JP2019151449A - Inspection apparatus, inspection method, and inspection object support apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

To obtain good image data from a plurality of inspection objects different in height.SOLUTION: In an optical path between a plurality of inspection objects 5, 6 and 7 and a photographing device 1 for acquiring the images of the inspection objects 5, 6 and 7, a linear index part 4 with which prescribed parts on the side of the photographing device 1 of the plurality of inspection objects 5, 6 and 7 are brought into contact, is provided so as to intersect with the optical path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, an inspection method, and a support apparatus to be inspected.

Conventionally, when performing shipping, delivery, etc. in the distribution process of goods such as product shipment and courier delivery, so-called inspection processing has been carried out to identify whether the object matches a delivery slip or order form. Has been done.
In this process, for example, any surface of a hexahedral package that is the target is optically read, and the contour of the surface, or image data such as a trademark, identification number, or mark printed on the surface. Is compared with reference data to determine the suitability of the object.

  In Patent Document 1, the products stacked on the pallet are specified by image recognition, and the number of the products per stage that can be placed on the pallet and the luggage reflected in the image are stacked for the specified products. An inspection method for calculating the quantity of products stacked on the pallet according to the number of steps is described. If this inspection method is used, the worker can save labor for both the check of goods and the work of counting quantities.

JP 2013-067499 A

By the way, the inspection performed by the inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1 requires acquisition of an accurate image of the inspection target. On the other hand, with the diversification of articles on the distribution process, the shapes of articles to be inspected are diversified.
In order to improve the efficiency of the inspection of such a large number of articles, it is desirable to shoot and inspect a plurality of inspection objects so as to capture images in a state where they are mounted on one inspection table or pallet. The shape of the object varies, and as a result, it is difficult to focus on the entire inspection object, and the image of some articles may become unclear. Moreover, if it is going to focus on each of each test object, it will be unavoidable that the inspection time will be prolonged because the adjustment and photographing of the optical system will be repeated for each article.

  An object of the present invention is to obtain accurate optical information for inspection from inspection objects of various shapes.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention proposes the following means.
The inspection apparatus shown in the first aspect of the present invention is the imaging of the plurality of inspection objects at a position that intersects an optical path between the plurality of inspection objects and an imaging apparatus that acquires optical data of the objects. A linear indicator portion for contacting a predetermined part on the apparatus side is provided so as to intersect with the optical path.

  In the inspection method shown in the second aspect of the present invention, a step of arranging a plurality of inspection objects on an optical path of an imaging apparatus that acquires these optical data, and a predetermined number on the imaging apparatus side of the plurality of inspection objects The method includes a step of providing a linear index portion that is brought into contact with a portion, and a step of moving the plurality of inspection objects toward the index portion and aligning them along the index portion.

  The inspection object support apparatus shown in the third aspect of the present invention is provided with a mounting surface on which a plurality of inspection objects are placed, and the plurality of inspection objects and optical data of the objects. And an indicator portion on a straight line that intersects with the optical path between the image capturing device and the image capturing device.

  According to the present invention, accurate optical information from a plurality of inspection objects can be obtained.

The conveyance apparatus of 1st Embodiment concerning the minimum structure of this invention is shown, (a) is a side view, (b) is a top view. It is a perspective view of the inspection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the optical path of the test | inspection apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a perspective view of the test object support apparatus applied to 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view of the modification of the test object support apparatus in 2nd Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing of the inspection method using 2nd Embodiment, (a) shows the state before aligning a test object, (b) shows the state which aligned the test object along the parameter | index. . It is a side view of the test object support apparatus of the inspection apparatus which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.

An inspection apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes an imaging device of an inspection device, and the imaging device 1 includes, for example, an imaging unit 2 and a convex lens 3 that focuses the imaging unit 2. A linear indicator portion 4 is provided at a position intersecting the optical axis C of the convex lens 3 of the photographing apparatus 1. For example, the indicator portion 4 is provided in a straight line so as to slightly protrude from the support surface 8 on which the inspection objects 5, 6, and 7 are placed.

  In the inspection apparatus having the above-described configuration, for example, one surface of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7 having a hexahedron shape and different lengths (dimensions in the horizontal direction in FIG. 1) includes the index portion 4. As a result, it is possible to form an image from all the inspection objects 5, 6, and 7 on the imaging unit 2 of the imaging apparatus 1. Note that the imaging apparatus 1 is not necessarily limited to an apparatus that can capture an accurate image of the inspection object 5, 6, 7, and may simply have a function of detecting the light amount and contrast. Even with such simple light quantity detection, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of errors due to the non-uniformity of the distances to the inspection objects 5, 6, 7.

An inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as 1st Embodiment in the figure, and description is simplified.
Reference numeral 11 denotes a measuring instrument (balance), and a support base 12 is placed on the scale 11. The upper surface 13 of the support base 12 is inclined and serves as a support surface on which the inspection objects 5, 6, and 7 are placed. The inspection objects 5, 6, 7, and 9 (the inspection object 9 is further placed on the inspection object 6) are, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped package for home delivery. Further, gravity acts in the vertical direction of FIG.
A transparent plate 20 that is a flat plate is provided at the tip of the support base 12, and one surface of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9 is in contact therewith. That is, the inspection object 5, 6, 7, 9 comes into contact with each other and serves as an index portion for aligning them. In the illustrated example, one surface refers to one end surface in the longitudinal direction of the rectangular parallelepiped, but is set to characteristics necessary for inspection of the object, for example, a square having a predetermined size, an identification mark, a predetermined color, and lightness. Refers to the finished surface.

  The transparent plate 20 is made of glass, and is provided so as to intersect with an optical path from the camera 21 through the reflection mirrors 22 and 23 to the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, and 9 as indicated by arrows in the figure. ing. In the illustrated example, they are arranged so as to be orthogonal to the reflected light of the final reflecting mirror 23. The material of the transparent plate 20 is glass in consideration of transparency, flatness, and rigidity required for maintaining the flatness, but may be a transparent synthetic resin.

The optical path passing through the camera 21, the reflecting mirrors 22, 23, and the transparent plate 20 shown in FIG. 2 can also be expressed as an equivalent optical path indicated by a broken line in FIG.
That is, as indicated by a broken line in the figure, the transparent plate 20 is arranged in a direction orthogonal to a straight line that coincides with the optical axis C of the camera 21 ′, and an image of the object on the upper surface 13 is taken by the camera 21 ′. It has come to be. This optical system is realized by an optical path from the camera 21 to the transparent plate 20 via the reflection mirrors 22 and 23, as indicated by solid arrows in the figure.

An inspection method using this inspection apparatus will be described together with the operation of the inspection apparatus configured as described above.
As shown in FIG. 6A, the inspection objects 5, 6, 7 and 9 are placed on the upper surface 13 of the support base 12.
The inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9 are inclined at the upper surface 13, so that gravity acting on the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9 is converted into a leftward force in the figure. By such an action of gravity, the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, and 9 are pressed against the transparent plate 20 as shown in FIG.
In this state, the bottom surfaces of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9 are flush with the surface on the inspection object side of the transparent plate 20 (the right surface in FIG. 2).

In this state, the light rays reflected from the bottom surfaces of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9 (images of trademarks, identification marks, etc. printed on the bottom surface or the lower surface of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9) The image travels through the transparent plate 20 in the direction opposite to the arrows in FIGS.
The photographed image is compared with reference data by an image analysis device (not shown), and for example, it is determined whether or not the data matches the inspection object data recorded in the order form.
Here, since the bottom surfaces of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, and 9 are flush with each other, the distance is constant with respect to the camera 21, for example, even when a fixed-focus camera is used. A good image can be obtained. Even a camera capable of changing the focal length can reduce the time required for focusing.

The scale 11 measures the total weight of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, and 9 simultaneously with the optical inspection. The weight data is compared with reference data by a weight inspection device (not shown), and for example, it is determined whether the weight data matches or does not match the sum of the weight data of the inspection objects described in the order form.
The inspection objects 5, 6, 7, and 9 are placed on the balance 11 one by one, and the weight of each of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, and 9 is calculated by measuring the weight each time and calculating the difference. Can be measured, and inspection with higher accuracy can be performed by comparing with the reference data for the individual weights of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9.
Thus, a high-precision inspection can be performed by using the weight measurement together. That is, even if it is determined optically true from the bottom image, if it is determined that the weight is less than the predetermined weight, the measured box may be empty or insufficient. Can be determined.

  FIG. 5 shows a modified example of the support base 12. The upper surface 13 may be configured to be rotatable about the pivot O at the base end, and the inclination angle θ may be changed.

Further, the indicator section is not limited to the transparent plate 20 shown in FIG.
(1) A straight line displayed on the upper surface 13 of the support base 12 and only serves as an operator's index when the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9 are arranged on the support base. In this case, the index is merely a guide and does not require that the inspection objects 5, 6, and 7 are actually in contact with each other.
(2) A linear protrusion that protrudes slightly on the upper surface 13 of the support base 12 and stops the inspection objects 5, 6, 7 on the upper surface 13.
(3) A linear friction material that is provided on the upper surface 13 of the support base 12 and applies a frictional force to the lower surfaces of the inspection objects 5, 6, 7.
(4) A linear body that is stretched in a plane including the transparent plate 20 above the support base 12 and supports the bottom surface of the inspection object 5, 6, 7, 9, or included in the same plane as the transparent plate 20 Net.
(5) In the above embodiment, the inspection object has a rectangular parallelepiped shape. However, even if the inspection object has a shape having a straight side (ridge line), the side is transparent. By following the plate 20 or the indicator portion 4, the intended purpose can be achieved. If the object to be inspected does not have a straight side, the point is brought into point contact with the index part, or a jig with a linear part corresponding to the index part is interposed between the position and the position. You may make it adjust.

