JP2023154624A - Measurement system, measurement method, and food manufacturing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a measurement system capable of making the system scale smaller, a measurement method, and a food manufacturing method.SOLUTION: The measurement system includes n hoppers, into which objects are fed, a first measurement unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of first articles input to each hopper, a second measurement unit that measures the weight of the objects fed on each of the hoppers, and a control unit that controls the measurement system. The control unit has a calculation unit that selects a combination of m hoppers on the basis of the measured values measured on the first measurement unit and the measured values measured on the second measurement unit. The calculation unit selects a combination of m hoppers so that at least one of the total number and the total weight of the first article included in the m hoppers and the total weight of the objects included in the m hoppers, are each within a predetermined range.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a measurement system, a measurement method, and a food manufacturing method.

2. Description of the Related Art A measurement system is known that measures the weight and the like of an object that is a mixture of a plurality of objects (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP2012-237576A

An object of the present disclosure is to provide a measurement system, a measurement method, and a food manufacturing method that can reduce the size of the system when measuring a combination of objects in which a plurality of objects are mixed.

One aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement system that measures an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed, the system including n hoppers (where n is a natural number of 3 or more) into which the objects are thrown. a first measuring unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles placed in each of the hoppers; and a second measuring unit that measures the weight of the objects placed in each of the hoppers. The control unit includes a measurement unit and a control unit that controls the measurement system, and the control unit calculates m based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit and the measurement value measured by the second measurement unit. (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) a calculation unit that selects a combination of the hoppers; Selecting a combination of the m hoppers so that at least one of the total weights and the total weight of the objects included in the m hoppers are each within a predetermined range; measurement; Regarding the system.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement system that measures an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed, wherein the object is input into n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) pieces. a hopper; a first measuring unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles to be thrown into each of the hoppers; a third measurement unit that measures at least one of the measurement values, and a control unit that controls the measurement system, and the control unit measures the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit and The calculation unit includes a calculation unit that selects combinations of m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) the hoppers based on the measured measurement value, and the calculation unit selects combinations of the m hoppers. At least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles included and at least one of the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers are each within a predetermined range. The present invention relates to a measurement system that selects a combination of the m hoppers such that the m hoppers are within the same range.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement method for measuring an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed, wherein an input feeder is configured to feed the a step of charging a target object; a step of a first measuring section measuring at least one of the number and weight of the first articles to be charged into each of the hoppers; and a second measuring section of measuring at least one of the number and weight of each of the first articles. A step of measuring the weight of the object put into the hopper, and a calculation section calculating m( m is a natural number that satisfies n>m>1) the combination of the hoppers; A measuring method of selecting a combination of the m hoppers so that at least one of the weights and the total weight of the objects contained in the m hoppers are each within a predetermined range. Regarding.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement method for measuring an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed, wherein an input feeder is configured to feed the a step of charging a target object; a step of a first measuring section measuring at least one of the number and weight of the first articles to be charged into each of the hoppers; and a third measuring section of A step of measuring at least one of the number and weight of the second articles to be thrown into the hopper, and a calculation section measuring m (m is n> a natural number satisfying m>1) of the hoppers; On the other hand, a combination of the m hoppers is selected such that at least one of the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers is within a predetermined range. Regarding the measurement method.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to downsize a measurement system that measures a combination of objects including a plurality of objects.

FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a measurement system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a measurement system according to one embodiment. FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating a control unit of a measurement system according to one embodiment. FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating another example of the control unit of the measurement system according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a measurement method according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a food manufacturing method according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a measurement method according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a measurement method according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the measurement method according to one embodiment.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 7 are diagrams showing one embodiment. Each figure shown below is shown schematically. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are appropriately exaggerated to facilitate understanding. Further, it is possible to implement the invention with appropriate changes within the scope of the technical concept. In each figure shown below, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and some detailed explanations may be omitted. In addition, the numerical values such as dimensions and material names of each member described in this specification are examples of embodiments, and are not limited to these, and can be appropriately selected and used. In this specification, terms specifying shapes and geometrical conditions, such as terms such as parallel, perpendicular, and perpendicular, are not only meant strictly, but also include substantially the same state.

The measurement system 1 according to the present disclosure measures an object G (see FIG. 4) in which a first article g1 (see FIG. 4) and a second article g2 (see FIG. 4) different from the first article g1 are mixed. It is a system that Note that in the object G, three or more different types of articles may be mixed.

The first article g1 and the second article g2 may be foods. In this case, the specific type of food is not particularly limited. Thus, the food may contain one or more of the following, for example, vegetables such as carrots, cabbage or lettuce, seafood such as eggs and shrimp, meat, beans, fruit, or grains such as rice or flour. In this case, the object G may be fried rice, a hamburger steak, mixed salad, sweets, or the like. In particular, the object G may be processed after mixing the first article g1 and the second article g2 before performing combination measurement (combination weighing) in the measurement system 1. That is, the first article g1 and the second article g2 may be mixed and the processed object G may be supplied to the measurement system 1. For example, when the object G is fried rice, the object G may be subjected to stirring processing and heating processing after mixing the first article g1 and the second article g2. Thereby, for example, the taste of fried rice as the object G can be blended.

Moreover, the first article g1 and the second article g2 may be other than food. When the first article g1 and the second article g2 are other than food, the object G may be a package containing a mixture of bolts and nuts, resin pellets, fertilizer, compost, feed, soap, bulbs, or the like.

Here, when the object G is a product such as fried rice in which many pieces of rice are mixed with ingredients such as roasted pork, the weight of the object G is measured by a so-called combination measurement. That is, the weight of the object G is measured in a state in which rice (for example, second article g2) and ingredients (for example, first article g1) are mixed. In this case, for example, the weight and number of ingredients included in a predetermined amount of rice or a predetermined amount of fried rice may be uneven between products. For this reason, in order to avoid producing products with a small weight and number of ingredients, a large amount of ingredients may be mixed in advance with a predetermined amount of rice. Such ingredients usually cost more than rice. This can increase the cost of producing food products.

A plurality of objects G are produced by combined weighing, but in order to eliminate deviations in the weight and number of the first article g1 among the objects G, the first article g1 and the second article g2 are measured separately. There are cases. In this case, since the first article g1 and the second article g2 are measured using separate systems, two systems are required, and there is a high possibility that the system will become larger. In addition, as another example, if the existing measuring equipment has only one system for measuring the first article g1, new measuring equipment (second system) for measuring the second article g2 is required, and the equipment Costs may increase.

Further, the object G is a product such as fried rice that can improve the taste of the product by processing after mixing rice (for example, the second article g2) and ingredients (for example, the first article g1). There are cases. In this case, it is preferable that the weight etc. of the first article g1 can be measured in a state where the first article g1 and the second article g2 are mixed.

Measurement System Next, a measurement system 1 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing a measurement system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing a measurement system according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the measurement system 1 includes n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) weighing hoppers (hoppers) 11 into which objects G are input, and the number and/or number of first objects g1. Alternatively, it includes a first measurement section 31 that measures weight, and a control section 40 that controls the measurement system 1. Further, the measurement system 1 may include a second measurement unit 32 that measures the weight of the object G placed in each weighing hopper 11. The measurement system 1 also includes n input feeders 17 for inputting the object G into each weighing hopper 11 via the pool hopper 12, and n input feeders 17 for inputting the object G supplied from outside the measurement system 1 into each input feeder 17. It may further include a dispersion feeder 16 for supplying the feed to the feeder. Furthermore, the measurement system 1 may further include a discharge section 20 provided downstream of the measurement hopper 11. Of these, the hopper 11, input feeder 17, dispersion feeder 16, and discharge section 20 are incorporated into the dispersion device 10. Here, first, the dispersion device 10 will be explained.

