JP4076414B2 - Defective object detection device and separation device using the same - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a illuminating unit that illuminates a planned location of an inspection target object with a granular body group as an inspection target, a light receiving unit that receives light from the planned location, and a light receiving direction of the light receiving unit. A projection member that is arranged on the back side of the planned location and projects light toward the light receiving means, and the amount of light received by the light receiving means is sampled at a set time interval, and the light quantity value of the sampled received light quantity Relates to a defect detection device provided with a determination means for determining the presence of a defect when it falls outside an appropriate light amount range for detection light from a normal object in the granular material group, and a separation device using the same .
[0002]
[Prior art]
In the defective object detection apparatus, for example, a granular material group such as a rice grain group is illuminated by an illuminating means such as a fluorescent lamp at a planned location, and the illumination light is a granular material group at the planned location. The reflected light, the transmitted light that has passed through the granular material group, and the light projected from the projection member provided on the back side of the planned location are received by a light receiving means such as a CCD sensor. It is determined whether or not the light amount value is outside the appropriate light amount range for the detection light from the normal object in the granular material group. Further, in the separation apparatus using such a defective object detection apparatus, the defective object whose presence is detected as being out of the appropriate light amount range by the above-described determination is transported to the lower side than the planned existing position. Thus, the air is blown by an air blowing device as a separating means, and is separated into a path different from that of a normal product.
[0003]
Conventionally, the discriminating means samples the amount of light received by the light receiving means at a set time interval, and the set number of received light quantity data obtained by the sampling is divided into a plurality of stages from the dark side to the bright side. It is configured to obtain a frequency distribution for each divided light quantity value, and to set an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the appropriate light quantity range based on the frequency distribution, and as the projection member, it is an inspection object. There is a configuration in which a reflecting plate that reflects light from the illuminating unit is provided so as to project light having the same or substantially the same brightness as the detection light from the normal object toward the light receiving unit. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0004]
Another conventional technique is configured as follows. That is, as the projection member, a light source lamp is provided on the back side of the backside portion of the planned location, that is, the rear side of the background plate, and the light projected from the projection member by adjusting the light amount of the light source lamp. There was one configured to automatically adjust the amount of light. In other words, a reference value that is the same or substantially the same brightness as the detection light from the normal object in the granular material group is set in advance as the amount of light projected from the projection member, and the detection value of the light reception amount of the light receiving means The light amount of the light source lamp is adjusted so that the light amount of light projected from the projection member is automatically adjusted to the reference value as described above (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-272353 (pages 6 to 9, FIGS. 1 to 4 and 8)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Examined Patent Publication No. 6-10635 (2nd page-3rd page, Fig. 3)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The above-mentioned patent document 1 is actually inspected by setting an upper limit value and a lower limit value of an appropriate light amount range based on a frequency distribution for a set number of received light amount data obtained by sampling as described above. The appropriate light amount range can be set in a state adapted to the light amount distribution of the reflected light and transmitted light from the granular group.
[0007]
In other words, the reflected light reflected by the granular material group as the inspection object and the transmitted light transmitted through the granular material group are not necessarily the same light amount for all the granular materials. Depending on the granular material, the value becomes slightly different and the variation occurs. In addition, the range of the light quantity that is distributed in a distributed manner, that is, the distribution area, is not always constant even for the same type of granular material group. For example, production lots are different or producers and production locations are different. In the case of a granular group, the distribution area itself changes variously.
Therefore, in the conventional configuration shown in Patent Document 1, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the appropriate light amount range are set to more appropriate values corresponding to the difference in the light amount distribution region of the granular material group as the inspection target. I am trying to set it.
[0008]
However, as described above, even if the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the appropriate light amount range are set as more appropriate values, the projection member only reflects light from the illumination unit, and the projection member to the light reception unit. Since the amount of light projected toward the surface is uniformly determined by the amount of light of the illumination means, the reflectance of the projection member, etc., there is a risk that the normal and defective items cannot be properly determined for the granular material group. there were.
More specifically, with reference to the drawings, FIGS. 21A and 21B show an example of a frequency distribution for a set number of received light quantity data obtained by sampling. This figure shows a case where most of the granular material group is normal, and pi in the figure is a peak value in the frequency distribution, and the light quantity value BG corresponding to the peak value is obtained from the projection member. This is the amount of light to be projected. That is, when there is no granular body group at the planned location, the light projected from the projection member is always received by the light receiving means, and when the amount of light received by the light receiving means is sampled at a set time interval, This is because the amount of light projected is the most frequent data.
