JP2017161226A - Inspection device and blister packing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and accurately perform an inspection relating to a buried positions, the number, attitude, and shapes of tablets.SOLUTION: A tablet inspection device 23 inspects a tablet having a predetermined tablet and a coating layer for coating the tablet. The tablet inspection device 23 includes: illumination devices 51 and 52 for illuminating the predetermined electromagnetic waves to the tablets stored in a pocket part; and cameras 61 and 62 provided on the side opposite to the illumination devices 51 and 52 via a container film and capable of imaging transmission images based on the electromagnetic waves from the illumination devices 51 and 52 which transmit at least the coating layer. The tablet inspection device specifies shadow portions corresponding to the tablets in the transmission images obtained by the cameras 61 and 62, and performs the inspection based on the specified result, and determines whether the tablets are properly inspected based on the inspection result. The tablets enter a state where the specified materials absorbing or reflecting the electromagnetic waves are contained or a state coated by the specified materials.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus that performs an inspection on a core tablet embedded in a tablet, and a blister packaging machine having the inspection apparatus when manufacturing a blister sheet.

  The blister sheet is provided with a container film in which a pocket portion in which a tablet is accommodated is formed, and a cover film that is attached to the container film so as to seal the opening side of the pocket portion.

  Also, the blister sheet is obtained by forming a pocket-shaped blister film by attaching a pocket-portion forming means for forming a pocket portion with respect to the strip-shaped container film, a storing means for storing a tablet in the pocket portion, and a cover film attached to the container film. It is manufactured by a blister packaging machine having an attaching means and a punching means for punching a blister film per sheet to obtain a blister sheet.

  By the way, as a tablet accommodated in a blister sheet, there exists a dry-coated tablet comprised by the core tablet and the coating layer which covers this. The dry-coated tablet is, for example, provided with a predetermined upper arm, lower arm, and mortar. The core is filled with a coating agent that constitutes the coating layer, and the core tablet is solidified after solidification with respect to the filled coating agent. It is manufactured by a manufacturing apparatus configured to discharge the heated and melted liquid base to be configured, then fill the mortar again with the coating, and finally compress the coating with the upper and lower punches. (See, for example, Patent Document 1). When manufacturing a dry-coated tablet in which a plurality of core tablets are embedded, the liquid base is discharged a plurality of times.

  In addition, as a device for producing a dry-coated tablet, a device in which a solid nuclear tablet is arranged with a predetermined insertion pin with respect to a filled coating has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-72579 JP 2002-65812 A

  By the way, if the embedding position, posture, and shape of the core tablet in the tablet (nucleated tablet) are not normal, for example, the coating layer is locally thinned and the coating layer is easily damaged, or the core tablet is a tablet. There is a risk that the external appearance quality may deteriorate due to exposure outside. In addition, because the coating layer is likely to be damaged, the time until the core tablet dissolves may become unstable, resulting in failure to obtain the desired medicinal effects or some side effects. It may be caused. Furthermore, if the number of core tablets in the tablet is not normal, various problems may occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inspection apparatus and blister capable of easily and accurately inspecting the embedding position, number, posture, and shape of core tablets in tablets. It is to provide a packaging machine.

  In the following, each means suitable for solving the above-described object will be described in terms of items. In addition, the effect specific to the means to respond | corresponds as needed is added.

Means 1. In the manufacturing process of the blister sheet, after the tablet provided with a predetermined core tablet and a coating layer covering the core tablet is stored in the pocket part formed in the belt-shaped container film to be conveyed, the pocket part An inspection device used in a stage before the band-shaped cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the container,
Irradiation means for irradiating a predetermined electromagnetic wave to the tablet accommodated in the pocket portion;
An imaging means that is provided on the opposite side of the irradiation means through the container film, and that can capture a transmission image based on the electromagnetic waves from the irradiation means that has passed through at least the coating layer;
A shadow specifying means for specifying a shadow portion corresponding to the nuclear tablet in the transmission image obtained by the imaging means;
Inspection means for performing inspection based on the identification result by the shadow identification means;
Based on the inspection result by the inspection means, the quality determination means for determining the quality of the tablet,
The nuclear tablet is in an inspected state in which a specific substance that absorbs or reflects the electromagnetic wave is contained or is covered with the specific substance.

  According to the above means 1, the core tablet is in a state in which a specific substance that absorbs or reflects electromagnetic waves irradiated from the irradiation means is contained, or a state in which the core tablet is coated with the specific substance. Therefore, when the tablet is embedded in the tablet, a shadow portion corresponding to the tablet is clearly shown in the transmission image obtained by the imaging means. And based on this clearly appearing shaded part, it is possible to easily and accurately inspect the embedded position, number, posture, and shape of the core tablet.

  It should be noted that the embedded position of the core tablet can be inspected based on the position and shade of the shadow portion in the transmission image. The position of the shadow part in the transmission image indicates the planar position (position on the XY plane) of the core tablet, and the shade of the shadow part is the position in the height direction of the core tablet (position in the Z-axis direction). ). For example, when the shadow portion is relatively dark, the nuclear tablet is present at a position relatively close to the imaging means, and when the shadow portion is thin, the nuclear lock is present at a position relatively far from the imaging means. Become. Therefore, the three-dimensional embedding position of the core tablet in the tablet can be grasped based on the shaded portion of the transmission image, and the inspection regarding the embedding position of the core tablet can be performed based on the grasped embedding position.

  In addition, the number, posture, and shape of the core tablet can be inspected based on the number, area, and shape of the shadow portion. For example, when the core tablet is flat, if the position of the core tablet is not normal, generally the area of the shaded portion decreases from the normal value. In addition, when the shape of the core tablet is not appropriate, the area and shape of the shaded portion are different from those in the normal case. Further, the shading of the shaded part may change depending on the posture and shape of the core tablet in addition to the height position of the core tablet. Therefore, it is possible to inspect the number, posture, and shape of the core tablet based on the number, area, shading, shape, etc. of the shadow portion.