The dispersion device 10 is a device that disperses the object G into each weighing hopper 11. As mentioned above, the dispersion device 10 has n weighing hoppers 11. Further, the dispersion device 10 includes n input feeders 17 that input the object G into each weighing hopper 11, and a dispersion feeder 16 that supplies the object G input into the dispersion device 10 to each input feeder 17. It may further have. Further, the dispersion device 10 may further include a discharge section 20 provided on the downstream side of the weighing hopper 11.

The weighing hopper 11 of the dispersion device 10 is for weighing the object G that has been put therein. Each weighing hopper 11 is equipped with the above-mentioned second measuring section 32 that measures the weight of the object G. The second measurement unit 32 may be a weight sensor such as a load cell.

The number (n) of weighing hoppers 11 included in the dispersion device 10 is not particularly limited as long as it is a natural number of 3 or more (n≧3). For example, the dispersing device 10 may have 14 (n=14) weighing hoppers 11.

A pool hopper 12 is provided above the weighing hopper 11 (on the upstream side) into which the object G is input from the input feeder 17. The pool hopper 12 temporarily accommodates the object G. The number of pool hoppers 12 may be the same as the number of weighing hoppers 11, or one pool hopper 12 may be arranged at a position corresponding to each weighing hopper 11.

The weighing hopper 11 and the pool hopper 12 are each mounted around the base 13 of the dispersion device 10.

Next, the dispersion feeder 16 of the dispersion device 10 will be explained. The dispersion feeder 16 serves to disperse the object G input into the dispersion device 10 to each input feeder 17 . The object G is supplied to the distributed feeder 16 from a supply device (not shown). Further, the dispersion feeder 16 may have a conical shape, and may be configured so that the dispersion feeder 16 radially disperses the object G by vibrating the dispersion feeder 16. On the downstream side of the distributed feeder 16, n input feeders 17 are provided.

The n input feeders 17 are provided around the distributed feeder 16. The input feeder 17 is used to input the object G dispersed by the dispersion feeder 16 into the weighing hopper 11. The input feeder 17 is configured to input the object G into the weighing hopper 11 via the pool hopper 12.

In addition, in a plan view of the measurement system 1 from above (see FIG. 2), each input feeder 17 extends radially from the distributed feeder 16, and when the input feeder 17 vibrates, the input feeder 17 It may be configured such that the object G is thrown into the pool hopper 12. That is, the object G may be configured to fall from the input feeder 17 to the pool hopper 12 when the input feeder 17 vibrates. The number of input feeders 17 is the same as the number of weighing hoppers 11, and one input feeder 17 is arranged at a position corresponding to each weighing hopper 11.

The dispersion feeder 16 and the input feeder 17 may each be attached to the upper part of the base 13.

Next, the discharge section 20 of the dispersion device 10 will be explained. The discharge unit 20 discharges the objects G in the m weighing hoppers 11 to the downstream side. This discharge section 20 has a substantially inverted truncated cone shape, and has an opening 21 formed at its lower end for sending the object G to the downstream side. Further, a packaging machine (not shown) may be provided downstream of the opening 21, and the discharged object G may be stored in the packaging container 5 (see FIG. 1) by the packaging machine. .

Here, a first measuring section 31 and a third measuring section 33 are provided near the input feeder 17 of the dispersing device 10. The first measurement unit 31 measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles g1 that are put into each weighing hopper 11. Further, the third measuring section 33 measures at least one of the number and weight of the second articles g2 thrown into each weighing hopper 11. In this embodiment, the measurement system 1 separately includes a first measurement section 31 that measures the first article g1 and a third measurement section 33 that measures the second article g2. The configuration of the first measurement section 31 and the configuration of the third measurement section 33 may be substantially the same. Therefore, in the following explanation, only the first measurement section 31 will be explained, and the explanation of the third measurement section 33 will be omitted. Although not shown, as another embodiment, the first measuring section 31 also serves as the third measuring section 33, that is, the first measuring section 31 measures both the first article g1 and the second article g2. Also good.

A plurality of first measurement units 31 may be provided. The first measurement unit 31 is connected to the control unit 40 and is configured to image the object G according to instructions from the control unit 40. The first measurement unit 31 may image the object G thrown into the pool hopper 12 from the feeding feeder 17 . That is, the first measurement unit 31 may image the object G falling from the input feeder 17. In this case, the first measurement unit 31 can acquire image data of the object G in a state where the first article g1 and the second article g2 of the object G have little overlap. Therefore, the first article g1 and the second article g2 within the object G can be imaged more accurately. Note that the first measurement unit 31 may image the object G on the input feeder 17.

As such a first measurement unit 31, a line camera or an area camera may be used. In particular, when the first measuring section 31 images the object G falling from the input feeder 17, it is preferable that a line camera is used as the first measuring section 31. In this case, as the first measurement unit 31, for example, a line camera (manufactured by Teledyne DALSA, LA-GC-02K05B-00-R/LA-GC-04K05B-00-R) may be used. Further, in this case, in order to image the object G falling from each input feeder 17, it is preferable that one first measurement unit 31 is disposed near each input feeder 17.

On the other hand, when the first measuring section 31 images the object G on the input feeder 17, it is preferable that an area camera is used as the first measuring section 31. When the first measuring section 31 is an area camera, the objects G on the plurality of input feeders 17 can be easily imaged by one first measuring section 31 . In this case, for example, an area camera (manufactured by Basler, a2A1920-51gcPRO-Basler ace 2) may be used as the first measurement unit 31. In this case, it is preferable that all the first articles g1 and second articles g2 on the input feeder 17 be in a state where they can be identified by image processing.

Note that even when the first measuring section 31 images the object G falling from the input feeder 17, an area camera may be used as the first measuring section 31. In this case, by using a camera with a high frame rate (for example, a high-speed camera, etc.) and setting the region of interest (ROI) near the entrance of the plurality of weighing hoppers 11, it is possible to Object G is imaged at the same time.

Further, as the first measuring section 31, an ultraviolet camera, a near-infrared camera, an infrared camera, etc. may be used. Furthermore, depending on the type of object G, a special camera such as an X-ray sensor, soft X-ray sensor, 3D sensor, or hyperspectral sensor may be used as the first measurement unit 31. As another example of the special camera, a camera using terahertz waves may be used.

FIG. 3A is a functional block diagram of the control unit 40. As shown in FIG. 3A, the control section 40 includes a data reception section 41, an image processing section 42, a measurement section 43, a storage section 44, a calculation section 45, a hopper operation section 46, and an operation control section 49. have.

(Data receiving section)
The data receiving section 41 receives data from the first measuring section 31 and the second measuring section 32. That is, the data acquired by the first measurement section 31 and the second measurement section 32 is transmitted to the control section 40. The data receiving section 41 receives data transmitted from each measuring section.

(Image processing section)
The image processing section 42 identifies the first article g1 from the image data acquired by the first measurement section 31. Further, the image processing section 42 may identify the second article g2 from the image data acquired by the first measuring section 31. In this case, the image processing section 42 may be integrated with the first measuring section 31 and the like.

The method by which the image processing unit 42 processes image data is not particularly limited. For example, image processing may be performed using an object detection method using deep learning or segmentation using deep learning. In this case, it is preferable to generate a predetermined learned network in advance by performing machine learning using the image of the object G as a learning image. Then, by performing inference using the generated network, the number and/or area of the first articles g1, etc. may be specified.

Further, the image processing by the image processing unit 42 may be performed by, for example, binarization using a conventional image processing method. In this case, for example, first, a predetermined threshold value for binarization is set from the image of the object G. Thereafter, the brightness distribution information and shape information of the color image or monochrome image acquired by the first measurement unit 31 are binarized using the predetermined threshold value, and then blob analysis or the like is performed to obtain the first article g1. The number and/or area of such objects may be specified.

