JP2022132658A - Inspection device and inspection method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspection device which prevents expansion of an inspection line by performing different types of inspection on target articles, and which allows for easily, efficiently and quickly performing setting operations on image processing and the like for captured images acquired by an image capturing unit configured to capture images of the target articles.

SOLUTION: An inspection device is provided, comprising image capturing means for capturing an image of a target article, storage means for storing correct information to be compared with the target article, conveying means for mounting and conveying the target article, and supporting means configured to support the target article along a conveying direction of the conveying means and located above an image capturing range of the image capturing means.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

COPYRIGHT: (C)2022,JPO&INPIT

Description

Applied for the application of Article 30, Paragraph 2 of the Patent Law Published at FOOMA JAPAN 2016 International Food Industry Exhibition from June 7 to 10, 2016

The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus and an inspection method.

An article inspection system that inspects an article is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In this article inspection system, various inspection devices are arranged in series in the inspection line, and articles sent from the production line to the inspection line are inspected by the inspection devices.
In addition, there is known a visual inspection apparatus that determines the quality of an object to be inspected by comparing an image obtained by imaging the appearance of the object to be inspected with a plurality of images of good products and images of defective products ( For example, see Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-219420 Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2002-8013

However, in the article inspection system described in Patent Document 1, as the number of items to be inspected increases, it is necessary to arrange inspection devices corresponding to the type of inspection in series, which poses a problem of lengthening the inspection line. rice field. In addition, it is necessary to adjust the height of the transport surface of the transport unit of the inspection device specialized for each inspection item, the detection position adjustment, and the transport speed adjustment. It may not be possible to perform the inspection correctly.

The inspection apparatus of the present invention has at least the following configuration.
The inspection device includes imaging means for imaging an article to be inspected;
a storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the inspection article;
a conveying means for placing and conveying the article;
a support means for supporting the article along the conveying direction of the conveying means and positioned above an imaging range of the imaging means;
characterized by comprising
Moreover, the inspection method of the present invention comprises at least the following configurations.
An inspection method executed by an inspection apparatus comprising imaging means for imaging an article to be inspected, transportation means for placing and transporting the article, and storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the inspection article,
It is characterized in that the article is transported and inspected so that the article does not fall down and does not interfere with imaging.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the length of the inspection line from increasing by performing different types of inspections on an article to be inspected with a single inspection apparatus.
In addition, the inspection apparatus of the present invention can easily and efficiently perform setting operations such as image processing related to the imaging means for imaging the inspection object and the captured image in a short period of time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The side view which shows an example of the inspection apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. 1 is a top view of an inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. The figure which shows an example of the inspection object of an inspection apparatus, (a) is a figure which shows an example of the front label of an inspection object, (b) is a figure which shows an example of the back label of an inspection object. 1 is an electrical functional block diagram showing an example of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing an example of the operation of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention; The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area in the setting registration mode of an inspection apparatus, and a 2nd display area. The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area at the time of starting the setting registration mode of an inspection apparatus, and a 2nd display area. The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area in setting registration mode, and a 2nd display area. The figure which shows an example of the 1st display area at the time of setting a product name area, and a 2nd display area. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a first display area and a second display area when setting a price area; FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a unique image and a common image related to normal images; FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of information about normal images stored in a storage unit of the inspection apparatus; The figure which shows an example of the change means which changes the reference|standard of pass/fail judgment of inspection mode. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a correlation value threshold setting screen; 4 is a flowchart for explaining an example of the operation of the inspection apparatus in the inspection mode according to the embodiment of the present invention; 4A and 4B are diagrams showing an example of judgment display in an inspection mode, in which (a) shows a case where the judgment result is OK, and (b) shows a case where the judgment result is NG.

An inspection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention includes imaging means for imaging an article to be inspected (inspection article), and acquisition means for acquiring identification information of an article from a position different from the imaging position of the article imaged by the imaging means. Then, storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the article to be inspected, conveying means for conveying the article, an image captured by the imaging means, and the identification information obtained by the acquiring means are compared with the correct information stored in the storage means to determine correctness. and control means for making a determination.
In addition, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention compares the captured image obtained by capturing the image of the inspection object by the imaging means and the pre-stored normal image, thereby judging the quality of the inspection object. conduct. The inspection apparatus has a first display area for operably displaying a setting screen regarding setting of image processing for the captured image obtained by the imaging means, and an operation assistance screen for assisting the operation of the setting screen of the first display area. and a second display area for operably displaying the . 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 image processing related to an imaging means for imaging an object to be inspected and image processing in a short period of time.

An inspection device (label inspection device) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the illustrated content.
In the following description of each figure, the same reference numerals are given to the parts that are common to the already described parts, and redundant description is partly omitted.

In this embodiment, an example in which an inspection apparatus according to the present invention is adopted as 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 has an operation display device 40 supported by a support member 41 on a pedestal 42 . The operation display device 40 has a camera-side display input section 14 as a first display area, a main display input section 24 as a second display area, and an operation input section 25 such as various switches and various buttons.

A belt conveyor 261 is provided on the pedestal 42 as a conveying section that conveys the inspection object w along a conveying path (conveying path). In the belt conveyor 261, an endless belt 262 is stretched over a pair of rotating shafts 263, 264 and pulleys (not shown) arranged at a predetermined distance. One or both of the rotating shafts 263, 264 are rotationally driven by the conveyor drive.

A pair of long guide members G are provided along the conveying path of the belt conveyor 261 above the placement 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. configured to be supportable. Further, the gap 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 distance 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 central portion. That is, the guide member G has a structure that facilitates placement of the inspection object w at the central portion in the width direction of the belt conveyor 261 . Further, even if the inspection object w is placed at a position deviated from the central portion of the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261 in the width direction, the guide member G is moved in the width direction of the belt conveyor 261 when the conveyor is driven. The structure is such that the object to be inspected w is guided to the central portion of the .

