JP2012237649A - Tablet inspection device and ptp packing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a tablet inspection device and a PTP packing machine capable of significantly improving an inspection accuracy when inspecting chipping and the like of a tablet in a production process of a PTP sheet.SOLUTION: A tablet inspection device 21 includes: an illumination device 22 for applying light to a tablet stored in a pocket part of a container film; a camera 23 for photographing the tablet within the illuminated range; and an image processing device 24 for processing an image signal output from the camera 23. The image processing device 24 stores, as target-directional information, a tangential-directional information of a plurality of points for each angle of the contour of the target tablet with a center of gravity defined as an original point; in the inspection, specifies the center of gravity on the basis of the extracted contour of the tablet; at the same time, obtains the corresponding tangential-directional information of each intersection for each angle, and compares the tangential-directional information with the target-directional information. When the tangential-directional information of one intersection is deviated from a tolerance of the corresponding target-directional information, the tablet is determined as a defective candidate.

Description

  The present invention belongs to a technical field including a tablet inspection apparatus used in manufacturing a PTP sheet and a PTP packaging machine including the tablet inspection apparatus.

  Generally, a PTP sheet includes a resin packaging film having a pocket portion filled with tablets and the like, and an aluminum cover film attached to the packaging film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion. It is configured.

  In manufacturing the PTP sheet, after the pocket portion is filled with tablets or the like, the appearance abnormality relating to chipping or cracking of the tablets is inspected. In the inspection, for example, light is irradiated from the irradiation means, the transmitted light or reflected light is imaged by a camera, and a chip of the tablet is inspected based on the captured image data.

  As the inspection method, for example, the outline of a tablet as a reference (target) is set in advance. On the other hand, the contour of the tablet is extracted from the image data of the tablet actually to be inspected, the outer periphery of the contour is followed by a vector locus (tangent), and the rotation angle of the vector is measured. Then, the rotation angle of the measured vector is compared with a preset angle preset for each coordinate of the contour of the reference tablet, and if a portion where the measured angle is larger than the preset angle is found, It is determined that there is a chip (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2005-172608 A

  By the way, the technique described in the above-mentioned gazette is one in which a reference set angle is set for each point of the outline of the reference tablet, that is, for each coordinate.

  However, in reality, there is a fact that there is a variation in size for each tablet. In particular, the tablet expands or contracts slightly after the tableting. In this case, a difference is generated between the pre-set reference tablet contour and the actually inspected tablet contour. For this reason, the contours of the two cannot be superimposed (that is, the coordinates cannot be matched), and there is a concern that an accurate angle comparison may be hindered.

  For example, when the tablet after tableting contracts, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the contour of the tablet actually to be inspected with respect to the contour r11 of the tablet serving as the reference (target). R11 becomes small. As a result, it becomes impossible to specify which point on the contour R11 of the tablet to be inspected corresponds to the point on the contour r11 of the tablet to be the reference (target). As a result, there is a risk that an inaccurate inspection cannot be performed or a malfunction such as an erroneous determination may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and the like, and provides a tablet inspection apparatus and a PTP packaging machine capable of dramatically improving inspection accuracy when inspecting for chipping of a tablet in the process of manufacturing a PTP sheet. It is one of the main purposes to provide.

  Hereinafter, each means suitable for solving the above-described problem will be described separately. In addition, the effect specific to the means to respond | corresponds as needed is added.

Means 1. In the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet, a tablet inspection device for inspecting a tablet contained in a pocket portion formed in a belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed,
Illumination means capable of irradiating light to the tablet accommodated in the pocket portion,
Imaging means capable of imaging tablets in a range illuminated by the illumination means;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Target contour information storage means for storing information about the contour of the target tablet in advance;
Contour extraction means for extracting the contour of the tablet based on the image data obtained from the image signal,
Based on the information about the outline of the target tablet, the center of gravity or the center of the outline of the target tablet is specified, and a reference straight line is set from the center of gravity or the center to a predetermined point on the outline of the target tablet. In addition, a straight line is drawn from the center of gravity or the center to each of a plurality of points on the target tablet outline, and a tangent of each of the corresponding points for each angle formed by the reference straight line and the plurality of straight lines. Direction information as target orientation information,
Based on the contour extracted by the contour extraction means, the center of gravity or center of the contour of the tablet is specified, a reference straight line is set from the center of gravity or center of the tablet to a predetermined point on the contour, and the reference straight line , Draw a plurality of straight lines for each angle, and obtain tangent direction information of each intersection of the plurality of straight lines and the extracted contour,
Compare the tangent direction information of each intersection corresponding to each angle and the target direction information of each point corresponding to each angle,
Based on the comparison result, if the direction information of the tangent of one intersection deviates from the permissible range with respect to the corresponding target direction information, the tablet is determined as a defective candidate for the one intersection Inspection device.

