be prevented. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a device including a device for defect inspection that is performed using relatively strong light that is transmitted through a tablet, a capsule, or the like in manufacturing a PTP sheet, and a PTP packaging machine that includes the defect inspection device. Belongs to the field.

  In general, a PTP sheet is attached to a packaging film made of resin in which a pocket portion filled with tablets or the like is formed, and the packaging film so that the opening side of the pocket portion is sealed to the packaging film. It is comprised from the cover film made from aluminum.

  By the way, after the pocket portion is filled with tablets or the like, before the cover film is attached, it is inspected for abnormality relating to the chipping of the surface of the tablet or the like. As such an inspection method, it is common to perform inspection after obtaining luminance data from an image signal based on irradiating a tablet with predetermined light using an irradiating means and imaging the reflected light there. is there.

  However, in the above technique, it is necessary to prepare an irradiation means that can shade the chipped portion of the tablet. On the other hand, when irradiation is performed using such irradiation means, the illuminance unevenness on the tablet surface increases, and the expected detection accuracy may not be obtained.

On the other hand, after tablet filling, for example, there is a technique in which light is irradiated from an irradiation unit provided on the pocket portion side, and transmitted light is imaged by a camera provided on the side opposite to the irradiation unit. In this technique, based on image data of light transmitted through a packaging film and a tablet, whether or not there is an abnormality such as a chip on the tablet surface is inspected (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-198175 A

  However, in the above technique, the irradiation means irradiates relatively strong light enough to pass through the tablet. For this reason, the luminance difference (brightness difference) between the region where the tablet is present and the background region where the tablet is not present is significantly increased. In particular, when the image is taken with a CCD camera, a so-called smear phenomenon occurs, and the tablet region cannot be accurately specified, which may hinder accurate inspection or decrease the abnormality detection accuracy. There was a risk of malfunction.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and provides a defect inspection apparatus and a PTP packaging machine capable of dramatically improving inspection accuracy when inspecting defects in the manufacturing process of a PTP sheet. This is one of the main purposes.

  In the following, each means suitable for solving the above-mentioned purpose will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect etc. peculiar to the means to respond | correspond as needed are added.

Means 1. In the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet, after the tablet is stored in the pocket portion formed in the belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed, the stage before the cover film is attached in a sealed state so as to close the pocket portion A defect inspection apparatus used in
Illumination means comprising a light source capable of irradiating predetermined light to the tablet and the packaging film;
The illumination means is provided on the opposite side through the packaging film, and at least imaging means capable of imaging transmitted light that is irradiated from the light source and passes through the tablet;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing device is configured to be able to detect at least a surface abnormality of the tablet based on image data obtained from the image signal,
Further, the illumination means includes a direct incident light limiting means for removing or dimming light directly incident on the imaging means through the packaging film.

  According to the means 1, in the process of manufacturing the PTP sheet, after the tablet is stored in the pocket portion formed in the belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed, the cover film is taken in a sealed state so as to close the pocket portion. A defect inspection by a defect inspection apparatus is performed at a stage before being worn. That is, predetermined light is irradiated to the tablet and the packaging film from the light source of the illumination means. Further, transmitted light that is irradiated from at least a light source and passes through the tablet is imaged by an imaging unit provided on the opposite side of the illumination unit via a packaging film. In the image processing apparatus, the image signal output from the imaging means is processed, and at least a surface abnormality of the tablet is detected based on the image data obtained from the image signal. For this reason, unlike the case where the inspection is performed using the reflected light, there is no need to worry that the illuminance unevenness on the tablet surface becomes large. In addition, when the imaging means is configured to image the transmitted light that passes through the tablet, there is a concern that the luminance difference (brightness difference) between the area where the tablet exists and the background area where the tablet does not exist may become significantly large. Is done. In this regard, in this means, the illumination means includes a direct incident light limiting means, and the light that directly enters the imaging means through the packaging film is removed or reduced by the limiting means. For this reason, it is possible to prevent defects caused by excessively incident light on the image pickup means, for example, smear phenomenon when a CCD camera is employed as the image pickup means, and to accurately identify the tablet area. Can do. As a result, accurate inspection can be realized, and abnormality detection accuracy can be improved.

