JP2019152673A - Inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide an inspection device that conducts different types of inspections for an inspection object article, thereby preventing an inspection line from becoming longer, and that can easily, efficiently and rapidly perform setting operation such as image processing of a photographic image taken with an imaging unit that takes an image of the inspection object article.SOLUTION: An inspection device includes: imaging means for taking an image of an inspection object article; acquisition means for acquiring identification information on the article from a position different from a photographing position of the article photographed with the imaging means; storage means for storing positive information to be a comparison object of the inspection article; transportation means for transporting the article; and control means for comparing the photographic image by the imaging means and the identification information by the acquisition means with the positive information stored in the storage means, and determining whether they agree or not. When the article is transported by the transportation means, the storage means associates an imaging result by the imaging means with the identification information by the acquisition means and stores them as positive information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus.

An article inspection system for inspecting an article is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this article inspection system, various inspection apparatuses are arranged in series on the inspection line, and the articles sent from the production line to the inspection line are inspected by the inspection apparatus.
Further, there is known an appearance inspection apparatus that performs pass / fail determination of an inspection object by comparing an image obtained by imaging the appearance of the inspection object with a plurality of types of non-defective images and defective images ( For example, see Patent Document 2).

JP 2002-219420 A JP 2002-8013 A

  However, in the article inspection system described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to serially arrange inspection apparatuses according to the type of inspection every time the number of inspection items increases, and there is a problem that the inspection line becomes long. It was. Also, it is necessary to adjust the height of the transfer surface of the transfer section of the inspection device specialized for each inspection item, adjust the detection position, adjust the transfer speed, etc., and if these adjustments are insufficient, The test may not be performed correctly.

The inspection apparatus of the present invention comprises at least the following configuration.
The inspection apparatus includes an imaging unit that images an article to be inspected,
Obtaining means for obtaining identification information of the article from a position different from an imaging position of the article imaged by the imaging means;
Storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the inspection article;
Conveying means for conveying the article;
Control means for comparing the captured image obtained by the imaging means and the identification information obtained by the obtaining means with the positive information stored in the storage means, and determining whether the correctness is correct;
A specific unit that identifies a unique image unique to one inspection article included in an image captured by the imaging unit, and a common image common to a plurality of inspection articles, and
The storage means stores the unique image specified by the specifying means or the common image.

ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the lengthening of an inspection line can be prevented by performing a different kind of test | inspection with respect to the goods to be test | inspected with one test | inspection apparatus.
In addition, the inspection apparatus of the present invention can easily and efficiently perform setting operations such as imaging means for imaging the inspection object and image processing relating to the captured image in a short time.

The side view showing an example of the inspection device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The top view of the inspection device concerning the embodiment of the present invention. The figure which shows an example of the test | inspection object of an inspection apparatus, (a) is a figure which shows an example of the front label of a test | inspection object, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the back label of a test | inspection object. The electrical functional block diagram which shows an example of the test | inspection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows an example of operation | movement of the test | inspection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area at the time of the setting registration mode of a test | inspection apparatus, and a 2nd display area. The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area at the time of the start of the setting registration mode of a test | inspection apparatus, and a 2nd display area. The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area at the time of setting registration mode, and a 2nd display area. The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area at the time of merchandise name area setting, and a 2nd display area. The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area at the time of price area setting, and a 2nd display area. The figure for demonstrating the specific image and common image regarding a normal image. The figure which shows an example of the information regarding the normal image memorize | stored in the memory | storage means of an inspection apparatus. The figure which shows an example of the change means which changes the reference | standard of pass / fail determination of inspection mode. The figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the threshold value of a correlation value. The flowchart for demonstrating an example of the operation | movement at the time of the test | inspection mode of the test | inspection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The figure which shows an example of the determination display at the time of a test | inspection mode, (a) is a figure which shows the case where a determination result is OK and (b), respectively, the case where a determination result is NG.

An inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an imaging unit that images an inspection target article (inspection article), and an acquisition unit that acquires identification information of the article from a position different from the imaging position of the article imaged by the imaging unit. And the storage means for storing the correct information to be compared with the inspection article, the transport means for transporting the article, the captured image by the imaging means and the identification information by the acquisition means are compared with the correct information stored in the storage means. Control means for making a determination.
In addition, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention makes a pass / fail judgment on the inspection object by comparing a captured image obtained by imaging the inspection object with an imaging unit and a positive image stored in advance. Do. The inspection apparatus includes a first display area for operably displaying a setting screen relating to image processing settings for a captured image obtained by the imaging unit, and an operation auxiliary screen for assisting an operation on the setting screen for the first display area. And a second display area for operably displaying. The first display area is provided in the vicinity of the second display area.
This inspection apparatus can easily and efficiently perform setting operations such as an image capturing unit that captures an image of an inspection object and image processing related to the captured image.

Hereinafter, an inspection apparatus (label inspection apparatus) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment of the present invention includes the contents shown in the drawings, but is not limited to this.
In the following description of each drawing, the same parts as those already described are denoted by the same reference numerals, and a part of the overlapping description is omitted.

In the present embodiment, an example in which the inspection apparatus according to the present invention is employed in a label inspection apparatus will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an operation display device 40 supported by a support member 41 on a pedestal 42. The operation display device 40 includes a camera-side display input unit 14 as a first display region, a main display input unit 24 as a second display region, and operation input units 25 such as various switches and various buttons.

  On the pedestal 42, a belt conveyor 261 is provided as a transport unit that transports the inspection object w along the transport path (transport path). The belt conveyor 261 is stretched around a pair of rotating shafts 263 and 264 and pulleys (not shown) in which an endless belt 262 is arranged at a predetermined distance. One or both of the rotating shafts 263 and 264 are rotationally driven by the conveyor driving unit.

  A pair of long guide members G are provided along a conveying path of the belt conveyor 261 above the mounting surface of the belt conveyor 261 by a predetermined distance. The height of the guide member G is set lower than the height of the inspection object w placed on the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261 so that the inspection object w on the belt conveyor 261 does not fall down. It is configured to be supportable. The distance between the pair of guide members G is set wider than the thickness of the inspection object w.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the interval between the ends of the pair of guide members G on the upstream side in the transport direction is set to be wider than the center portion. That is, the guide member G has a structure in which the inspection object w can be easily placed at the center in the width direction of the belt conveyor 261. Even when the inspection object w is placed at a position shifted from the center in the width direction of the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261, the guide member G is driven in the width direction of the belt conveyor 261 when the conveyor is driven. The inspection object w is led to the center of the structure.

