JP2007327752A - Visual inspection apparatus and ptp sheet manufacturing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a visual inspection apparatus capable of imaging the respective parts of an imaging region at once with a proper quantity of light during an inspection of appearance defectiveness in a PTP sheet manufacturing process and relatively simplifying image processing, and to provide a PTP sheet manufacturing apparatus. <P>SOLUTION: A camera 23 has a digital micromirror device (DMD) 23M and an imaging device 23S and performs the imaging due to the imaging device 23S through the DMD 23M. A CPU and an input/output interface 47 set an exposure condition at every region to be adjusted on the basis of the image data stored in an image memory 41 and form exposure condition data to store the same in an exposure condition memory 42. Then, the driving of the DMD 23M is controlled on the basis of the exposure condition data stored in the exposure condition memory 42 and the exposure time of the imaging device 23S is adjusted at every region to be adjusted. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an appearance inspection apparatus used in manufacturing a PTP sheet to inspect various appearance defects, and a PTP sheet manufacturing apparatus including the appearance inspection apparatus.

  In general, a PTP sheet is composed of a packaging film in which a pocket portion filled with tablets or the like is formed and a cover film attached to the packaging film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion. .

  In manufacturing a PTP sheet, after a tablet or the like is filled in a pocket portion of a packaging film, an abnormality of the tablet and an abnormality of the packaging film (sheet portion) are inspected. Such an inspection is performed by irradiating the packaging film with imaging light by the irradiating means, performing imaging based on the irradiated light, and processing image data as an imaging result.

  At this time, the image data as the imaging result indicates the luminance for each pixel, but it is necessary to adjust the amount of the irradiation light so that the luminance is distributed in an appropriate range.

  However, when the packaging film is imaged with, for example, reflected light, the brightness of the tablet portion is relatively high, and the brightness of the sheet portion is relatively low. For this reason, if it is attempted to distribute the luminance in an appropriate range in both the tablet portion and the sheet portion, it is difficult to adjust the amount of irradiation light. In addition, since the amount of light also changes due to secular change, there is a possibility that the luminance is out of an appropriate range.

Therefore, a technique has been devised in which the amount of irradiation light is adjusted for each imaging in a plurality of times of imaging, and for example, a pocket part and a non-pocket part are separately imaged (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2004-317187 A

  However, according to the above technique, since imaging for inspection is performed in a plurality of times, the time required for inspection may be increased. In addition, if the packaging film is conveyed during a plurality of times of imaging, the imaging process for that purpose may be complicated.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and in the appearance defect inspection in the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet, each part of the imaging region can be imaged at an appropriate light amount at a time. An object of the present invention is to provide an appearance inspection apparatus and a PTP sheet manufacturing apparatus that are relatively easy to process.

  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. Irradiation means for irradiating imaging light to a band-shaped packaging film in which tablets are stored in a pocket portion;
Imaging means for imaging a predetermined imaging area with the light emitted by the irradiation means;
Image data storage means for storing image data;
Imaging control means for storing image data output as a result of imaging by the imaging means in the image data storage means;
In the appearance inspection apparatus comprising inspection execution means capable of executing inspection based on the image data stored in the image data storage means by the imaging control means,
The imaging means has a digital micromirror device and an imaging element, and performs imaging by the imaging element via the digital micromirror device,
Exposure condition setting means for setting an exposure condition of the imaging element for each adjustment target area in the imaging area by the imaging means;
Drive control means capable of driving and controlling the digital micromirror device so as to adjust the exposure of the imaging device for each of the adjustment target areas based on the exposure conditions set by the exposure condition setting means. An appearance inspection apparatus characterized by comprising:

  In the means 1, the imaging means performs imaging by the imaging element via the digital micromirror device. Then, the exposure condition setting unit sets the exposure condition of the image sensor for each adjustment target region in the imaging region, and the drive control unit drives and controls the digital micromirror device based on the set exposure condition. The exposure of the image sensor is adjusted for each region. As a result, the image data output as the imaging result by the imaging means is the exposure adjusted for each adjustment target area. Therefore, each part (adjustment target area) of the imaging area can be imaged at an appropriate light amount at a time, and the imaging process is relatively simple.