Mean 2. In the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet, after the capsule is accommodated in the pocket portion formed in the belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed, the stage before the cover film is attached in a sealed state so as to close the pocket portion A defect inspection apparatus used in
Illumination means comprising a light source capable of irradiating predetermined light to the capsule and the packaging film;
The illumination means is provided on the opposite side through the packaging film, and imaging means capable of imaging transmitted light that is irradiated from at least the light source and passes through the capsule;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing device is configured to detect at least an empty abnormality of the capsule based on image data obtained from the image signal,
Further, the illumination means includes a direct incident light limiting means for removing or dimming light directly incident on the imaging means.

  According to the means 2, in the process of manufacturing the PTP sheet, after the capsule is accommodated in the pocket portion formed in the belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed, the cover film is taken in a sealed state so as to close the pocket portion. A defect inspection by a defect inspection apparatus is performed at a stage before being worn. That is, predetermined light is irradiated to the capsule and the packaging film from the light source of the illumination means. In addition, transmitted light that is irradiated from at least a light source and passes through the capsule is imaged by an imaging unit provided on the opposite side of the illumination unit via a packaging film. In the image processing apparatus, the image signal output from the imaging unit is processed, and at least a capsule empty abnormality is detected based on the image data obtained from the image signal. As described above, since the transmitted light is used in the means 2, it is possible to inspect the capsule for abnormal vacancy, which has not been possible with the conventional reflected light. Further, when the imaging means is configured to image the transmitted light that passes through the capsule, there is a concern that the luminance difference (brightness difference) between the area where the capsule is present and the background area where the capsule is not present may be significantly increased. Is done. In this regard, in this means, the illumination means includes a direct incident light limiting means, and the light that directly enters the imaging means through the packaging film is removed or reduced by the limiting means. For this reason, it is possible to prevent defects caused by excessively incident light on the image pickup means, for example, a smear phenomenon when a CCD camera is employed as the image pickup means, and to accurately identify the capsule region. Can do. As a result, accurate inspection can be realized, and abnormality detection accuracy can be improved.

Means 3. In the process of manufacturing a PTP sheet, after a tablet or capsule is stored in a pocket portion formed in a belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed, a cover film is attached in a sealed state so as to close the pocket portion. A defect inspection apparatus used in the previous stage,
Illumination means comprising a light source capable of irradiating predetermined light to the tablet or capsule and the packaging film;
The illumination means is provided on the opposite side through the packaging film, imaging means capable of imaging transmitted light that is irradiated from at least the light source and passes through the tablets or capsules;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing device is configured to detect at least a surface abnormality of the tablet or an empty abnormality of the capsule based on image data obtained from the image signal,
Further, the illumination means includes a direct incident light limiting means for removing or dimming light directly incident on the imaging means.

  According to the means 3, the effect corresponding to the means 1 and the means 2 is exhibited.

  Means 4. 4. The defect inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the tablet surface abnormality detection algorithm is made different depending on whether or not the tablet has a secant.

  In the means 1 and 3, when the tablet has a secant, the secant part is thinner than other tablet parts, and light is more easily transmitted. Therefore, there is a concern that it may be erroneously determined as a missing tablet. In this respect, in the means 4, the tablet surface abnormality detection algorithm differs depending on whether or not the tablet has a secant. That is, even if it has a dividing line, for example, by performing mask processing on the dividing line part or by changing the number of blocks to be judged, the same accurate inspection as when there is no dividing line is performed. Can be implemented. Therefore, it is possible to perform an appropriate inspection according to tablets having various aspects.

  Means 5. Any of the means 1 to 4, wherein the direct incident light limiting means is configured to be capable of partially reflecting or totally reflecting light on a straight line connecting at least the light source and the center of the lens portion of the imaging means. Defect inspection device according to crab.

  According to the means 5, the light on the straight line connecting at least the light source and the center of the lens part of the imaging means is partially or totally reflected by the direct incident light limiting means. For this reason, it becomes difficult for the light from the light source to be directly incident on the image pickup means, and the above-described effects can be more reliably achieved.