An imaging unit 12 such as a camera and a code scanner 22 are arranged on both sides of the belt conveyor 261 on the upstream side in the conveying direction. In other words, a belt conveyor 261 is arranged between the imaging section 12 and the code scanner 22 .

In this 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 back label LB (second label) is affixed to the back side. is affixed. A product name 81, a body price 82, and the like are printed on the front label LA as the label L. On the back label LB as the label L, code information 83 (bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.), detailed product information 84, etc. are printed. The detailed product information 84 includes, for example, raw material names, allergen names, food additive names, expiry dates, storage methods, nutritional component indications (calories, nutritional component names, their contents), manufacturer names, addresses, and the like. there is
The product information may be printed directly 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 transported along the transport path. The imaging area 12AR of the imaging unit 12 is set in a predetermined area between the guide member G and the belt conveyor 261, for example, as shown in FIG. A sensor 27A (27), such as an optical sensor, is provided at a predetermined position upstream of the imaging unit 12 in the transport direction.
At the timing when the inspection object w being transported is detected by the sensor 27A (27) and the inspection object w is positioned within the imaging area 12AR after a set time corresponding to the transport speed, the imaging unit 12 detects the inspection object. Take an image of the front label LA of the object w. Note that the imaging unit 12 may always be imaging.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the code scanner 22 is arranged so as to be able to read code information printed on the back label LB of the inspection object w transported along the transport path. The reading area 22AR of the code scanner 22 is set in a predetermined area between the guide member G and the belt conveyor 261, as shown in FIG. The code scanner 22, for example, as shown in FIG. It is configured to read the code information 83 (bar code, two-dimensional code, etc.) printed on the back label LB of the inspection object w.

A sorting unit 29 (excluder) that sorts the inspection objects w into non-defective products and defective products, and a container 291 that temporarily stores the defective products are provided downstream of the imaging unit 12 and the code scanner 22 in the conveying direction. there is A belt conveyor 261 is arranged between the sorting section 29 and the container 291 .
The container 291 has an opening on the sorting section side.

In this embodiment, the sorting unit 29 has an injection device capable of injecting gas, and if the inspection object w is defective, the gas is injected to the defective product conveyed by the belt conveyor 261 to to container 291 . If the inspection object is a non-defective product, the sorting 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.
More 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 distribution unit 29 in the transport direction. After a set time corresponding to the conveying speed from when the conveyed inspection object w is detected by the sensor 27B (27), a defective product inspection is performed at a position overlapping the gas blowing direction from the gas blowing port of the sorting unit 29. At the timing when the object w is positioned, gas is jetted from the distribution unit 29 toward the inspection object w.

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

In this embodiment, the camera-side control section 11 and the main control section 21 constitute the control section 10 . The control unit 10 comprehensively controls each component of the inspection apparatus 100 . The main controller 21 and the camera-side controller 11 are communicably connected.
Also, the camera-side control section 11 is electrically connected to the imaging section 12 , the camera-control-side storage section 13 , and the camera-side display input section 14 .
A main display input unit 24, an operation input unit 25, a conveyor driving unit 26, a sensor 27, a sorting unit 29, and the like are electrically connected to the main control unit 21. FIG.

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 in an integrated manner. In addition, the camera-side control section 11 communicates with the main control section 21 as necessary. Specifically, the camera-side control unit 11 compares the captured image of the inspection object with a normal image (a non-defective captured image) stored in advance in the camera-control-side storage unit 13, and outputs a signal ( OK signal, NG signal, etc.) to the main control unit 21 .
Further, when the camera-side control unit 11 receives 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.

In addition, the camera-side control unit 11 implements functions such as the identifying means 111 and the comparing means 112 in the inspection apparatus (computer) by executing a predetermined control program.
The identifying means 111 performs a process of identifying 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 means.
The comparing means 112 performs a process of comparing the inspection image captured by the imaging means and the normal image stored by the storage means.
Detailed operations of the camera-side control unit 11 will be described later.

An 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 stores a captured image (normal image) of a non-defective product captured by the imaging unit 12, an image of product information such as a product name and price extracted from the captured image (normal image), a product interlocking number (registration number) etc. are associated with each other and stored.
The product type interlocking number (registration number) is the registration number (identification information) of the good product set by the user or the like in the setting registration mode.

The camera-side display input unit 14 (first display area) operably displays a setting screen regarding setting of image processing for the captured image obtained by the imaging means (imaging unit 12) 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 section 21 mainly controls the main control side storage section 23, the main display input section 24, the operation input section 25, the conveyor driving section 26, the sorting section 29, and the like. The main controller 21 communicates with the camera-side controller 11 as necessary.
In addition, the main control unit 21 receives a signal indicating the result of comparison between the captured image of the inspection object and a pre-stored normal image (captured image of a non-defective product) from the camera-side control unit 11 . In this case, the object to be inspected is determined to be defective, and if they match, the code information displayed on the label of the object to be inspected is compared with the pre-stored correct code information (code information for a non-defective product), As a result of the comparison, if they do not match, the product is determined to be defective, and if they match, the inspection object is determined to be a non-defective product.
In other words, in this embodiment, both the product information such as the product name and price printed on the front label LA and the code information printed on the back label LB of the object to be inspected are regarded as non-defective products. If they match, the inspection object is determined as a non-defective product, and if one or both of them do not match, the inspection object is determined as a defective product.

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

Further, the main control unit 21 implements the functions of the switching means 211, the changing means 212, etc. in the inspection apparatus (computer) by executing the control program.
The switching means 211, when switching the display content of either one of the first display area and the second display area, performs a process of switching the display content of the other according to the switching.
The changing unit 212 performs processing for changing the combination of the peculiar image of the normal image and the common image stored in the storage unit, as will be described later.
Details of the operation of the main control unit 21 will be described later.

The code scanner 22 reads the 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, as described above.