  In addition, the means 1 does not correct the brightness of the image data after imaging, but adjusts the exposure at the time of imaging, so that the brightness of the image data can be distributed in an appropriate range, and a relatively accurate inspection can be performed. It can be carried out.

Mean 2. In the appearance inspection apparatus according to means 1,
If the micro mirror corresponding to the adjustment target area is set to the first angle among the micro mirrors constituting the digital micro mirror device by the drive control means, the light from the adjustment target area reaches the image sensor. In addition, when the minute mirror corresponding to the adjustment target region is set to the second angle, the light from the adjustment target region does not reach the image sensor,
The appearance inspection apparatus, wherein the drive control unit adjusts an exposure time of the image pickup device by adjusting a time during which the minute mirror corresponding to the adjustment target region is the first angle.

  Specifically, as shown in the means 2, the fine mirror corresponding to the adjustment target region is adjusted by adjusting the time at which the first angle, that is, the angle at which the light from the adjustment target region reaches the image sensor is adjusted. The structure which adjusts the exposure time of an element is illustrated. In this way, the imaging process is relatively simple.

Means 3. In the appearance inspection apparatus according to means 1,
If the micro mirror corresponding to the adjustment target area is set to the first angle among the micro mirrors constituting the digital micro mirror device by the drive control means, the light from the adjustment target area reaches the image sensor. In addition, when the minute mirror corresponding to the adjustment target region is set to the second angle, the light from the adjustment target region does not reach the image sensor,
The visual inspection apparatus characterized in that the drive control means adjusts the amount of light to the image sensor by adjusting the number of micro mirrors having the first angle among micro mirrors corresponding to the adjustment target region. .

  Further, as shown in the means 3, there is exemplified a configuration in which the amount of light to the image sensor is adjusted by adjusting the number of micro mirrors having the first angle among the micro mirrors corresponding to the adjustment target region. In this case, a plurality of micromirrors correspond to each pixel as a constituent unit of image data output from the image sensor. For example, when four micromirrors correspond to one pixel, the amount of light to the image sensor is halved by setting the two micromirrors to the first angle and the remaining two micromirrors to the second angle. Can do. Even in this case, the imaging process is relatively simple.

Means 4. In the appearance inspection apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 3,
The exposure condition setting means sets the adjustment target area to each of the adjustment target areas, with at least a tablet area that is the tablet area in the imaging area and a sheet area that is the packaging film area excluding the pocket portion as the adjustment target area. And an exposure condition of the image pickup device is set.

  According to the means 4, since at least the tablet area and the sheet area are the adjustment target areas, and the exposure condition of the image sensor is set for each of the adjustment target areas, the tablet area and the sheet area are imaged at an appropriate light amount at a time. can do.

Means 5. In the appearance inspection apparatus according to means 4,
The exposure condition setting means further sets an exposure condition of the imaging element, with an edge area that is an area in the vicinity of an edge portion of the pocket portion in the imaging area as the adjustment target area. .

  According to the means 5, since the edge region is further set as the adjustment target region, and the exposure condition of the image pickup device is set for the edge region, the tablet region, the sheet region, and the edge region are imaged at an appropriate light amount at a time. can do.

  However, at the edge portion of the pocket portion, the imaging light is specularly reflected or a shadow is caused by the imaging light. This may affect the image of the inspection area such as the tablet area or the sheet area, and there is a concern that the inspection may be hindered. Therefore, the following configuration may be adopted.

Means 6. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the exposure condition setting means sets, as the exposure condition, that the image sensor is not exposed to the edge region.

  According to the means 6, since it is set as an exposure condition that the image sensor is not exposed to the edge region, that is, the edge region is masked, the image of the tablet region and the sheet region is not affected. Contribute to proper inspection.