  Means 6. 6. The defect inspection according to claim 5, wherein the direct incident light limiting means is configured to be capable of partially reflecting or totally reflecting light within the angle of view of the lens unit at least in the linear direction. apparatus.

  According to the means 6, the direct incident light restricting means further partially or totally reflects light within the angle of view of the (plus or minus) lens portion at least in the linear direction. For this reason, it becomes difficult for strong light from the light source to be incident on the image pickup means, and the above-described operational effects are more easily achieved.

  Mean 7 The defect inspection apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 6, wherein the illuminating means includes a diffusing means for diffusing light from a light source.

  According to the means 7, since the light from the light source is diffused by the diffusing means, the inconvenience that the direct light from the light source is imaged by the imaging means can be further prevented, and the light can be made uniform. For example, it is easy to realize suitable surface light emission.

  Means 8. 8. The defect inspection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the direct incident light limiting means is a filter attached to the diffusing means.

  According to the means 8, the direct incident light limiting means is constituted by a filter, which is attached to the diffusing means. For this reason, unitization as an illuminating means and compactness can be achieved, and the entire apparatus can be prevented from becoming bulky.

  Means 9. The defect inspection apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 8, wherein the light source is capable of irradiating infrared light.

  According to the means 9, infrared light is emitted from the light source. Here, since infrared light has a higher transmittance of tablets or the like than visible light, a more accurate inspection can be performed. In addition, a colored product such as a tablet may be employed, or a colored film may be employed as a packaging film. is there.

  Means 10. A PTP packaging machine comprising the defect inspection apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 9.

  By providing the defect inspection device in the PTP packaging machine as in the means 10, there is a merit that defective products can be efficiently excluded in the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In this embodiment, by installing a defect inspection device in the PTP packaging machine, the PTP sheet machine is inspected for defects in the PTP sheet (particularly, abnormalities such as chipping of the tablet called chipping, capping, sticking, etc.). It has become so. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the PTP sheet 1 is attached to the container film 3 as a packaging film having a plurality of pocket portions 2 and the container film 3 so as to close the pocket portions 2. And a sealing film 4 as a covered cover film. The container film 3 is made of, for example, a relatively hard thermoplastic resin material having a predetermined rigidity, such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride), and has light transparency (here, transparent). Presents). The sealing film 4 is made of aluminum. Each pocket 2 contains one tablet 5 (in this example, an orally disintegrating tablet) as an object to be filled.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the PTP packaging machine 7 automatically packages the tablets 5 on the container film 3. Specifically, a belt-shaped resin film such as PP or PVC is fed to the heating device 12 and the molding device 13 by the film feed roll 9 and the tension rolls 10 and 11, and the pocket portion 2 for filling the tablet 5 is used as the resin film. Mold. And if the container film 3 in which the pocket part 2 was shape | molded by the resin film is sent to the bottom of the filling apparatus 14, the filling apparatus 14 will fill each pocket part 2 with the tablet 5 automatically.

  On the other hand, the sealing film 4 formed in a belt shape is guided toward the film receiving roll 18 via the tension rolls 16 and 17. A heating roll 19 can be pressed against the film receiving roll 18, and a lattice-like line (not shown) formed in a slightly convex shape is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the heating roll 19. The container film 3 and the sealing film 4 are fed between the rolls 18 and 19. The sealing film 4 is attached to the container film 3 by passing both the films 3 and 4 between the rolls 18 and 19 in a heated and pressed state. Thus, a long PTP film 20 in which the tablet 5 is filled in each pocket portion 2 is manufactured.

  Now, on the downstream side of the filling device 14 and the upstream side of the film receiving roll 18 and the heating roll 19, defects in the container film 3 (filled tablet 5) are detected along the transfer path of the container film 3. A defect inspection device 21 for inspection is provided. The defect inspection apparatus 21 performs an inspection mainly intended to detect surface abnormalities such as cracks and chipping of the tablet 5 filled in the pocket portion 2.