  Furthermore, by determining the presence / absence of the shaded portion, the presence / absence of the core tablet can be easily and accurately inspected.

  Mean 2. 2. The inspection apparatus according to means 1, wherein the specific substance is carbon.

  According to the above means 2, since carbon can absorb electromagnetic waves having a relatively wide wavelength, the inspection can be performed more easily and more accurately.

  Means 3. 3. The inspection apparatus according to means 1 or 2, wherein the coating layer does not contain the specific substance.

  According to the means 3, the shadow portion corresponding to the core tablet appears more clearly in the transmission image, and the inspection accuracy can be further increased.

Means 4. The irradiation means is configured to be able to irradiate predetermined light as the electromagnetic wave,
Comprising a light amount changing means capable of changing the amount of light emitted from the irradiation means;
The means 1 to 3, wherein the light quantity changing means is configured to obtain a plurality of the transmission images by the imaging means while changing the light quantity of light emitted from the irradiation means stepwise. The inspection apparatus in any one.

  According to the means 4, a plurality of transmission images can be obtained by the imaging means while changing the amount of light emitted from the irradiation means stepwise. Therefore, based on a plurality of transmission images, it is possible to obtain more detailed information regarding the position, shade, number, etc. of the shadow portion. Thereby, the further improvement of inspection accuracy can be aimed at.

Means 5. The irradiation unit is configured to be able to irradiate predetermined light as the electromagnetic wave,
First irradiation means for irradiating the tablet with predetermined light from the opening side of the pocket portion;
A second irradiation means for irradiating the tablet with predetermined light from the protruding side of the pocket portion;
The imaging means includes
A first imaging means provided on the opposite side of the first irradiation means via the container film and capable of imaging light from the first irradiation means transmitted through at least the coating layer;
A second imaging unit provided on the opposite side of the second irradiation unit through the container film and capable of imaging the light from the second irradiation unit that has passed through at least the coating layer. The inspection apparatus according to any one of means 1 to 4.

  According to the above means 5, it is possible to obtain more accurate information on the density and the number of shaded portions corresponding to the core tablet based on a plurality of transmission images obtained by imaging the tablet from both the front and back sides. Thereby, the embedment position and number of core tablets can be grasped with higher accuracy, and the inspection accuracy can be further improved.

  Means 6. A blister packaging machine comprising the inspection device according to any one of means 1 to 5.

  According to the means 6, the same effects as those of the means 1 and the like are achieved.

It is a perspective view of a PTP sheet. It is a partially broken enlarged front view of a PTP sheet. It is a top view of a tablet. It is a schematic diagram which shows schematic structure of a PTP packaging machine. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical structure of a nuclear tablet test | inspection apparatus. It is a fragmentary sectional view which shows an illuminating device typically. It is a schematic diagram for showing the arrangement position of an illuminating device and a camera. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the concept of a test | inspection area | region window frame. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the concept of a position determination window frame. It is a schematic diagram of 1st grayscale image data. It is a schematic diagram of 2nd-4th grayscale image data. It is a graph for demonstrating the difference in the brightness | luminance of the core tablet part in 2nd-4th gray image data. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state by which the nuclear lock is arrange | positioned in the position close | similar to a camera. It is a schematic diagram which shows the lightness and darkness of the core tablet part in the obtained light and shade image data in the state where the core lock is arrange | positioned in the position near a camera. It is a graph which illustrates the brightness | luminance of the core tablet part in the 2nd-4th gray image data in the state arrange | positioned in the position close | similar to a camera. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state by which the nuclear lock is arrange | positioned in the position far from a camera. It is a schematic diagram which shows the shading of the core tablet part in the obtained grayscale image data in the state in which the core tablet is arrange | positioned in the position far from a camera. It is a graph which illustrates the brightness | luminance of the core lock part in the 2nd-4th gray image data in the state arrange | positioned in the position away from the camera. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the grayscale image data in case there exists a shift | offset | difference in the two-dimensional position of a core tablet. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the grayscale image data in case there is an error in the number of core tablets. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the grayscale image data in case there exists abnormality in the attitude | position of a nuclear tablet. It is a flowchart of an inspection process. It is a flowchart of a tablet position specific process.

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

  First, the PTP sheet 1 as a blister sheet will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the PTP sheet 1 includes a container film 3 having a plurality of pocket portions 2 and a cover film 4 attached to the container film 3 so as to close the pocket portions 2. doing.

  The container film 3 is formed of a transparent or translucent thermoplastic resin material such as PP (polypropylene) or PVC (polyvinyl chloride). On the other hand, the cover film 4 is made of an opaque material (for example, aluminum foil or the like) having a sealant made of, for example, a polyester resin or the like applied on the surface.

  The PTP sheet 1 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view, and two pocket rows composed of five pocket portions 2 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the sheet are formed in the lateral direction of the sheet. That is, a total of 10 pocket portions 2 are formed. Each pocket 2 stores one tablet 5 at a time.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tablet 5 is a dry-coated tablet including a core tablet 6 and a coating layer 7 covering the core tablet 6. The core tablet 6 has a disk shape and contains a predetermined medicinal component. The coating layer 7 is provided in order to control the release of the medicinal component in the core tablet 6 and to prematurely disintegrate the tablet 5 in the oral cavity.

  The covering layer 7 may be provided for other purposes (for example, as a substitute for a capsule). The core tablet 6 and the coating layer 7 may contain excipients, disintegrants, binders, lubricants and the like. Examples of the excipient include sorbitol and glucose, examples of the disintegrant include starch and carboxymethylcellulose, and examples of the binder include starch and dextrin. Examples of the lubricant include stearic acid and metal stearates.