  Here, the “predetermined point” of the “reference straight line” set for the “target tablet contour” and the “predetermined point” of the “reference straight line” set for the “contour extracted by the contour extracting means” Should in principle correspond to each other. For example, in the case of a tablet having an elliptical shape in plan view and an oval shape, as the “predetermined point”, the point that is the farthest from the center of gravity or the center (the reference straight line in this case corresponds to the major axis), or conversely, The closest point (the reference straight line in this case corresponds to the minor axis) or the like is preferably set. However, in the case of a tablet having a circular shape in plan view, the “predetermined point” and the “reference straight line” can be arbitrarily set.

  Further, “target direction information” and “direction information” can be represented by gradient, inclination, angle, vector, and the like. It can also be expressed by a concept orthogonal to a tangent (for example, a brightness change vector).

  According to the means 1, information regarding the outline of the target tablet is stored in advance by the target outline information storage means. Further, based on the image data obtained from the image signal output from the imaging means, the contour extracting means extracts the contour of the tablet to be inspected.

  Further, the center of gravity or center of the target tablet contour is specified based on the information on the target tablet contour, and a reference straight line extends from the center of gravity or center to a predetermined point on the target tablet contour. Is set. Then, a straight line is drawn from the center of gravity or the center to each of a plurality of points on the target tablet outline, and for each angle formed by the reference straight line and each of the plurality of straight lines, a corresponding tangent of each of the plurality of points is obtained. Direction information is obtained as target direction information. On the other hand, based on the contour extracted by the contour extracting means, the center of gravity or center of the contour of the tablet to be inspected is specified, and a reference straight line is set from the center of gravity or center to a predetermined point on the contour. . Then, a plurality of straight lines are drawn for each angle with respect to the reference straight line, and tangent direction information of each intersection of the plurality of straight lines and the extracted contour is obtained.

  Then, the tangent direction information of each intersection corresponding to each angle is compared with the target direction information of each point corresponding to each angle. Then, based on the comparison result, when the tangent direction information of one intersection deviates from the allowable range with respect to the corresponding target direction information, the one intersection is determined as a defect candidate. For this reason, even when the tablet expands or contracts after tableting, each intersection and point correspond to each angle with respect to the reference straight line, and an appropriate comparison can be performed. it can. As a result, the determination of the defect candidate becomes more accurate, and as a result, the inspection accuracy can be dramatically improved.

  Mean 2. 2. The tablet inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target contour information storage unit stores in advance tangent direction information of the plurality of points corresponding to each angle as target direction information.

  According to the means 2, the target contour information storage means not only stores only the target tablet contour, but also stores in advance tangent direction information of a plurality of points corresponding to each angle as target direction information. doing. For this reason, in the above comparison stage, a reference straight line is set over a predetermined point on the outline of the target tablet, or a straight line is drawn over each of a plurality of points, and the tangent direction of each point is set for each angle. There is no need to ask for information. As a result, quicker determination and inspection can be realized.

  Means 3. The tablet inspection apparatus according to means 1 or 2, wherein the interval between the angles is set to 30 ° or less.

  According to the means 3, the interval between the angles is set to 30 ° or less. That is, the comparison is performed for at least 12 points and intersections. Therefore, a more uniform inspection can be performed over the entire range on the contour, and a problem caused by inspecting only a biased specific portion can be prevented. The “interval” is preferably set to 15 ° or less, more preferably set to 5 ° or less, and further preferably set to 1 ° or less. In addition, it is desirable to compare all points (pixel points) on the contour from the purpose of further improving the inspection accuracy (the same applies to the means 5).