  After the inspection, after the sealing film 4 is attached to the container film 3, the PTP film 20 is cut into one PTP sheet by a punching device (not shown). In addition, when a defective product is determined by the defect inspection apparatus 21, the PTP sheet that has been determined to be defective is separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

  Now, the outline of the PTP packaging machine 7 is as described above. Hereinafter, the defect inspection apparatus 21 will be described more specifically based on FIGS.

  The defect inspection apparatus 21 includes an illumination device 22 as an illumination unit, a camera 23 as an imaging unit, an image processing device 24, a monitor 25, a keyboard 26, and the like.

  First, the lighting device 22 will be described in detail. The illuminating device 22 in this embodiment is provided in the pocket part 2 side of the container film 3 (refer FIG. 1), and surface emission is possible. As shown in FIG. 3, the illuminating device 22 has a diffusion plate 27 extending in parallel with the container film 3 on the side close to the container film 3 (upper side in the figure), and an LED mounting substrate 28 is provided in the inside thereof. Is provided. A large number of infrared LEDs 28 a as light sources are arranged on the LED mounting substrate 28. The wavelength of infrared light is desirably about 760 nm to 1100 nm, and more preferably 850 nm to 950 nm.

  Further, an angle transmittance control filter 29 as a direct incident light limiting unit is attached to the surface of the diffusion plate 27 on the container film 3 side. As shown in FIG. 4, the angle transmittance control filter 29 is configured to be able to totally reflect light on a straight line L <b> 1 that connects at least the light source (here, the infrared light LED 28 a) and the center of the lens portion of the camera 23. At the same time, the light within the angle of view θ of the lens portion can be totally reflected with respect to the straight line L1. In other words, the angular transmittance control filter 29 is configured to transmit only light larger than the angle of view θ of the lens unit. As a result, direct incidence of infrared light from the light source (infrared light LED 28a) on the camera 23 is restricted.

  Further, the camera 23 constituting the imaging means is provided on the opposite side (upper side in FIG. 1) to the illumination device 22 via the container film 3, and among the light irradiated from the illumination device 22, The light transmitted through the container film 3 and the tablet 5 can be imaged. In this embodiment, a CCD camera that is sensitive to at least infrared light is employed as the camera 23.

  As described above, in this embodiment, the infrared light diffused and obliquely irradiated from the illumination device 22 illuminates the container film 3 and the tablet 5, and the light transmitted therethrough is two-dimensionally imaged by the camera 23. It is configured as follows. The image data captured by the camera 23 is converted into a digital signal inside the camera 23 and then input to the image processing device 24 in the form of a digital signal.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the image processing device 24 includes an image memory 41 corresponding to the camera 23, a masking unit 42, a binarizing unit 43, a determination memory 44, an inspection result and statistical data memory 45, and a camera timing control unit 46. In addition, it includes a CPU, an input / output interface 47, and the like, and can perform image data processing, tablet defect determination (inspection), and the like as described later.

  The two-dimensional image data captured by the camera 23 is converted into a digital signal and then stored in the corresponding image memory 41. Further, at the time of inspection, the image data is subjected to masking processing by the masking means 42 and then stored again in the image memory 41. Similarly, after being binarized by the binarizing means 43, the image data 41 again. Is remembered.

  The CPU and the input / output interface 47 execute various processing programs while using the stored contents of the determination memory 44 and the like, and send control signals to the PTP packaging machine 7 or various signals such as operation signals from the PTP packaging machine 7. Is for sending and receiving. Thereby, for example, the defective sheet discharge mechanism of the PTP packaging machine 7 can be controlled. The CPU and input / output interface 47 also has a function of sending display data to the monitor 25. With this function, binary or grayscale image data, a defect inspection result, and the like can be displayed on the monitor 25. Further, the CPU and input / output interface 47 has a function of inputting data from the keyboard 26.

  The inspection result and statistical data memory 45 stores data such as coordinates relating to image data, inspection result data, statistical data obtained by probabilistically processing the inspection result data, and the like. These inspection result data and statistical data can be appropriately displayed on the monitor 25 based on the control of the CPU and the input / output interface 47. Further, the CPU and the input / output interface 47 can send a control signal to the PTP packaging machine 7 based on these inspection result data and statistical data.