Mean 7 In the appearance inspection apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 6,
The imaging control means stores setting image data for setting the exposure condition in the image data storage means,
The appearance inspection apparatus, wherein the exposure condition setting unit sets the exposure condition for each of the adjustment target areas based on the setting image data stored in the image data storage unit.

  The means 1 or the like includes a configuration in which the exposure condition is input from the outside or the exposure condition is set based on information input from the outside. On the other hand, in the means 7, setting image data for setting the exposure condition is stored in the image data storage means, and the exposure condition is set based on the stored setting image data. In this way, exposure conditions can be set including illumination conditions that change due to various factors, and each part of the imaging region (adjustment target region) can be imaged at a more appropriate amount of light at a time. it can.

Means 8. In the appearance inspection apparatus according to means 7,
The image pickup control means stores the setting image data only once prior to storing the inspection image data when repeatedly storing the inspection image data for executing the inspection in the image data storage means. An appearance inspection apparatus characterized in that it is stored in a data storage means.

  In the means 8, the image data for inspection for executing the inspection is repeatedly stored in the image data storage means by the imaging control means. For example, the inspection image data is repeatedly stored in order to inspect the transported belt-like packaging film in sheet units. At this time, according to the means 7, the setting image data is stored only once before the storage of the inspection image data. As a result, the exposure condition is set based on the setting image data, and the exposure condition is commonly used for the subsequent imaging of the inspection image data. That is, the exposure conditions set first are used. As a result, for example, the time required for the inspection for each sheet unit is relatively short, which contributes to shortening the time required for the entire inspection.

Means 9. In the appearance inspection apparatus according to means 7,
The imaging control means repeatedly stores the setting image data in the image data prior to the storage of the inspection image data in repeatedly storing the inspection image data for executing the inspection in the image data storage means. An appearance inspection apparatus characterized in that it is stored in a storage means.

  In the means 9, as in the means 8, the image data for inspection for executing the inspection is repeatedly stored in the image data storage means by the imaging control means. At this time, according to the means 8, the setting image data is stored in the image data storage means every time prior to the storage of the inspection image data. As a result, the exposure condition is set based on the setting image data, and the exposure condition is individually set for, for example, the inspection for each sheet unit. Thereby, for example, when the tablet region is an adjustment target region, even if the tablet position varies in the pocket portion, it is possible to set the exposure condition including the illumination condition that changes due to the variation of the tablet position in the pocket portion. The tablet region or the like can be imaged with a more appropriate amount of light.

  Although the above has been described as an invention of an appearance inspection apparatus, it can also be realized as an invention of a PTP sheet manufacturing apparatus.

  Means 10. A PTP sheet manufacturing apparatus comprising the appearance inspection apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 9.

  Also in the PTP sheet manufacturing apparatus described in the means 10, the same effects as those of the appearance inspection apparatus can be obtained.

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

  First, the configuration of the PTP sheet 1 of the present embodiment will be described based on FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b). The PTP sheet 1 includes a packaging film 3 having a plurality of pocket portions 2 and a cover film 4 attached to the packaging film 3 so as to close the pocket portions 2. The packaging 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 transmittance (here, Is transparent). The cover film 4 is made of aluminum. Each pocket portion 2 contains one tablet 5.

  Next, a schematic configuration of the PTP packaging machine 7 as a PTP sheet manufacturing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The PTP packaging machine 7 automatically wraps the tablets 5 on the packaging 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. Then, when the packaging film 3 in which the pocket portion 2 is formed on the resin film is sent to the bottom of the filling device 14, the filling device 14 automatically fills each pocket portion 2 with the tablet 5.

  On the other hand, the cover film 4 formed in a belt shape is guided toward the film receiving roll 18 through 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 packaging film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the rolls 18 and 19. The cover film 4 is attached to the packaging 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.