(Measurement part)
The measuring unit 43 measures the number and weight of the first articles g1 and the number and weight of the second articles g2. The measuring unit 43 may measure the number and/or weight of the first articles g1 and the like from the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 42. Here, when the measuring section 43 measures the weight of the first article g1 etc., the measuring section 43 may calculate the area from the image data and convert the obtained area into the weight. Furthermore, when the first measurement section 31 is a 3D sensor, the measurement section 43 may convert the obtained volume into weight. Note that the image processing section 42 and the measurement section 43 may be integrated with each other.

(Storage part)
The storage unit 44 may be a memory such as a RAM, for example. In the storage unit 44, information on the weight and information on the number of the first articles g1 etc. put into each weighing hopper 11 are stored in a linked manner. That is, the storage unit 44 stores the number and weight of the first articles g1 placed in each weighing hopper 11. The storage unit 44 also stores the weight of the object G placed in each weighing hopper 11. Further, the storage unit 44 stores the number and weight of the second articles g2 placed in each weighing hopper 11. For example, when the object G is fried rice, the storage unit 44 may store the number and weight of chashu, the weight of rice, etc. that have been put into each weighing hopper 11.

(calculation section)
The calculation unit 45 calculates m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) measurements based on the measurement values measured by the first measurement unit 31 and the measurement values measured by the second measurement unit 32. The combination of hoppers 11 is selected. In this case, the calculation unit 45 calculates at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11, and the total weight of the objects G included in the m weighing hoppers 11. A combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected such that each of the m weighing hoppers 11 is within a predetermined range. That is, a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected so that the total weight of the objects G after the combination is within a predetermined range with respect to the target weight. In addition, the total number of first articles g1 included in the object G after combination is within a predetermined range with respect to the target number, or the total weight of the first articles g1 is within a predetermined range with respect to the target weight. , a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected.

Further, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) weighing hoppers 11 based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit 31. In this case, the calculation unit 45 calculates at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11 and the total weight of the second articles g2 included in the m weighing hoppers 11. A combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected such that at least one of the number and total weight is within a predetermined range. That is, so that the total number of first articles g1 included in the combined object G is within a predetermined range with respect to the target number, or the total weight of the first articles g1 is within a predetermined range with respect to the target weight. A combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected. In addition, the total number of second articles g2 included in the combined object G is within a predetermined range with respect to the target number, or the total weight of the second articles g2 is within a predetermined range with respect to the target weight. , a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected.

Here, as described above, in the storage unit 44, information on the weight and information on the number of the first articles g1 etc. thrown into each weighing hopper 11 are stored in a linked manner. For this reason, the calculation unit 45 may select the combination of m weighing hoppers 11 as follows based on the information on the weight of the first article g1 etc. and the information on the number stored in the storage unit 44. .

For example, a case will be described in which the dispersion device 10 has 14 weighing hoppers 11. Here, when selecting two weighing hoppers 11 from the 14 weighing hoppers 11, there are 91 combinations of weighing hoppers 11 ( ₁₄ C ₂ ). Furthermore, when three weighing hoppers 11 are selected from the 14 weighing hoppers 11, there are 364 combinations of weighing hoppers 11 ( ₁₄ C ₃ ). Furthermore, when four weighing hoppers 11 are selected from fourteen weighing hoppers 11, there are 1001 combinations of weighing hoppers 11 ( ₁₄ C ₄ ). Therefore, for example, when m is 2 or more and 4 or less, there are 1456 combinations ( ₁₄ C ₂ + ₁₄ C ₃ + ₁₄ C ₄ ).

In this case, the calculation unit 45 first excludes combinations in which the total weight does not fall within a predetermined range and combinations in which the total number does not fall within a predetermined range from the combination candidates to be selected from among the 1456 combinations. .

Next, the calculation unit 45 ranks the remaining combinations. Ranking may be done based on the accuracy of the total weight. Then, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination with a high ranking. In this way, the calculation unit 45 selects m weighing hoppers 11.

Thereafter, the object G in the selected weighing hopper 11 is thrown into the discharge section 20 by the hopper operation section 46 of the control section 40 .

Note that in the above-described embodiment, in order to carry out combination measurement, the control unit 40 instructs the first measurement unit 31 to perform measurement and receives measurement data from the first measurement unit 31. Then, the control unit 40 subjected this measurement data to image processing to calculate the number and/or weight of the first articles g1 and the like. However, the scope of rights is not limited to this aspect. For example, as another embodiment, the control section 40 may include a main control section and a measurement section control section.

FIG. 3B is a functional block diagram of the control unit 40 according to another embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3B, the control section 40 includes a main control section 40A and a measurement section control section 40B.

The main control unit 40A may instruct the measurement unit control unit 40B to perform measurement, and may receive number data or weight data calculated based on the measurement data from the measurement unit control unit 40B. The main control unit 40A includes a first control unit 47 that controls the measurement unit control unit 40B, the storage unit 44 described above, the calculation unit 45 described above, the hopper operation unit 46 described below, and the operation control unit 49 described below. It may also include.

The measurement unit control unit 40B is a control unit that locally controls the first measurement unit 31 and/or the third measurement unit 33. The measurement unit control unit 40B may acquire an image of the object G using the first measurement unit 31 or the like, process the image, and measure the number and/or weight of the first article g1 or the like. Then, the measurement unit control unit 40B may transmit the calculated number data or weight data to the main control unit 40A. The measurement section control section 40B may include a second control section 48 that controls the first measurement section 31 and the third measurement section 33, the above-mentioned image processing section 42, and the above-mentioned measurement section 43. Note that one measurement unit control unit 40B may control a plurality of first measurement units 31 and the like. Further, the measurement system 1 may include the same number of measurement unit control units 40B as the first measurement units 31 and the third measurement units 33.

Note that the ranking may be performed based on the accuracy of the total number. In addition, the weighing hopper 11 that is not selected by the calculation unit 45 many times has a long standby time because the number of times it has been on standby has increased. In this case, for example, the calculation unit 45 may preferentially select a combination that includes the weighing hopper 11 with a long waiting time. Furthermore, the objects G are not always placed in the 14 weighing hoppers 11. For this reason, the calculation unit 45 may determine a predetermined combination from the remaining weighing hoppers 11 excluding the empty weighing hoppers 11 into which the object G is not loaded.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a measurement method according to an embodiment. Hereinafter, an example of a combination of weighing hoppers 11 that can be selected by the calculation unit 45 will be explained with reference to FIG. 4. Here, an example will be described in which the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 from ten weighing hoppers 11 (weighing hoppers 11a to 11j). The calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the first article g1 and the target object G. Further, the calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the first article g1 and the second article g2. Here, first, an example will be described in which the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the first article g1 and the target object G.

<Selection based on first article g1 and target object G>
The calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the number and weight of the first article g1 and the weight of the target object G, for example.