  In the present embodiment, the core tablet 6 is designed to be embedded in the center of the tablet 5 by design. That is, by design, the core tablet 6 is located at the center of the tablet 5 when the tablet 5 is viewed in plan, and one at the center along the height direction of the tablet 5 when the tablet 5 is viewed from the side. It is configured to be located only. Furthermore, the core tablet 6 is designed to be embedded in the tablet 5 in a posture that looks almost circular when the tablet 5 is viewed in plan.

  Further, the core tablet 6 contains a specific substance that absorbs or reflects light (in this embodiment, visible light, near-infrared light, etc.) emitted from the illumination devices 51 and 52 described later, or It is set as the state coat | covered with the said specific substance. In other words, the core tablet 6 is configured such that the light emitted from the illumination devices 51 and 52 cannot be transmitted or is difficult to transmit. In the present embodiment, the core tablet 6 is in a state in which carbon (for example, bamboo charcoal) as a specific substance is contained or is covered with carbon.

  In addition, as a substance which absorbs or reflects light, food red No. 2, food red No. 3, food red No. 102, food red No. 104, food red No. 105, food red No. 106, food yellow No. 4, food yellow No. 5 No., Edible Green No. 3, Edible Blue No. 1, Edible Blue No. 2, Edible Red No. 3 Aluminum Lake, Edible Yellow No. 4 Aluminum Lake, Edible Yellow No. 5 Aluminum Lake, Edible Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, Edible Blue No. 2 Aluminum Examples include lake, iron sesquioxide, yellow iron sesquioxide, black iron oxide, yellow iron oxide, carmine, copper chlorophyllin sodium, copper chlorophyll and bengara, titanium oxide, talc, and kaolin.

  On the other hand, the coating layer 7 does not contain a specific substance that absorbs or reflects light emitted from the lighting devices 51 and 52, and the coating layer 7 is sufficiently irradiated with light emitted from the lighting devices 51 and 52. Transmission is possible. That is, in this embodiment, the coating layer 7 does not contain carbon as a specific substance.

  Next, a schematic configuration of a PTP packaging machine 11 as a blister packaging machine for producing the PTP sheet 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

  On the most upstream side of the PTP wrapping machine 11, the raw material of the strip-shaped container film 3 is wound into a roll. The drawing end side of the container film 3 wound in a roll shape is guided by a guide roll 13. The container film 3 is hooked on the intermittent feed roll 14 on the downstream side of the guide roll 13. The intermittent feed roll 14 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently and transports the container film 3 intermittently.

  Between the guide roll 13 and the intermittent feed roll 14, a heating device 15 and a pocket portion forming device 16 are sequentially arranged along the conveyance path of the container film 3. Then, in a state where the container film 3 is heated by the heating device 15 and the container film 3 becomes relatively flexible, the pocket portion forming device 16 forms a plurality of pocket portions 2 at predetermined positions of the container film 3. The pocket portion 2 is formed at an interval between the transport operations of the container film 3 by the intermittent feed roll 14.

  The container film 3 sent out from the intermittent feed roll 14 is hung in the order of the tension roll 18, the guide roll 19, and the film receiving roll 20. Since the film receiving roll 20 is connected to a motor that rotates at a constant speed, the container film 3 is transported continuously and at a constant speed. The tension roll 18 is in a state where the container film 3 is pulled toward the side where the container film 3 is tensioned by an elastic force, and prevents the container film 3 from slackening due to the difference in the transport operation between the intermittent feed roll 14 and the film receiving roll 20. The container film 3 is always kept in a tension state. Thereby, the container film 3 is continuously conveyed between the tension roll 18 and the film receiving roll 20 without stopping.

  Between the guide roll 19 and the film receiving roll 20, a tablet filling device 21, a pre-seal inspection device 22, and a nuclear tablet inspection device 23 as an inspection device are arranged in this order along the conveyance path of the container film 3. It is arranged.

  The tablet filling device 21 has a function as an accommodating means for automatically accommodating the tablet 5 in the pocket portion 2. The tablet filling device 21 is configured to drop the tablets 5 by opening the shutter at predetermined intervals in synchronization with the transport operation of the container film 3 by the film receiving roll 20, and each pocket portion is accompanied by the shutter opening operation. 2 is filled with tablets 5. In addition, as long as the tablet 5 is not a defective product, the core tablet 6 is embedded in advance.

  The pre-seal inspection device 22 includes a first inspection device T1, a second inspection device D, and a third inspection device A in order from the upstream side. By these inspection devices T1, D, and A, the inspection on the presence or absence of cracks or chipping in the tablet 5 or the surface peeling, the inspection on the presence or absence of foreign matter on the tablet 5, and the shape and size of the tablet 5 are compatible with the production type. The inspection about whether or not is done.

  The nuclear tablet inspection device 23 includes an upstream inspection device 24 and a downstream inspection device 25. Both inspection devices 24 and 25 determine whether the core tablet 6 is embedded (two-dimensional position and height position), number, shape (size), and posture, and whether the tablet 5 is normal. Is determined. The configuration and inspection method of the inspection devices 24 and 25 will be described in detail later.

  On the other hand, the raw material of the cover film 4 formed in a strip shape is wound in a roll shape on the most upstream side.