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

Under the control of the main control unit 21, the main display input unit 24 (second display area) operably displays an operation assistance screen for assisting operations on the setting screen of the first display area.
Further, the main display input unit 24 operably displays a mode selection screen on which various modes such as a setting registration mode and an inspection mode can be selected under 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 has various buttons such as a conveyor start button and an emergency stop button, various switches, and the like, and outputs signals corresponding to operations to the main control unit 21 .

Under the control of the main control unit 21 , the conveyor drive unit 26 rotates a drive motor provided on one or both of the rotary shafts 263 and 264 to rotate the endless belt 262 , thereby operating the belt conveyor 261 .

The sensor 27 detects the inspection object w transported along the transport path and outputs the detection result to the main controller 21 . The sensor 27 is an optical sensor or the like having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion, and has the sensor 27A and the sensor 27B arranged at predetermined positions as described above.

Under the control of the main control unit 21, the sorting unit 29 conveys the products as inspection objects that have been determined to be non-defective products to the next process area 300 along the conveying path of the belt conveyor, and distributes the inspection target products that have been determined to be defective products. The product as a product is removed from the conveying path. As the sorting unit 29, for example, a gas injection device, a movable device capable of changing the conveying direction, or the like can be adopted.

Next, an example of operation of the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
As shown in FIG. 5, in step ST1, the main control section 21 is set to the setting registration mode, inspection mode, etc. based on the signal from the main display input section 24. FIG. Specifically, the main control unit 21 performs processing for operably displaying mode selection buttons associated with the setting registration mode, the examination mode, and the like on the main display input unit 24 .

In step ST2, the main control unit 21 determines whether or not the setting registration mode or the inspection mode has been selected based on the signal from the main display input unit 24. If it is determined that the setting registration mode has been selected, step If it is determined that the inspection mode has been selected after proceeding to the process of ST3, the process proceeds to step ST11. After the inspection mode processing in step ST11, the process proceeds to step ST1. The processing 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 the setting screen on which the product type interlocking number (registration information such as the registration number) of the non-defective product as the object to be registered and the product name of the non-defective product can be entered. perform processing to display it in an operable manner.
When the product interlocking number and product name are input by the user's operation of the main display input unit 24 , the main control unit 21 associates the product interlocking number with the product name and stores them in the main control storage unit 23 .
The main control unit 21 also outputs a signal indicating the start of the setting registration mode and a signal indicating the product interlocking number and product name to the camera-side control unit 11 . The camera-side control unit 11 performs a process of associating the product-type interlocking number with the product name and storing them in the camera-control-side storage unit 13 .

In step ST4, a non-defective product as a registered object is placed on the placement surface of the belt conveyor 261. As shown in FIG. The main control unit 21 drives the belt conveyor 261 to convey the registered object along the conveying direction. A front label LA is provided on the front side of the object to be registered, and a back label LB is provided on the back side thereof.
The code scanner 22 reads code information (a bar code or two-dimensional code indicating a product code or the like) printed on the back label of the object to be registered, 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 to prompt the user to confirm the product code.
In addition, the camera-side control unit 11 captures an image of the front label of the registered object (item) using the imaging unit 12, and performs processing for displaying the obtained captured image on the camera-side display input unit 14 (camera on the right side in FIG. 6). See the side display input unit 14).

As shown in FIG. 6, the identification information read by the code scanner is displayed on the left side of the screen (main display input section 24 (second display area)), and the right side of the screen (camera side display input section 14 (second display area)). 1 display area)) displays image information captured by the imaging unit (camera). On the left side of the screen, not only the identification information but also a message such as "Please confirm that the label is centered on the right screen" is displayed. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the identification information read by the code scanner is "0123456789012". This identification information includes, or is associated with, the product name, product sales date, sales time, expiration date, information on the flight to which the product was delivered, information on the manufacturer where the product was manufactured, etc. ing. Further, the identification information such as "0123456789012" is the total number of digits of the bar code printed on the label, but not all the digits but only some of the digits may be inspected.

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

In step ST5, the main control section 21, as shown on the left side of FIG. To next 1 (button) Please push "," and the like are displayed, and processing is performed to display the confirmation button 241 so that it can be operated.
When the confirmation button 241 is operated, the main control section 21 displays an operation assistance screen 242 on the main display input section 24 as shown on the left side of FIG. The main control section 21 outputs a signal indicating that the confirmation button 241 has been operated to the camera side control section 11 . Upon receiving the signal, the camera-side control unit 11 operably displays the setting screen on the camera-side display input unit 14 as shown on the right side of FIG. More specifically, on the setting screen of the camera-side display input unit 14, for example, a menu is displayed in an operable manner to allow selection of settings related to product names, prices, sales promotion stickers, packaging materials, and the like.
In this embodiment, the main control unit 21 displays the main display input unit 24 (second display area) as switching means for switching the display content indicating the setting procedure on the operation assistance screen 242 , the next button 243 , the back button 243 , and the back button 243 . Button 244 is operably displayed. The next button 243 is operated when displaying the next setting procedure of the operation assistance screen 242 . A return button 244 is operated to display the previous setting procedure on the operation assistance screen 242 .
The main control unit 21 performs processing for switching the display contents of the operation assistance screen 242 of the main display input unit 24 by the switching means.
The user sees the operation assistance screen 242 displayed on the main display input section 24 (second display area) and operates the setting screen of the camera side display input section 14 (first display area) according to the operation instructions. 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 according to an operation to 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 settings 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 normal image of a product name. to display the operation assistance screen.
By operating the camera-side display/input unit 14 , the user sets the product name display area from the captured image displayed on the camera-side display/input unit 14 . In the example of FIG. 9, the 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 the product name display area.
When the user has completed the setting of the product name display area, the user operates the next button 243 of the main display input section 24 . When the Next button 243 is operated, the main control section 21 performs processing for displaying an operation assistance screen showing the next setting procedure on the main display input section 24 .
In the example shown in FIG. 9, the image processing load is reduced by using the part after the second character of the product name for quality determination of the inspection object. All parts of the product name may be used for quality determination of the inspection object.
In addition, as shown on the right side of FIG. 9, the main control section 21 may perform processing for displaying information indicating the page number of the instruction manual on the main display input section 24 .