Means 4. In the process of manufacturing a PTP sheet, a tablet inspection apparatus for inspecting a planar circular tablet accommodated in a pocket portion formed in a belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed,
Illumination means capable of irradiating light to the tablet accommodated in the pocket portion,
Imaging means capable of imaging tablets in a range illuminated by the illumination means;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Target contour information storage means for storing information about the contour of the target tablet in advance;
Contour extraction means for extracting the contour of the tablet based on the image data obtained from the image signal,
The center of gravity or the center of the contour of the target tablet is matched with the center of gravity or the center of the contour of the tablet extracted by the contour extracting means, and these are used as a common origin, and the target tablet Compare the tangent direction information of each point when drawing a straight line to each of a plurality of points on the contour and the tangent direction information of the intersection of the straight line and the contour of the extracted tablet,
Based on the comparison result, when the tangent direction information of one intersection point deviates from the allowable range with respect to the tangent direction information of the corresponding point on the outline of the tablet, the one intersection point A tablet inspection apparatus characterized by determining as a defective candidate.

  According to the means 4, basically the same effect as the means 1 can be obtained. Further, in view of the characteristic of inspecting a planar circular tablet, the means 4 does not need to set a “reference straight line” like the means 1. Therefore, simplification of the processing at the time of comparison can be realized, and as a result, the inspection speed can be improved.

  Means 5. Means 4 is characterized in that an angle formed between adjacent straight lines when a straight line is drawn from the origin to each of a plurality of points on the outline of the target tablet is set to 30 ° or less. The tablet inspection apparatus described.

  According to the means 5, the same effect as the means 3 is exhibited.

  Means 6. Means for obtaining an area or length of a missing region based on the intersection determined as a defect candidate, and determining a defective product when the area or length exceeds a predetermined specified value The tablet inspection apparatus according to any one of 1 to 5.

  According to the means 6, it is not determined that an error or an extremely fine chip or the like of an acceptable level is defective, and as a result, deterioration of the non-defective product error rate can be suppressed.

  Mean 7 A PTP packaging machine comprising the tablet inspection device according to any one of means 1 to 6.

  By providing the tablet inspection apparatus in the PTP packaging machine as in the means 7, there is a merit that defective products can be efficiently excluded in the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet.

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 block diagram which shows the electric constitution of a tablet inspection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows an example of an "inspection routine." It is a figure explaining the concept of a comparison, (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the tablet used as a target, (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the tablet used as a test object. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating another embodiment. (A) is a schematic diagram of the outline of a tablet showing chipping of the tablet and the like (b) is an enlarged schematic diagram. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating another embodiment. It is a figure explaining the malfunction of a prior art, Comprising: (a) is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the tablet used as a reference | standard (target), (b) is a schematic diagram which shows the outline of the tablet used as a test object.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In this embodiment, the PTP sheet is inspected for defects in the PTP packaging machine by installing the tablet inspection device in the PTP packaging machine.

  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 portion 2 accommodates one tablet 5 having, for example, a disc shape (circular shape in plan view). Although the tablet 5 of this embodiment has a color close to white, the color is not limited to this.

  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 on the upstream side of the film receiving roll 18 and the heating roll 19, a tablet inspection device 21 for inspecting a defect of the tablet 5 along the transfer path of the container film 3. Is arranged. The tablet inspection device 21 performs an inspection mainly for detecting cracks and chippings in the peripheral edge of the tablet 5.

  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). When a defective product is determined by the tablet inspection device 21, the PTP sheet that has been determined to be defective is separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism (not shown).

  The outline of the PTP packaging machine 7 is as described above. In the following, the tablet inspection apparatus 21 will be described more specifically based on FIG.

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

  The illuminating device 22 is provided on the pocket portion 2 side of the container film 3 (see FIG. 1) and can emit light.

  The camera 23 is provided on the opposite side (upper side in FIG. 1) to the lighting device 22 through the container film 3, and the light transmitted from the lighting device 22 is transmitted through the container film 3. Imaging is possible. In the present embodiment, a CCD camera is employed as the camera 23.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the light irradiated from the illuminating device 22 illuminates the container film 3 and the tablet 5, and the light transmitted therethrough is configured to be two-dimensionally imaged by the camera 23. 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. 3, the image processing device 24 includes an image memory 41 corresponding to the camera 23, a binarizing unit 43, a determination memory 44, an inspection result and statistical data memory 45, a camera timing control unit 46, and a CPU. And an input / output interface 47 and the like, and can perform image data processing, 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, the image data is binarized by the binarizing means 43 at the time of inspection, and then stored in the image memory 41 again.