  On the downstream side of the filling device 14 and the upstream side of the film receiving roll 18 and the heating roll 19, along the transfer path of the packaging film 3, the packaging film 3 (filled tablet 5) has a poor appearance. An appearance inspection apparatus 21 for inspecting the above is disposed. Appearance inspection apparatus 21 performs inspection for detecting foreign matter such as hair adhering to the surface of tablet 5 as an abnormality of tablet 5 filled in pocket portion 2, and sheet portion as an abnormality in a sheet portion other than pocket portion 2. A test for detecting foreign matter such as hair existing on the top is performed.

  After each inspection, after the cover film 4 is attached to the packaging 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 appearance inspection device 21, the PTP sheet 1 that has been determined to be defective is separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

  Next, the appearance inspection apparatus 21 that is a characteristic part of the present embodiment will be described more specifically.

  As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3, the appearance inspection apparatus 21 includes a reflective illumination device 22 as an “irradiation unit”, a camera 23 as an “imaging unit”, an image processing device 24, a monitor 25, a keyboard 26, And the input device 27 etc. are provided. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the appearance inspection apparatus 21.

  The reflective illumination device 22 is provided on the opening side of the pocket portion 2 of the packaging film 3. The reflective illumination device 22 has a light source (not shown) that emits white light (visible light). The camera 23 is provided corresponding to the reflective illumination device 22, and is provided on the opening side of the pocket portion 2, similarly to the reflective illumination device 22.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the camera 23 includes a digital micromirror device (hereinafter referred to as “DMD”) 23M and an image sensor 23S. The DMD 23M is composed of a large number of minute mirrors whose directions can be controlled to the first angle and the second angle. The light incident on the camera 23 reaches the image sensor 23S via the DMD 23M.

  More specifically, the micromirror of the DMD 23M corresponds to each pixel that is a structural unit of image data output from the image sensor 23S. When the DMD 23M is driven and controlled so that the minute mirror is at the first angle, the light reflected by the minute mirror reaches the image sensor 23S. On the other hand, when the minute mirror is at the second angle, the light reflected by the minute mirror does not reach the image sensor 23S. Thereby, the exposure time of the image sensor 23S can be adjusted by adjusting the time during which the minute mirror is at the first angle.

  Image data as a result of imaging by the camera 23 is output to the image processing device 24. Next, the configuration of the image processing device 24 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image processing apparatus 24 includes an image memory 41 as an “image data storage unit”, an exposure condition memory 42, a binarization unit 43, a determination memory 44, an appearance inspection result and statistical data memory 45, and a CPU and an input / output interface. 47.

  The image memory 41 is a memory device for storing image data output from the camera 23. The image memory 41 also stores binarized image data that has been binarized by the binarizing means 43.

  The exposure condition memory 42 is a memory device for storing exposure condition data indicating the exposure time of the image sensor 23S set for each adjustment target area in the imaging area.

  The binarizing unit 43 binarizes image data based on a predetermined threshold value. The determination memory 44 is a memory device for storing various determination values. As an example, a threshold value used for the binarization process by the binarization unit 43 and a determination value for inspection used for each inspection are stored.

  An appearance inspection result and statistical data memory (hereinafter simply referred to as “data memory”) 45 includes data such as coordinates relating to image data, appearance inspection result data, and statistical data obtained by probabilistically processing the appearance inspection result data. Is memorized.

  A CPU and input / output interface (hereinafter simply referred to as “CPU”) 47 executes various processing programs while using the stored contents of the determination memory 44 and the like, and sends a control signal to the PTP packaging machine 7 or PTP packaging. This is for transmitting and receiving various signals such as operation signals from the machine 7. Thereby, for example, the defective sheet discharge mechanism of the PTP packaging machine 7 can be controlled.

  The CPU 47 also has a function of sending display data to the monitor 25. With this function, various image data, appearance inspection results stored in the data memory 45, and the like can be displayed on the monitor 25. Further, the CPU 47 has a function of inputting data from the keyboard 26 and data from the input device 27.