  The camera timing control means 46 controls the timing at which image data captured by the camera 23 is taken into the image memory 41. Such timing is controlled based on a signal from an encoder (not shown) provided in the PTP packaging machine 7, and images (photographs) in sheet units (for example, PTP sheet units to be punched) by the camera 23 every time the container film 3 is fed by a predetermined amount. Is done.

  In the present embodiment, the setting process for each window is executed prior to the inspection. The window includes a tablet window JW and a tablet shape window KW that are set in advance. As shown in FIG. 8, the tablet window JW is a boundary for distinguishing between an area in the pocket part 2 (pocket part area) and an area of the sheet part outside the pocket part 2 (sheet part area). It is. The tablet window JW is set in advance based on the non-defective sample and various data, and is concentric with the circle of the pocket portion 2 (when the pocket portion 2 is circular) and has a diameter once ( For example, the diameter is 1 mm) larger. In the inspection, for example, as shown in FIG. 9B, regarding the respective inspection image data, the tablet window JW is set, and the abnormality of the tablet is detected in the region in the pocket portion 2 ( The area outside the pocket portion 2 (the area with a mesh pattern in the figure) is masked).

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 9, the tablet shape window KW is used when inspecting whether the shape of the tablet 5 is appropriate, and is set in advance. The tablet-shaped window KW includes an inner-shaped window KW1 that is slightly smaller than the size of the tablet 5 and an outer-shaped window KW2 that is slightly larger than the size of the tablet 5.

  Next, the procedure of the defect inspection (tablet inspection) will be described according to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in the figure, in the “inspection routine”, first, in step S101, a gray image for inspection is acquired. Next, in step S102, shading correction is performed on the acquired image, and in the subsequent step S103, binarization processing is performed based on a predetermined threshold value to obtain tablet binarized images A and B. Here, the binarization process will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 10. In FIG. 7, (a) is a plan view schematically showing a tablet 5 in which chipping (chip) T occurs, a dividing line PL is provided at the center, and a “C” -shaped engraving KM is attached. (B) is a sectional view taken along line JJ of (a), and (c) is a graph showing an image signal (lightness) curve along the line JJ. The portion of the tablet 5 that is thin due to chipping or the like is easier to transmit light. For this reason, the thinner the portion, the brighter the image. In the binarization process in the present embodiment, first, a binarized image A (see FIG. 10A) that is equal to or greater than the reference threshold δ0 and equal to or less than the first threshold δ1 (within the range d1) is obtained. In the image A, normal tablet parts excluding the chipping T and the secant line PL are bright. At the same time, a binary image B having a reference threshold value δ0 or more and a second threshold value δ2 or less (within range d2) is obtained. In the image B, in addition to the chipping T and the secant line PL, the normal tablet portion excluding the marking KM portion is bright. The reference threshold value δ0, the first threshold value δ1, and the second threshold value δ2 are set to different values depending on the thickness, density, presence / absence of sugar coating, etc. at that time.

  Thereafter, in step S104, lump processing is performed. More specifically, the result C of the binarized image A obtained by the lump processing and the result D of the binarized image B obtained by the lump processing are obtained.

  Next, in step S105, using the tablet window JW set in advance, the pocket portion area is specified, and in each pocket portion area, a lump whose area value is greater than or equal to the reference tablet area Lo is extracted (a lump less than Lo). Removed). Thereafter, in step S106, it is determined whether or not the number of chunks for each pocket area is “1”. If a negative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S110 described later.

  On the other hand, if the number of lumps for each pocket area is “1”, it is determined in step S107 whether or not the shape of the tablet 5 is good (appropriate) using the tablet shape window KW. to decide. More specifically, the center of gravity of the tablet 5 is obtained from the mass data of the tablet 5, and the tablet shape windows KW (the inner shape window KW1 and the outer shape window KW2) set in advance are set simultaneously so that the center of gravity is concentric. It arranges and it is judged whether the outline of tablet 5 deviates from between both windows KW1 and KW2. Then, when the outline of the tablet 5 deviates from between the two windows KW1, KW2, it is determined that the shape of the tablet 5 is abnormal, and the process proceeds to step S109. Exit once.