  Further, instead of the inclination of the support 12, the inspection objects 5, 6, 7, 9 may be pressed against the transparent plate 20 using an elastic body (cushion material). Further, the support base 12 may be omitted, and the cost inspection items 5, 6, 7, 9 may be placed directly on the upper surface of the scale 11.

An inspection apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same component as 1st Embodiment and 2nd Embodiment in the figure, and description is simplified.
In the third embodiment, a transparent plate 20 is provided on a support member 30 erected on the upper surface 13 of the balance 11 with a predetermined distance from and parallel to the upper surface 13. The transparent plate 20 is oriented in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis of a camera or the like indicated by an arrow in FIG.
A height adjusting member 31 that supports the inspection object 5 is provided on the upper surface 13 so that the height of the upper surface of the inspection object 5 is flush with the inspection object 7.

That is, if the distance between the upper surface 12 and the lower surface of the transparent plate 20 is H, the height of the inspection object 5 is h1, and the height of the support member 30 is h2,
h1 + h2 = H
Is set to a height.
Further, an elastic body 32 such as a rubber plate bent in a U-shape is provided between the upper surface 13 and the inspection object 6. The elastic body 32 is elastically deformed in the thickness direction of the elastic body 32 and elastically deformed so that the U-shape is opened, thereby pressing the inspection object 6 against the transparent plate 20 and the upper surface of the inspection object 6 to be inspected. Aligned with object 7.
Of course, either one of the support base 31 and the elastic body 32 may be used or both may be used together.

  Thus, even when an optical system such as a camera is provided above, the upper surfaces of the inspection objects 5, 6, and 7 can be flush with the transparent plate 20, and the inspection objects 5, 6 , Regardless of the height of 7, a good captured image can be obtained.

Even in the case of the third embodiment, instead of the transparent plate 20, the inspection objects 5, 6, 7 are placed on a linear body or net stretched in a plane orthogonal to the optical axis of the camera. By pressing, a good captured image can be obtained similarly.
In the second and third embodiments, the photographing is performed in a state where the support base 12 is placed on the scale 11. However, the photographing is not carried on the scale 11, that is, without using the weight measurement together. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to a case where inspection is simply performed from an image of an inspection object.

  The optical path from the imaging device to the index unit is not limited to the above embodiment, and may be changed according to the use and function of the device without departing from the gist of the present invention. is there.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was explained in full detail with reference to drawings, the concrete structure is not restricted to this embodiment, The design change etc. of the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention are included.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be used for an inspection device, an inspection method, and a support device to be inspected that are preferably used for re-inspection such as delivery and shipment.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image pick-up device 2 Imaging part 3 Convex lens 4 Index | index part 5, 6, 7, 9 Inspection object 8 Support surface 11 Scale 12 Support stand 13 Upper surface 20 Transparent plate 21, 21 'Camera 22, 23 Reflection mirror 30 Support member 31 Height Adjustment member 32 Elastic body C Optical axis 0 Pivot

Claims (10)

  A linear shape for contacting a predetermined part of the plurality of inspection objects on the imaging apparatus side at a position intersecting an optical path between the plurality of inspection objects and an imaging apparatus that acquires optical data of the objects. An inspection apparatus characterized in that an index portion is provided so as to intersect with the optical path.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index unit is provided on a support base on which the plurality of inspection objects are placed.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index portion protrudes upward from the support surface.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the index portion is a transparent plate provided on the support surface.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an urging unit that urges the inspection object toward the index portion.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the support base is provided to be inclined toward the indicator portion.   The inspection apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a scale for measuring the weight of the inspection object placed on the support base.   2. An adjusting means is provided between the support base and the transparent plate to raise the inspection object having a smaller height to the height of the inspection object having a larger height. The inspection apparatus as described in any one of -7. Arranging a plurality of inspection objects on an optical path of an imaging apparatus for acquiring these optical data;
Providing an indicator portion for aligning a predetermined portion of the plurality of inspection objects on the imaging apparatus side in a straight line;
And a step of moving the plurality of inspection objects toward the index portion and aligning them along the index portion. A mounting surface on which a plurality of inspection objects are placed;
An inspection target provided on the mounting surface and having a linear index portion that intersects an optical path between the plurality of inspection objects and an imaging device that acquires optical data of the objects Support device.

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