That is, the calculation unit 45 calculates that the total number of first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11 and the total weight of the objects G included in the m weighing hoppers 11 are each within a predetermined range. A combination of m weighing hoppers 11 may be selected as shown in FIG. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the calculation unit 45 calculates that the total number of first articles g1 from the ten weighing hoppers 11 (weighing hoppers 11a to 11j) is 2 or more and 4 or less, and You may select a combination in which the total weight of G is 500 g or more and 600 g or less. In this case, the calculation unit 45 may select a combination of two (m=2) weighing hoppers 11. Specifically, the calculation unit 45 may select, for example, a combination of the weighing hopper 11a and the weighing hopper 11b. In this case, the total number of first articles g1 is 4, and the total weight of the objects G is 500 g. In the illustrated example, a combination of two (m=2) weighing hoppers 11 may be selected. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, when the number of weighing hoppers 11 is ten, a combination of three to nine weighing hoppers 11 may be selected. In this way, when the calculation unit 45 selects the combination of the weighing hoppers 11 so that the total number of the first articles g1 after the combination and the total weight of the objects G after the combination are each within a predetermined range. , the object G may be fried rice, and the first article g1 may be an ingredient such as chashu pork. Note that when the calculation unit 45 selects a combination in which the total weight of the object G is 500 g or more and 600 g or less, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of the weighing hopper 11c and the weighing hopper 11d that has a total weight of 450 g. excluded from the possible combinations.

Further, the calculation unit 45 calculates that the total weight of the first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11 and the total weight of the objects G included in the m weighing hoppers 11 are each within a predetermined range. A combination of m weighing hoppers 11 may be selected as shown in FIG. Also in this case, the object G may be fried rice, and the first article g1 may be an ingredient such as chashu pork. In this case as well, the calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that the total number of first articles g1 falls within a predetermined range. That is, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 and the total weight of the objects G are each within a predetermined range. Also good.

Further, when the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 and the total weight of the objects G, the calculation unit 45 further A combination of m weighing hoppers 11 may be selected based on the total number and total weight of the second articles g2. In this case, the calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 such that at least one of the total number and total weight of the second articles g2 falls within a predetermined range. For example, when the object G is fried rice, m pieces of rice are prepared so that at least one of the total number and total weight of the second items g2 other than the roasted pork (the first item g1) falls within a predetermined range. A combination of weighing hoppers 11 may be selected.

<Selection based on first article g1 and second article g2>
Next, an example will be described in which the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the first article g1 and the second article g2.

The calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the number and weight of the first article g1 and the number and weight of the second article g2.

That is, the calculation unit 45 determines that the total number of first articles g1 contained in m weighing hoppers 11 and the total weight of second articles g2 contained in m weighing hoppers 11 are each within a predetermined range. You may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that In this case, the object G is a mixed salad, the first article g1 may be a cherry tomato, and the second article g2 may be a salad other than cherry tomatoes.

Further, the calculation unit 45 determines that the total number of first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11 and the total number of second articles g2 included in the m weighing hoppers 11 are each within a predetermined range. You may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that In this case, the object G may be, for example, a mixture of a bolt and a nut, the first article g1 may be a bolt, and the second article g2 may be a nut. Further, the object G may be a candy or the like in which a plurality of types of solid substances are mixed. In addition, also in these cases, the calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that the total weight of the second article g2 falls within a predetermined range. That is, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that the total number of first articles g1 and the total weight and total number of second articles g2 are each within a predetermined range. It's okay.

Furthermore, the calculation unit 45 determines that the total weight of the first articles g1 contained in the m weighing hoppers 11 and the total weight of the second articles g2 contained in the m weighing hoppers 11 are each within a predetermined range. You may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that In this case, the object G may be a sweet, a mixed salad, or the like in which a plurality of types of solid substances are mixed. In this case, the calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that the total number of first articles g1 falls within a predetermined range. Further, the calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so that the total number of second articles g2 falls within a predetermined range. That is, the calculation unit 45 combines the m weighing hoppers 11 so that the total weight and total number of the first articles g1 and the total weight and total number of the second articles g2 are each within a predetermined range. You may also choose.

(Hopper operation section)
The hopper operation unit 46 controls the operation of each weighing hopper 11. For example, when the hopper operating section 46 operates the weighing hopper 11, the weighing hopper 11 can throw the object G into the discharge section 20. Note that the hopper operation section 46 is configured to be able to independently control the operation of each weighing hopper 11. In this way, the control unit 40 is able to throw the m selected objects G in the weighing hoppers 11 into the discharge unit 20.

Furthermore, when the hopper operation section 46 operates the weighing hopper 11, the weighing hopper 11 returns the object G to the dispersion feeder 16 via a transport path (not shown). Here, the control unit 40 controls the object G in the weighing hopper 11 for which the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit 31 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (third threshold) or greater than or equal to a predetermined value (fourth threshold). may be returned to the distributed feeder 16. That is, for example, if there is a weighing hopper 11 (for example, the weighing hopper 11d in FIG. 4) in which the number of first articles g1 measured by the first measuring section 31 is one or less, the hopper operation section 46 of the control section 40 The object G in the weighing hopper 11d may be returned to the dispersion feeder 16 by operating the weighing hopper 11d. For example, if there is a weighing hopper 11 (for example, weighing hopper 11e in FIG. 4) in which the number of first articles g1 measured by the first measuring section 31 is five or more, the hopper operation section 46 of the control section 40 The object G in the weighing hopper 11e may be returned to the dispersion feeder 16 by operating the weighing hopper 11e. Furthermore, even if there is a weighing hopper 11 in which the weight of the first article g1 measured by the first measuring section 31 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (third threshold) or greater than or equal to a predetermined value (fourth threshold), the control section When the hopper operation unit 40 operates the weighing hopper 11, the object G in the weighing hopper 11 may be returned to the dispersion feeder 16.

Further, the control unit 40 controls the object G in the weighing hopper 11 whose measurement value measured by the second measurement unit 32 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (first threshold) or greater than or equal to a predetermined value (second threshold). , and may be returned to the distributed feeder 16. That is, if there is a weighing hopper 11 in which the weight of the object G measured by the second measuring section 32 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (first threshold) or greater than or equal to a predetermined value (second threshold), the hopper of the control section 40 When the operation unit 46 operates the weighing hopper 11, the object G in the weighing hopper 11 may be returned to the dispersion feeder 16.

Further, the control unit 40 controls the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit 31 to be , the object G in the weighing hopper 11 whose value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (sixth threshold) may be returned to the dispersion feeder 16. That is, for example, when the total number of first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (fifth threshold), the hopper operating section 46 of the control section 40 operates the weighing hopper 11e. Thereby, the object G in the weighing hopper 11 whose measured value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (sixth threshold) may be returned to the dispersion feeder 16.

By the way, when the total number of first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 is small, the number of combinations excluded by the calculation unit 45 increases. In this case, the weighing hopper 11 into which the number of first articles g1 input is large can be preferentially incorporated into the combination. As a result, when performing combination measurement in the next cycle, the total number of first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 may further decrease, and the number of combinations excluded by the calculation unit 45 may further increase. Then, because the weighing hopper 11 with a large number of first articles g1 continues to be preferentially incorporated into the combination, there is a possibility that there will be a shortage of the first articles g1 in the objects G to be measured in subsequent cycles. In addition, when the total number of the first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11 is within a predetermined range, the total weight of the objects G included in the m weighing hoppers 11 or the m weighing hoppers 11 There is a possibility that the total weight of the second articles g2 contained in the hopper 11 varies greatly. In other words, even if the combination has good accuracy in the total weight of the objects G or second articles g2 contained in m weighing hoppers 11, if the total number of first articles g1 in the combination is outside the predetermined range, , the calculation unit 45 excludes the combination.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the total number of first articles g1 put into n weighing hoppers 11 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (fifth threshold), the measured value is set to a predetermined value (fifth threshold). 6 threshold value) or more in the weighing hopper 11 is returned to the dispersion feeder 16. As a result, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of weighing hoppers 11 with a small number of first articles g1. Here, in such a case, the number of combinations excluded by the calculation unit 45 may temporarily increase. On the other hand, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of weighing hoppers 11 with a small number of first articles g1, thereby suppressing a shortage of the first articles g1 in the objects G to be measured in subsequent cycles. can. Moreover, by returning many first articles g1 to the dispersion feeder 16, the average number of first articles g1 put into each weighing hopper 11 can gradually increase. Therefore, the number of combinations that can be selected by the calculation unit 45 may increase. As a result, it is possible to suppress the shortage of the first article g1 in the objects G to be measured in subsequent cycles, and also to reduce the variation in weight of the objects G or the second articles g2 contained in the m weighing hoppers 11. Can be made smaller.