  The drawing end of the cover film 4 wound in a roll shape is guided toward the heating roll 27 by the guide roll 26. The heating roll 27 can be pressed against the film receiving roll 20, and the container film 3 and the cover film 4 are fed between the rolls 20 and 27. And when the container film 3 and the cover film 4 pass between both the rolls 20 and 27 in a heating-pressing state, the cover film 4 is stuck to the container film 3, and the pocket part 2 is closed by the cover film 4. . Thereby, the strip-shaped PTP film 8 in which the tablets 5 are filled in the pocket portions 2 is manufactured. In the present embodiment, the film receiving roll 20 and the heating roll 27 constitute a sealing means.

  The PTP film 8 delivered from the film receiving roll 20 is hung in the order of the tension roll 28 and the intermittent feed roll 29. Since the intermittent feed roll 29 is connected to an intermittently rotating motor, the PTP film 8 is intermittently conveyed. The tension roll 28 is in a state in which the PTP film 8 is pulled toward the side to be tensioned by an elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 8 from slacking due to the difference in transport operation between the film receiving roll 20 and the intermittent feed roll 29. The PTP film 8 is always kept in tension.

  The PTP film 8 delivered from the intermittent feed roll 29 is applied in the order of the tension roll 31 and the intermittent feed roll 32. Since the intermittent feed roll 32 is connected to a motor that rotates intermittently, it intermittently transports the PTP film 8. The tension roll 31 is in a state in which the PTP film 8 is pulled toward the side to be tensioned by an elastic force, and prevents the PTP film 8 from being loosened between the intermittent feed rolls 29 and 32.

  Between the intermittent feed roll 29 and the tension roll 31, a slit forming device 33 and a marking device 34 are sequentially arranged along the transport path of the PTP film 8. The slit forming device 33 has a function of forming a slit for separation at a predetermined position of the PTP film 8. The marking device 34 has a function of marking a predetermined position (for example, a tag portion) of the PTP film 8.

  The PTP film 8 sent out from the intermittent feed roll 32 is wound on the downstream side in the order of the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36. A sheet punching device 37 is disposed between the intermittent feed roll 32 and the tension roll 35 along the transport path of the PTP film 8. The sheet punching device 37 has a function as punching means for punching the outer edge of the PTP film 8 in units of one PTP sheet.

  The PTP sheet 1 punched by the sheet punching device 37 is conveyed by a take-out conveyor 38 and temporarily stored in a finished product hopper 39. In addition, when a failure is determined by the pre-seal inspection device 22 or the nuclear tablet inspection device 23, the PTP sheet 1 related to the failure determination is separately discharged by a defective sheet discharge mechanism 40 provided along the conveyance path of the take-out conveyor 38. , Transferred to a defective hopper (not shown).

  A cutting device 41 is disposed on the downstream side of the continuous feed roll 36. Then, the unnecessary film portion 42 constituting the remaining material portion (scrap portion) remaining in a strip shape after being punched by the sheet punching device 37 is guided to the tension roll 35 and the continuous feed roll 36 and then guided to the cutting device 41. It is burned. The continuous feed roll 36 is in pressure contact with a driven roll, and performs a conveying operation while sandwiching the unnecessary film portion 42. The cutting device 41 has a function of cutting the unnecessary film portion 42 into a predetermined size and scrapping. The scrap is stored in the scrap hopper 43 and then disposed of separately.

  Each of the rolls 14, 19, 20, 29, 31, 32 and the like has a positional relationship in which the roll surface and the pocket portion 2 face each other. Since the recessed part which accommodates is formed, the pocket part 2 is not crushed fundamentally. Further, the feeding operation is performed while the pocket portion 2 is accommodated in the recesses such as the rolls 14, so that the intermittent feeding operation and the continuous feeding operation are performed reliably.

  Next, the upstream inspection device 24 and the downstream inspection device 25 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the upstream inspection device 24 includes a first illumination device 51 as a first irradiation unit and a first camera 61 as a first imaging unit. The downstream side inspection device 25 includes a second illumination device 52 as a second irradiation unit and a second camera 62 as a second imaging unit. In addition, each inspection device 24, 25 shares a process execution device 53. In addition, each inspection apparatus 24 and 25 may have the process execution apparatus 53 separately.

  Each of the lighting devices 51 and 52 can emit light, and emits predetermined light (for example, near-infrared light or visible light) to the container film 3 or the tablet 5 (particularly, the part that finally becomes the PTP sheet 1). Irradiate. In addition, you may comprise so that electromagnetic waves other than visible light and infrared light may be irradiated from the illuminating devices 51 and 52. FIG.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6, each of the lighting devices 51 and 52 includes a diffusion plate 91 extending parallel to the container film 3, an LED mounting substrate 92 provided inside the diffusion plate 91, and the diffusion plate 91. And an incident light limiting film 93 attached to the surface on the container film 3 side. A large number of LEDs 92 a are arranged on the LED mounting substrate 92.

  The incident light limiting filter 93 limits the direct incidence of light from the LED 92a to the cameras 61 and 62. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent problems associated with excessively strong light incident on the cameras 61 and 62 (for example, a smear phenomenon when a CCD camera is used as the cameras 61 and 62 as described later). As a result, more accurate inspection can be realized.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, each illuminating device 51 and 52 is comprised so that change of the light quantity of the light to irradiate is possible.