  In particular, in this embodiment, the CPU 47 has a function of sending a control signal to the camera 23. Specifically, a drive signal can be sent to the DMD 23M. As a result, the DMD 23M is driven and controlled by the CPU 47. In this sense, the CPU 47 constitutes “drive control means”. Moreover, the imaging timing by the camera 23 can be controlled. More specifically, based on a signal from an encoder (not shown) provided in the PTP packaging machine 7, it is possible to control the timing at which image data as an imaging result output from the camera 23 is stored in the image memory 41. . In this sense, the CPU 47 constitutes “imaging control means”.

  Next, various processes executed by the CPU 47 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing exposure condition data creation processing.

  In the first S101, the film for packaging 3 to be conveyed is imaged. This is based on the reflected light from the reflective illumination device 22. Specifically, image data as an imaging result output from the camera 23 is stored in the image memory 41. At this time, all of the micromirrors constituting the DMD 23M are set to the first angle, and imaging is performed with a predetermined exposure time of the imaging element 23S.

  In subsequent S102, the image data stored in the image memory 41 is binarized, and is a tablet region that is the region of the tablet 5, a sheet region that is the region of the sheet portion, and a region near the edge portion of the pocket portion 2. Identify edge regions. Each of these areas corresponds to an “adjustment target area”.

  In the next S103, the brightness of the adjustment target area specified in S102 is detected. Specifically, the average luminance of the pixels constituting the adjustment target area is calculated as the luminance of each adjustment target area. However, since the edge region is masked as will be described later, the average luminance is not calculated. In the present embodiment, the average luminance is used as described above, but the highest luminance or the lowest luminance of the pixels constituting the adjustment target area may be used.

  In subsequent S104, exposure condition data indicating the exposure time of the image sensor 23S is created corresponding to each adjustment target area. Specifically, the exposure time of the image sensor 23S is set longer than the exposure time in S101 when the average luminance calculated in S103 is relatively low. On the other hand, when the average luminance is relatively high, the exposure time in S101 is set shorter. However, for the edge region, the exposure time of the image sensor 23S is set as “0”.

  In the next S105, the exposure condition data is stored in the exposure condition memory 42, and then the main exposure condition data creation process is terminated. The CPU 47 that creates and stores the exposure condition data constitutes “exposure condition setting means”. Further, the image data acquired in S101 corresponds to “setting image data”.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing surface foreign matter inspection processing. This surface foreign matter inspection process is repeatedly executed, for example, in units of sheets on the packaging film 3 to be transferred.

  In the first S201, the exposure condition data stored in the exposure condition memory 42 is read out. As described above, the exposure condition data is data indicating the exposure time of the image sensor 23S for each adjustment target area.

  In step S202, the DMD 23M is driven and controlled based on the read exposure condition data. Thereby, the exposure time of the image sensor 23S is adjusted for each adjustment target area.

  Subsequently, in S203, the packaging film 3 to be conveyed is imaged. This is based on the reflected light from the reflective illumination device 22. Specifically, image data as an imaging result output from the camera 23 is stored in the image memory 41. The image data output here is obtained by adjusting the exposure time of the image sensor 23S for each adjustment target area. This image data corresponds to “inspection image data”.

  In the next step S204, the image data stored in the image memory 41 is binarized, and the tablet area that is the area of the tablet 5 and the sheet area that is the area of the sheet portion are specified.

  In subsequent S205, foreign matter in the tablet region is detected. Specifically, the presence / absence of foreign matter is determined based on the determination value for tablet foreign matter inspection stored in the determination value memory 44. The inspection result here is stored in the data memory 45.

  In the next step S206, foreign matter in the sheet area is detected. Specifically, the presence / absence of a foreign object is determined based on a determination value for sheet foreign object inspection stored in the determination value memory 44. The inspection result here is also stored in the data memory 45.

  In subsequent S207, the good / bad determination is made based on the inspection result stored in the data memory 45, and then the surface foreign matter inspection process is terminated.