The light amount value BG of the light projected from the projection member may change with the change in the light amount of the illumination means, and even if the light amount is constant, as described above, the light amount distribution of the granular material group. Since the area changes variously, as shown in FIG. 21 (a), the distribution area of the light quantity of the granular material group shifts to the dark side with respect to the light quantity value of the light projected from the projection member, or as shown in FIG. Thus, the distribution area of the light quantity of the granular material group may be shifted to the bright side with respect to the light quantity value BG.
[0009]
In this way, when the distribution region of the light quantity of the granular material group shifts with respect to the light quantity value BG of the light projected from the projection member, the light quantity of the light projected from the projection member becomes the light from the normal object in the granular material group. The brightness may be different from the same or substantially the same brightness, and there is a risk that the discrimination accuracy when discriminating between a normal product and a defective product may be lowered, and the light amount value BG exceeds the upper limit value of the appropriate light amount range. Based on the amount of reflected or transmitted light from the granular material group, such as when the value falls below the lower limit of the appropriate light quantity range, there is a risk of erroneously determining that there is no defective in the granular material. Therefore, there is a disadvantage that proper discrimination processing cannot be performed.
[0010]
Further, even when the light quantity projected from the projection member is automatically adjusted to the reference value as described above as in the conventional structure shown in Patent Document 2, this Patent Document is used. In the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 2, the light quantity of the light projected from the projection member is always adjusted to the reference value, which is a constant value set in advance. Since the region changes variously, as shown in FIG. 21, the distribution region of the light amount of the granular material group may shift with respect to the light amount value BG of the light projected from the projection member (this value corresponds to the reference value). Therefore, the disadvantages as described above cannot be eliminated.
[0011]
The present invention has been made paying attention to such a point, and the object is to be projected from the projection member in conformity with the light amount distribution of the reflected light and transmitted light from the group of granular bodies to be actually inspected. It is in providing a defective detection device that can improve the accuracy when determining a defective by adjusting the amount of light to an appropriate state.
[0012]
Another object of the present invention is to provide a separation device capable of improving the accuracy when discriminating a defective product and properly separating the defective product from a normal product.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The defective object detection apparatus according to claim 1, with the granular body group as an inspection object, an illuminating unit that illuminates a planned location of the inspection target, a light receiving unit that receives light from the planned location, The light receiving direction of the light receiving means and the projection member that is arranged at the back side of the planned location and projects light toward the light receiving means, and the amount of light received by the light receiving means is sampled at set time intervals, A discriminating means for discriminating the presence of a defective object when the sampled received light quantity is out of an appropriate light amount range for detection light from a normal object in the granular material group; In order to set the appropriate light quantity range, the number of received light quantity data obtained by the sampling is set to a frequency for each received light quantity divided into a plurality of stages from the dark side to the bright side. And an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the appropriate light amount range are automatically set based on the frequency distribution, and the light amount of light projected from the projection member toward the light receiving means is determined. A light amount adjusting unit for changing and adjusting is provided, and the light amount adjusting unit automatically changes and adjusts the light amount of light projected from the projection member toward the light receiving unit based on the information of the frequency distribution of the determining unit. Then, the light quantity value having the highest frequency in the frequency distribution is positioned at an appropriate position within the appropriate light quantity range .
[0014]
That is, the illumination means illuminates the planned location of the granular material group, samples the received light amount of the light receiving means that receives light from the planned location at a set time interval, and sets the number of received light quantity data obtained by sampling. , The frequency distribution for each received light amount obtained by dividing the range from the dark side to the bright side into a plurality of stages is obtained. This frequency distribution is obtained in order to set the appropriate light amount range. For example, the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the appropriate light amount range are appropriately set based on this frequency distribution.
[0015]
Then, based on the obtained frequency distribution information, the light amount adjusting means is directed from the projection member to the light receiving means so that the most frequent light amount value in the frequency distribution is located at an appropriate position within the appropriate light amount range. The amount of light to be projected is changed and adjusted.
If the explanation is added, since the light projected from the projection member is always received by the light receiving means when there is no granular body group at the planned location, the amount of light projected from the projection member is always It becomes the most frequent light quantity value in the frequency distribution. Therefore, the light quantity is changed and adjusted so that the light quantity value having the highest frequency in the obtained frequency distribution is located at an appropriate position within the appropriate light quantity range.