Next, for example, as shown in FIG. 10, the main control unit 21 performs processing for displaying an operation assistance screen for assisting the operation of setting the price display area on the main display input unit 24 .
The user operates the camera-side display input unit 14 to set the 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 the 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 section 24 . When the Next button 243 is operated, the main control section 21 performs processing for displaying an operation assistance screen showing the next setting procedure on the main display input section 24 .

When all the settings are completed, the main control unit 21 performs a process of displaying the registration button on the main display input unit 24 in an operable manner (not shown).
When the user operates the registration button, the main control section 21 outputs a signal indicating a setting registration instruction to the camera-side control section 11 . Upon receiving the signal, the camera-side control unit 11 stores the image of the price display area, the image of the product name display area, the product interlocking number, and the product name in association with each other in the camera control-side storage unit 13 .
When the processing of the setting registration mode is completed, the processing 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 this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, when setting and registering a normal image in the inspection device, the inspection device includes an image (specific image) indicating information specific to a certain product and a plurality of different types of products. It is possible to specify an image (common image) showing common information, and store (register) the normal image in the storage means by combining (associating) the unique image with the common image. As the specifying process, the control unit may automatically specify a predetermined area from the captured image by image recognition processing, or the control unit may automatically specify a predetermined area 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 inspected article (product such as rice balls). As shown in FIG. 11, the unique image is, for example, an image 401 indicating the product name printed on the product label attached to the inspection article, and is an image that is not common to other product images. This peculiar image is stored in advance in the storage means as a regular image. In the inspection mode, by comparing the unique image stored in the storage means with the captured image of the predetermined area of the article to be inspected, the article to be inspected can be easily inspected.

A common image is an image common to a plurality of different types of inspection articles (products such as rice balls). For example, as shown in FIG. 11, the common images include an image 402 showing the product price printed on the product label, an image 403 showing the sales promotion sticker (sales promotion sticker) attached near the product label, and the product (rice ball). etc.) are printed on packaging material information 404 printed on the packaging material. This common image is an image commonly used for other types of products. The common image stored in this storage means can be referred to as necessary when inspecting other articles to be inspected. In other words, the common image can be reused as needed when inspecting different types of inspection parts.
That is, when registering a plurality of products of different types in the inspection device, it is only necessary to register the common image once, thereby simplifying the setting work and shortening the setting time.

Also, the inspection apparatus stores information about the normal image in the storage means as shown in FIG. 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 sticker image indicating the sales promotion sticker, packaging material image indicating the packaging material, pass/fail judgment is stored in association with the storage means of the inspection apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 12, the image information and the identification information are stored in combination in the storage means of the inspection apparatus, so that correct information regarding the product can be read out easily.
In the present embodiment, correct information=identification information (information such as a barcode)+correct image (image information), and correct image=unique image+common image.

12, the product number, product name, identification information (product code, etc.), product name image, price image, sales promotion sticker image, packaging material image, information indicating acceptance/rejection judgment conditions, and further, product name Position information (area information) indicating areas of the image, the price image, the sales promotion sticker image, and the packaging material image may be associated with each other and stored in the storage means.
The position information (area information) is defined, for example, based on the reference point of the image obtained by imaging the article with the photographing means. The reference point (origin) of the coordinates may be set at any position in the captured image, for example, it may be set at the lower left corner of the captured image, or may be a mark of the captured product. and edge portions of the background.
In the case of a rectangular image, the position information (area information) can be represented by the coordinates of one point at the four corners and the coordinates of the diagonal position of that point. In the case of a rectangular image, the position information (area information) can also be represented by the coordinates of one point at the four corners and the vertical and horizontal sizes of the image.

In the example shown in FIG. 12, regarding the information indicating the judgment conditions for pass/fail judgment, when the conditions are satisfied, the normal image stored in the storage means and the picked-up image obtained by picking up in the inspection mode are combined. If 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 acceptance/rejection determination conditions are defined as [1] [2], that is, the product name image as the unique image and the price image as the common image. specified in combination. That is, when both the product name image indicating this plum and the common image indicating 100 yen match, the control unit determines that the normal image and the captured image match, and one or both match. If not, it is determined that the normal image and the captured image do not match.

In the case of the product number 005 shown in FIG. 12, the pass/fail judgment conditions are defined as [1][2][3]/[1][2]. It is stipulated by a combination of a price image as an image and a sales promotion 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 the time match.

Further, in the case of the product number 009 shown in FIG. ][3][4], that is, in substantially the same manner as in the above example, when each of the conditions is satisfied, it is determined that the normal image and the captured image in the inspection mode match.

FIG. 13 shows an example of a setting screen displayed on the operation input section 25 as the second display area in the inspection mode. This setting screen has changing means 212A for changing the pass/fail judgment criteria of the inspection mode.
More specifically, the setting screen shown in FIG. 13 includes an operation display section (change means 212A) indicating the presence/absence of sales promotion stickers as information on the inspection object, including product number 31, product name 32, and front label LA (POP label). , the determination result 33 of the photographed front label LA (displays the result of comparison between the registered normal image and the photographed image), and the display section 34 showing the bar code reading result (the reading result read by the code scanner). ), a display section 35 showing the registered code (displaying a part of the digits of the identification information registered as positive information, this numerical value is compared with the read result), a display section 36 showing the read code (read of the result (34), only the digits to be compared with the positive information are displayed), and a display section 37 showing the determination result Displays the overall judgment result. If any of the information does not match, it is judged as NG), the display section 38 showing the number of inspections (displays the total amount of inspections), the display section 39 showing the number of NGs (total Display of the number of items for which the determination result is NG (which can be regarded as the number discharged by the discharging means), pass button 310 (a button for switching from the inspection mode to the pass mode. In the pass mode, judgment is performed on the conveyed articles. It is not discharged because it is not present.
It has an operation input unit such as an end button 311 (returns to a selection screen (not shown) for selecting an inspection object).
The display contents of each display section (33 to 39) are updated each time one article is inspected.
In the display section 35 showing the registration code, only the digit part to be compared in advance among the identification information registered as the positive information is displayed. In the example of FIG. 13, the 3rd to 8th digits of the total number of digits are to be compared. In addition, "*" in the numerical value indicates that any numerical value may be used. In the present embodiment, for example, when the changing means 212A is operated, the setting for switching between with/without sales promotion stickers, that is, setting whether or not to include an image showing the sales promotion sticker as a condition for judging acceptance/rejection of a product. can be done.