  The first camera 61 and the second camera 62 image the tablet 5 or the like irradiated with light by the illumination devices 51 and 52. The cameras 61 and 62 are sensitive to the wavelength region of the electromagnetic waves emitted from the illumination devices 51 and 52. In this embodiment, the wavelengths of light emitted from the illumination devices 51 and 52 are used as the cameras 61 and 62. A CCD camera having sensitivity in the area is employed. Not limited to this, a CMOS camera may be employed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, in the upstream inspection device 24, the first illumination device 51 is arranged on the pocket film 2 projecting side of the container film 3, and the first camera 61 is on the pocket film 2 opening side of the container film 3. Is provided. On the other hand, in the downstream side inspection device 25, the second illumination device 52 is disposed on the opening side of the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3, and the second camera 62 is provided on the protruding side of the pocket portion 2 of the container film 3. That is, the cameras 61 and 62 are provided on the side opposite to the illumination devices 51 and 52 through the container film 3. The cameras 61 and 62 are configured to two-dimensionally image light emitted from the illumination devices 51 and 52. Image data captured by the cameras 61 and 62 are converted into digital signals inside the cameras 61 and 62 and then input to the processing execution device 53 in the form of digital signals.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the process execution device 53 includes an image memory 54, a determination memory 55, an inspection result storage device 56, a camera timing control device 57, a masking device 58, a binarization device 59, and a light amount changing device as a light amount changing unit. 60, a CPU, an input / output interface 63, and the like, and can perform image data processing and tablet 5 inspection as described later.

  The image memory 54 stores image data output from the cameras 61 and 62. The image memory 54 also stores image data that has been masked by the masking device 58 and monochrome image data that has been binarized by the binarization device 59. An inspection is executed based on the image data stored in the image memory 54.

  The determination memory 55 stores various data used for inspection. Various data used for the inspection include, for example, the two-dimensional shape of the tablet 5 and the core tablet 6, the reference area of the tablet 5 used for specifying the tablet 5 region in the image data, and the inspection region window for defining the inspection region. The shape of the frame IW, the shape of the position determination window frame JW for determining pass / fail regarding the embedded position of the core tablet 6, the threshold value for binarization processing, the determination value for area determination, and the like are included. As threshold values related to the binarization process, for example, a first threshold value σ1, a second threshold value σ2, a third threshold value σ3, and a fourth threshold value σ4 are stored (see FIG. 12 and the like). The first threshold value σ1, the second threshold value σ2, the third threshold value σ3, and the fourth threshold value σ4 are large in this order. In addition, a minimum area threshold value and a maximum area threshold value obtained in advance based on a normal-shaped nuclear tablet 6 arranged in a correct posture are stored as determination values relating to area determination.

  The inspection area window frame IW is for distinguishing an area in the pocket part 2 (pocket part area) from a sheet part area outside the pocket part 2 (sheet part area). As shown in FIG. 8, the inspection area window frame IW includes a plurality of pocket portion window frames PW that are similar in shape to the pocket portion 2 and slightly larger than the pocket portion 2. The arrangement of the pocket portion window frames PW is the same as the arrangement of the pocket portions 2 in the PTP sheet 1. At the time of inspection, an inspection area window frame IW is set for the image data, the area outside the pocket portion 2 (area with the mesh pattern in FIG. 8) is masked, and the area inside the pocket portion 2 is the inspection object. Is set to be

  The position determination window frame JW is used for a two-dimensional position inspection of the core tablet 6. As shown in FIG. 9, the position determination window frame JW is positioned at the center of the outer edge window frame GW, the outer edge window frame GW having substantially the same shape as the outer edge shape of the tablet 5 in plan view, And a circular nuclear tablet window frame TW having a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of 6.

  Returning to FIG. 5, the inspection result storage device 56 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 a display means (not shown) such as a display based on the control of the CPU and the input / output interface 63. Further, the CPU and the input / output interface 63 can send a control signal to the PTP packaging machine 11 based on these inspection result data and statistical data.

  The camera timing control device 57 controls the timing of image capturing by the cameras 61 and 62. The timing of imaging is controlled based on a signal from an encoder (not shown) provided in the PTP packaging machine 11, and every time the container film 3 is fed by a predetermined amount, the camera 61 or 62 is used to make a sheet unit (for example, a PTP sheet unit to be punched). Imaging is performed at. In the present embodiment, the amount of light from the illuminating devices 51 and 52 is changed in four stages, and imaging is performed with each light amount by the cameras 61 and 62. As a result, at least eight grayscale image data for each sheet are obtained. (Luminance image data) can be obtained.

  The masking device 58 performs a masking process on the image data. In this embodiment, the masking device 58 masks an area outside the pocket portion 2 in the image data using the inspection area window frame IW. Thereby, it sets so that the area | region in the pocket part 2 may become inspection object.

  The binarization device 59 performs binarization processing on the image data based on the threshold value stored in the determination memory 55 to obtain a binarized image. In the present embodiment, binarization processing is performed in order to specify the position of the tablet 5 or to specify the two-dimensional position of the core tablet 6 or the like.

  The light amount changing device 60 controls the amount of light emitted from the lighting devices 51 and 52. The light amount changing device 60 changes the light amount of light emitted from the illumination devices 51 and 52 in a stepwise manner in accordance with the imaging timing by the cameras 61 and 62 based on the signal from the camera timing control device 57. In the present embodiment, the amount of light emitted from the illuminating devices 51 and 52 is changed in four stages: a first light amount, a second light amount, a third light amount, and a fourth light amount. The first light amount, the second light amount, the third light amount, and the fourth light amount increase in this order, and at least the second light amount, the third light amount, and the fourth light amount are sufficiently transmitted through the coating layer 7. The amount of light.

  The CPU and input / output interface 63 executes various processing programs such as an inspection process for the tablet 5 while using the stored contents of the determination memory 55 and the like, and sends a control signal to the PTP packaging machine 11 or the PTP packaging machine 11. For transmitting and receiving various signals such as operation signals. Thereby, for example, the defective sheet discharge mechanism 40 of the PTP packaging machine 11 can be controlled.