  The CPU 47 that executes the above surface foreign matter inspection processing constitutes “inspection execution means”.

  Next, in order to facilitate understanding of each process described above, a specific example will be described.

  In the exposure condition data creation process, all the micromirrors constituting the DMD 23M are set to the first angle, and imaging is performed at an exposure time T0 of the imaging element 23S determined in advance (S101 in FIG. 4). The image data acquired here includes, for example, a sheet image G3, a pocket edge image G2, and a tablet image G5 as shown in FIG. When the luminance of the portion indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is schematically shown in the drawing, the luminance of the portion corresponding to the tablet image G5 is distributed on the higher side (see symbol J1), and the luminance of the portion corresponding to the sheet image G3 is shown. The luminance is distributed on the lower side (see symbol J2). Further, in the vicinity of the pocket edge image G2, a portion where the luminance is extremely high and a portion where the luminance is low appear (see symbols J3 and J4).

  Next, the image data stored in the image memory 41 is binarized, and the tablet region, the sheet region, and the edge region are specified (S102 in FIG. 4). Specifically, the area shown by hatching in FIG. 7, that is, the tablet area R5 that is the area of the tablet image G5, the sheet area R3 that is the area of the sheet image G3, and the edge area R2 that is the area in the vicinity of the pocket edge image G2. Is identified.

  Subsequently, the average brightness of the tablet region R5 and the sheet region R3 is calculated (S103 in FIG. 4), and exposure condition data is created and stored (S104, S105). The exposure condition data indicates the exposure time of the image sensor 23S for each of the regions R2, R3, R5, that is, the time when the micromirror is set to the first angle. As shown in FIG. 7, the exposure time is set to an exposure time T1 that is shorter than the exposure time T0 in S101 because the average luminance is high in the tablet region R5 (see FIG. 6). In the sheet region R3, since the average brightness is low (see FIG. 6), the exposure time T2 is longer than the exposure time T0 in S101. In the edge region R2, “0” is set.

  Thereafter, in the surface foreign matter inspection process that is repeatedly executed, the exposure condition data is read (S201 in FIG. 5), and the DMD 23M is driven and controlled based on the exposure condition data (S202). Thereby, the exposure time of the image sensor 23S is adjusted for each of the tablet region R5, the sheet region R3, and the edge region R2. Then, the image data as the imaging result output from the camera 23 is stored in the image memory 41 (S203). In this image data, as shown in FIG. 7, the luminance distribution corresponding to the tablet region R5 is corrected downward (see symbol K1). In addition, the luminance distribution corresponding to the sheet region R3 is corrected upward (see symbol K2). Further, the luminance corresponding to the edge region R2 is “0” (see symbol K3). That is, the edge region R2 is masked.

  Next, the image data stored in the image memory 41 is binarized, the tablet region R5 and the sheet region R3 are specified (S204 in FIG. 5), and foreign matter is detected in the tablet region R5 and the sheet region. (S205, S206). For example, it is determined whether or not the object is a foreign object based on a luminance change as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Then, based on the determination result, the good / bad determination is made (S207).

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the exposure condition data (exposure time) of the imaging element 23S is created and created for each of the tablet area, the sheet area, and the edge area as the adjustment target area in the imaging area. The DMD 23M is driven and controlled based on the stored exposure condition data (S104, S105 in FIG. 4) (S202 in FIG. 5), and the exposure time of the image sensor 23S is adjusted for each region, so that imaging is performed. Performed (S203). Therefore, the tablet region, the sheet region, and the edge region can be imaged at a time with an appropriate light amount. In addition, since the exposure time of the image sensor 23S is adjusted by adjusting the time that the micro mirror of the DMD 23M is at the first angle, the drive control of the DMD 23M is not complicated, and the imaging process is relatively simple. It becomes. In addition, since the exposure is adjusted at the time of imaging, the luminance of the image data can be distributed in an appropriate range, and the inspection can be performed with higher accuracy than the configuration of correcting the luminance after imaging.