  If the determination in step S107 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S108, the non-defective product is determined for the tablet 5, and the subsequent processing is temporarily ended.

  If a negative determination is made in step S106, the process proceeds to step S110. In step S110, it is determined whether or not “with secant” is set in the current inspection routine, and whether or not the number of chunks is “2”. And only when the setting of “with dividing line” is made and the number of lumps is “2”, the process proceeds to step S111, and the tablet shape of step S107 is good after performing the dividing line mask process. It is determined whether or not.

  Here, the dividing line mask process will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The center-of-gravity positions M1 and M2 of the two blocks are obtained, and the center point C1 of the line segment α passing through the center-of-gravity positions M1 and M2 is obtained. Then, a line segment (straight line) γ that passes through the center point C1 and is orthogonal to the line segment α is obtained, and a band-like region in which the line segment γ has a width of plus or minus β is regarded as a dividing line PL. Set as mask part. By performing the mask process, in the next step S107, the shape inspection can be performed after the influence of the dividing line portion is excluded.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S110 that the setting of “with dividing line” is not made, or if it is determined that the number of lumps is not “2”, the process proceeds to step S109, and the tablet 5 is related. Defect determination is performed, and the subsequent processing is temporarily ended.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the infrared LED 28a of the illumination device 22 emits infrared light to the tablet 5 and the container film 3, and the camera 23 provided on the opposite side The transmitted light that passes through the tablet 5 and the like is imaged. Then, the image processing device 24 detects surface abnormality such as chipping of the tablet 5 based on the image data obtained from the image signal. For this reason, unlike the case where the inspection is performed using the reflected light, there is no need to worry that the illuminance unevenness on the tablet surface becomes large. On the other hand, when the transmitted light is imaged by the camera 23 as in the present embodiment, the luminance difference (brightness difference) between the area where the tablet 5 exists and the background area where the tablet 5 does not exist becomes significantly large. There is a concern that In this regard, in the present embodiment, the illumination device 22 includes an angle transmittance control filter 29, and the angle transmittance control filter 29 removes or attenuates light directly incident on the camera 23 through the container film 3. Be made.

  More specifically, the light on the straight line L1 that connects the light source (infrared LED 28a here) and the center of the lens portion of the camera 23, and the light within the angle of view θ of the lens portion with respect to the straight line L1 are totally reflected. It is configured as follows. As a result, the direct incidence of infrared light from the light source (infrared light LED 28a) on the camera 23 is limited, and a problem caused by the light incident on the camera 23 being too strong, for example, a smear phenomenon. Therefore, the region of the tablet 5 can be specified accurately. As a result, accurate inspection can be realized, and abnormality detection accuracy can be improved.

  Moreover, when the tablet 5 has the dividing line PL, the said dividing line PL part is thin compared with the other 5 tablet part, and it is easy to permeate | transmit light more. Therefore, there is a concern that it may be erroneously determined that the tablet 5 is missing. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the algorithm for detecting the surface abnormality of the tablet 5 differs depending on whether or not the tablet 5 has the secant PL (see steps S106, 107, etc.). That is, even when the dividing line PL is provided, the dividing line PL is masked (step S111), or the number of blocks to be determined is changed (step S110), so that there is no dividing line PL. Exact inspection similar to the case can be performed. Therefore, it is possible to perform an appropriate inspection according to the tablet 5 having various aspects.

  Further, the irradiation device 22 includes a diffusion plate 27, and the light from the infrared LED 28 a is diffused by the diffusion plate 27. For this reason, the problem that the direct light from the infrared LED 28a is imaged by the camera 23 can be further prevented, the light can be made uniform, and suitable surface emission can be easily realized. As a result, the inspection accuracy can be further improved.

  In addition, since the means for limiting the direct incident light is constituted by the angle transmittance control filter 29 and is attached to the diffusion plate 27, it is possible to achieve unitization and compactness as the illumination device 22. It can suppress that the whole apparatus becomes bulky.