  The inspection process for the tablet 5 includes binarization processing for the grayscale image data obtained by the cameras 61 and 62, chunk processing for the binarized image obtained by the binarization processing, and chunk obtained by the chunk processing. Examples include a process for determining the quality of the number, area, and position of the part, a process for determining the quality of the tablet 5 based on the quality determination result of the lump portion, and the like. In the present embodiment, devices used when performing binarization processing and chunk processing in the nuclear tablet inspection device 23 (for example, the CPU and input / output interface 63, the determination memory 55, the binarization device 59, etc.) Corresponds to means. In addition, devices (for example, a CPU and an input / output interface 63, a determination memory 55, and the like) used when determining the quality of the lump portion in the nuclear tablet inspection device 23 correspond to inspection means. Furthermore, an apparatus (for example, CPU and input / output interface 63) used when determining the quality of the tablet 5 in the nuclear tablet inspection device 23 corresponds to the quality determination means.

  The CPU and input / output interface 63 also has a function of sending various data to a predetermined display means (not shown) such as a display. With this function, binary or shaded image data, inspection results, and the like can be displayed on the display means.

  In the present embodiment, imaging is performed with each light amount while changing the light amount of light emitted from the illumination devices 51 and 52 to each light amount of the first to fourth light amounts. Four types of gray image data are acquired for each. In the following, the grayscale image data acquired with the first light quantity is referred to as first grayscale image data, the grayscale image data acquired with the second light quantity is referred to as second grayscale image data, and is acquired with the third light quantity. The gray image data thus obtained is referred to as third gray image data, and the gray image data acquired with the fourth light amount is referred to as fourth gray image data.

  In the first grayscale image data, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, a portion corresponding to the tablet 5 is darkly displayed. On the other hand, in the second to fourth gray image data, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, light is transmitted through the coating layer 7, and a portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 is displayed in a particularly dark state. Then, assuming that the embedded position of the core tablet 6 in the tablet 5 is constant, as shown in FIG. 12, the brightness of each part of the shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 in the second grayscale image data P2 is usually the lowest, The luminance of each part of the shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 in the four-tone image data P4 is the highest. In addition, the luminance of each portion of the shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 in the third gray image data P3 is approximately intermediate between the luminance of each portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 portion in the second and fourth gray image data P2 and P4. Become. In the present embodiment, the second to fourth gray image data corresponds to a “transparent image”.

  Furthermore, when the position of the nuclear tablet 6 is displaced along the height direction of the tablet 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, when the nuclear tablet 6 is closer to the cameras 61 and 62 side. As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in each of the grayscale image data P2 to P4, the shaded part corresponding to the core tablet 6 is displayed relatively dark, and the luminance of each part of the shaded part is relatively low. On the other hand, for example, as shown in FIG. 16, when the nuclear tablet 6 is further away from the cameras 61 and 62, it corresponds to the nuclear tablet 6 in the grayscale image data P2 to P4 as shown in FIGS. The shaded part is displayed relatively brightly, and the brightness of each part of the shaded part is relatively high.

  Further, when there is a deviation in the two-dimensional position of the core tablet 6, for example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the grayscale image data P2 to P4, the shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 is also in the two-dimensional position. Appears in a state of misalignment. Further, when there are a plurality of core tablets 6 in one tablet 5, for example, as shown in FIG. 20, normally, in the grayscale image data P2 to P4, there are a plurality of shaded portions corresponding to the core tablets 6 Is displayed. When there are a plurality of core tablets 6, the plurality of core tablets 6 overlap in the height direction of the tablet 5, so that a shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 is usually present in the grayscale image data P <b> 2 to P <b> 4. It may be displayed in a state where the area is larger than that.

  In addition, when there is an abnormality in the posture of the core tablet 6, for example, when the core tablet 6 is arranged in an inclined state as compared with the normal state, as shown in FIG. In P4, the area of the shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 is displayed in a state smaller than usual.

  Next, the inspection process of the tablet 5 related to the core tablet 6 will be described. The inspection process is individually executed in each of the upstream inspection device 24 and the downstream inspection device 25. Since the inspection processes executed by the inspection apparatuses 24 and 25 are the same, only the inspection process executed by the upstream inspection apparatus 24 will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 22, in the inspection process, first, in step S <b> 11, whether or not the first to fourth gray image data in one sheet portion to be inspected has been acquired is repeatedly determined until the condition is satisfied. That is, it is repeatedly determined whether or not the execution timing of the inspection process has been reached.

  When the first to fourth gray image data in one sheet portion is acquired (step S11: YES), the process proceeds to step S12, and the position of the tablet 5 (the range occupied by the tablet 5) based on the first gray image data. A process for specifying (tablet position specifying process) is executed.

  In the tablet position specifying process, as shown in FIG. 23, first, in step S121, the first grayscale image data is subjected to a binarization process using a predetermined threshold value to obtain first black and white image data. Next, in step S122, a masking process is performed on the first black and white image data using the inspection area window frame IW. As a result, the area outside the pocket part 2 in the first black and white image data is masked, and the area inside the pocket part 2 is set as the inspection target.

  In the following step S123, a lump whose area value is equal to or larger than the reference area of the tablet 5 in each pocket 2 region is extracted, and the process proceeds to step S124.

  In a succeeding step S124, it is determined whether or not the number of lumps in each pocket portion 2 region is “1”. When the number of lumps is “1” in each pocket 2 region (step S124: YES), the process proceeds to step S125.

  In step S125, coordinate data indicating the range occupied by the lump portion is acquired as the position information of the tablet 5, and this process is terminated. In addition, the positional information on the tablet 5 is acquired for every pocket part 2 area | region.

  On the other hand, when the number of lumps is other than “1” in at least one of the pocket portion 2 regions (step S124: NO), the process proceeds to step S126, the defect determination process is executed, and this process is terminated. In the defect determination process, it is determined that the sheet part is defective, and information for specifying the tablet 5 in which an abnormality is found and information that the sheet part is defective are stored in the inspection result storage device 56. . In the defect determination process, a defect flag is set. The defect flag is used to determine whether or not to execute the process after the tablet position specifying process S12 in the inspection process.