  An imaging unit 12 such as a camera and a code scanner 22 are disposed on both sides of the belt conveyor 261 on the upstream side in the conveyance direction. That is, the belt conveyor 261 is disposed between the imaging unit 12 and the code scanner 22.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a front label LA (first label) is affixed to the front side of a product as an inspection object, and a rear label LB (second label) is attached to the back side. Is affixed. On the front label LA as the label L, a product name 81, a main body price 82, and the like are printed. Further, on the back label LB as the label L, code information 83 (bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.), product detailed information 84 and the like are printed. The detailed product information 84 includes, for example, a raw material name, an allergen name, a food additive name, an expiration date, a storage method, a nutritional ingredient display (calorie, a nutritional ingredient name, its content), a manufacturer name, an address, and the like. Yes.
The product information may be directly printed on the resin packaging sheet or may be printed on the label L attached to the packaging sheet.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the imaging unit 12 is arranged so as to be able to image the front label LA of the inspection object w conveyed along the conveyance path. The imaging region 12AR of the imaging unit 12 is set to a predetermined region between the guide member G and the belt conveyor 261, for example, as illustrated in FIG. A sensor 27A (27) such as an optical sensor serving as an inspection object detection unit is provided at a predetermined position upstream of the imaging unit 12 in the transport direction.
After the inspection object w to be conveyed is detected by the sensor 27A (27), the imaging unit 12 is inspected at the timing when the inspection object w is located in the imaging region 12AR after a set time corresponding to the conveyance speed. The front label LA of the object w is imaged. Note that the imaging unit 12 may always take an image.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the code scanner 22 is arranged to be able to read the code information printed on the back label LB of the inspection object w conveyed along the conveyance path. The reading area 22AR of the code scanner 22 is set to a predetermined area between the guide member G and the belt conveyor 261 as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the code scanner 22 includes a light emitting unit 22a that irradiates light to the inspection object w, and a light receiving unit 22b that receives light reflected by the inspection object w. The code information 83 (bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.) printed on the back label LB of the inspection object w to be inspected is read.

On the downstream side of the imaging unit 12 and the code scanner 22 in the transport direction, a sorting unit 29 (exclusion unit) that sorts the inspection object w into a non-defective product and a defective product, and a container 291 that temporarily stores the defective product are provided. Yes. A belt conveyor 261 is disposed between the distribution unit 29 and the container 291.
The container 291 has an opening on the distribution unit side.

In the present embodiment, the distribution unit 29 has an injection device capable of injecting gas. When the inspection object w is a defective product, the distribution unit 29 injects gas onto the defective product conveyed by the belt conveyor 261 to inject the defective product. Is moved to the container 291. When the inspection object is a non-defective product, the distribution unit 29 does not inject gas, and the non-defective inspection object w is conveyed to the next process area 300 on the downstream side of the belt conveyor.
Specifically, a sensor 27B (27) such as an optical sensor as an inspection object detection unit is provided at a predetermined position upstream of the sorting unit 29 in the conveyance direction. Inspection of defective products at a position overlapping with the gas blowing direction from the gas outlet of the distribution unit 29 after a set time corresponding to the conveying speed from when the inspection object w to be conveyed is detected by the sensor 27B (27). At the timing when the object w is located, gas is injected from the distribution unit 29 toward the inspection object w.

Next, each component of the inspection apparatus 100 will be described in detail.
As illustrated in FIG. 4, the inspection apparatus 100 includes a camera-side control unit 11, an imaging unit 12 (imaging unit) such as a camera, a camera control-side storage unit 13, and a camera-side display input unit 14 (first display area). , Main control unit 21, code scanner 22, main control side storage unit 23, main display input unit 24 (second display area), operation input unit 25, conveyor drive unit 26, sensor 27, and distribution unit 29. .

In the present embodiment, the control unit 10 is configured by the camera side control unit 11 and the main control unit 21. The control unit 10 comprehensively controls each component of the inspection apparatus 100. The main control unit 21 and the camera side control unit 11 are communicably connected.
The camera-side control unit 11 is electrically connected to the imaging unit 12, the camera control-side storage unit 13, and the camera-side display input unit 14.
The main control unit 21 is electrically connected with a main display input unit 24, an operation input unit 25, a conveyor drive unit 26, a sensor 27, a distribution unit 29, and the like.

The camera-side control unit 11 mainly controls the imaging unit 12, the camera control-side storage unit 13, and the camera-side display input unit 14 mainly. Moreover, the camera side control part 11 communicates with the main control part 21 as needed. Specifically, the camera-side control unit 11 compares a captured image of the inspection object with a normal image (non-defective imaged image) stored in the camera control-side storage unit 13 in advance, and indicates a signal indicating the result of the comparison ( OK signal, NG signal, etc.) are output to the main control unit 21.
In addition, when receiving a setting start signal from the main control unit 21, the camera side control unit 11 is set to the setting registration mode and performs processing related to the setting registration mode.

Moreover, the camera side control part 11 implement | achieves functions, such as the identification means 111 and the comparison means 112, in a test | inspection apparatus (computer) by running a predetermined control program.
The specifying unit 111 performs a process of specifying a unique image unique to one inspection article and a common image common to a plurality of inspection articles included in the image captured by the imaging unit.
The comparison unit 112 performs processing for comparing the inspection image captured by the imaging unit with the normal image stored by the storage unit.
The detailed operation of the camera side control unit 11 will be described later.

  The imaging unit 12 such as a camera outputs a captured image obtained by imaging the inspection object w to the camera side control unit 11.

The camera control side storage unit 13 captures a non-defective image captured by the image capturing unit 12 (correct image), an image of product information such as a product name and price extracted from the captured image (correct image), and a product type link number (registration). Number) and the like are stored in association with each other.
The product type link number (registration number) is a non-defective product registration number (identification information) set by the user or the like in the setting registration mode.

  The camera-side display input unit 14 (first display area) displays a setting screen relating to image processing settings for a captured image obtained by the imaging unit (imaging unit 12) in an operable manner under the control of the camera-side control unit 11. . The camera side display input unit 14 is, for example, a touch panel with a display device.

The main control unit 21 mainly controls the main control side storage unit 23, the main display input unit 24, the operation input unit 25, the conveyor drive unit 26, the distribution unit 29, and the like. The main control unit 21 communicates with the camera side control unit 11 as necessary.
Further, the main control unit 21 receives from the camera-side control unit 11 a signal indicating the result of comparing the captured image of the inspection object with the positive image stored in advance (non-defective imaged image), and does not match. In this case, the inspection object is judged as a defective product, and if they match, the code information displayed on the label of the inspection object is compared with the positive code information stored in advance (good code information), As a result of comparison, if they do not match, it is determined as a defective product, and if they match, it is determined that the inspection object is a non-defective product.
In other words, in the present embodiment, both the product information such as the product name and price printed on the front label LA on the inspection object and the code information described on the back label LB are the reference non-defective products. If they match, the inspection object is determined as a non-defective product, and if one or both do not match, the inspection object is determined as a defective product.

  Further, the main control unit 21 outputs a setting start signal to the camera side control unit 11 in the setting registration mode.

Moreover, the main control part 21 implement | achieves functions, such as the switching means 211 and the change means 212, in a test | inspection apparatus (computer) by running a control program.
When the display content of either the first display area or the second display area is switched, the switching unit 211 performs a process of switching the other display content in accordance with the switching.
As will be described later, the changing unit 212 performs a process of changing the combination of the unique image and the common image of the normal image stored by the storage unit.
Details of the operation of the main control unit 21 will be described later.

  As described above, the code scanner 22 reads code information (bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.) printed on the label L of the inspection object w, and outputs the code information to the main control unit 21.

  The main control side storage unit 23 stores a control program and various information. Various information and control programs stored in the main control side storage unit 23 are read out by the main control unit 21 as necessary. Further, the main control side storage unit 23 stores the code information (correct code information), product type link number (registration number), etc. of the non-defective product read by the code scanner 22 in association with each other under the control of the main control unit 21.