Note that if the total number of first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (fifth threshold), there is a possibility that some kind of malfunction has occurred on the upstream side of the weighing hoppers 11. . Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 40 may be configured to notify the operator of a warning.

Further, the control unit 40 controls the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit 31 to be , the object G in the weighing hopper 11 whose value is equal to or less than a predetermined value (eighth threshold) may be returned to the dispersion feeder 16. That is, for example, when the total number of first articles g1 put into n weighing hoppers 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (seventh threshold), the hopper operating section 46 of the control section 40 operates the weighing hopper 11d. Accordingly, the object G in the weighing hopper 11 whose measured value is equal to or less than a predetermined value (eighth threshold) may be returned to the dispersion feeder 16.

By the way, even when the total number of first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 is large, the number of combinations excluded by the calculation unit 45 increases. In this case, the weighing hopper 11 in which the number of first articles g1 thrown into the weighing hopper 11 is small can be preferentially incorporated into the combination. As a result, when performing combination measurement in the next cycle, the total number of first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 may further increase, and the number of combinations excluded by the calculation unit 45 may further increase. Since the weighing hopper 11 with a small number of first articles g1 continues to be preferentially incorporated into the combination, there is a possibility that the surplus first articles g1 will be wasted in the objects G to be measured in subsequent cycles. There is.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, when the total number of first articles g1 put into n weighing hoppers 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (seventh threshold), the measured value reaches a predetermined value (seventh threshold). 8 threshold value) or less in the weighing hopper 11 is returned to the dispersion feeder 16. As a result, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of weighing hoppers 11 with a large number of first articles g1. Here, even in such a case, the number of combinations excluded by the calculation unit 45 may temporarily increase. On the other hand, since the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of weighing hoppers 11 with a large number of first articles g1, the surplus first article g1 is wasted in the object G to be measured in the subsequent cycle. can be suppressed. Further, by returning the objects G in the corresponding weighing hopper 11 to the dispersion feeder 16, the average number of first articles g1 put into each weighing hopper 11 can gradually decrease. Therefore, the number of combinations that can be selected by the calculation unit 45 may increase. As a result, variations in the weights of the objects G or second articles g2 included in the m weighing hoppers 11 can be reduced.

Note that if the total number of first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (seventh threshold), there is a possibility that some kind of malfunction has occurred on the upstream side of the weighing hoppers 11. . Therefore, in such a case, the control unit 40 may be configured to notify the operator of a warning.

(Operation control section)
The operation control section 49 controls the operations of the dispersion feeder 16, input feeder 17, pool hopper 12, discharge section 20, and the like. For example, the operation control section 49 may control the opening/closing operation of the opening 21 of the discharge section 20.

Such a control unit 40 may be configured by, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that operates based on a predetermined program.

Food Manufacturing Method and Measuring Method Next, with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7, the operation of the present embodiment having such a configuration, that is, the food manufacturing method and the object in which the first article g1 and the second article g2 are mixed. A measurement method for measuring the object G will be explained. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a food manufacturing method according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a measurement method according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a measurement method according to one embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 5, the food manufacturing method includes a step of selecting a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 (a selection step, reference numeral S51 in FIG. 5), and an object G in the selected m weighing hoppers 11. a step of charging the object G into the discharge section 20 (loading step, reference numeral S52 in FIG. 5), and a step of storing the object G input into the discharge section 20 in the packaging container 5 (storage step, reference numeral S53 in FIG. 5). , is equipped with. Among these, the selection step is a step of selecting combinations of m weighing hoppers 11 using the measurement method according to the present embodiment.

Here, first, a measurement method according to this embodiment will be explained.

First, the input feeder 17 inputs the objects G into the n weighing hoppers 11 (hopper input step, reference numeral S61 in FIG. 6). At this time, first, the object G is supplied to the dispersion feeder 16 from a supply device (not shown). Next, the object G is distributed from the dispersion feeder 16 to the plurality of input feeders 17. The objects G distributed to the input feeder 17 are input into the weighing hopper 11 via the pool hopper 12 by the input feeder 17 .

At this time, the first measurement unit 31 measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles g1 to be put into each weighing hopper 11 (first measurement step, reference numeral S62 in FIG. 6). At this time, first, the first measurement unit 31 images the object G (imaging step, reference numeral S71 in FIG. 7). The first measurement unit 31 may image the object G falling from the input feeder 17 or may image the object G on the input feeder 17. The image data acquired by the first measuring section 31 is transmitted to the data receiving section 41, and the data receiving section 41 of the control section 40 receives the image data (data receiving step, reference numeral S72 in FIG. 7).

Next, the image processing unit 42 identifies the first article g1 from the image data received by the data receiving unit 41 (identification step, reference numeral S73 in FIG. 7). Next, the measurement unit 43 measures the number and/or weight of the first articles g1 from the image data subjected to image processing by the image processing unit 42 (measurement step, reference numeral S74 in FIG. 7). Then, the number and/or weight of the first articles g1 are stored in the storage section 44 of the control section 40 (first storage step, reference numeral S75 in FIG. 7).

In this way, the first measurement unit 31 measures the number of first articles g1. At this time, the third measuring section 33 may measure at least one of the number and weight of the second articles g2 thrown into each weighing hopper 11. In this case, the third measuring unit 33 measures the number of second articles g2, etc. by the same method (symbols S71 to S74 in FIG. 7) as the first measuring step (symbol S62 in FIG. 6) described above. Also good.

Further, the second measurement unit 32 measures the weight of the object G placed in each weighing hopper 11 (second measurement step, reference numeral S63 in FIG. 6). At this time, first, the second measuring section 32 measures the weight of the object G placed in each weighing hopper 11. The data acquired by the second measuring section 32 is transmitted to the data receiving section 41, and the data receiving section 41 of the control section 40 receives the weight data of the object G. Then, the weight of the object G is stored in the storage section 44 of the control section 40 (second storage step, reference numeral S76 in FIG. 7).

In this way, the number and weight of the first articles g1 thrown into each weighing hopper 11 and the weight of the target object G are stored in the storage unit 44 in a linked manner.

Next, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit 31 and the measurement value measured by the second measurement unit 32 (selection step , reference numeral S64 in FIG. 6). At this time, at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 contained in the m weighing hoppers 11 and the total weight of the objects G contained in the m weighing hoppers 11 are respectively predetermined. The arithmetic unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 so as to fall within the range.

Further, in the selection step (symbol S64 in FIG. 6), the calculation unit 45 selects m measurement values based on the measurement values measured by the first measurement unit 31 and the measurement values measured by the third measurement unit 33. Any combination of hoppers 11 may be selected. At this time, at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 contained in the m weighing hoppers 11, and the total number and total weight of the second articles g2 contained in the m weighing hoppers 11. The calculation unit 45 may select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 such that at least one of them falls within a predetermined range.

Then, in the calculation unit 45, for example, at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11, and the total of the objects G included in the m weighing hoppers 11. It is determined whether there is a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 whose weights are each within a predetermined range (S64 in FIG. 6). If the calculation unit 45 is able to select a combination of the m weighing hoppers 11 (YES in S64 in FIG. 6), the hopper operation unit 46 of the control unit 40 operates the m weighing hoppers 11. As a result, the m objects G in the weighing hopper 11 are loaded into the discharge section 20 (loading step, reference numeral S65 in FIG. 6, reference numeral S52 in FIG. 5).