  Returning to FIG. 22, in step S13 following the tablet position specifying process S12, it is determined whether or not the defect flag is ON. If the defect flag is on (step S13: YES), the defect flag is turned off and the inspection process is terminated. That is, when there is an abnormality in the tablet 5 itself, the subsequent processing is skipped.

  On the other hand, when the defect flag is OFF (step S13: NO), the process proceeds to step S14, and the second to fourth gray image data is based on the position information of the tablet 5 acquired in the tablet position specifying process of step S12. The tablet 5 area | region in P2-P4 is specified, and this part is set as a test object.

  In the subsequent step S15, binarization processing is performed on the inspection objects of the respective grayscale image data P2 to P4 to obtain binarized image data.

  In the binarization process for the inspection target of the second grayscale image data P2, the luminance value is changed from the inspection target (tablet 5 region) of the second grayscale image data P2 using the first threshold σ1 and the second threshold σ2. A binarized image is obtained by extracting a portion that is greater than or equal to σ1 and less than the second threshold σ2.

  In the binarization process for the inspection target of the third grayscale image data P3, the luminance value from the inspection target (tablet 5 region) of the third grayscale image data P3 is set to the second threshold using the second threshold σ2 and the third threshold σ3. A binarized image is obtained by extracting portions that are greater than or equal to σ2 and less than the third threshold σ3.

  In the binarization process for the inspection target of the fourth gray image data P3, the luminance value is set to the third threshold value from the inspection target (tablet 5 region) of the fourth gray image data P4 using the third threshold σ3 and the fourth threshold σ4. A binarized image is obtained by extracting a portion that is greater than or equal to σ3 and less than the fourth threshold σ4.

  Note that the threshold used in the binarization process can be changed as appropriate. Further, when there is a relatively large shift in the position of the core tablet 6 along the height direction of the tablet 5 (for example, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16), the obtained binary value In the converted image, there is a case where a portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 does not exist, or an area of the portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 is relatively small.

  Next, a block process is performed on each binarized image in step S16. The shaded part corresponding to the core tablet 6 is specified by the binarization process and the lump process. That is, it is specified whether or not there is a shadow portion, and when there is a shadow portion, the position and the range (area) occupied are specified.

  Then, in step S17, it is determined whether or not the number of lump portions in each tablet 5 region is “1” for each binarized image. That is, it is determined whether or not there is only one core tablet 6 within a predetermined range along the height direction of the tablet 5.

  In each binarized image, when the number of lump portions in each tablet 5 region is “1” (step S17: YES), that is, in each tablet 5, a predetermined range along the height direction of the tablet 5 If only one core tablet 6 is embedded therein, the process proceeds to step S18.

  On the other hand, if at least one of the binarized images includes a tablet 5 area where the number of lump portions is not “1” (step S17: NO), the process proceeds to step S19. In step S19, the tablet 5 is determined to be defective because at least one of the number of embedded core tablets 6 and the height position of the core tablet 6 is abnormal, and the abnormality content and the like are stored in the inspection result storage device 56 and then inspected. The process ends. In the present embodiment, when the core tablet 6 is present outside the predetermined range along the height direction of the tablet 5 or when the core tablet 6 is not embedded, the number of lump portions is “0”. The tablet 5 is determined to be defective. Further, when two or more core tablets 6 are embedded, the number of lump parts may be “2” or more, and in this case, the tablet 5 is determined to be defective.

  In step S18, it is determined whether or not the two-dimensional position of the core lock 6 is appropriate using the position determination window frame JW. Specifically, the position determination window frame JW is arranged so that the center of the outer edge window frame GW overlaps the center of gravity of the tablet 5 region, and whether or not the outline of the lump portion has deviated from the core tablet window frame TW. Determine.

  If the outline of the lump portion has not deviated from the nuclear tablet window frame TW (step S18: YES), that is, if there is no problem in the two-dimensional position of the nuclear tablet 6, the process proceeds to step S20.

  On the other hand, when at least a part of the outline of the lump portion deviates from the core tablet window frame TW (step S18: NO), the process proceeds to step S21. In step S21, the tablet 5 is determined to be defective because there is an abnormality in the two-dimensional position of the core tablet 6, and the abnormality content and the like are stored in the inspection result storage device 56, and the inspection process is terminated.

  In step S20, it is determined whether or not the area (number of pixels) of the lump portion is not less than the minimum area threshold and not more than the maximum area threshold. When the area of the lump portion is not less than the minimum area threshold and not more than the maximum area threshold (step S20: YES), the non-defective tablet 5 is determined in step S22, and this process is terminated.

  On the other hand, when the area of the lump portion is less than the minimum area threshold or when the area of the lump portion exceeds the maximum area threshold (step S20: NO), that is, the shape (size) and posture of the core tablet 6 are abnormal. When it is assumed that there is, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the tablet 5 is determined to be defective because at least one of the posture and shape (size) of the core tablet 6 is defective, and the abnormality content and the like are stored in the inspection result storage device 56, and then this process is performed. finish. In addition, when the number of embedded core tablets 6 is plural, if a part of the core tablet 6 overlaps in the height direction of the tablet 5, the area of the lump portion may be larger than the maximum area threshold, Also in this case, it is determined that the tablet 5 is defective.

  As described above in detail, according to the present embodiment, the core tablet 6 is in a state in which a specific substance that absorbs or reflects light irradiated from the illumination devices 51 and 52 is contained, or is coated with the specific substance. It is supposed to be in a state. Therefore, when the core tablet 6 is embedded in the tablet 5, the shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 appears clearly in the grayscale image data P2 to P4 obtained by the cameras 61 and 62. And based on this clearly appearing shaded portion, it is possible to easily and accurately inspect the embedded position, number, posture, and shape of the core tablet 6.