The main display input unit 24 (second display area) displays an operation assistance screen for assisting operations on the setting screen of the first display area in an operable manner under the control of the main control unit 21.
Further, the main display input unit 24 displays a mode selection screen on which various modes such as a setting registration mode and an inspection mode can be selected so as to be operable by the control of the main control unit 21. The main display input unit 24 is, for example, a touch panel with a display device.

  The operation input unit 25 includes various buttons such as a conveyor start button and an emergency stop button, various switches, and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the operation to the main control unit 21.

  The conveyor drive unit 26 operates the belt conveyor 261 by rotating the endless belt 262 by rotating the drive motor provided on one or both of the rotation shafts 263 and 264 under the control of the main control unit 21.

  The sensor 27 detects the inspection object w conveyed along the conveyance path, and outputs the detection result to the main control unit 21. The sensor 27 is an optical sensor or the like provided with a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and includes the sensor 27A and the sensor 27B arranged at predetermined positions as described above.

  The distribution unit 29 controls the main control unit 21 to convey a product as an inspection object determined to be a non-defective product to the next process area 300 along the conveyance path of the belt conveyor, and to determine the inspection object determined to be a defective product. The product is removed from the conveyance path. As the distribution unit 29, for example, a gas injection device, a movable device capable of changing the transport direction, or the like can be employed.

Next, an example of the operation of the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, in step ST <b> 1, the main control unit 21 is set to a setting registration mode, an inspection mode, or the like based on a signal from the main display input unit 24. Specifically, the main control unit 21 performs processing for displaying a mode selection button associated with the setting registration mode, the inspection mode, and the like on the main display input unit 24 so as to be operable.

  In step ST2, the main control unit 21 determines whether the setting registration mode or the inspection mode has been selected based on the signal from the main display input unit 24, and if it is determined that the setting registration mode has been selected, When the process proceeds to ST3 and it is determined that the inspection mode is selected, the process proceeds to Step ST11. After the processing in the inspection mode in step ST11, the process proceeds to step ST1. The process in the inspection mode in step ST11 will be described later.

In step ST3, in the setting registration mode, the main control unit 21 displays a setting screen on which a good product type interlocking number (registration information such as a registration number) as a registration target and a good product name can be input. The process to display in an operable manner is performed.
When the product link number and the product name are input by the user operating the main display input unit 24, the main control unit 21 stores the product link number and the product name in the main control side storage unit 23 in association with each other.
Further, the main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating the start of the setting registration mode and a signal indicating the product type interlocking number and the product name to the camera side control unit 11. The camera-side control unit 11 performs processing for associating the product type interlocking number and the product name and storing them in the camera control-side storage unit 13.

In step ST4, a non-defective product as a registration object is placed on the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261. The main control unit 21 drives the belt conveyor 261 to convey the registration object along the conveyance direction. A front label LA is provided on the front side of the registration object, and a back label LB is provided on the back side.
The code scanner 22 reads code information (a bar code or a two-dimensional code indicating a product code or the like) printed on the back label of the registration target object, and outputs the code information to the main control unit 21. The main control unit 21 displays the code information on the main display input unit 24 and performs processing for prompting the user to confirm the product code.
Moreover, the camera side control part 11 performs the process which images the table | surface label of a registration target object (article) with the imaging part 12, and displays the acquired captured image on the camera side display input part 14 (camera on the right side of FIG. 6). (See side display input unit 14).

  As shown in FIG. 6, identification information read by the code scanner is displayed on the left side of the screen (main display input unit 24 (second display area)), and the right side of the screen (camera side display input unit 14 (first display area)). 1 display area)), image information captured by the imaging unit (camera) is displayed. On the left side of the screen, not only the identification information but also words such as “Please confirm that the label is centered on the right screen” are displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the identification information read by the code scanner is “012345789902”. This identification information includes, or is associated with, the name of the product, the date of sale of the product, the sales time, the expiration date, the information about the flight to which the product is delivered, the information of the manufacturer that produced the product, etc. ing. The identification information such as “012345789902” is the total number of digits of the barcode printed on the label, but the inspection target may be only a part of the digits, not all the digits.

When the user confirms the code information and confirms that the label is displayed at the center of the camera-side display input unit 14, the confirmation button of the main display input unit 24 is operated. In the case of NG, the cancel button of the main display input unit 24 is operated by the user.
When the confirmation button is operated, the main control unit 21 performs processing for storing the code information, the product type interlocking number, and the product name in the main control side storage unit 23.
Further, the main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating code information, product type interlocking number, and product name to the camera side control unit 11, and the camera side control unit 11 associates the code information, product type interlocking number, and product name with the camera control side. Processing to be stored in the storage unit 13 is performed.
When the cancel button is operated, the main control unit 21 proceeds to the process of step ST1.

In step ST5, as shown on the left side of FIG. 7, the main control unit 21 causes the main display input unit 24 to “navigate the registration procedure from here on this screen while operating the right screen” Next, the message “Please press the button” is displayed, and the confirmation button 241 is displayed in an operable manner.
When the confirmation button 241 is operated, the main control unit 21 displays an operation assistance screen 242 on the main display input unit 24 as shown on the left side of FIG. The main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating that the confirmation button 241 has been operated to the camera side control unit 11. Upon receiving the signal, the camera-side control unit 11 displays the setting screen on the camera-side display input unit 14 so as to be operable, as shown on the right side of FIG. Specifically, on the setting screen on the camera-side display input unit 14, for example, a menu capable of selecting settings relating to product names, prices, sales promotion stickers, packaging materials, and the like is displayed so as to be operable.
In the present embodiment, the main control unit 21 returns to the main display input unit 24 (second display area) as a switching unit for switching display contents indicating the setting procedure on the operation assistance screen 242, and then returns to the next button 243. The button 244 is displayed to be operable. The next button 243 is operated when displaying the next setting procedure on the operation assistance screen 242. The return button 244 is operated when displaying the previous setting procedure on the operation assistance screen 242.
The main control unit 21 performs a process of switching the display content of the operation assistance screen 242 of the main display input unit 24 by the switching unit.
The user looks at the operation auxiliary screen 242 displayed on the main display input unit 24 (second display area) and operates the setting screen of the camera side display input unit 14 (first display area) according to the operation description. Thus, it is possible to easily set the image processing for the captured image. The camera-side control unit 11 sets image processing for the captured image in response to an operation on the camera-side display input unit 14.
That is, the main control unit 21 and the camera-side control unit 11 perform processing related to image processing setting in cooperation with the operation assistance screen in the second display area and the setting screen in the first display area.

Specifically, the example shown in FIG. 9 is an example of processing for registering a correct image of the product name, and the main control unit 21 assists the main display input unit 24 in setting the product name display area. The process of displaying the operation assistance screen is performed.
The user operates the camera-side display input unit 14 to set a product name display area from the captured image displayed on the camera-side display input unit 14. In the example of FIG. 9, a product name display area is set by a rectangular area defined by four vertices.
When the OK button of the camera side display input unit 14 is operated, the camera side control unit 11 sets the rectangular area as a product name display area.
When the setting of the product name display area is completed, the user operates the next button 243 of the main display input unit 24. When the next button 243 is operated, the main control unit 21 performs processing for displaying an operation assistance screen indicating the next setting procedure on the main display input unit 24.
In the example shown in FIG. 9, the image processing load is reduced by using the second and subsequent characters of the product name for quality determination of the inspection object. In addition, you may use all the parts of a brand name for the quality determination of a test subject.
Further, as shown on the right side of FIG. 9, the main control unit 21 may perform a process of displaying information indicating how many pages of the instruction manual are displayed on the main display input unit 24.

