JP3448578B2 - Generator of sorting signal for fruits and vegetables - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus used for judging and sorting fruits and vegetables according to grade and rank, and more particularly to an apparatus for judging and sorting sorts. The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating a divided signal. [0002] In general, fruits and vegetables which are difficult to produce strictly homogeneous products are often grouped according to quality standards (grades), shapes and weight standards (grades) in markets and retail stores. It is necessary to handle the fruits and vegetables as commodities or to pay the producer a proper price. The work of collecting, sorting, and sorting the fruits and vegetables at the sorting place where they are shipped depends on the above-mentioned necessity. It can be considered as a process of grouping a large amount of fruits and vegetables and converting them into products. [0003] The sorting of fruits and vegetables is basically performed according to the following steps. (1) a step of measuring a predetermined judgment element necessary for the judgment of the sorting and sorting; (2) a step of judging the sorting and sorting of the sorting based on the measured judgment element; and (3) a step of sorting fruits and vegetables into the judged sorting and sorting. (4) A step of packing sorted fruits and vegetables in a box or the like and such steps are usually performed sequentially while transporting fruits and vegetables on a sorting conveyor in order to efficiently process a large amount of fruits and vegetables. In each of the above-described steps, the measurement of the judgment elements necessary for the sorting and sorting (1) and (2) and the judgment of the sorting are conventionally performed by an operator by visual inspection of colors, scratches, deformation and the like. And a class determination for determining the weight or size by measuring with a measuring device is performed, and the classification is classified to class and class by class. However, recently, various sensor technologies,
With the development of image processing technology and non-destructive measurement technology using a camera, visual grading has been shifting to a mechanical measuring method, and class determination has been further mechanized. [0006] Incidentally, as can be clearly understood from the above-mentioned grade judgment, the grade judgment in the case where the operator performs visual inspection is as follows.
Observation (measurement) and quality judgment (judgment) of the grade elements by visual observation are performed substantially instantaneously by an operator based on their experience and the like. On the other hand, when the steps of measurement and determination are mechanized, the measurement and the determination are originally different steps. Therefore, a method and means for measurement and a method and means for determining acceptability based on the measurement result are provided. You need each. Although various sensor technologies and the like have been proposed for the former measuring device, at present, there are few proposals on the determination method and determination means. As such a conventionally known determination method, for example, each determination element (thickness, thickness difference, bend,
A method of extracting the lowest rank among the values ranked for each S-curve and using it as a sorting rank (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 60-166073), a method for determining each grade (thickness, thickness) The difference is determined for each difference, curve, S-curve, etc.) and a score is set for each rank, and the final classification category is determined by the sum of the scores ranked for each grade determination element. Method (JP-A-3-109979). However, the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. S60-166073 described above is based on the comprehensive judgment result (sorting) of selecting the lowest ranked grade among the grade element items. If there is only one item ranked at the bottom or if this grading element is not so important, there is no difference in the important grading elements, so there is almost no grading gap. Even if there is no such evaluation, there is a possibility that the evaluation of fruits and vegetables may be greatly different, and there is a problem that the evaluation is not fair. The method disclosed in JP-A-3-109979 is a numerical method in which the final rank is determined by the sum of the points ranked for each grade judging element, so that an average result with less bias in evaluation is obtained. Although there are advantages that can be achieved, however, there are the following problems, which are described using, for example, ginseng as an example. In other words, “size”, which is one of the factors that determine the classification of ginseng, includes areas and lengths that are related to each other. Various things such as ginseng and ginseng-shaped ginseng are produced. In this case, if the area and length are simply quantified and a method of judging the division by the sum of the points is carried out, these differences will not actually appear in the evaluation. In particular, there are areas that prefer elongated ginseng and areas that prefer short and ginseng ginseng. When considering the preference of consumption areas, these differences are ignored, and the area and length are quantified as elements that merely represent size. Doing so can be a fatal flaw in the mechanized sorting system. In addition to the above-described sorting / sorting determination method, for example, when the size and the length are used as the determination factors for determining the size, for example, the area is the main determination factor. And a correction method for determining the final assortment category by correcting the rank determined by the area with the correction category (for example, upgrade or downgrade) of the rank determined by the length as a determination element for correcting the area with the length. Can be considered. This correction method has an advantage that the above-mentioned drawbacks of the digitization method can be improved to some extent, but it is not always sufficient, and there is a problem that it cannot cope with comprehensive judgment using a large number of judgment elements. . The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems of the conventional method, and allows the user to arbitrarily set a sorting category from a plurality of sorting categories while considering the relationship between a plurality of judgment factors. It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for generating a sorting signal for fruits and vegetables capable of implementing a novel determination method that is not described above. Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for generating a classification signal which can suitably cope with a large number of determination elements. [0015] A feature of the present invention to achieve the above object is the invention described in the above-mentioned claims. A feature of the apparatus for generating a sorting category signal for fruits and vegetables according to the present invention is that a plurality of judging elements which measure a sorting category signal indicating which of a plurality of sorting categories set for sorting belong to each fruit or vegetable. A plurality of ranks are determined for each of the determination elements, and all combinations of ranks of three or more different determination elements are covered, and the classification to which each combination belongs is provided. a division setting means for setting preselected by the indicator from the plurality of sorting segment, determining means for determining the respective corresponding ranks for each determination factor based on a measurement result of the determination factors, respectively, which are the discriminated Signal generation means for extracting the classification division set by the division setting means from the combination of the corresponding ranks to obtain a classification division signal, wherein the division setting means For each rank of the one decision element
Repeat combining each rank of one other judgment factor
There is to be characterized by cover being totally union <br/> of said three or more different decision element mutual rank by. In the above configuration, the division setting means, the determination means, and the signal generation means are all microcomputers (M
PU). Here, the “segment setting means” means, for example, using an internal storage device (or an external storage device) of the MPU and assigning two determination elements (eg, elements x and y) to a plurality of ranks (element x and y), respectively.
= X ₁ , x ₂ ,..., X _m , element y = y ₁ , y ₂ ,.
..., and consider the case where you set the y _n, this element x, y
At each intersection given by a row and column matrix (eg, x
_{For each of i} , y _j (1 ≦ i ≦ m, 1 ≦ j ≦ n), the classification is divided into a plurality of classifications (for example, excellent = A, excellent = B, good =
By selecting and setting in advance from among C, acceptable = D, and nonstandard product = E), the contents described as a matrix format are stored. The division setting means provided for the three determination elements is, for example, one of the elements x = x
_1, x _2, ···, each rank (x _i) one other element y = y ₁ every, y ₂ of x _m, and when Classify · · · y _n, and each rank of this element y Another element z for each (y _j )
_{= Z 1, z 2, ···} , and when divided into a z _o, this element z
Are stored in the form of a tree diagram in which the sorting categories are set in advance for each rank. When there are four or more judgment elements, the classification for each rank described in the form of the tree diagram may be repeated by the number of judgment elements. As described above, the above-mentioned "division setting means" covers all combinations of ranks of three or more different judgment elements and selects and sets a classification division to which each combination belongs to from a plurality of classification divisions in advance. Is constituted, and it is possible to suitably cope with the case where the number of determination elements is large. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a fruit and vegetable sorting apparatus equipped with a sorting and sorting signal generating apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a sorting conveyor, and in this example, a fruit and vegetable 2 is appropriately placed. It is configured as a chain-type conveyor that rotates endlessly so as to convey the paper successively at an appropriate interval. Reference numeral 3 denotes a measuring device arranged in the middle of the transportation of the sorting conveyor 1, and in this example, a camera for picking up fruits and vegetables. Reference numeral 4 denotes an illumination lamp. Reference numeral 5 denotes an MPU for outputting a sorting signal based on the image pickup information from the camera 3, and a binarizing circuit 5 for pre-processing for performing image processing based on the image pickup information.
An image processing circuit 52 for performing image processing with the input of the binarized signal as an input, a classification signal generation circuit for performing a determination process on a predetermined determination element based on a signal from the image processing circuit 52 , and generating and outputting a classification signal; 53, based on the generated sorting signal, the sorting device 6 arranged in the downstream side of the sorting conveyor 1 is operated to sort the fruits and vegetables to be conveyed to the discharge conveyor 7 of the determined sorting category. And a control circuit 54. Reference numeral 8 denotes a so-called personal computer provided with a display device (CRT 81) and an input device (keyboard 82) used for changing the setting of the sorting section in the sorting section signal generating circuit 53. In the sorting apparatus having the above-mentioned structure, for the purpose of simplifying the description, two class determining elements of the length L and the area S of the ginseng, and the bending x and the trunk diameter y of the ginseng are described.