On the other hand, if the calculation unit 45 is unable to select a combination of the m weighing hoppers 11 (NO in S64 in FIG. step, reference numeral S66 in FIG. 6). In this case, as the object G is put into the empty weighing hopper 11 in the subsequent combination cycle, the object G is The weighing hopper 11 into which the sample is loaded becomes a standby state.

Here, the calculation unit 45 may determine, for example, whether the waiting time has exceeded a predetermined time (determination step, reference numeral S67 in FIG. 6). If the calculation unit 45 determines that the waiting time has exceeded the predetermined time (YES in S67 in FIG. 6), the hopper operation unit 46 of the control unit 40 determines that the waiting time has exceeded the predetermined time. The weighing hopper 11 is operated. As a result, the object G in the weighing hopper 11d whose waiting time has exceeded a predetermined time is returned to the dispersion feeder 16 via a transport path (not shown). Thereafter, the input feeder 17 inputs the returned object G into the weighing hopper 11 again (hopper input process, reference numeral S61 in FIG. 6).

On the other hand, if the calculation unit 45 determines that the waiting time has not exceeded the predetermined time (NO in S67 in FIG. 6), the hopper operation unit 46 does not operate the weighing hopper 11 and the object G is The weighing hopper 11 that has been loaded is in a standby state. In this case, the objects G are thrown into the empty weighing hopper 11 until the calculation unit 45 can select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11. The weighing hopper 11 enters a standby state.

In this way, the object G, which is a mixture of the first article g1 and the second article g2, is measured.

Next, the object G put into the discharge section 20 is stored in the packaging container 5 (S53 in FIG. 5). In this way, the food stored in the packaging container 5 is manufactured.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the measurement system 1 that measures the target object G in which the first article g1 and the second article g2 are mixed is configured to measure the object G in which the first article g1 and the second article g2 are mixed. a first measuring section 31 that measures at least one of the number and weight of objects; a second measuring section 32 that measures the weight of objects G placed in each weighing hopper 11; and a control that controls the measuring system 1. 40. Then, the control unit 40 operates a calculation unit 45 that selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit 31 and the measurement value measured by the second measurement unit 32. have. The measuring system 1 also includes a first measuring section 31 that measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles g1 that are placed in each weighing hopper 11, and a second measuring section 31 that measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles g1 that are placed in each weighing hopper 11. It includes a third measurement section 33 that measures at least one of the number and weight of the articles g2, and a control section 40 that controls the measurement system 1. Then, the control unit 40 operates a calculation unit 45 that selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit 31 and the measurement value measured by the third measurement unit 33. have. Thereby, according to the present embodiment, the weight etc. of the first article g1 can be measured in a state where the first article g1 and the second article g2 are mixed. Therefore, it is not necessary to measure the first article g1 and the second article g2 separately. As a result, the measurement system 1 can be downsized. Further, it is possible to suppress an increase in equipment costs.

Further, as described above, the weight etc. of the first article g1 can be measured in a state where the first article g1 and the second article g2 are mixed. For this reason, when the target object G is a product, such as fried rice, that is processed after mixing rice (for example, the second article g2) and ingredients (for example, the first article g1), the taste of the product can be changed. It can be blended and the taste of the product can be improved.

Furthermore, the calculation unit 45 of the control unit 40 calculates at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11, and the target object G included in the m weighing hoppers 11. A combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected such that the total weight of each of the m weighing hoppers 11 is within a predetermined range. Thereby, variations in the number and/or weight of the first articles g1 and the weight of the objects G can be reduced among the objects G stored in the packaging container 5. Further, the calculation unit 45 of the control unit 40 calculates at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11 and the second article g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11. A combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected such that at least one of the total number and total weight of g2 falls within a predetermined range. This makes it possible to reduce variations in the number and/or weight of the first articles g1 and the number and/or weight of the second articles g2 among the objects G stored in the packaging container 5.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an object in the weighing hopper 11 for which the measured value measured by the second measuring section 32 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (first threshold value) or greater than or equal to a predetermined value (second threshold value). The control unit 40 returns the object G to the dispersion feeder 16. Thereby, the number of combinations that can be selected by the calculation unit 45 can be increased. For this reason, variations in the weight of the objects G, etc., among the objects G stored in the packaging container 5 can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an object in the weighing hopper 11 for which the measured value measured by the first measuring section 31 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (third threshold) or greater than or equal to a predetermined value (fourth threshold). The control unit 40 returns the object G to the dispersion feeder 16. Even in this case, the number of combinations that can be selected by the calculation unit 45 can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to reduce variations in the weight of the first article g1 among the objects G stored in the packaging container 5. Further, in the target objects G to be measured in subsequent cycles, it is possible to suppress the shortage of the first article g1, and it is also possible to suppress the surplus first article g1 from being wasted.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the total number of first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 is less than or equal to a predetermined value (fifth threshold), the first article g1 measured by the first measuring section 31 is The control unit 40 returns the object G in the weighing hopper 11 whose measured value is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (sixth threshold) to the dispersion feeder 16 . This makes it possible to further reduce variations in the weight of the first article g1 among the objects G stored in the packaging container 5. Moreover, it is possible to more effectively suppress the shortage of the first article g1 in the target object G to be measured in a subsequent cycle.

Further, according to the present embodiment, when the total number of the first articles g1 put into the n weighing hoppers 11 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (seventh threshold), the first article g1 measured by the first measuring section 31 is The control unit 40 returns the object G in the weighing hopper 11 whose measured value is equal to or less than a predetermined value (eighth threshold) to the dispersion feeder 16 . Also in this case, it is possible to further reduce variations in the weight of the first article g1 among the objects G stored in the packaging container 5. Moreover, in the target object G to be measured in the subsequent cycle, it is possible to more effectively suppress the surplus first article g1 from being wasted.

Moreover, according to this embodiment, the first article g1 and the second article g2 are foods. Further, the object G is processed after mixing the first article g1 and the second article g2. In this case, as described above, the taste of the product can be blended and the taste of the product can be improved.

Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the control unit 40 throws the selected m objects G in the weighing hoppers 11 into the discharge unit 20. In this case, the measured object G can be easily stored in the packaging container 5.

In the embodiment described above, in the selection step (S64 in FIG. 6), the calculation unit 45 selects at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles g1 included in the m weighing hoppers 11, Further, an example has been described in which a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 is selected such that the total weight of the objects G included in m weighing hoppers 11 is within a predetermined range. However, it is not limited to this. For example, in the selection step (symbol S64 in FIG. 6), the calculation unit 45 selects the m weighing hoppers 11 so that only the total weight of the objects G included in the m weighing hoppers 11 falls within a predetermined range. You may choose a combination of. Thereafter, it may be determined whether at least one of the number and weight of the first articles g1 is within a predetermined range in the combination of m weighing hoppers 11.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a modification of the measurement method according to one embodiment. First, similarly to the above-described hopper charging step (S61 in FIG. 6), the charging feeder 17 charges the object G into the n weighing hoppers 11 (hopper charging step, S81 in FIG. 8).

At this time, similarly to the first measuring step (S62 in FIG. 6) described above, the first measuring section 31 measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles g1 to be put into each weighing hopper 11. Measure (first measurement step, reference numeral S82 in FIG. 8). The third measuring section measures at least one of the number and weight of the second articles g2 that are put into each weighing hopper 11.

Further, similarly to the second measuring step (S63 in FIG. 6) described above, the second measuring section 32 measures the weight of the object G placed in each weighing hopper 11 (second measuring step, FIG. 8 code S83).