Next, for example, as illustrated in FIG. 10, the main control unit 21 performs a process of displaying an operation assistance screen for assisting an operation for setting a price display area on the main display input unit 24.
The user operates the camera side display input unit 14 to set a price display area from the captured image displayed on the camera side display input unit 14. In the example of FIG. 10, the price display area is set by a rectangular area defined by four vertices.
When the OK button of the camera side display input unit 14 is operated, the camera side control unit 11 sets the rectangular area as a price display area.
When the setting of the price display area is completed, the user operates the next button 243 of the main display input unit 24. When the next button 243 is operated, the main control unit 21 performs processing for displaying an operation assistance screen indicating the next setting procedure on the main display input unit 24.

When all the settings are completed, the main control unit 21 performs processing for displaying the registration button on the main display input unit 24 so as to be operable (not shown).
When the registration button is operated by the user, the main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating a setting registration instruction to the camera side control unit 11. Upon receiving the signal, the camera-side control unit 11 performs processing for associating the price display area image, the product name display area image, the product type interlocking number, and the product name and storing them in the camera control-side storage unit 13.
When the setting registration mode process is completed, the process proceeds to step ST1.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a unique image and a common image related to a normal image. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when the inspection apparatus sets and registers a normal image in the inspection apparatus, the inspection apparatus includes an image indicating information unique to a certain product (unique image) and a plurality of different types of products. It is possible to specify an image (common image) indicating common information, and store (register) a normal image in the storage unit by a combination (association) of the unique image and the common image. As the specifying process, the control unit may automatically specify a predetermined region from the captured image by image recognition processing, or the control unit may detect the predetermined region from the captured image based on a signal from the camera-side display input unit. May be specified.

  Specifically, the unique image is an image unique to the inspection article (a product such as a rice ball). As shown in FIG. 11, the unique image is, for example, an image 401 indicating a product name printed on a product label affixed to an inspection article, and is an image that is not common to images of other products. This unique image is stored in advance in the storage means as a normal image. In the inspection mode, the inspection article can be easily inspected by comparing the unique image stored in the storage means with the captured image of the predetermined area of the inspection article.

The common image is an image common to a plurality of different types of inspection articles (commodities such as rice balls). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the common image includes an image 402 showing a product price printed on a product label, an image 403 showing a sales promotion sticker (sales promotion seal) affixed in the vicinity of the product label, and a product (rice ball) Etc.), the packaging material information 404 printed on the packaging material. This common image is an image that is commonly used for other types of products. The common image stored in the storage means can be referred to as necessary when inspecting another inspection article. That is, the common image can be reused as necessary when inspecting different types of inspection parts.
That is, when a plurality of different types of products are registered in the inspection apparatus, the common image only needs to be registered once, and the setting work can be simplified and the setting time can be shortened.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, the inspection apparatus stores information on the normal image in the storage unit. In the example shown in FIG. 12, the product number, product name, identification information (product code, etc.), product name image indicating the product name, price image indicating the price, sales promotion seal image showing the sales promotion seal, packaging material image showing the packaging material, pass / fail judgment Is stored in association with the storage means of the inspection apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 12, the storage unit of the inspection apparatus stores the image information and the identification information in combination, so that the correct information about the product can be easily read out.
In this embodiment, positive information = identification information (information such as a barcode) + normal image (image information), and normal image = unique image + common image.

Further, the inspection apparatus includes the product number, product name, identification information (product code, etc.), product name image, price image, promotional seal image, packaging material image, information indicating the pass / fail judgment conditions shown in FIG. Position information (region information) indicating the regions of the image, price image, promotional sticker image, and packaging material image may be associated and stored in the storage means.
The position information (region information) is defined based on, for example, a reference point of an image obtained by capturing an image of an article with a photographing unit. The coordinate reference point (origin) may be set at an arbitrary position of the captured image. For example, the coordinate reference point (origin) may be the position of the lower left corner of the captured image. Or an edge portion of the background.
In the case of a rectangular image, the position information (region information) can be expressed by the coordinates of one point of the four corners and the coordinates of the diagonal position of the point. In the case of a rectangular image, the position information (region information) can be expressed by the coordinates of one point at the four corners and the vertical and horizontal sizes of the image.

In the example illustrated in FIG. 12, regarding information indicating the determination condition for pass / fail determination, when the condition is satisfied, a normal image stored in the storage unit and a captured image obtained by capturing in the inspection mode are as follows. When it is determined that they match and the condition is not satisfied, the control unit determines that the normal image and the captured image do not match.
Specifically, in the case of the product number 001 shown in FIG. 12, the pass / fail judgment condition is defined as [1] [2], that is, the product name image as the unique image and the price image as the common image. It is specified in combination. That is, when both the product name image indicating the ume and the common image indicating 100 yen match, the control unit determines that the correct image and the captured image match, and one or both match. If not, it is determined that the positive image and the captured image do not match.

  In the case of the product number 005 shown in FIG. 12, the determination condition for pass / fail determination is defined as [1] [2] [3] / [1] [2], that is, the product name image as a unique image, common It is specified by a combination of a price image as an image, a combination of a promotional sticker image as a common image, or a combination of a product name image as a unique image and a price image as a common image. It is determined that the captured images at that time match.

  Further, in the case of the product number 009 shown in FIG. 12, the determination condition of the pass / fail determination is [1] [2] / [1] [2] [3] / [1] [2] [4] / [1] [2 ] [3] [4], that is, in the same manner as in the above-described example, when the conditions are satisfied, it is determined that the normal image and the captured image in the inspection mode match.

FIG. 13 is an example of a setting screen displayed on the operation input unit 25 as the second display area in the inspection mode. This setting screen has a changing means 212A for changing the reference for pass / fail judgment in the inspection mode.
Specifically, the setting screen shown in FIG. 13 includes an operation display section (change means 212A) indicating whether or not there is a sales promotion seal as the product number 31, the product name 32, and the table label LA (POP label) as information on the inspection target. The determination result 33 of the picked-up table label LA (displays the result of comparing the registered normal image and the picked-up picked-up image), and the display unit 34 showing the bar code reading result (the reading result read by the code scanner) ), A display unit 35 indicating the registration code (displaying a part of the identification information registered as the positive information, this numerical value is compared with the reading result), and a display unit 36 indicating the reading code (reading) Of the result (34), only the digit part to be compared with the positive information is displayed), and the display unit 37 showing the determination result (when both the imaging result and the read result match the positive information, it is determined as OK) (If any of the information does not match, it is determined to be NG), a display unit 38 indicating the number of inspections (displaying the total number of inspections), and a display unit 39 indicating the number of NGs (The quantity for which the overall judgment result is NG can also be viewed as display = the number ejected by the ejecting means), pass button 310 (button for switching from the inspection mode to the pass mode. It is not discharged because it is not performed.
And an operation input unit such as an end button 311 (returns to a selection screen (not shown) for selecting an inspection target).
The display contents of the display units (33 to 39) are updated every time one article is inspected.
On the display unit 35 indicating the registration code, only the digit part to be compared is displayed in advance among the identification information registered as the positive information. In the example of FIG. 13, the third to eighth digits of the total number of digits are to be compared. Further, “*” in the numerical value indicates that any numerical value may be used. In the present embodiment, for example, when the changing unit 212A is operated, a setting for switching between the presence / absence of the sales promotion seal, that is, whether to include an image indicating the sales promotion seal as the determination condition of the product pass / fail. Can do.