  In the present embodiment, carbon is used as the specific substance. Since carbon can absorb electromagnetic waves having a relatively wide range of wavelengths, inspection can be performed more easily and more accurately.

  In addition, since the coating layer 7 does not contain carbon as a specific substance, the shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 appears more clearly in the grayscale image data P2 to P4, and the inspection accuracy is further increased. Can do.

  Further, based on the plurality of grayscale image data P <b> 2 to P <b> 4 obtained by changing the amount of light, more detailed information regarding the position, shade, number, etc. of the shaded portion corresponding to the core tablet 6 can be obtained. Thereby, the inspection accuracy can be improved.

  In addition, more accurate information on the shade and the number of shaded portions corresponding to the core tablet 6 can be obtained based on the shade image data obtained by imaging the tablet 5 from both the front and back sides. Thereby, the embedment position and the number of the core tablets 6 can be grasped with higher accuracy, and the inspection accuracy can be further improved.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of the said embodiment, For example, you may implement as follows. Of course, other application examples and modification examples not illustrated below are also possible.

  (A) In the above embodiment, the tablet 5 region in the second to fourth gray image data P2 to P4 is specified based on the position information of the tablet 5 acquired based on the first gray image data, and this region is the inspection object. Is configured to set as On the other hand, the tablet 5 region may be specified based on image data used for the inspection of the core tablet 6 such as second to fourth gray image data.

  Further, for example, when the position of the tablet 5 is almost constant in the pocket portion 2, the pocket portion 2 region may be set as the inspection target without setting the tablet 5 region as the inspection target. In this case, for example, the position determination window frame includes an outer edge window frame corresponding to the outer edge (opening) of the pocket portion 2 and a core lock window frame located inside the outer edge window frame. Then, the position determination window frame is arranged so that the center of the outer edge window overlaps the center of gravity of the pocket portion 2 region, and the outline of the lump portion corresponding to the core lock 6 has not deviated from the core lock window frame. By determining whether or not, the quality of the two-dimensional position of the core tablet 6 is determined. With this configuration, it is not necessary to perform various processes related to the specification of the tablet 5 area (for example, the first grayscale image data acquisition process). As a result, the efficiency of the inspection can be improved, and a higher-speed inspection can be realized.

  (B) In the above embodiment, one core tablet 6 is embedded in one tablet 5, but the number of core tablets 6 to be embedded is not particularly limited. Therefore, a plurality of core tablets 6 may be embedded in one tablet 5.

  (C) The shape and structure of the tablet 5 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the shape, embedding position, and posture of the core tablet 6 may be changed as appropriate, and the thickness of the coating layer 7 may be changed as appropriate.

  (D) In the above embodiment, the container film 3 is formed of a thermoplastic resin material such as PP or PVC, and the cover film 4 is formed using an aluminum foil or the like as a base material. However, the present invention is not limited to these, and other materials may be adopted.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... PTP sheet (blister sheet), 2 ... Pocket part, 3 ... Container film, 4 ... Cover film, 5 ... Tablet, 6 ... Nuclear tablet, 7 ... Coating layer, 11 ... PTP packaging machine (blister packaging machine), 23 ... Nuclear tablet inspection device (inspection device), 51 ... First illumination device (first irradiation means, irradiation means), 52 ... Second illumination device (second irradiation means, irradiation means), 55 ... Memory for determination, 59 ... Binarization device, 60 ... light quantity changing device (light quantity changing means), 61 ... first camera (first imaging means, imaging means), 62 ... second camera (second imaging means, imaging means), 63 ... CPU and Input / output interface.

Claims (6)

In the manufacturing process of the blister sheet, after the tablet provided with a predetermined core tablet and a coating layer covering the core tablet is stored in the pocket part formed in the belt-shaped container film to be conveyed, the pocket part An inspection device used in a stage before the band-shaped cover film is attached to the container film so as to close the container,
Irradiation means for irradiating a predetermined electromagnetic wave to the tablet accommodated in the pocket portion;
An imaging means that is provided on the opposite side of the irradiation means through the container film, and that can capture a transmission image based on the electromagnetic waves from the irradiation means that has passed through at least the coating layer;
A shadow specifying means for specifying a shadow portion corresponding to the nuclear tablet in the transmission image obtained by the imaging means;
Inspection means for performing inspection based on the identification result by the shadow identification means;
Based on the inspection result by the inspection means, the quality determination means for determining the quality of the tablet,
The nuclear tablet is in an inspected state in which a specific substance that absorbs or reflects the electromagnetic wave is contained or is covered with the specific substance.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specific substance is carbon.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the coating layer does not contain the specific substance. The irradiation means is configured to be able to irradiate predetermined light as the electromagnetic wave,
Comprising a light amount changing means capable of changing the amount of light emitted from the irradiation means;
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of transmission images are obtained by the imaging unit while the light amount of the light emitted from the irradiation unit is changed stepwise by the light amount changing unit. The inspection device according to any one of the above. The irradiation unit is configured to be able to irradiate predetermined light as the electromagnetic wave,
First irradiation means for irradiating the tablet with predetermined light from the opening side of the pocket portion;
A second irradiation means for irradiating the tablet with predetermined light from the protruding side of the pocket portion;
The imaging means includes
A first imaging means provided on the opposite side of the first irradiation means via the container film and capable of imaging light from the first irradiation means transmitted through at least the coating layer;
A second imaging unit provided on the opposite side of the second irradiation unit through the container film and capable of imaging the light from the second irradiation unit that has passed through at least the coating layer. The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.   A blister packaging machine comprising the inspection device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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