  The CPU and the input / output interface 47 execute various processing programs while using the storage contents of the determination memory 44 to be described later, and send a control signal to the PTP packaging machine 7 or an operation signal from the PTP packaging machine 7. It is for transmitting and receiving various signals. 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, defect inspection results, 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.

  Prior to the inspection, the determination memory 44 stores information related to the outline of the tablet serving as a reference (target). More specifically, in the determination memory 44, in addition to the data of the reference (target) tablet contour r1 (see FIG. 5A), the position information of the center of gravity g1 of the target tablet contour r1, the center of gravity Data of a reference straight line bl1 from g1 to a predetermined point bp1 on the target tablet contour r1, and further, a plurality of points p (p = p1, p1 on the target tablet contour r1 from the center of gravity g1 ... pn), and an angle θ (θ = θ1,) between the reference straight line bl1 and the plurality of straight lines l after drawing straight lines l (l = 11, l2,... l2), respectively. The orientation information (target orientation information) of the tangent sl of each of the plurality of corresponding points p is stored for each θ2,.

  In the present embodiment, since the tablet 5 has a circular shape in plan view, the predetermined point bp1 and the reference straight line bl1 can be arbitrarily set. The orientation information (target orientation information) can be expressed by a tangent vector, but can also be expressed by a gradient, inclination, angle, or “brightness change vector” that is a concept orthogonal to the tangent sl. It is good as well. Further, in the present embodiment, for the purpose of improving the inspection accuracy, the corresponding angle θ and direction information (target direction information) of the tangent sl are stored for all points p (pixel points) on the contour r1. Yes. Further, in addition to the above, the determination memory 44 stores data relating to the allowable range of the direction information (target direction information) of the tangent line sl used for comparison, and determination of a missing area used for defective product determination. Data relating to the prescribed value So is also stored. In the present embodiment, the determination memory 44 constitutes “target contour information storage means”.

  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 together with each data stored in the determination memory 44 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.

  Further, 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 every time the container film 3 is fed by a predetermined amount, imaging is performed in units of sheets by the camera 23 (for example, PTP sheets to be punched). .

  Next, the procedure of the defect inspection (inspection of the chip of the peripheral portion of the tablet 5) executed mainly in the image processing device 24 will be described according to the flowchart of FIG.

  As shown in the figure, in the “inspection routine”, first, in step S101, binarization processing is executed. Specifically, the binarization unit 43 performs binarization processing on the image data stored in the image memory 41.

  In step S102, chunk processing is executed. Specifically, the tablet area corresponding to the tablet 5 is recognized based on the binarized data obtained in step S101.

  In step S103, a contour extraction process for extracting the contour shape of the tablet region obtained in step S102 is executed. Specifically, relative coordinate data of pixel points constituting the outline R1 of the tablet region is obtained. The processing in step S103 or the main body (CPU) that performs the processing corresponds to “contour extraction processing means”.

  In step S104, the center of gravity G1 of the contour R1 of the tablet 5 is specified based on the extracted data of the contour R1 (see FIG. 5B).

  In subsequent step S105, a reference straight line BL1 is set from the center of gravity G1 of the contour R1 of the tablet 5 specified in step S104 to a predetermined point BP1 on the contour R1. Further, a plurality of straight lines L (L = L1, L2,..., Ln) are drawn for each angle θ (θ = θ1, θ2,..., Θn) with respect to the reference straight line BL1. The direction information of the tangent SL (SL = SL1, SL2,..., SLn) of each intersection P (P = P1, P2,..., Pn) between the straight line L and the extracted contour R1 is obtained. As described above, since the tablet 5 has a circular shape in plan view, the predetermined point BP1 and the reference straight line BL1 can also be set arbitrarily. Also, the orientation information is represented by a tangent vector here as in the target orientation information.