Next, the calculation unit 45 selects a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 based on the measurement value measured by the second measurement unit 32 (selection step, reference numeral S84 in FIG. 8). At this time, the calculation unit 45 may select a combination of the m weighing hoppers 11 so that the total weight of the objects G included in the m weighing hoppers 11 falls within a predetermined range.

Then, in the calculation unit 45, it is determined whether or not there is a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 such that the total weight of the objects G included in m weighing hoppers 11 is within a predetermined range. (S84 in FIG. 8). If the calculation unit 45 is able to select a combination of the m weighing hoppers 11 (YES in S84 in FIG. 8), the hopper operating unit 46 of the control unit 40 operates the m weighing hoppers 11. As a result, the m objects G in the weighing hoppers 11 are loaded into the discharge section 20 (loading step, reference numeral S85 in FIG. 8, reference numeral S52 in FIG. 5).

On the other hand, if the calculation unit 45 is unable to select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11 (NO in S84 in FIG. 8), the object G is The weighing hopper 11 that has been loaded becomes a standby state (standby step, reference numeral S86 in FIG. 8). In this case, the objects G are thrown into the empty weighing hopper 11 until the calculation unit 45 can select a combination of m weighing hoppers 11. The weighing hopper 11 enters a standby state.

Here, similarly to the above-described determination step (S67 in FIG. 6), the calculation unit 45 may determine, for example, whether the waiting time has exceeded a predetermined time (determination step, FIG. code S87). If the calculation unit 45 determines that the waiting time has exceeded the predetermined time (YES in S87 in FIG. 8), the hopper operation unit 46 of the control unit 40 determines that the waiting time has exceeded the predetermined time. The weighing hopper 11 is operated. As a result, the object G in the weighing hopper 11d whose waiting time has exceeded a predetermined time is returned to the dispersion feeder 16 via a transport path (not shown). Thereafter, the input feeder 17 inputs the returned object G into the weighing hopper 11 again (hopper input step, reference numeral S81 in FIG. 8).

On the other hand, if the calculation unit 45 determines that the waiting time has not exceeded the predetermined time (NO in S87 in FIG. 8), the hopper operation unit 46 does not operate the weighing hopper 11 and the object G is The weighing hopper 11 that has been loaded is in a standby state.

Next, the calculation unit 45 determines whether the total number of first articles g1 loaded into the discharge unit 20 is within a predetermined range (S88 in FIG. 8). Then, when the calculation unit 45 determines that the total number of first articles g1 is within a predetermined range (YES in S88 in FIG. 8), the object G input into the discharge unit 20 is transferred to the next process. It is transported (transporting step, reference numeral S89 in FIG. 8).

On the other hand, if the calculation unit 45 determines that the total number of first articles g1 is not within the predetermined range (NO in S88 in FIG. 8), the object G input into the discharge unit 20 is It is returned to the dispersion feeder 16 via the path. Thereafter, the input feeder 17 inputs the returned object G into the weighing hopper 11 again (hopper input step, reference numeral S81 in FIG. 8).

In this way, the object G in which the first article g1 and the second article g2 are mixed may be measured.

The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments and modifications described above. For example, various modifications may be made to each element of each of the above-described embodiments and modifications. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure also include configurations including components other than those described above. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure also include embodiments in which some of the above-described components are not included. In addition, embodiments of the present disclosure also include forms that include some components included in one embodiment of the present disclosure and some components included in other embodiments of the present disclosure. . Therefore, the components included in each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, and embodiments of the present disclosure other than those described above may be combined with each other, and forms related to such combinations are also included in the embodiments of the present disclosure. include. Further, the effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and unique effects depending on the specific configuration of each embodiment may also be achieved. As described above, various additions, changes, and partial deletions can be made to each element described in the claims, specification, abstract, and drawings without departing from the technical idea and gist of the present disclosure. It is.

[Additional notes]
As is clear from the above, the present disclosure includes the following aspects.

(Aspect 1)
A first aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement system that measures an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed, the object being thrown into the system n (where n is a natural number of 3 or more). ) hoppers, a first measuring unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles loaded into each of the hoppers, and a first measurement unit that measures the weight of the objects loaded into each of the hoppers. The controller includes a second measurement unit that measures a measurement value and a control unit that controls the measurement system, and the control unit controls the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit and the measurement value measured by the second measurement unit. a calculation unit that selects m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) combinations of the hoppers based on the combination of the first hoppers included in the m hoppers; A combination of the m hoppers so that at least one of the total number and total weight of articles and the total weight of the objects contained in the m hoppers are each within a predetermined range. Regarding the selection of measurement systems.

(Aspect 2)
In a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect described above, the calculation unit calculates the total number of the first articles included in the m hoppers and the total number of the first articles included in the m hoppers. Combinations of the m hoppers may be selected such that the total weight of the objects falls within a predetermined range.

(Aspect 3)
In a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the first aspect described above or the second aspect described above, the calculation unit calculates the total weight of the first articles included in the m hoppers, and the m The combination of the m hoppers may be selected such that the total weight of the objects contained in the m hoppers is within a predetermined range.

(Aspect 4)
A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the first aspect to the third aspect described above, the calculation unit includes a total number and total weight of the first articles included in the m hoppers. , and a combination of the m hoppers may be selected such that the total weight of the objects included in the m hoppers is within a predetermined range.

(Aspect 5)
A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the first aspect to the fourth aspect described above, at least one of the number and weight of the second articles introduced into each of the hoppers is measured. The calculation unit may further include a third measurement unit, and the calculation unit is configured to ensure that at least one of the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers is within a predetermined range. A combination of the m hoppers may be selected.

(Aspect 6)
A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the first aspect to the fifth aspect described above, the measurement system includes n input feeders that input the object into each of the hoppers; It may further include a dispersion feeder that supplies the object to each of the input feeders, and the control unit is configured to control whether the measurement value measured by the second measurement unit is equal to or less than a first threshold value or equal to or more than a second threshold value. The object in the hopper may be returned to the dispersion feeder.

(Aspect 7)
A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement system that measures an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed, wherein n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) pieces of the object are thrown into the system. a hopper, a first measurement unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles to be thrown into each of the hoppers, and the number and weight of the second articles to be thrown into each of the hoppers. a third measurement unit that measures at least one of the above, and a control unit that controls the measurement system, and the control unit measures the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit and the third measurement unit. The calculation unit includes a calculation unit that selects combinations of m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) the hoppers based on the measured measurement value, and the calculation unit selects combinations of the m hoppers. At least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles included and at least one of the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers are each within a predetermined range. The present invention relates to a measurement system that selects a combination of the m hoppers such that the m hoppers are within the same range.

(Aspect 8)
In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, in the seventh aspect described above, the calculation unit calculates the total number of the first articles included in the m hoppers and the total number of the first articles included in the m hoppers. The combinations of the m hoppers may be selected such that the total weight of the second articles falls within a predetermined range.

(Aspect 9)
In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the seventh aspect described above or the eighth aspect described above, the calculation unit calculates the total number of the first articles included in the m hoppers, and the m The combination of the m hoppers may be selected such that the total number of the second articles included in the m hoppers is within a predetermined range.

(Aspect 10)
A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the seventh aspect to the ninth aspect described above, the calculation unit calculates the total weight of the first articles included in the m hoppers, and The combination of the m hoppers may be selected such that the total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers is within a predetermined range.

(Aspect 11)
An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the seventh aspect to the tenth aspect described above, the calculation unit includes a total number and total weight of the first articles included in the m hoppers. , and the combination of the m hoppers may be selected such that the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers are each within a predetermined range.

(Aspect 12)
A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the first aspect to the eleventh aspect described above, the measurement system includes n input feeders that input the object into each of the hoppers; It may further include a dispersion feeder that supplies the object to each of the input feeders, and the control unit is configured to control whether the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit is equal to or less than a third threshold value or equal to or more than a fourth threshold value. The object in the hopper may be returned to the dispersion feeder.