The case where the sorting classification is extracted by the two grade determination elements and the sorting is performed will be described below with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, in step 101, the ginseng 2 conveyed on the sorting conveyor 1 is imaged by the camera 3 from above,
After binarizing the imaging information (step 102), the length (maximum length) L _p and the area S
_p is calculated (step 103). The bending x _p and body diameter y _p as grade determination factor is computed calculated together (step 104). The arithmetic processing of the binarization and image processing performed by the binarization circuit 51 and the image processing circuit 52 can be performed by programming a conventionally known method in the MPU. Next, the processing performed in the sorting section signal generating circuit 53 will be described. The class section setting matrix shown in FIG. 3 is stored in the sorting section signal generating circuit 53 using a storage device (not shown). It is remembered. That is, regarding the class determination element, there are four length ranks (rows) of 1 to 4 for the length L, and four area ranks (columns) of 1 to 4 for the area S. And a plurality of sorting categories (3L, 2L, L, M, S,
2S), a sorting section preset in advance is stored as a class section setting matrix. Note that the ranking of each element is ≧
≧ ・ ・ ≧ ・ ・ ≧ (== all higher rank)
. "May be applied, or may be changed as necessary (step 10).
5). The same applies to the grade judgment element.
Each of the grade determination elements of the bend x and the body diameter y is classified into four ranks, and the grade classification setting matrix shown in FIG. 4 including the grade classification categories (A, B, and C in FIG. 4) is stored (step). 106). The class determination information such length class classification set matrix is computed calculated sorting segment signal generation circuit 53, which is prepared by the image processing circuit 52 L _p and the area S _p and bending x _p, cylinder It is inputted grade determination information diameter y _p is separately each judgment element that appropriate rank is determined (step 107). If it is determined that the rank of the area S corresponds to 1 and the rank of the length L corresponds to 2 according to the above-mentioned determination, the sorting division signal generating circuit 53 outputs "3" from the class division setting matrix.
The sorting category "L" is extracted (step 108). Also
Assuming that the rank of the bend x corresponds to 1 and the rank of the trunk diameter y corresponds to 2, the sorting section of "A" is extracted from the class setting matrix of FIG. 4 by the sorting section signal generation circuit 53 (step 109). This is the sorting control signal 5 as the sorting signal "A3L" which is the output signal of the sorting signal generating circuit 53.
4 (Step 110). The assortment control circuit 54 determines whether or not this assortment "A3
L "determined as fruits or the discharging is operated a the partition component unit 6 _A3L the discharge conveyor 7 _A3L when it reaches the sorting device 6 _A3L of A3L on sorting conveyor (Step 11
1). As described above, for each of the ginseng to be sorted, a sorting signal for each class is generated by the sorting signal generating circuit 53, and the sorting device 6 outputs the sorting signal to the discharge conveyor 7 for a predetermined sorting. The discharged sorting process is performed. In the above-described embodiment, when sorting and sorting fruits and vegetables, the sorting is performed by the class determination element and the grade determination element. However, the present invention is applied to the sorting based on these two elements. It is needless to say that the sorting is not limited, and the sorting can be arbitrarily performed based on only one of the class determination element and the grade determination element. In addition, such a determination element has been described in terms of a class determination element and a grade determination element in the above description. However, it is natural that the technique of the present invention can be realized as long as it is an element serving as a guide for sorting fruits and vegetables. The sorting process described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 is, for example, a sorting process for ginseng in the S producing area, which is performed using the section setting matrices shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In some cases, the partition setting matrix shown in FIG. 4 cannot be used as it is. For example, in the case of selecting ginseng having a large trunk diameter in a production area N where the length is more important than the area, it is desirable to use the class division setting matrix shown in FIG. In this case, assuming that the class division setting matrix of FIG. 3 is the standard software of the apparatus in this example, this class division setting matrix is displayed on the CRT 81 screen of the personal computer 8 and the combination to be corrected by operating the keyboard 82 As shown in FIG. 6, the sorting section is modified (correction location 11) and the storage section is updated and stored, so that the sorting apparatus can be easily changed to a sorting apparatus suitable for N production areas. The operation procedure for changing the setting of the sorting category is shown in the flowchart of FIG. Similarly, the determination of the grade of the N producing area is made by the S producing area shown in FIG.
If it is desired to set as shown in FIG. 8, instead of the above, the classification division of the combination to be corrected by keyboard operation while displaying the class division setting matrix on the CRT 81 screen is shown in FIG. It can be modified as follows. The operation procedure for changing the number of ranks and changing the setting of the sorting category is shown in the flowchart of FIG. FIG. 11 and FIG.