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

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correlation value threshold setting screen.
More specifically, in the inspection mode, the camera-side control unit 11 of the control unit 10 controls the normal image stored in the storage means (the camera-control-side storage unit 13 and the main control-side storage unit 23), and the normal image associated with the normal image. As a process of comparing the unique image (image showing the product name) or common image (image showing the price, image showing the sales promotion sticker, etc.) and the captured image obtained by imaging the transported inspection object , a correlation value calculation process for calculating a correlation value and a similarity calculation process for calculating a similarity. In this embodiment, the correlation value and the degree of similarity are displayed in %. In other words, the correlation value is a numerical value representing the degree of matching of each item to be collated in %.
If the calculated correlation value or degree of similarity is equal to or greater than the set threshold value, the control unit determines that the photographed image of the product and the normal image stored in the storage means are correlated, and displays OK. OK processing such as The higher the threshold value of the correlation value, the stricter the inspection process (higher accuracy inspection is possible).
Further, when the calculated correlation value or similarity is less than the set threshold value, the control unit determines that there is no correlation between the photographed product image and the normal image stored in the storage unit, NG processing such as NG display is performed.

A threshold for the correlation value or the degree of similarity can be set for each product for each inspection, for each product name image, price image, sales promotion sticker image, and the like.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 14, the image portion showing the product name as the unique image, the image portion showing the price as the common image, and the image portion showing the sales promotion sticker as the common image are set to 80 as the threshold value 50. , 85, 80 (%). The control units 10 such as the camera-side control unit 11 and the main control unit 21 perform processing for changing the threshold value 50 based on signals from operation input units such as the operation input unit 25 and the camera-side display input unit 14 .
For example, an image showing a product name or an image showing a sales promotion sticker contains text, and an image showing a price contains numbers. Compared to text, numerical values calculate correlation values with higher accuracy. be able to. That is, it is preferable that the threshold of the correlation value for the image showing the product name and the image showing the sales promotion sticker is set lower than the threshold of the correlation value for the image showing 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. 15 and the like. Specifically, step ST11 and subsequent steps show an example of the operation of the inspection apparatus 100 in the inspection mode. The inspection object w is provided with 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 display processing for prompting the main display input unit 24 to input the product-type interlocking number. The user operates the main display input section 24 to input the product type interlocking number.

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

In step ST14, when the switch of the operation input unit 25 is operated to drive the belt conveyor, the main control unit 21 causes the conveyor drive unit 26 such as a drive motor to drive the endless belt of the belt conveyor 261 in a predetermined direction. 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 in the transport direction along the transport path.

In step ST15, in the inspection mode, the camera-side control unit 11 receives an instruction from the main control unit 21, and the image capturing unit 12 captures an image of the product label L, specifically the front label LA, which is the inspection object w. I do.
The camera-side control unit 11 stores the captured image acquired by the imaging unit 12, the image of the price display area associated with the product-linked number read in advance from the camera-control-side storage unit 13, the image of the product name display area, and the like. Compare with a normal image (captured image of a non-defective product). In addition, if the result of the above comparison is that they match, the camera-side control unit 11 displays an OK display on the camera-side display input unit 14 to indicate that the captured image matches the normal image. If not, the camera-side display input unit 14 displays an NG display indicating that the captured image does not match the normal image, and outputs a signal indicating the comparison result 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 section 21 .
The processes of steps ST15 and ST16 are processed in parallel by the camera-side control section 11 and the main control section 21 .

In step ST17, the control unit 10 converts registered 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 into registered information ( The image of the price display area in the normal image, the image of the product name display area, the code information, etc.) are compared to determine whether or not they match. If not, the process proceeds to step ST19.
Specifically, the camera-side control unit 11 outputs the captured image of the front label LA of the object to be inspected, the image of the price display area of the pre-stored normal image (captured image of a non-defective product), the image of the product name display area, and the like. Then, as shown in FIG. 16 , processing is performed to display the comparison result 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. 16(a), the image of the price display area and the image of the product name display area match between the normal image and the captured image of the front label LA in the inspection mode, indicating that they match. "OK" is displayed near each of them, and "OK" is displayed in the lower left part of the screen as a result of determination based on the result.
In the example shown in FIG. 16(b), in the inspection mode, between the normal image and the captured image of the front label LA, printing defects such as faint printing occur in the numerical values in the price display area of the captured image. "NG" indicating that the image of the price display area does not match is displayed nearby, and "OK" indicating that the image of the price display area matches is displayed nearby. As a result, "NG" is displayed in the lower left portion 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 pre-stored correct code information (code information of a non-defective item).
Based on the reception result from the camera-side control unit 11, the main control unit 21 determines that the product information such as the price of the front label LA matches the normal image (Condition A), and that the code scanner has read the product information. If the code information of the back label LB matches the correct code information (Condition B), the object w to be inspected is determined to be non-defective, and the process proceeds to step ST18, either one of Condition A or Condition B, or If both are not satisfied, the inspected 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 non-defective. move on.