  Although not shown, the changing unit is configured to be able to set whether or not to include a packaging material image as a condition for determining whether or not the product is acceptable using a substantially similar GUI (graphical user interface).

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correlation value threshold setting screen.
Specifically, in the inspection mode, the camera-side control unit 11 of the control unit 10 is associated with the normal image stored in the storage unit (camera control-side storage unit 13 or main control-side storage unit 23) and the positive image. As a process of comparing a unique image (image showing a product name) or a common image (image showing a price, an image showing a sales promotion sticker, etc.) with a captured image obtained by imaging the inspection object to be conveyed Correlation value calculation processing for calculating a correlation value and similarity calculation processing for calculating similarity are performed. In the present embodiment, the correlation value and the similarity are displayed in%. That is, the correlation value is a numerical value representing the degree of coincidence of each item to be collated with%.
When the calculated correlation value or similarity is equal to or greater than the set threshold value, the control unit determines that the captured product image and the normal image stored in the storage unit are correlated, and displays OK. OK processing is performed. The larger the correlation value threshold, the more severe the inspection (highly accurate inspection is possible).
When the calculated correlation value or similarity is less than the set threshold, the control unit determines that the captured product image and the normal image stored in the storage unit are not correlated, NG processing such as NG display is performed.

The threshold value related to the correlation value or the similarity can be set for each product for each inspection, such as a product name image, a price image, and a promotional sticker image.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the threshold 50 is set to 80 for each of the image part indicating the product name as the unique image, the image part indicating the price as the common image, and the image part indicating the promotional seal as the common image. , 85, 80 (%). The control unit 10 such as the camera-side control unit 11 or the main control unit 21 performs a process of changing the threshold value 50 based on a signal from an operation input unit such as the operation input unit 25 or the camera-side display input unit 14.
For example, the image showing the product name and the image showing the sales promotion sticker include characters, and the image showing the price contains numbers, and the numerical value calculates the correlation value more accurately than the characters. be able to. That is, it is preferable that the threshold value of the correlation value related to the image indicating the product name and the image indicating the sales promotion seal is set lower than the threshold value of the correlation value related to the image indicating the price.

  Next, an example of the operation in the inspection mode (ST11) of the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. Specifically, after step ST11, an example of the operation of the inspection apparatus 100 in the inspection mode is shown. The inspection object w has a front label LA on the front side and a back label LB on the back side.

  In step ST12, in the inspection mode, the main control unit 21 performs a display process for prompting the main display input unit 24 to input a product type interlocking number. The user operates the main display input unit 24 to input the product type interlocking number.

In step ST13, the main control unit 21 reads product information (registration information) associated with the product type interlocking number from the main control side storage unit 23 based on the product type interlocking number input from the main display input unit 24. Specifically, the main control unit 21 reads product information (registration information) such as a product name and code information associated with the product type linkage number from the main control-side storage unit 23.
Further, the main control unit 21 outputs a signal indicating the start of the inspection mode and a signal indicating the product type link number to the camera-side control unit 11. Upon receiving the signal, the camera side control unit 11 reads the product name, the price display area image, the product name display area image, and the like associated with the product type interlocking number from the camera control side storage unit 13.

In step ST14, when an operation to drive the belt conveyor is performed by the switch of the operation input unit 25, the main control unit 21 moves the endless belt of the belt conveyor 261 in a predetermined direction by the conveyor driving unit 26 such as a drive motor. Rotate.
The user places the product as the inspection object w on the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261.
A belt conveyor 261 as a transport unit transports the inspection object w along the transport path in the transport direction.

In step ST15, in the inspection mode, the camera-side control unit 11 receives an instruction from the main control unit 21, and the imaging unit 12 images the product label L, which is the inspection object w, in detail, the front label LA. I do.
The camera-side control unit 11 includes a captured image acquired by the imaging unit 12, an image of a price display area, an image of a product name display area, and the like associated with the product type link number read in advance from the camera control-side storage unit 13. Compared with a normal image (non-defective image). In addition, when the result of the comparison is that the images match, the camera-side control unit 11 displays an OK display indicating that the captured image matches the normal image on the camera-side display input unit 14, and matches. If there is no image, an NG display indicating that the captured image does not match the normal image is displayed on the camera-side display input unit 14, and a signal indicating the comparison result is output to the main control unit 21.

In step ST <b> 16, the code scanner 22 reads the code information printed on the back label LB of the inspection object w, and outputs the code information to the main control unit 21.
The processing of step ST15 and step ST16 is performed in parallel by the camera side control unit 11 and the main control unit 21.

In step ST <b> 17, the control unit 10 registers registration information such as the product name and price in the captured image obtained by the imaging unit 12 and the code information read by the code scanner 22 in association with the product type link number ( Compared with the image of the price display area, the image of the product name display area, the code information, etc. in the original image), it is determined whether or not they match, and if they match, the process proceeds to step ST18 and matches. If not, the process proceeds to step ST19.
Specifically, the camera-side control unit 11 displays a captured image of the front label LA of the inspection object, a price display area image of a positive image (good captured image) stored in advance, an image of a product name display area, and the like. As shown in FIG. 16, the comparison result is displayed on the camera-side display input unit 14, and a signal indicating the comparison result is output to the main control unit 21.
In the example shown in FIG. 16A, in the inspection mode, the image of the price display area and the image of the product name display area match each other between the original image and the captured image of the front label LA. “OK” is displayed in the vicinity thereof, and “OK” is displayed in the lower left portion of the screen as a result of determination based on the result.
In the example shown in FIG. 16 (b), in the inspection mode, a printing defect such as blurring has occurred in the numerical value of the price display area of the picked-up image between the positive image and picked-up image of the front label LA, and the price display area “NG” indicating that the images of the images do not match is displayed in the vicinity thereof, and “OK” indicating that the images in the price display area match are displayed in the vicinity thereof, and determination based on the result is performed. As a result, “NG” is displayed in the lower left part of the screen.

Further, the main control unit 21 compares the code information displayed on the back label LB of the inspection object w with the correct code information (good code information) stored in advance.
Based on the reception result from the camera-side control unit 11, the main control unit 21 matches the product information such as the price and price of the table label LA (A condition) and has been read by the code scanner. When the code information of the back label LB matches the correct code information (B condition), the inspection object w is determined to be a non-defective product, and the process proceeds to step ST18, and either the A condition or the B condition or If both are not satisfied, the inspection object w is determined to be defective and the process proceeds to step ST19.