  In step S106, a comparison process is executed. That is, the tangent line SL (SL = SL1, SL2,..., Pn) corresponding to each angle θ (θ = θ1, θ2,..., Θn). ., SLn) and tangent line sl (sl = sl) of each point p (p = p1, p2,..., Pn) corresponding to each angle θ (θ = θ1, θ2,..., Θn). The target orientation information of sl1, sl2,... sln) is compared. Then, based on the comparison result, when the direction information of the tangent SL of one intersection P deviates from the allowable range with respect to the target direction information of the corresponding tangent sl, Determined. On the other hand, when the direction information of the tangent SL does not deviate from the allowable range with respect to the target direction information of the corresponding tangent sl, the one intersection P is not determined as a defect candidate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7 (a) and 7 (b), in the region where the chip 51 is not generated, the orientation information of the tangent SL (SL = SLa) of the intersection P (P = Pa) is indicated by the corresponding point p. The target orientation information of the tangent sl (sl = sla) at (p = pa) does not deviate from the permissible range, that is, it is almost equivalent.

  Next, in step S107, a process of calculating a chipped area is executed based on the intersection point P that is continuously determined as a defect candidate in the comparison process of step S106. For example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in the region where the chip 51 is generated, the orientation information of the tangent SL (SL = SLb) of the intersection P (P = Pb) is indicated by the corresponding point p. The target orientation information of the tangent sl (slb) at (p = pb) should deviate from the allowable range. For this reason, when the number of intersection points P that are successively determined as defective candidates exceeds a specified value, it can be said that a chip 51 having a size greater than or equal to a predetermined value has occurred.

  In subsequent step S108, it is determined whether or not the area Sx of the missing region calculated in step S107 is equal to or smaller than a predetermined determination specified value So. If the area Sx of the missing region is equal to or smaller than the determination specified value So, a non-defective product determination is performed in step S109, and this process is terminated. On the other hand, if there is at least one missing area Sx larger than the specified determination value So, a failure determination is made in step S110, and this process is temporarily terminated. These inspection results are output to the monitor 25 and the PTP packaging machine 7 (including the defective sheet discharge mechanism).

  Note that the processing from step S101 to step S110 is executed for each tablet 5 on the PTP film 20, and when it is cut into the PTP sheet 1 later, even one tablet 5 determined to be defective on the same sheet. If it is included, the sheet is judged to be defective and discharged.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the determination memory 44 includes the position information of the center of gravity g1 of the target tablet outline r1 in addition to the reference (target) tablet outline r1 data. Data of the reference straight line bl1 from the center of gravity g1 to a predetermined point bp1 on the contour r1, and further, straight lines l (l = 11, l2,... Ln) from the center of gravity g1 to a plurality of points p on the contour r1. ), The tangent line sl of each of the plurality of points p corresponding to each angle θ (θ = θ1, θ2,..., Θn) formed by the reference straight line bl1 and the plurality of straight lines l. Direction information (target direction information) of (sl = sl1, sl2,..., Sln) is stored. At the time of inspection, the center of gravity G1 of the contour R1 is specified based on the extracted contour R1 of the actual tablet 5, and the reference straight line BL1 is set from the center of gravity G1 to the predetermined point BP1 on the contour R1. Further, a plurality of straight lines L (L = L1, L2,..., Ln) are drawn for each angle θ (θ = θ1, θ2,..., Θn) with respect to the reference straight line BL1. Orientation information of the tangent SL (SL = SL1, SL2,... SLn) of each intersection P (P = P1, P2,... Pn) between the straight line L and the extracted contour R1 is obtained.

  Then, the direction information of the tangent SL of each intersection P corresponding to each angle θ is compared with the target direction information of the tangent sl of each point p corresponding to each angle θ. Then, based on the comparison result, if the direction information of the tangent line SL of one intersection point P deviates from the allowable range with respect to the target direction information of the tangent line sl of the corresponding point p, it is poor with respect to the one intersection point P Determined as a candidate. For this reason, even if the tablet 5 expands or contracts after tableting, each angle θ (θ = θ1, θ2,..., Θn) with respect to the reference straight lines bl1, BL1 The intersection point P and the point p correspond to each other, and an appropriate comparison can be performed. As a result, the determination of the defect candidate becomes more accurate, and as a result, the inspection accuracy can be dramatically improved.