As the appropriate position within the appropriate light amount range, for example, when it is set to the median value of the appropriate light amount range, it is set slightly brighter than the median value, or set slightly darker than the median value. There are cases.
[0016]
Therefore, the reflected light reflected by the granular material group and the transmitted light transmitted through the granular material group may vary, and the range of light quantity, that is, the distribution area in which the light quantity varies may vary. Also, by adjusting and adjusting the light quantity value of the light projected from the projection member so as to be in an appropriate position within the appropriate light quantity range according to the distribution state of the detected light quantity of the granular group to be actually inspected, It became possible to improve the accuracy when discriminating objects.
Then, since the upper limit value and lower limit value of the appropriate light amount range are automatically set based on the frequency distribution, for example, a troublesome operation is unnecessary as compared with the case of setting by manual operation, and as in the case of manual operation. Thus, it is possible to set the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the appropriate light amount range in a good state where there is no risk of erroneous setting.
[0017]
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the defect detection apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the granular material group is transported so as to pass through the pre-existing location formed wide along the horizontal width direction in a state where the granular material group is expanded in the horizontal width direction. Transporting means is provided, and the light receiving means is configured to juxtapose a plurality of light receiving portions that receive light from the existing planned location along a width direction of the planned existing location, It is configured to execute, for each of the light receiving units, a determination process as to whether or not a light amount value of the received light amount is out of the appropriate light amount range, and a process for obtaining the frequency distribution, and the light amount adjusting unit includes the plurality of light amount adjusting units. A plurality of light sources juxtaposed along the direction in which the light receiving units are arranged, and the amount of light projected to the plurality of light receiving units is separately or divided for each light source. Multiple light sources Characterized in that it is configured to freely change adjustment.
[0018]
According to the above configuration, the granular material group extends in the horizontal width direction and passes through the existing location that is formed wide along the horizontal width direction. Is received by a plurality of light receiving units juxtaposed along the width direction, and a determination process is performed for each light receiving unit of the light receiving means as to whether or not the light amount of the received light amount is out of the appropriate light amount range. The In addition, a frequency distribution for each received light amount obtained by dividing a plurality of received light amount data obtained by a plurality of light receiving portions into a plurality of stages from the dark side to the bright side is obtained, and based on this frequency distribution, each light receiving unit is obtained. The upper limit value and lower limit value of the appropriate light amount range are set as appropriate.
[0019]
The light amount adjusting means includes a plurality of light sources juxtaposed along the direction in which the plurality of light receiving portions are arranged, and the light amount adjusting means is configured to transmit light projected onto the plurality of light receiving portions. The light amount is changed and adjusted separately for each light source, or changed and adjusted for each of a plurality of divided light sources.
[0020]
In other words, it is possible to efficiently inspect a large number of granular material groups in parallel by sequentially transporting the granular material groups so as to pass through a wide existing portion in a state where the granular material groups are expanded in the lateral width direction, and projected from the projection member. The position of the light quantity projected from the projection member and the appropriate light quantity range in each of the plurality of light receiving units by changing and adjusting the light quantity of each light source separately or for each of the plurality of light sources. Since the relationship can be changed and adjusted to an appropriate state, it is possible to improve the accuracy of determining a defective when executing the determination process based on the respective light quantity values of the respective light receiving units.
[0021]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the defective object detection apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the light amount adjusting unit moves from the projection member to the light receiving unit with a proper position within the proper light amount range as a center position in the proper light amount range. towards characterized the same or substantially the same as that you change adjustment and amount of light corresponding to the central position in the proper quantity range the amount of light to be projected.
[0022]
In other words, the amount of light projected from the projection member toward the light receiving means is changed and adjusted so as to be the same as or substantially the same as the amount of light corresponding to the center position in the appropriate light amount range. The appropriate light amount range is set based on the distribution region in the variation in the light amount of the reflected light and transmitted light from the granular material group, and the light amount corresponding to the center position in the appropriate light amount range is almost the same as the distribution region. Corresponds to the center position, and is the average value of the amount of reflected light and transmitted light from the granular material group, so the amount of light projected from the projection member and the reflection from the normal object in the granular material group The difference between the amount of light and the amount of transmitted light is as small as possible, and it is possible to improve the discrimination accuracy when discriminating between normal and defective products.