  In step ST18, the main control unit 21 determines that the inspection object w is a non-defective product and performs a process of conveying the inspection object w to the next process region 300 by the belt conveyor 261 as an OK process. move on.

In step ST19, the main control unit 21 determines that the inspection object w is a defective product, and as the NG process, the distribution unit 29 moves the inspection object w to the container 291 and temporarily stores it. In detail, 1 is added to the NG number (ST20), and the process proceeds to step ST21.
In addition, when the main control unit 21 determines that the inspection object w is a defective product (NG), as the NG process, an image (NG image) obtained by imaging the entire inspection object w or a defective portion is used as a main image. You may memorize | store in memory | storage means, such as the control side memory | storage part 23 and the camera control side memory | storage part 13. FIG. Further, the control unit of the inspection apparatus may transmit the NG image to a management apparatus (computer) that is a higher-level apparatus. This NG image is used for reference, for example, for improvement of logs, confirmation processing after inspection, manufacturing processes, and the like.

In step ST21, the number of examinations is counted up. Specifically, 1 is added to the number of examinations.
Then, after the above-described processing relating to the inspection mode is performed on a predetermined number of inspection objects w, the inspection mode is terminated, and the process proceeds to step ST1 shown in FIG.

As described above, the inspection apparatus 100 (label inspection apparatus) according to the embodiment of the present invention is imaged by the imaging unit 12 as the imaging unit that images the inspection target article (inspection article) and the imaging unit. Acquisition means (code scanner 22 or the like) for acquiring the identification information of the article from a position different from the imaging position of the article, and storage means (camera control side storage unit 13 or main control for storing the correct information to be compared with the inspection article) Side storage unit 23), conveying means (such as a belt conveyor 261) for conveying an article, an image captured by an imaging means, and identification information obtained by an acquiring means (such as a code scanner 22) are compared with positive information stored in the storage means. And a control means (control unit 10) for determining whether the inspection target article is correct or not.
That is, the inspection apparatus 100 performs inspection based on an image obtained by imaging an article by the imaging unit (imaging unit 12), and identification information (code information such as a barcode) of the article by an acquisition unit such as the code scanner 22. And the inspection based on the identification information is performed by one inspection apparatus. Specifically, in the inspection mode, the control means compares the image and the identification information with the correct information to determine whether the inspection target article is correct. If both the image and the identification information are correct, the control means determines that the inspection target article is correct. (Appropriate product), otherwise, the product to be inspected is judged to be incorrect (inappropriate product), so the product can be inspected with high accuracy, and has a simple structure and a small inspection device Can be provided.
Specifically, the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus that inspects whether a front label and a back label attached to a surface to be attached of an article (product) are correctly attached, The back label is combined and stored in the storage means as a single piece of positive information. Only when both labels are determined to be positive, the article to be inspected is judged to be a non-defective product (appropriate). Therefore, a small-sized inspection apparatus can be provided with a simple structure.

<Prevention of inspection line lengthening and shortening of adjustment man-hours>
The inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes an inspection process based on an image obtained by imaging an article by an imaging unit, and an inspection process based on identification information acquired by an acquisition unit such as a code scanner 22. By realizing this with a single inspection device, it is possible to prevent the inspection line from becoming very long, and the installation and adjustment of the transport unit, etc., is equivalent to one unit, so that maintainability (maintenability) is excellent.

<Product type interlock>
By the way, conventionally, a plurality of inspection devices arranged along an inspection line read out correct information (information on appropriate items) for comparison with an inspection target article from a storage device at the time of inspection, and each inspection device is complicated. It is necessary to perform an appropriate setting operation. Conventionally, it has been necessary to perform complicated setting operations in each inspection apparatus in order to inspect an article while connecting the inspection apparatuses by communication means and interlocking the inspection apparatuses.
On the other hand, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention combines the positive information used for the comparative inspection of the image of the article imaged by the imaging means and the positive information used for the comparative inspection of the identification information of the article acquired by the acquisition means. Since the setting process is performed by reading from the storage means at once, the setting operation can be completed in a short time, and the operability is excellent.

<Product type registration>
Conventionally, in an article inspection system in which a plurality of inspection devices are arranged on an inspection line, each time a new inspection target is added, it is necessary for each inspection device to set and store positive information regarding the product to be newly inspected.
On the other hand, in the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention, when a new inspection object is additionally set, one inspection apparatus uses the positive information used for the comparison inspection of the image of the article imaged by the imaging unit, and the acquisition unit. It is possible to simplify the process of setting and registering the correct information used for the comparative inspection of the acquired product identification information.

  In addition, since the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the imaging means (imaging unit), it is easy to check whether the correct product label (table label) is affixed to the article (product) being conveyed (product) The presence or absence of a label) (A1), it is possible to easily check (the state of the product label) whether the product label affixed to the article is printed, chipped or dirty (A2), It is possible to easily confirm whether there is no mistake in the combination of the affixed product label, the sales promotion seal, and the packaging material (A3).

  In addition, since the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a reading device (code scanner 22) as an acquisition unit, it is determined whether a correct POS label (back label) is affixed to an article (product) being conveyed. Can be easily confirmed (presence / absence of POS label) (B1), can be easily confirmed whether there is any problem in the printed content of the POS label affixed to the article (B2), The bar code includes a plurality of pieces of information, and it can be easily determined whether or not these pieces of information coincide with the positive information stored in advance (B3). The information included in the barcode includes, for example, information on the product name and product identification number, the sale date / sales time / expiration date of the product, information on the flight to which the product is delivered, and information on the manufacturer from which the product was manufactured And so on.

In addition, in the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the article (the article to be set and registered) is conveyed by the conveying unit (the belt conveyor 261 or the like) in the setting registration mode, the control unit (the control unit 10) Then, a process of associating the imaging result by the imaging unit (imaging unit 12) with the identification information by the acquisition unit and storing it as positive information in the storage unit is performed.
That is, in the setting registration mode, it is possible to easily store the correct information in which the captured image related to the article (product) and the identification information are associated with each other in the storage unit.

  By the way, a conventional inspection apparatus such as the appearance inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 2 conventionally requires an advanced and complicated operation when performing settings related to image processing of a captured image, and it takes time to complete the settings. May be applied. Conventionally, there has been known an apparatus that displays a guidance superimposed on a setting screen. However, since this apparatus displays the guidance superimposed on the setting screen, it feels troublesome for the user, and the efficiency of the setting operation is improved. It may not be good.

On the other hand, the inspection apparatus 100 (label inspection apparatus) according to the embodiment of the present invention inspects whether or not a label attached to a product or a package for packaging the product matches a predetermined one. That is, pass / fail determination is performed. The inspection apparatus 100 compares the captured image obtained by imaging the inspection object by the imaging unit 12 as an imaging unit with a positive image (good image captured image) stored in advance, thereby comparing the inspection object. It has the control part 10 (the main control part 21, the camera side control part 11) which performs quality determination. The inspection apparatus 100 includes a first display area (camera side display input unit 14) that displays a setting screen of the imaging apparatus and a second display area (main display input unit 24) that displays auxiliary information of the setting screen. Have. The first display area (camera side display input unit 14) is provided in the vicinity of the second display area (main display input unit 24).
Specifically, the first display area (camera-side display input unit 14) displays a setting screen for setting image processing for a captured image obtained by the imaging unit (imaging unit 12) in an operable manner.
The second display area (main display input unit 24) displays auxiliary information (operation auxiliary screen) for assisting operation on the setting screen of the first display area (camera side display input unit 14) in an operable manner. .