  In the present embodiment, infrared light is used as the light source. Here, since infrared light has a higher transmittance of the tablet 5 or the like than visible light, a more accurate inspection can be performed. In addition, a colored product may be used as the tablet 5 or the like, or a colored film may be used as the container film 3. Even in such a case, it is easy to ignore the dimming element due to coloring. There is.

  In the embodiment described above, for example, a part of the configuration can be appropriately changed as follows. Of course, other modifications not exemplified below are also possible.

  (A) In the above embodiment, an orally disintegrating tablet is exemplified as the tablet 5 accommodated in the pocket portion 2, and the tablet 5 is embodied when the presence or absence of a chip or the like of the tablet 5 is inspected. On the other hand, instead of or in addition to the tablet 5, it is also possible to embody when inspecting for the presence or absence of an empty capsule.

  FIG. 12 shows an “inspection routine” for inspecting whether or not the capsule 5A is adopted as an object to be accommodated in the pocket portion 2 and the capsule 5A is correctly filled with contents (whether there is no empty abnormality). It is a flowchart which shows. Explaining in accordance with the flowchart, first, in step S201, a gray image for inspection is acquired, and in the next step S202, shading correction is performed on the acquired image, and in the subsequent step S203, binarization is performed based on a predetermined threshold value. Processing is performed to obtain a binary image A. Here, the binarization process will be described with reference to FIG. In the figure, (a) is a schematic plan view showing the capsule 5A, (b) is a sectional view taken along the line KK of (a) showing the capsule 5A, and the capsule 5A on the left side is normal. The right side is a diagram showing an empty capsule 5A, and (c) is a graph showing an image signal (lightness) curve along the line KK for each. The capsule 5A is easy to transmit light if it is not filled with the contents (medicine), and difficult to transmit light if it is filled. Therefore, if the capsule 5A is empty, the image tends to become brighter. In view of this point, in the binarization processing in the present embodiment, a binarized image A that is equal to or greater than the reference threshold δ0 and equal to or less than the first threshold δ1 (within the range d1) is obtained. In the image A, if the capsule 5A is properly filled with the contents, the capsule 5A portion is bright, and if it is an empty capsule 5A, it is dark.

  Thereafter, in step S204, a lump process is performed. More specifically, a result C obtained by performing the lump processing on the binarized image A is obtained.

  Next, in step S205, for the result C, the pocket region is specified using the tablet window JW set in advance, and a lump whose area value is equal to or larger than the reference tablet area Lo is extracted in each pocket region. (Removes lumps less than Lo). After that, in step S206, it is determined whether or not the number of lumps for each pocket area is “1”. If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S207 to perform non-defective determination regarding the capsule 5A. The subsequent processing is temporarily terminated. On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S206, a failure determination is made as an empty abnormality in step S208, and the subsequent processing is temporarily terminated.

  (B) Although not specifically mentioned in the above embodiment, the image B and the result D may be used to inspect the marking KM portion. By performing such inspection, it is possible to detect abnormalities such as sticking. If inspection such as marking is not performed, the process of obtaining the image B in the binarization process (step S103) and the process of obtaining the result D in the block process (step S104) may be omitted.

  (C) In the above embodiment, the infrared LED 28a capable of irradiating infrared light is employed as the light source, but a light source capable of irradiating visible light (for example, red light, blue light, white light, etc.) is employed. It is good as well.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the illumination device 22 is provided on the pocket portion 2 side and the camera 23 is provided on the opposite side, but the arrangement relationship between them may be reversed. In this case, there are advantages such as being able to realize an inspection that is kind to the eyes of the operator. Of course, it is also possible to perform inspection on both sides by providing a combination of a lighting device and a camera in which the arrangement relationship between them is reversed.

  (E) In the above embodiment, each window has a circular shape. However, the window can be appropriately set according to the shape of the tablet, and is not necessarily limited to a circular shape.