  In the present embodiment, the determination memory 44 stores in advance the orientation information of the tangent sl of each of the plurality of points p corresponding to each angle θ as the target orientation information. For this reason, in the comparison stage, a reference straight line bl1 is set over a predetermined point bp1 on the target tablet contour r1, and a straight line l is drawn over each of the plurality of points p. There is no need to obtain the orientation information of the tangent sl of each point p. As a result, quicker determination and inspection can be realized.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, for all points (pixel points) on the contour R1, the direction information of the tangent SL is compared with the target direction information of the tangent sl of each point p corresponding to each angle θ. For this reason, it is possible to perform a more uniform inspection over the entire range on the contour R1, and it is possible to prevent problems caused by inspecting only a specific part that is biased.

  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, the reference straight lines bl1 and BL1 are set even though the tablet 5 having a circular shape in plan view is the inspection target. On the other hand, when the tablet is circular in plan view, the reference straight line need not be set. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the center of gravity g1 of the contour r1 of the target tablet is matched with the center of gravity G1 of the contour R1 of the tablet to be inspected (extracted), and these are used as a common origin, A straight line l (l = 11, l2,..., Ln) is drawn from the origin to a plurality of points p (p = p1, p2,..., Pn) on the target tablet outline r1. Information of the tangent sl (sl = sl1, sl2,..., Sln) of each point p, and the intersection P (P = P1, P2,...) Of the straight line l and the extracted tablet contour R1. ., Pn) is compared with the direction information of the tangent line SL (SL = SL1, SL2,..., SLn), and based on the comparison result, the direction information of the tangent line SL at one intersection P corresponds to the corresponding target. The orientation information of the tangent sl of the point p on the outline r1 of the tablet is out of the allowable range. When, may be determined as a defective candidate relates intersection P of the 1. In this case, simplification of the processing at the time of comparison can be realized, and as a result, the inspection speed can be improved.

  (B) In the above embodiment, a disk-shaped flat tablet is illustrated as an example of the tablet 5 to be inspected. However, the type of the tablet is not limited to this, and for example, a central portion and a peripheral portion It may be a tablet having a different thickness, a so-called lens tablet, or a non-circular tablet in a plan view such as an ellipse, an ellipse, or a triangle.

  (C) Regarding (b) above, when a non-circular tablet in plan view is an inspection object, “predetermined point bp1” of the “reference straight line bl1” set for the “target tablet contour r1” The “predetermined point BP1” of the “reference straight line BL1” set for the “extracted contour R1” at the time of inspection needs to correspond to each other. For example, in the case of a tablet having an elliptical shape in plan view and an oval shape, as the “predetermined point”, the point that is the farthest from the center of gravity or the center (the reference straight line in this case corresponds to the major axis), or conversely, The closest point (the reference straight line in this case corresponds to the minor axis) or the like is preferably set.

  More specifically, in the case of an elliptical tablet, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the reference straight lines bl1 and BL1 set for the target tablet contour r1 and the contour R1 extracted in the inspection are both major axes. A line corresponding to is set. As described above, even in the case of a non-circular tablet, if the predetermined points bp1, BP1 and the reference straight lines bl1, BL1 on both contours r1, R1 are set corresponding to each other, the same effect as described above can be obtained. Played.

  (C) In the said embodiment, it has the structure which inspects the tablet 5 by imaging with the camera 23 the transmitted light irradiated from the illuminating device 22 and permeate | transmitted the container film 3. FIG. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a configuration may be adopted in which reflected light reflected from the tablet 5 is imaged and the inspection is performed. According to the inspection using reflected light, the tablet 5 can be inspected even after the sealing film 4 is attached to the container film 3.

  (D) In the above embodiment, binarization processing is executed in step S101, chunk processing is executed in step S102, and contour extraction processing is executed in step S103. The contour extraction process may be executed by a technique. For example, instead of the binarization process, the contour extraction process can be executed by executing a so-called differentiation process.

  (E) In the above-described embodiment, the defective product is determined when the area Sx of the missing region is larger than the predetermined determination value So. However, when the length (peripheral length) of the defective region is larger than the predetermined value. In addition, the defective product may be determined.

  (F) In the above embodiment, the centroids g1 and G1 are specified for the contours r1 and R1, but the center may be set instead of the centroids g1 and G1.