That is, it is possible to provide an inspection apparatus capable of efficiently performing setting operations such as image processing for imaging an inspection object and image processing related to the captured image with a simple configuration.
In addition, the setting operation can be efficiently performed on the first display area (camera side display input unit 14). That is, it is possible to provide an inspection apparatus that can complete the setting operation in a short time.
In addition, an inspection device with a simple structure that inspects whether product information such as product name, price, and code information printed on the label of the product as an inspection object is specified by simple operation. Can be provided.

In addition, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention switches display contents of either the first display area (camera side display input unit 14) or the second display area (main display input unit 24). In such a case, there is a switching means (switching means 211) for switching the other display content in accordance with the switching. In the above-described embodiment, the switching unit 211 of the main control unit 21 performs the switching control. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the switching unit may be realized by the camera-side control unit 11 executing a program. Further, the switching unit may be realized by the cooperation of the main control unit 21 and the camera side control unit 11.
That is, when the display content of the main display input unit 24 (second display region) is switched, the switching unit switches the display content of the camera side display input unit 14 (first display region) in conjunction with the switching. Take control. For example, when a confirmation button or the like displayed on the main display input unit 24 is pressed, the switching unit performs a process of switching the display content of the camera side display input unit 14 to the setting screen.

When the display content of the camera-side display input unit 14 is switched, the switching unit performs control to switch the display content of the main display input unit 24 (second display area) in conjunction with the switching. For example, in the camera-side display input unit 14, the main display input unit 24 performs the following setting in conjunction with the process of setting the product name display area by the rectangular area and the process of setting the price display area. The switching means performs control for switching display contents so as to display an operation assistance screen for the purpose.
That is, one of the display areas is configured to be the main and the other is the subordinate relationship, or vice versa.

  In the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the camera-side display input unit 14 (first display region) as a display unit displays an image of the inspection article imaged by the imaging unit (imaging unit 12). To do. The inspection apparatus 100 includes a specifying unit 111 that specifies a unique image unique to one inspection article and a common image common to a plurality of inspection articles included in the image captured by the imaging unit (imaging unit 12). A storage unit (camera control side storage unit 13 and main control side storage unit 23) that stores the unique image or the common image specified by the unit 111.

  The specifying unit 111 specifies a unique image (such as an image indicating a product name) and a common image (such as an image indicating a sales promotion seal or an image indicating packaging material information) from an image obtained by imaging the inspection article by the imaging unit. Process. Further, as shown in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, the specifying unit 111 displays the packaging material information by using, as the unique image, the region portion indicating the product name or the like from the image obtained by imaging the inspection article by the imaging unit. A region portion is set as a unique image.

In addition, the storage unit (camera control side storage unit 13 and, if necessary, the main control side storage unit 23) of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention stores a normal image by a combination of a unique image and a common image. The inspection apparatus 100 includes a comparison unit 112 that compares an inspection image obtained by imaging an inspection article with an imaging unit and a normal image stored by a storage unit.
Specifically, the criteria for comparison by the comparison unit differ for each product depending on the combination of the specified unique image and common image.
For example, in the registration mode, when the product “鮭” is captured in a state where the storage unit of the inspection apparatus does not store a common image, “salmon” (an image indicating the product name) that is a unique image of the product “鮭” The unique image (product name image) can be stored in the storage means.
Furthermore, when a promotional sticker indicating “new product” is affixed to the product “鮭” rice ball, in the registration mode, from the image obtained by imaging the product “か ら” with the imaging means, An image of the seal portion can be specified and extracted, and the extracted image of the portion can be stored in the storage means as a common image.
The feature of the common image is that, for example, the common image “new product” is not used only for the product “鮭”, but the common image can be reused when registering a normal image of another product. .
In addition, as the common image, for example, an image indicating the price (price image) and an image indicating the packaging material (packaging material image) can be used in common when registering other products.

Specific advantages of using a common image include, for example, when a price image, a promotional sticker image, and a packaging material image are already stored in the storage means as a common image, and in the registration mode, a positive image of the product “Negoro” Is registered and extracted from the captured image obtained by imaging the product “Negotoro”, and only the “Negoro” portion indicating the product name is specified and extracted as a unique image. It is stored in the storage means in association with the product number, product name, etc.
Then, the product “Negotoro” is associated with the price image, the sales promotion seal image, and the packaging material image of the common image. That is, there is no need to specify and extract parts such as price, sales promotion sticker, and packaging material from the captured image, the processing for registration is reduced, and the product “Negoro” can be registered in a short time.
In addition, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention does not need to capture normal images by the number of inspection variations, and can use a common image for inspection of different types of inspection articles. By combining the common images, it is possible to generate a plurality of variations of positive images (images that serve as criteria for acceptance / rejection determination), and to reduce the number of times of capturing the normal images, the common image setting process, and the like.

In addition, the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention shows a combination of a unique image and a common image stored in a storage unit (camera control side storage unit 13 and main control side storage unit 23). A change unit 212 for changing the combination information is included.
At the time of inspection, in the second display area (main display input section 24), the display portion of “No sales promotion seal” is an operable button. When this button is operated, “Sales promotion seal is present”, “Sales promotion” The control unit performs control so that the display content is switched to “no seal”. Specifically, the changing unit 212 changes the acceptance criterion (determination criterion) according to “with sales promotion seal” or “without sales promotion seal”.

  Further, the comparison unit 112 of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is based on the comparison between the inspection image obtained by imaging the inspection article by the imaging unit and the positive image stored in the storage unit. Processing for displaying the result of whether or not the inspection image and the positive image are correlated in the first display area (camera side display input unit 14) is performed. In the second display area (main display input unit 24), the main control unit 21 of the control unit performs control so that examination information based on the result (the determination result is OK or NG) is displayed.

In addition, the main control unit 21 of the control unit 10 of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention switches switching means for switching the display content indicating the setting procedure to the operation assistance screen of the second display area (main display input unit 24). A process of displaying an operation (such as a forward button or a return button) so as to be operable is performed.
The control unit 10 performs a process of switching the display content of the operation auxiliary screen in the second display area (main display input unit 24) in accordance with an operation on the switching unit (such as a forward button or a return button), and the second The control unit 10 performs processing related to image processing setting in cooperation with the operation assist screen in the display area (main display input unit 24) and the setting screen of the first display area (camera side display input unit 14). .

Specifically, the control unit 10 includes a main control unit 21 and a camera side control unit 11.
In the setting registration mode, the camera-side control unit 11 stores a captured image obtained by imaging a non-defective label as a reference by the imaging unit 12 in the camera control-side storage unit 13. The label is printed with product name, price, code information, etc. as product information (label information). Further, the camera-side control unit 11 is based on the setting information by the camera-side display input unit 14 and product information such as a product name and a price printed from a captured image at a specified position of a label (a table label LA in the present embodiment). Is stored in the camera control side storage unit 13 in association with the captured image.
In the inspection mode, the camera-side control unit 11 reads out a captured image obtained by imaging the label of the inspection object (a table label in the present embodiment) by the imaging unit 12 and the camera-control-side storage unit 13. Then, the image of the reference non-defective product and the product information such as the product name and price are compared to determine the quality of the inspection object, and the result of the quality determination is output to the main control unit 21. The camera-side control unit 11 displays the pass / fail result on the camera-side display input unit 14.