  In the present embodiment, since the exposure time is set to “0” for the edge region, that is, the edge region is masked, even when specular reflection or shadow occurs in the edge portion of the pocket portion 2. The tablet region and the sheet region image are not affected and appropriate inspection can be performed.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, imaging is performed to create exposure condition data (S101 in FIG. 4), and exposure condition data is created and stored based on this image data (setting image data) ( S104, S105). Thereby, exposure condition data including illumination conditions that change due to various factors can be created, and a tablet region, a sheet region, and the like can be imaged with a more appropriate amount of light.

  In the present embodiment, the exposure condition data creation process shown in FIG. 4 is executed only once prior to the surface foreign matter inspection process shown in FIG. The exposure condition data is created by executing the exposure condition data creation process, and the exposure condition data is commonly used for subsequent imaging of image data (inspection image data) (S203 in FIG. 5). It will be. That is, the exposure condition data set first is used. Accordingly, for example, the time required for the inspection for each sheet unit is relatively short, and the time required for the entire inspection is shortened.

  In the embodiment described above, for example, a part of the configuration can be appropriately changed as follows. Of course, implementation in a form not exemplified below is also possible without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  (A) In the embodiment described above, the exposure condition data creation process shown in FIG. 4 is executed only once prior to the surface foreign matter inspection process shown in FIG. On the other hand, it is good also as a structure which performs an exposure condition data preparation process every time before a surface foreign material inspection process. In this way, the exposure condition data is individually set for the inspection for each sheet unit, for example. As a result, for example, when the tablet area is an adjustment target area, even if the tablet position varies in the pocket portion 2, exposure condition data including illumination conditions that change due to variations in the tablet position in the pocket portion 2 and the like. The tablet region and the like can be imaged with a more appropriate light amount.

  (B) In the above embodiment, the tablet area, the sheet area, and the edge area are the adjustment target areas in the imaging area. However, the adjustment target areas may be set in any way. For example, the tablet region may be further divided into a central region and a peripheral region, and the regions may be adjusted.

  (C) In the above embodiment, imaging is performed to create exposure condition data (S101 and S104 in FIG. 4). However, the exposure condition data may be acquired from the outside, or the exposure condition data may be It is good also as a structure which acquires the information for creating from the outside. Specifically, it is exemplified that the exposure condition data and the information for creating the exposure condition data are acquired via the keyboard 26 and the input device 27 shown in FIG.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the micromirrors constituting the DMD 23M and the pixels constituting the image output from the image sensor 23S have a one-to-one correspondence. However, it is not always necessary to have a one-to-one correspondence. . For example, if the micromirror and the pixel have a 4-to-1 relationship, the exposure time of one pixel can be adjusted by driving control of the four micromirrors.

  (E) In the above-described embodiment, the exposure time of the image sensor 23S is adjusted by adjusting the time during which the micromirrors constituting the DMD 23M are set to the first angle. In contrast, in the configuration in which a plurality of micromirrors are associated with one pixel as described in (d) above, by adjusting the number of micromirrors as the first angle, It is good also as a structure which adjusts light quantity. Even if it does in this way, the drive control of DMD23M does not become complicated, and an imaging process becomes comparatively easy.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the inspection based on the reflected light by the reflective illumination device 22 is performed. However, the present invention is also applicable to the inspection based on the transmitted light by the transmission illumination device.

  (G) In the above embodiment, the surface foreign matter inspection is performed on the tablet region and the sheet region. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration that performs contour shape inspection, chipping inspection, capping inspection (inspection as to whether or not the tablet is cracked in the thickness direction), powder biting inspection, seal wrinkle inspection, non-seal inspection, tablet color identification inspection, etc. It can also be applied to.