In step ST19, the main control unit 21 determines that the inspection object w is defective and, as NG processing, the sorting unit 29 moves the inspection object w to the container 291 and temporarily stores it. is counted up, more specifically, 1 is added to the NG number (ST20), and the process proceeds to step ST21.
When the main control unit 21 determines that the inspection object w is defective (NG), the main control unit 21 outputs an image (NG image) obtained by imaging the entire inspection object w or the defective part as the NG process. It may be stored in storage means such as the control side storage section 23 or the camera control side storage section 13 . Further, the control unit of the inspection device may transmit the NG image to a management device (computer), which is a host device. This NG image is used as a reference, for example, for logs, post-inspection confirmation processing, and improvements in the manufacturing process.

In step ST21, the number of inspections is counted up, more specifically, 1 is added to the number of inspections.
Then, after performing the processing related to the inspection mode described above for 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 imaging means for imaging an article to be inspected (inspection article), and by the imaging means. Acquisition means (code scanner 22, etc.) for acquiring identification information of an article from a position different from the imaging position of the article; Side storage unit 23), conveying means (belt conveyor 261, etc.) for conveying an article, an image captured by imaging means, and identification information obtained by acquisition means (code scanner 22, etc.) are compared with positive information stored in the storage means. , and control means (control unit 10) for determining whether the article to be inspected is correct or not.
That is, the inspection apparatus 100 performs an inspection based on an image obtained by imaging an article by an imaging means (imaging unit 12), and identification information (code information such as a bar code) of the article by an acquisition means such as the code scanner 22. is read, and an inspection based on the identification information is performed by one inspection device. Specifically, in the inspection mode, the control means compares the image and the identification information with the correct information to determine whether the article to be inspected is correct or not. In other cases, the article to be inspected is judged to be incorrect (inappropriate), so that the article can be inspected with high precision, and the inspection device is simple in structure and small in size. can be provided.
Specifically, the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for inspecting whether the front label and the back label attached to the attachment surface of an article (product) are correctly attached. The back labels are combined and stored as one correct information in the storage means, and only when both labels are judged to be correct, the article to be inspected is judged to be a non-defective article (proper article), so the article can be inspected with high accuracy. It is possible to provide a compact inspection device with a simple structure.

<Prevention of lengthening inspection lines and reduction of adjustment man-hours>
In addition, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention performs inspection processing based on an image obtained by imaging an article with an imaging device, and inspection processing based on identification information obtained by an obtaining device such as the code scanner 22. can prevent the inspection line from becoming too long, and the installation and adjustment of the conveying unit, etc., can be done by a single inspection device, so maintainability (maintainability) is excellent.

<Linked product type>
By the way, conventionally, a plurality of inspection apparatuses arranged along an inspection line reads out correct information (information on a proper article) for comparison with an article to be inspected from a storage device at the time of inspection. It is necessary to perform the necessary setting operations. In addition, conventionally, in order to inspect an article while connecting inspection apparatuses by communication means and interlocking the inspection apparatuses, it is necessary to perform complicated setting operations in each inspection apparatus.
On the other hand, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention combines the positive information used for the comparison inspection of the image of the article captured by the imaging means and the positive information used for the comparison inspection of the identification information of the article acquired by the acquisition means. Since the setting process is performed by reading out from the storage means all at once, the setting operation can be completed in a short time, resulting in good operability.

<Variety registration>
Conventionally, in an article inspection system in which a plurality of inspection devices are arranged in an inspection line, each time a new inspection object is added, each inspection device needs to set and store correct 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 positive information used for comparative inspection of the image of the article imaged by the imaging means, and the acquisition means It is possible to simplify the process of setting and registering the positive information used for the comparative inspection of the acquired identification information of the article.

In addition, since the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with imaging means (imaging unit), it is possible to easily check whether a correct product label (front label) is attached to an article (product) being transported (product Presence or absence of a label) can be easily confirmed (A1), the printed contents of the product label attached to the product, and whether there is any missing or dirty (product label condition) (A2), It is possible to easily confirm whether or not there is any mistake in the combination of the attached product label, sales promotion sticker, and packaging material (A3).

Further, since the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a reading device (code scanner 22) as an acquisition means, it is possible to check whether the correct POS label (back label) is attached to the article (merchandise) being conveyed. It is possible to easily check (whether or not there is a POS label) (B1), and it is possible to easily check whether there is a problem with the printed contents of the POS label attached to the article (B2). A plurality of pieces of information are included in the bar code, and it can be easily determined whether or not these pieces of information match pre-stored positive information (B3). The information included in the barcode includes, for example, product name, product identification number, product sales date/sale time/expiration date, product delivery flight information, and product manufacturer information. etc. can be mentioned.

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

By the way, conventionally, in general inspection apparatuses such as the appearance inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 2, it is necessary to perform sophisticated and complicated operations when performing settings related to image processing of captured images, and it takes time to complete the settings. may be applied. Further, conventionally, there is known a device that superimposes guidance on a setting screen and displays it. However, in this device, the guidance is displayed superimposed on the setting screen. Sometimes it's not good.

On the other hand, the inspection device 100 (label inspection device) according to the embodiment of the present invention inspects whether the label attached to the product and the package packaging the product match a predetermined one. That is, pass/fail judgment is performed. The inspection apparatus 100 compares an image obtained by imaging an object to be inspected by an imaging unit 12 as imaging means with a pre-stored normal image (image of a non-defective product). It has a control unit 10 (main control unit 21, camera-side control unit 11) that performs pass/fail determination. The inspection apparatus 100 has a first display area (camera-side display input section 14) for displaying the setting screen of the imaging apparatus and a second display area (main display input section 24) for displaying 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) operably displays a setting screen regarding setting of image processing for the captured image obtained by the imaging means (imaging unit 12).
The second display area (main display/input unit 24) operably displays auxiliary information (operation assistance screen) for assisting operations on the setting screen of the first display area (camera-side display/input unit 14). .

That is, it is possible to provide an inspection apparatus that can efficiently perform setting operations such as image processing related to the image pickup unit 12 that picks up an image of an inspection object and the picked-up image, with a simple configuration.
Further, setting operations 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 capable of completing the setting operation in a short time.
In addition, an inspection device with a simple structure that inspects whether or not product information such as product name, price, and code information printed on a product label as an object to be inspected conforms to regulations by a simple operation. can provide.