(Aspect 13)
A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the first aspect to the twelfth aspect described above, the measurement system includes n input feeders that input the object into each of the hoppers; It may further include a dispersion feeder that supplies the target objects to each of the input feeders, and the control unit is configured to control the controller when the total number of the first articles input into the n hoppers is equal to or less than a fifth threshold value. In some cases, the object in the hopper whose measurement value measured by the first measurement unit is equal to or greater than a sixth threshold value may be returned to the distributed feeder.

(Aspect 14)
A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the first aspect to the thirteenth aspect described above, the measurement system includes n input feeders that input the object into each of the hoppers; It may further include a dispersion feeder that supplies objects to each of the input feeders, and the control unit is configured to control the controller when the total number of the first articles input into the n hoppers is equal to or higher than a seventh threshold. In some cases, the object in the hopper whose measurement value measured by the first measurement unit is equal to or less than an eighth threshold value may be returned to the distributed feeder.

(Aspect 15)
A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the first aspect to the fourteenth aspect described above, the first article and the second article may be foods, and the target object is the The first article and the second article may be processed after being mixed.

(Aspect 16)
A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is that in each of the first aspect to the fifteenth aspect described above, the measurement system may further include a discharge section provided on the downstream side of the hopper, The control unit may throw the selected objects in the m hoppers into the discharge unit.

(Aspect 17)
A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement method for measuring an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed, wherein an input feeder is connected to n hoppers (n is a natural number of 3 or more). a step of charging the object, a step of a first measuring section measuring at least one of the number and weight of the first article to be thrown into each of the hoppers, and a step of a second measuring section of each a step of measuring the weight of the object put into the hopper; and a calculation section, based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement section and the measurement value measured by the second measurement section, m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) combinations of the hoppers; Selecting a combination of the m hoppers so that at least one of the total weights and the total weight of the objects included in the m hoppers are each within a predetermined range; measurement; Regarding the method.

(Aspect 18)
An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a measurement method for measuring an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed, wherein an input feeder is connected to n hoppers (n is a natural number of 3 or more). a step of charging the object, a step of a first measurement section measuring at least one of the number and weight of the first article to be thrown into each of the hoppers, and a step of a third measurement section of each of the first objects. a step of measuring at least one of the number and weight of the second articles to be thrown into the hopper; a step of selecting m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) combinations of the hoppers based on the measured value, and the calculation unit is configured to select the combinations of the m hoppers included in the m hoppers. At least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles and at least one of the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers are each within a predetermined range. The present invention relates to a measuring method for selecting a combination of the m hoppers.

(Aspect 19)
A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure provides a step of selecting a combination of the m hoppers by a measuring method according to the seventeenth aspect or the eighteenth aspect described above; The first article and the second article may include a step of putting the object into a discharge section, and a step of storing the object put into the discharge section in a packaging container. may be a food, and the object may be processed after mixing the first article and the second article.

1 Measurement system 5 Packaging container 11 Weighing hopper 16 Dispersion feeder 17 Input feeder 20 Discharge section 31 First measurement section 32 Second measurement section 33 Third measurement section 40 Control section 45 Computation section G Target object g1 First article g2 Second article

Claims (12)

A measurement system that measures an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed,
n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) hoppers into which the objects are thrown;
a first measuring unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles to be put into each of the hoppers;
a second measurement unit that measures the weight of the object placed in each of the hoppers;
A control unit that controls the measurement system,
The control unit includes:
Based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit and the measurement value measured by the second measurement unit, m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) combinations of the hoppers are selected. It has an arithmetic unit that
The calculation unit is configured to calculate at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles included in the m hoppers, and the total weight of the objects included in the m hoppers, respectively. A measurement system that selects a combination of the m hoppers so that the combination falls within a predetermined range. further comprising a third measuring unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of the second articles to be thrown into each of the hoppers,
The calculation unit selects a combination of the m hoppers so that at least one of the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers falls within a predetermined range. The measurement system according to claim 1. n input feeders that input the objects into each of the hoppers;
further comprising a dispersion feeder that supplies the object to each of the input feeders,
The control unit returns the object in the hopper whose measurement value measured by the second measurement unit is below a first threshold or above a second threshold to the distributed feeder. measurement system. A measurement system that measures an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed,
n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) hoppers into which the objects are thrown;
a first measuring unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles to be put into each of the hoppers;
a third measuring unit that measures at least one of the number and weight of the second articles to be thrown into each of the hoppers;
and a control unit that controls the measurement system,
The control unit includes:
Based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit and the measurement value measured by the third measurement unit, m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) combinations of the hoppers are selected. It has an arithmetic unit that
The calculation unit calculates at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles included in the m hoppers, and the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers. A measurement system that selects a combination of the m hoppers so that at least one of the weights is within a predetermined range. n input feeders that input the objects into each of the hoppers;
further comprising a dispersion feeder that supplies the object to each of the input feeders,
According to claim 2 or 4, the control unit returns the object in the hopper whose measurement value measured by the first measurement unit is below a third threshold or above a fourth threshold to the distributed feeder. Measurement system as described. n input feeders that input the objects into each of the hoppers;
further comprising a dispersion feeder that supplies the object to each of the input feeders,
When the total number of the first articles put into the n hoppers is less than or equal to a fifth threshold, the control unit may cause the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit to be equal to or greater than a sixth threshold. The measurement system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the object in the hopper is returned to the distributed feeder. n input feeders that input the objects into each of the hoppers;
further comprising a dispersion feeder that supplies the object to each of the input feeders,
The control unit is configured such that when the total number of the first articles put into the n hoppers is a seventh threshold or more, the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit is equal to or less than an eighth threshold. The measurement system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the object in the hopper is returned to the distributed feeder. The first article and the second article are foods,
The measurement system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the object is processed after mixing the first article and the second article. further comprising a discharge section provided downstream of the hopper,
The measurement system according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the control unit throws the selected objects in the m hoppers into the discharge unit. A measurement method for measuring an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed,
a step in which the input feeder inputs the object into n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) hoppers;
a step in which a first measuring unit measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles to be put into each of the hoppers;
a step in which a second measurement unit measures the weight of the object placed in each of the hoppers;
The calculation unit calculates m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) of the hoppers based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit and the measurement value measured by the second measurement unit. a step of selecting a combination of;
The calculation unit is configured to calculate at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles included in the m hoppers, and the total weight of the objects included in the m hoppers, respectively. A measuring method that selects a combination of the m hoppers so that the hoppers fall within a predetermined range. A measurement method for measuring an object in which a first article and a second article are mixed,
a step in which the input feeder inputs the object into n (n is a natural number of 3 or more) hoppers;
a step in which a first measuring unit measures at least one of the number and weight of the first articles to be put into each of the hoppers;
a step in which a third measuring unit measures at least one of the number and weight of the second articles to be thrown into each of the hoppers;
A calculation unit calculates the number of m (m is a natural number satisfying n>m>1) of the hoppers based on the measurement value measured by the first measurement unit and the measurement value measured by the third measurement unit. a step of selecting a combination;
The calculation unit calculates at least one of the total number and total weight of the first articles included in the m hoppers, and the total number and total weight of the second articles included in the m hoppers. A measuring method comprising selecting a combination of the m hoppers so that at least one of the weights is within a predetermined range. Selecting a combination of the m hoppers by the measuring method according to claim 10 or 11;
a step of charging the selected objects in the m hoppers into a discharge section;
A step of storing the object put into the discharge part in a packaging container,
The first article and the second article are foods,
The food manufacturing method, wherein the object is processed after mixing the first article and the second article.

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