In the inspection mode, the main control unit 21 is appropriate in comparison with code information read by the code scanner 22 and printed on the label of the inspection object (the back label in this embodiment). If it is appropriate, it is determined that the back label is non-defective.
In the inspection mode, the main control unit 21 comprehensively determines the inspection object based on the result of the quality of the table label from the camera-side control unit 11 and the quality of the code information read by the code scanner 22. Pass / fail judgment is performed. In other words, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 21 of the inspection apparatus 100 determines that the inspection object is a non-defective product when the front label and the back label of the inspection object match the reference label, respectively. When at least one of the label and the back label does not match the reference, it is determined as a defective product.
That is, as described above, the main control unit 21 and the camera-side control unit 11 cooperate to perform parallel processing on the inspection mode, so that the inspection object can be inspected with high accuracy in a short time. An apparatus can be provided.
In addition, it is possible to provide an inspection apparatus having a simple configuration that can inspect the front label and the back label of the inspection object at once in a short time.

  Further, the main control unit 21 performs a process of displaying the operation assistance screen in the second display area (main display input unit 24) so as to be operable in the setting registration mode, and outputs a signal indicating the start of the setting registration mode. The process which outputs to the camera side control part 11 is performed. When the camera-side control unit 11 receives a signal indicating the start of the setting registration mode from the main control unit 21, the camera-side control unit 11 starts a setting process using the setting screen in the first display area (camera-side display input unit 14). Do. In other words, in the setting registration mode, the main control unit 21 and the camera-side control unit 11 start the processing related to setting registration almost simultaneously, and provide an inspection apparatus capable of cooperating in parallel processing related to setting registration. be able to.

In addition, in the setting registration mode, the control unit performs a second procedure for setting, in the first display area (camera side display input unit 14), a portion on which the product information is printed in the non-defective captured image. The display area (main display input unit 24) displays the product information, and the first display area (camera side display input unit 14) sets the part on which the product information is printed.
In other words, the user looks at the operation assistance screen displayed in the second display area (main display input unit 24), operates the operation assistance screen as necessary, and interlocks with the progress of the setting procedure. Thus, it is possible to provide an inspection apparatus that can efficiently operate a setting screen related to image processing on a captured image.

By the way, in the conventional article inspection system, when discharging an article judged to be inappropriate by an inspection apparatus arranged in a plurality of inspection lines, a discharge means for discharging an inappropriate article is provided for each inspection apparatus, Alternatively, a discharge unit is provided only in the downstream inspection device, and an inspection signal indicating error determination is transmitted from the upstream inspection device to the downstream inspection device, and an inappropriate article is discharged by the downstream discharge device. It is necessary to perform complicated control to do.
On the other hand, in the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 10 as the control unit performs a correct / incorrect determination regarding the inspection of the article based on the inspection result by the imaging unit and the acquisition unit, and as a result of the comparison as the inspection process, When the article to be inspected is determined to be negative (inappropriate article), the distribution unit 29 is provided as an exclusion unit that excludes the article conveyed by the conveyance unit (the belt conveyor 261 and the like) from the conveyance path (conveyance path).
In other words, it is possible to provide a transport device that has a simple structure and can easily discharge inappropriate articles by the discharging means.

As described above, the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and there are design changes and the like without departing from the gist of the present invention. Is included in the present invention.
Further, the embodiments described in the above drawings can be combined with each other as long as there is no particular contradiction or problem in the purpose and configuration.
Moreover, the description content of each figure can become independent embodiment, respectively, and embodiment of this invention is not limited to one embodiment which combined each figure.

The inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is used in, for example, a product production line.
Specifically, on the upstream side of the production line, a packaging device for packaging products such as rice balls, an affixing device for applying labels to the packaged products, etc. are arranged, and an inspection device is arranged on the downstream side of the production line, Each is configured to be able to communicate with each other. The inspection device receives product information about the inspection object from the upstream packaging device or sticking device, and switches the inspection object and changes various settings based on the product information as necessary. You may go. That is, even when the type of inspection object is changed, the inspection apparatus can automatically change various settings without manually switching the inspection object.
Further, the inspection apparatus may receive product information as necessary from a higher-level control device or the like that supervises the production line, and may perform a process of switching the inspection object based on the product information.

10: Control unit (control means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Camera side control part 12 ... Imaging part (imaging means)
13 ... Camera control side storage section (storage means)
14 ... Camera side display input section (first display area, display means)
21 ... Main control unit 22 ... Code scanner (code information acquisition unit)
23 ... Main control side storage section (storage means)
24 ... Main display input section (second display area, display means)
25 ... Operation input unit 26 ... Conveyor drive unit 27 ... Sensor 29 ... Sorting unit (exclusion means)
40 ... operation display device 100 ... inspection device (label inspection device)
111 ... Identification means (identification part)
112. Comparison means (comparison unit)
211 ... switching means (switching unit)
212 ... Changing means (changing unit)
243 ... Next button (switching means)
244 ... Return button (switching means)
261 ... belt conveyor (conveying means)
L ... label LA ... front label LB ... back label w ... inspection object (inspection article)

Claims (7)

Imaging means for imaging an article to be inspected;
Obtaining means for obtaining identification information of the article from a position different from an imaging position of the article imaged by the imaging means;
Storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the inspection article;
Conveying means for conveying the article;
Control means for comparing the captured image obtained by the imaging means and the identification information obtained by the obtaining means with the positive information stored in the storage means, and determining whether the correctness is correct;
A specific unit that identifies a unique image unique to one inspection article included in an image captured by the imaging unit, and a common image common to a plurality of inspection articles, and
The said storage means memorize | stores the said specific image specified by the said specific means, or the said common image.   2. The storage unit according to claim 1, wherein when the article is transported by the transport unit, the storage unit associates an imaging result by the imaging unit with the identification information by the acquisition unit, and stores it as the correct information. The inspection device described. The storage means stores a normal image by a combination of the unique image and the common image,
The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit compares the captured image captured by the imaging unit with the normal image stored by the storage unit.   The inspection apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a changing unit that changes a combination of the unique image of the normal image and the common image stored by the storage unit. Comprising display means for displaying an image of the inspection article imaged by the imaging means;
The display means includes a first display area for displaying a setting screen of the imaging means;
A second display area that is provided in the vicinity of the first display area and displays auxiliary information of the setting screen,
2. The display device according to claim 1, further comprising: a switching unit configured to switch the other display content in accordance with the switching when the display content of either the first display region or the second display region is switched. 5. The inspection apparatus according to any one of 4 above. The control means displays, in the first display area, a result of whether or not the captured image and the positive information are correlated based on the comparison between the captured image and the positive information.
The inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the second display area displays inspection information based on the result.   7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an exclusion unit configured to exclude an article conveyed by the conveyance unit from a conveyance path when the control unit determines that the comparison result is NO. The inspection device described in 1.

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