It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure, such as a PTP packaging machine in one Embodiment. (A) is a perspective view which shows a PTP sheet, (b) is a partial expanded sectional view which shows a PTP sheet. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows an illuminating device typically. It is explanatory drawing which illustrates typically the function of an angle transmittance control filter among illuminating devices. It is a block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a defect inspection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an "inspection routine." (A) is a plan view schematically showing a tablet in which chipping (chip) occurs, has a secant in the center and is engraved, and (b) is a sectional view taken along line JJ in (a). (C) is a graph showing an image signal (lightness) curve along the line JJ. It is a plane schematic diagram for demonstrating the concept of a tablet window. It is a plane schematic diagram for demonstrating the concept of a tablet-shaped window. It is a schematic diagram which shows the image after binarization. It is explanatory drawing explaining the method of the mask process of a secant part. It is a flowchart which shows the "inspection routine" in another embodiment. (A) is a schematic plan view showing the capsule, (b) is a sectional view taken along the line KK of (a) showing the capsule, and shows a normal capsule and an empty capsule, (c) These are graphs showing image signal (lightness) curves along the line KK for each.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PTP sheet, 2 ... Pocket part, 3 ... Container film as a packaging film, 4 ... Sealing film as a cover film, 5 ... Tablet, 5A ... Capsule, 7 ... PTP packaging machine, 21 ... Defect inspection apparatus, DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 22 ... Illuminating device as an illumination means, 23 ... Camera as an imaging means, 24 ... Image processing apparatus, 27 ... Diffusing plate as a diffusing means, 28a ... Infrared light LED as a light source, 29 ... As direct incident light limiting means Angle transmittance control filter.

Claims (10)

In the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet, after the tablet is stored in the pocket portion formed in the belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed, the stage before the cover film is attached in a sealed state so as to close the pocket portion A defect inspection apparatus used in
Illumination means comprising a light source capable of irradiating predetermined light to the tablet and the packaging film;
The illumination means is provided on the opposite side through the packaging film, and at least imaging means capable of imaging transmitted light that is irradiated from the light source and passes through the tablet;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing device is configured to be able to detect at least a surface abnormality of the tablet based on image data obtained from the image signal,
Further, the illumination means includes a direct incident light limiting means for removing or dimming light directly incident on the imaging means through the packaging film. In the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet, after the capsule is accommodated in the pocket portion formed in the belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed, the stage before the cover film is attached in a sealed state so as to close the pocket portion A defect inspection apparatus used in
Illumination means comprising a light source capable of irradiating predetermined light to the capsule and the packaging film;
The illumination means is provided on the opposite side through the packaging film, and imaging means capable of imaging transmitted light that is irradiated from at least the light source and passes through the capsule;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing device is configured to detect at least an empty abnormality of the capsule based on image data obtained from the image signal,
Further, the illumination means includes a direct incident light limiting means for removing or dimming light directly incident on the imaging means. In the process of manufacturing a PTP sheet, after a tablet or capsule is stored in a pocket portion formed in a belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed, a cover film is attached in a sealed state so as to close the pocket portion. A defect inspection apparatus used in the previous stage,
Illumination means comprising a light source capable of irradiating predetermined light to the tablet or capsule and the packaging film;
The illumination means is provided on the opposite side through the packaging film, imaging means capable of imaging transmitted light that is irradiated from at least the light source and passes through the tablets or capsules;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing device is configured to detect at least a surface abnormality of the tablet or an empty abnormality of the capsule based on image data obtained from the image signal,
Further, the illumination means includes a direct incident light limiting means for removing or dimming light directly incident on the imaging means.     The defect inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 3, wherein an algorithm for detecting a surface abnormality of the tablet is made different depending on whether or not the tablet has a secant.   5. The direct incident light limiting unit is configured to be capable of partially reflecting or totally reflecting light on a straight line connecting at least the light source and the center of the lens unit of the imaging unit. The defect inspection apparatus according to any one of the above.   The defect according to claim 5, wherein the direct incident light limiting unit is configured to be capable of partially reflecting or totally reflecting light within an angle of view of the lens unit with respect to at least the linear direction. Inspection device.   The defect inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the illuminating unit includes a diffusing unit for diffusing light from the light source.   The defect inspection apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the direct incident light limiting unit is a filter attached to the diffusing unit.   The defect inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the light source is capable of emitting infrared light. A PTP packaging machine comprising the defect inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

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