Further, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention switches the display contents of either the first display area (camera-side display input section 14) or the second display area (main display input section 24). In this case, it has switching means (switching means 211) for switching the display content of the other according to the switching. In the above-described embodiment, the switching means 211 of the main control section 21 performs the switching control, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the camera-side control unit 11 may implement the switching means by executing a program. Alternatively, the main control unit 21 and the camera-side control unit 11 may cooperate to realize the switching means.
That is, when the display content of the main display input section 24 (second display area) is switched, the switching means switches the display content of the camera side display input section 14 (first display area) in conjunction with this switching. control. For example, when a confirmation button or the like displayed on the main display input unit 24 is pressed, the switching unit performs processing for switching the display content of the camera-side display input unit 14 to the setting screen.

Further, when the display content of the camera-side display input section 14 is switched, the switching means performs control to switch the display content of the main display input section 24 (second display area) in conjunction with this switching. For example, specifically, in the camera-side display input unit 14, in conjunction with the process of setting the product name display area and the process of setting the price display area using a rectangular area, the main display input unit 24 performs the following settings. The switching means performs control for switching the display content so as to display the operation assistance screen for the operation.
That is, one of the two display areas is configured to be the master and the other to be the slave, or vice versa.

In addition, in the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the camera-side display input section 14 (first display area) as display means displays an image of the inspection article captured by the imaging means (imaging section 12). do. The inspection apparatus 100 includes an identifying means 111 for identifying a unique image specific to one inspection article and a common image common to a plurality of inspection articles included in the image captured by the imaging means (imaging unit 12); and storage means (camera control side storage section 13, main control side storage section 23) for storing the unique image or the common image specified by the means 111.

The specifying unit 111 specifies a unique image (such as an image indicating the product name) and a common image (such as an image indicating a sales promotion sticker and an image indicating packaging material information) from the images obtained by imaging the inspected article with the imaging unit. process. Further, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the identifying means 111 designates the area of the area indicating the product name, etc., from the image obtained by imaging the article to be inspected by the imaging means as a peculiar image, and indicates the packaging material information. Let the region part be the eigenimage.

Further, the storage means (camera control side storage section 13, main control side storage section 23 if necessary) of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention stores normal images by combining unique images and common images. The inspection apparatus 100 has a comparison means 112 for comparing an inspection image obtained by imaging an article to be inspected by an imaging means and a normal image stored by a storage means.
Specifically, the criteria for comparison by the comparison means differ for each product depending on the combination of the identified unique images and common images.
For example, in the case of the registration mode, when the product "salmon" is imaged in a state where the storage means of the inspection device does not store a common image, "salmon" (an image indicating the product name), which is the unique image of the product "salmon", is captured. , and the unique image (product name image) can be stored in the storage means.
Furthermore, if a sales promotion sticker indicating a "new product" is attached to the product "salmon" onigiri, the "new product" can be identified from the image obtained by imaging the product "salmon" with the imaging means in the registration mode. The image of the seal portion can be specified and extracted, and the image of the extracted 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" can be used not only for the product "salmon", but also when registering the normal images of other products. .
Also, as common images, for example, an image indicating a price (price image) and an image indicating a packaging material (packaging material image) can be used in common when registering other products.

As a specific advantage of using a common image, for example, when a price image, a sales promotion sticker image, and a packaging material image are already stored in the storage means as the common image, the normal image of the product "Negitoro" is displayed in the registration mode. When registering, from the captured image obtained by imaging the product "Negitoro", only the part of "Negitoro" indicating the product name is specified and extracted, and the product name image is used as a unique image. It is stored in the storage means in association with the item number, item name, etc. of Toro.
Then, the product "Negitoro" is associated with the price image, sales promotion sticker image, and packaging material image of the common image. In other words, there is no need to specify and extract parts such as price, sales promotion stickers, packaging materials, etc. from the captured image, the processing required for registration is reduced, and the product "Negitoro" can be registered in a short time.
In addition, the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention does not need to pick up normal images for the number of inspection variations, and can reuse a common image for inspection of different types of articles to be inspected. By combining the common images, it is possible to generate a plurality of variations of normal images (images used as criteria for acceptance/rejection determination), and to reduce the number of normal image capturing times, common image setting processing, and the like.

Further, the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention indicates a combination of a unique image of a normal image and a common image stored in the storage means (the camera control side storage section 13 and the main control side storage section 23). It has changing means 212 for changing combination information.
At the time of inspection, in the second display area (main display input unit 24), the display portion of "no sales promotion sticker" is an operable button. The control unit performs control so that the display content is switched to "No sticker." Specifically, the changing means 212 changes the pass judgment criteria (judgment criteria) according to "with sales promotion sticker" or without "sales promotion sticker".

Further, the comparing means 112 of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention compares the inspection image obtained by imaging the inspection article with the imaging means and the normal image stored in the storage unit. Processing is performed to display the result of whether or not the inspection image and the normal image are correlated in the first display area (camera-side display input unit 14). The second display area (main display input section 24) is controlled by the main control section 21 of the control section so as to display examination information (determination result is OK or NG) based on the result.

Further, the main control unit 21 of the control unit 10 of the inspection apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention includes switching means for switching the display content indicating the setting procedure on the operation assistance screen of the second display area (main display input unit 24). (advance button, back button, etc.) is displayed in an operable manner.
The control unit 10 performs a process of switching the display contents of the operation assistance screen of the second display area (main display input unit 24) in accordance with the operation of the switching means (advance button, return button, etc.). A control unit 10 that performs processing related to image processing settings in cooperation with the operation assistance screen in the display area (main display input unit 24) and the setting screen in the first display area (camera-side display input unit 14) .