Four grades determination requirements of the internal grade determination factor two related hardness, color, and two external grade determination elements for visual appearance
It illustrates an example of an internal grading set matrix suitable for fruits such as "apple" or the like to perform comprehensively and external grading set matrix by hydrogen. That is, in this embodiment, a second camera (not shown) for measuring the light transmitted or reflected inside is provided separately from the camera 3 on the sorting conveyor 1 of the above-described sorting apparatus of FIG. The rank of sugar content and hardness is measured using a known technique for measuring the sugar content and hardness inside an apple from the intensity of light of a predetermined wavelength included in the transmitted light. [0039] Then, sorting the divided signal generating circuit 53, first the sugar content and the two internal grade determination factors preliminary classification the plurality of preliminary it belongs for each combination covers all combinations of each rank the hardness Using the internal grade classification setting matrix shown in FIG. 11, which is preliminarily selected and set from among the divisions, a preliminary classification indicating the internal grade is extracted, and the result measured by the camera 3 is image-processed to rank apples. And the information on the ranking of the scratches determined by the worker by looking at the appearance of the apple is input to the sorting section signal generating circuit 53 from an appropriate input means.
Using the external class division setting matrix shown in FIG. 12 in which all combinations of each rank of the two external class determination elements are covered and the preliminary division to which each combination belongs is selected in advance from a plurality of preliminary divisions and set. Extract the preliminary class indicating the external grade. Finally, the classification signal generating circuit 53 covers the combination of the determined preliminary class of the internal class and the preliminary class of the external class, and classifies the classification class to which each combination belongs to a plurality of classifications. The classification class of the integrated class is extracted by using the total class classification setting matrix of FIG. 10 which is selected and set from the classifications, and the classification classification signal is output to the classification control circuit 54. For the class judgment element,
What is necessary is just to obtain it similarly to embodiment. FIG. 1 shows an operation procedure for determining the internal and external grades and for comprehensively determining the grades using the results of these determinations.
3 is shown by the flowchart. According to this embodiment, it is possible to obtain a classification signal in which the characteristics of each of a large number of class judgment elements and their mutual relationship are reflected in the judgment result. Further, since the judgment elements can be displayed in a plurality of matrices, there is an advantage that the setting can be easily changed according to the place of production and the like, and also an advantage that can be satisfied as described in the above-described embodiment. According to the apparatus for generating a classification signal according to the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily set the classification while considering the relationship among a plurality of decision elements. Even when there are a large number of judgment elements, the classification setting means covers all combinations of ranks of three or more different judgment elements and classifies the classification to which each combination belongs to a plurality of classification divisions. Select and set in advance from
Further, for each rank of the one judgment element, another judgment is made.
Repeat the combination of each rank of the constant
Since all combinations of the ranks of the above-mentioned different judgment elements are covered , it is possible to obtain an effect that a suitable correspondence can be made in consideration of the characteristics of all the judgment elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a sorting device. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a sorting signal generating circuit in the sorting device. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a class division setting matrix. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a class division setting matrix. FIG. 5 is a diagram for describing ranking of determination elements. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a class division setting matrix. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for changing the setting of the sorting section of the class section setting matrix. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a class division setting matrix. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for setting and changing a sorting category in a class category setting matrix. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an overall class division setting matrix for comprehensively determining a class. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an internal class division setting matrix. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an external class division setting matrix. FIG. 13 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure of a sorting signal generating circuit in the sorting device. [Explanation of Signs] 1 ... Sorting conveyor, 2 ... Fruit and vegetable, 3 ... Camera, 4 ... Lighting lamp, 5 ... MPU, 6 ... Sorting device, 7 ... Discharge conveyor 、 8 ・ ・ ・ PC 、 5
1 pre-processing binarization circuit 52 52 image processing circuit
53: Sorting classification signal generation circuit, 54: Sorting control circuit, 81: CRT, 82: Keyboard.

Continuation of front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁷ , DB name) B07C 1/00-9/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] [Claim 1] A classification division signal indicating which of a plurality of classification divisions set for sorting belongs to a measurement result of a plurality of judgment elements measured for each fruit and vegetable. An apparatus that generates a classification based on a plurality of ranks for each of the determination elements, and covers all combinations of ranks of three or more different determination elements, and includes a plurality of classification categories to which each combination belongs. of the division setting means for setting pre-selected and from the sorting segment, the respective based on the determination elements of the measurement results for each determination factor determining means for determining the appropriate rank, each corresponding rank is the determination Signal generation means for extracting a sorting category set by the category setting means from the combination to obtain a sorting category signal, wherein the category setting means comprises
For each rank of the judgment element of each run of each other judgment element
An apparatus for generating a sorting classification signal for fruits and vegetables, wherein all sorts of ranks of the three or more different judgment elements are covered by repeating the combination of the classifications.