  (G) In the above embodiment, in addition to the data of the target tablet outline r1, the position information of the center of gravity g1 of the target tablet outline r1, the data of the reference straight line bl1, The orientation information (target orientation information) of the tangent sl1 of each of the plurality of points p corresponding to each angle θ is stored. On the other hand, only the data of the outline r1 of the target tablet is stored in the determination memory 44, and the position information of the center of gravity g1 and the direction information (target direction information) of the tangent sl1 of each point p are calculated at the time of inspection. It may be configured as follows.

  (H) In the above embodiment, for all points (pixel points) on the contour R1, the orientation information of the tangent SL is compared with the target orientation information of the tangent sl of each point p corresponding to each angle θ. Although it is configured, it is not always necessary to compare all points (pixel points). However, from the viewpoint of inspection accuracy, the interval between the angles is preferably set to 30 ° or less, more preferably set to 15 ° or less, and set to 5 ° or less. Is more desirable.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PTP sheet, 2 ... Pocket part, 3 ... Container film, 4 ... Sealing film, 5 ... Tablet, 7 ... PTP packaging machine, 21 ... Tablet inspection device, 22 ... Illumination device, 23 ... Camera, 24 ... Image processing Device, 44 ... Memory for determination.

Claims (7)

In the manufacturing process of the PTP sheet, a tablet inspection device for inspecting a tablet contained in a pocket portion formed in a belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed,
Illumination means capable of irradiating light to the tablet accommodated in the pocket portion,
Imaging means capable of imaging tablets in a range illuminated by the illumination means;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Target contour information storage means for storing information about the contour of the target tablet in advance;
Contour extraction means for extracting the contour of the tablet based on the image data obtained from the image signal,
Based on the information about the outline of the target tablet, the center of gravity or the center of the outline of the target tablet is specified, and a reference straight line is set from the center of gravity or the center to a predetermined point on the outline of the target tablet. In addition, a straight line is drawn from the center of gravity or the center to each of a plurality of points on the target tablet outline, and a tangent of each of the corresponding points for each angle formed by the reference straight line and the plurality of straight lines. Direction information as target orientation information,
Based on the contour extracted by the contour extraction means, the center of gravity or center of the contour of the tablet is specified, a reference straight line is set from the center of gravity or center of the tablet to a predetermined point on the contour, and the reference straight line , Draw a plurality of straight lines for each angle, and obtain tangent direction information of each intersection of the plurality of straight lines and the extracted contour,
Compare the tangent direction information of each intersection corresponding to each angle and the target direction information of each point corresponding to each angle,
Based on the comparison result, if the direction information of the tangent of one intersection deviates from the permissible range with respect to the corresponding target direction information, the tablet is determined as a defective candidate for the one intersection Inspection device.   The tablet inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the target contour information storage unit stores in advance tangent direction information of the plurality of points corresponding to each angle as target direction information.   The tablet inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an interval between the angles is set to 30 ° or less. In the process of manufacturing a PTP sheet, a tablet inspection apparatus for inspecting a planar circular tablet accommodated in a pocket portion formed in a belt-shaped packaging film to be conveyed,
Illumination means capable of irradiating light to the tablet accommodated in the pocket portion,
Imaging means capable of imaging tablets in a range illuminated by the illumination means;
An image processing device for processing an image signal output from the imaging means,
The image processing apparatus includes:
Target contour information storage means for storing information about the contour of the target tablet in advance;
Contour extraction means for extracting the contour of the tablet based on the image data obtained from the image signal,
The center of gravity or the center of the contour of the target tablet is matched with the center of gravity or the center of the contour of the tablet extracted by the contour extracting means, and these are used as a common origin, and the target tablet Compare the tangent direction information of each point when drawing a straight line to each of a plurality of points on the contour and the tangent direction information of the intersection of the straight line and the contour of the extracted tablet,
Based on the comparison result, when the tangent direction information of one intersection point deviates from the allowable range with respect to the tangent direction information of the corresponding point on the outline of the tablet, the one intersection point A tablet inspection apparatus characterized by determining as a defective candidate.   The angle formed by adjacent straight lines when a straight line is drawn from the origin to each of a plurality of points on the outline of the target tablet is set to 30 ° or less. The tablet inspection device according to 1.   6. The defective product is determined to have a broken or missing tablet when the number of the intersections successively determined as defective candidates exceeds a predetermined value. The tablet inspection apparatus according to any one of the above.   A PTP packaging machine comprising the tablet inspection apparatus according to claim 1.

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