(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 schematic diagram which shows schematic structure, such as a PTP packaging machine in embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of an external appearance inspection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows exposure condition data creation processing. It is a flowchart which shows a surface foreign material inspection process. It is explanatory drawing which shows the image data for setting and luminance distribution. It is explanatory drawing which shows the exposure adjustment by exposure condition data.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PTP sheet, 2 ... Pocket part, 3 ... Packaging film, 4 ... Cover film, 5 ... Tablet, 7 ... PTP packaging machine, 21 ... Appearance inspection apparatus, 22 ... Reflection illumination apparatus, 23 ... Camera, 23M ... Digital Micromirror device (DMD), 23S ... Image sensor, 41 ... Image memory, 42 ... Exposure condition memory, 47 ... CPU and input / output interface (CPU), G2 ... Pocket edge image, G3 ... Sheet image, G5 ... Tablet image, R2 ... edge region, R3 ... sheet region, R5 ... tablet region.

Claims (10)

Irradiation means for irradiating imaging light to a band-shaped packaging film in which tablets are stored in a pocket portion;
Imaging means for imaging a predetermined imaging area with the light emitted by the irradiation means;
Image data storage means for storing image data;
Imaging control means for storing image data output as a result of imaging by the imaging means in the image data storage means;
In the appearance inspection apparatus comprising inspection execution means capable of executing inspection based on the image data stored in the image data storage means by the imaging control means,
The imaging means has a digital micromirror device and an imaging element, and performs imaging by the imaging element via the digital micromirror device,
Exposure condition setting means for setting an exposure condition of the imaging element for each adjustment target area in the imaging area by the imaging means;
Drive control means capable of driving and controlling the digital micromirror device so as to adjust the exposure of the imaging device for each of the adjustment target areas based on the exposure conditions set by the exposure condition setting means. An appearance inspection apparatus characterized by comprising: The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1,
If the micro mirror corresponding to the adjustment target area is set to the first angle among the micro mirrors constituting the digital micro mirror device by the drive control means, the light from the adjustment target area reaches the image sensor. In addition, when the minute mirror corresponding to the adjustment target region is set to the second angle, the light from the adjustment target region does not reach the image sensor,
The appearance inspection apparatus, wherein the drive control unit adjusts an exposure time of the image pickup device by adjusting a time during which the minute mirror corresponding to the adjustment target region is the first angle. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1,
If the micro mirror corresponding to the adjustment target area is set to the first angle among the micro mirrors constituting the digital micro mirror device by the drive control means, the light from the adjustment target area reaches the image sensor. In addition, when the minute mirror corresponding to the adjustment target region is set to the second angle, the light from the adjustment target region does not reach the image sensor,
The visual inspection apparatus characterized in that the drive control means adjusts the amount of light to the image sensor by adjusting the number of micro mirrors having the first angle among micro mirrors corresponding to the adjustment target region. . The appearance inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The exposure condition setting means sets the adjustment target area to each of the adjustment target areas, with at least a tablet area that is the tablet area in the imaging area and a sheet area that is the packaging film area excluding the pocket portion as the adjustment target area. And an exposure condition of the image pickup device is set. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 4,
The exposure condition setting means further sets an exposure condition of the imaging element, with an edge area that is an area in the vicinity of an edge portion of the pocket portion in the imaging area as the adjustment target area. . The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the exposure condition setting unit sets, as the exposure condition, that the image sensor is not exposed to the edge region. The appearance inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The imaging control means stores setting image data for setting the exposure condition in the image data storage means,
The appearance inspection apparatus, wherein the exposure condition setting unit sets the exposure condition for each of the adjustment target areas based on the setting image data stored in the image data storage unit. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 7,
The image pickup control means stores the setting image data only once prior to storing the inspection image data when repeatedly storing the inspection image data for executing the inspection in the image data storage means. An appearance inspection apparatus characterized in that it is stored in a data storage means. The appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 7,
The imaging control means repeatedly stores the setting image data in the image data prior to the storage of the inspection image data in repeatedly storing the inspection image data for executing the inspection in the image data storage means. An appearance inspection apparatus characterized in that it is stored in a storage means. An apparatus for manufacturing a PTP sheet, comprising the appearance inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

Images