Specifically, the controller 10 has a main controller 21 and a camera-side controller 11 .
In the setting registration mode, the camera-side control unit 11 stores in the camera-control-side storage unit 13 a captured image obtained by capturing an image of a non-defective label as a reference using the image capturing unit 12 . A product name, price, code information, and the like are printed on the label as product information (label information). In addition, the camera-side control unit 11, based on the setting information by the camera-side display input unit 14, selects the product information such as the product name and price printed at the specified position of the label (the front label LA in this embodiment) from the captured image. is extracted, and it is stored in the camera control side storage unit 13 in association with the captured image.
In addition, in the inspection mode, the camera-side control unit 11 reads an image obtained by capturing a label (a front label in this embodiment) of an object to be inspected by the image capturing unit 12 and read out from the camera control-side storage unit 13. , and compares the captured image of a non-defective product as a reference with product information such as the product name and price to determine the quality of the object to be inspected, and outputs the quality determination result to the main control unit 21 . In addition, the camera-side control section 11 displays the pass/fail result on the camera-side display/input section 14 .

In the inspection mode, the main control unit 21 determines that the code information printed on the label (back label in this embodiment) of the inspection object read by the code scanner 22 is appropriate compared with the reference information. If appropriate, the back label is determined to be non-defective.
In the inspection mode, the main control unit 21 comprehensively examines the object to be inspected based on the quality result of the front label from the camera-side control unit 11 and the quality result of the code information read by the code scanner 22. Make pass/fail judgment. That is, 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 labels. If at least one of the label and the back label does not match the standard, the product is determined to be defective.
That is, as described above, the main control unit 21 and the camera-side control unit 11 work together to perform processing related to the inspection mode in parallel. Equipment can be provided.
In addition, it is possible to provide an inspection apparatus with a simple configuration that can inspect both the front label and the back label of an object to be inspected at once in a short period of time.

In addition, in the setting registration mode, the main control unit 21 performs processing for operably displaying an operation assistance screen in the second display area (main display input unit 24), and outputs a signal indicating the start of the setting registration mode. Processing for outputting to the camera-side control unit 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 performs processing for starting setting processing using the setting screen in the first display area (camera-side display input unit 14). conduct. That is, in the setting registration mode, the main control unit 21 and the camera-side control unit 11 start processing related to setting registration substantially at the same time, and provide an inspection apparatus capable of cooperating and processing processing related to setting registration in parallel. be able to.

In addition, in the setting registration mode, the control unit performs a procedure for setting, in the first display area (camera-side display input unit 14), the part where the product information is printed in the picked-up image of the non-defective product. display area (main display input unit 24), and also perform processing for setting a portion where product information is printed in the first display area (camera-side display input unit 14).
That is, for the user, while viewing the operation assistance screen displayed in the second display area (main display input unit 24), operating the operation assistance screen as necessary, and interlocking with the progress of the setting procedure. Therefore, it is possible to provide an inspection apparatus that allows efficient operation of a setting screen related to image processing of a captured image.

By the way, in a conventional article inspection system, when ejecting articles determined to be inappropriate by a plurality of inspection devices arranged in an inspection line, a ejection means for ejecting the inappropriate articles is provided for each inspection device. Alternatively, only the downstream side inspection device is provided with a discharge means, the upstream side inspection device transmits an inspection signal indicating an error determination to the downstream side inspection device, and the downstream side discharge means discharges the inappropriate article. It is necessary to perform a complicated control of
On the other hand, in the inspection apparatus 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 10 as a control means determines whether the inspection of the article is correct based on the inspection results obtained by the imaging means and the acquisition means. A sorting unit 29 is provided as an exclusion means for excluding an article conveyed by a conveying means (belt conveyor 261 or the like) from a conveying path (conveying path) when an article to be inspected is determined to be rejected (inappropriate article).
That is, it is possible to provide a conveying apparatus having a simple structure and capable of easily discharging unsuitable articles by the discharging means.

Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configurations are not limited to these embodiments, and design changes and the like may be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. are included in the present invention.
Further, the embodiments shown in the respective drawings described above can be combined with each other as long as there is no particular contradiction or problem in the purpose, configuration, or the like.
In addition, the contents described in each drawing can be an independent embodiment, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to one embodiment in which each drawing is combined.

An inspection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is used, for example, in a product manufacturing line.
Specifically, a packaging device for packaging products such as rice balls and a labeling device for attaching labels to the packaged products are arranged upstream of the production line, and an inspection device is arranged downstream of the production line. They are configured to be able to communicate with each other. If necessary, the inspection device receives product information about the inspection target from the packaging device or the pasting device on the upstream side, and based on the product information, switches the inspection target and changes various settings. you can go In other words, even if the type of inspection object is changed, the inspection apparatus can automatically change various settings without manually switching the inspection object.
Further, the inspection device may receive product information as necessary from a high-level control device or the like that controls the production line, and perform processing for switching the inspection object based on the product information.

10... Control unit (control means)
11... Camera side control section 12... Imaging section (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... Identifying means (identifying unit)
112 Comparing means (comparing unit)
211 Switching means (switching unit)
212 ... changing means (changing unit)
243 ... Next button (switching means)
244... Back button (switching means)
261 belt conveyor (conveying means)
L... Label LA... Front label LB... Back label w... Object to be inspected (item to be inspected)

Claims (4)

imaging means for imaging an article to be inspected;
a storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the inspection article;
a conveying means for placing and conveying the article;
a support means for supporting the article along the conveying direction of the conveying means and positioned above an imaging range of the imaging means;
An inspection device comprising: comprising reading means for reading code information of the article,
2. The inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said imaging means and said reading means are provided at positions substantially opposed to each other. a control means for comparing the image captured by the imaging means with the positive information stored in the storage means to determine whether the image is correct or not;
a sorting means for sorting the articles based on the result of the right/wrong determination;
The inspection device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by comprising An inspection method executed by an inspection apparatus comprising imaging means for imaging an article to be inspected, transportation means for placing and transporting the article, and storage means for storing positive information to be compared with the inspection article,
An inspection method, wherein the inspection is carried out by transporting the article so that the article does not fall down and does not interfere with imaging.

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