[0023]
4. The defective object detection device according to claim 4, wherein the correction coefficient for increasing or decreasing the amount of light received from the light receiving means is changed and set to correct the sensitivity of the amount of received light with respect to the appropriate light amount range. Sensitivity correction means is provided, and the light amount adjustment means is
Corresponding to the sensitivity correction by the sensitivity correction means, when sensitivity correction is performed so that the amount of received light decreases, the appropriate position in the appropriate light amount range is set to a light amount position smaller than the center position of the appropriate light amount range. as, wherein the amount of light projected toward the light receiving means from the projection member than the center position of the proper amount ranging change adjusted to the amount of the small side, when sensitivity correction to the light receiving amount is increased the as the position of the light amount of the larger side than the central position of the proper quantity range proper position within the proper quantity range, the center position of the proper quantity range the amount of light projected toward the light receiving means from said projection member characterized in that you change adjustment to the amount of larger side than.
[0024]
That is, when sensitivity correction is performed so that the amount of light received from the light receiving means is increased by changing the correction coefficient, the amount of light projected from the projection member is set to a larger amount than the median of the appropriate light amount range. Will be changed and adjusted. On the other hand, when the sensitivity is corrected so that the amount of light received from the light receiving means is reduced by changing the correction coefficient, the amount of light projected from the projection member is reduced to a smaller amount than the median of the appropriate light amount range. Changed and adjusted so that
[0025]
That is, when the sensitivity is corrected so that the amount of light received from the light receiving means is increased, the amount of light projected from the projection member is larger than the median value of the appropriate light amount range. The light amount difference between the light amount of the defect that deviates from the appropriate light amount range to the dark side and the light amount projected from the projection member becomes large, and at this time the lower limit value on the dark side of the appropriate light amount range is slightly higher than the standard value. By changing and setting the value, it becomes possible to make it easy to avoid erroneous detection of a defective object that deviates from the appropriate light amount range to the dark side. On the other hand, when the sensitivity is corrected so that the amount of light received from the light receiving means is reduced, the amount of light projected from the projection member is larger than the median value of the appropriate light amount range. The light amount difference between the light amount of the defective object that deviates from the appropriate light amount range to the bright side and the light amount projected from the projection member becomes large, and at this time, the upper limit value on the bright side of the appropriate light amount range is slightly higher than the standard value. By changing the value to the value, it becomes possible to make it easy to avoid erroneous detection of a defective object that deviates from the appropriate light amount range to the bright side.
[0028]
The separation device according to claim 5 is provided with the defective object detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , and the granular material group as the inspection object is disposed along the scheduled transfer path. Transfer means for transferring to an existing planned location and a separation location on the lower side of the path from the location of the planned existing location, and separating normal and defective materials from the granular material group transferred to the separation location on different paths It is characterized by comprising a separating means.
[0029]
That is, the granular material group is transferred by the transfer means along the planned transfer path over the planned location and the separation location on the lower side of the path from the location of the planned location. Then, in the planned location, the defect detection device as described above performs the defect determination process, and in the separation portion on the lower path side, the separation means is operated based on the determination result of the defect detection device. The normal product and the defective product in the granular material group are separated into different paths.
Therefore, it has become possible to accurately determine a defective object from the granular material group based on the determination result of the defective object detection device and to separate such a defective object from a normal object.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, the defect detection apparatus according to the present invention and the embodiment of the separation apparatus using the defect detection apparatus and the defect detection apparatus are guided while flowing down rice grains such as brown rice and polished rice as an object to be inspected as an example of the granular material group. A case where the present invention is applied to a defect removing apparatus that performs removal will be described with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, the defect removing apparatus will be described.
[0031]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a wide plate-like shooter 1 is installed at a predetermined angle (for example, 60 degrees) with respect to a horizontal plane, and a storage tank 7 provided on the upper side of the shooter 1 is installed. The rice grain group k conveyed and supplied by the feeder 9 is guided to flow down in a state where the upper surface of the shooter 1 is spread in the lateral direction in a single layer state (see FIG. 3). Since FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of the operation, there are places where the arrangement of the apparatus configuration is different from those in FIGS. Here, the shooter 1 is a flat shooter formed on a flat guide surface over the entire width in the width direction. In addition, since it aims at making it transfer in a single layer state here, even if a particle | grain partially overlaps by a flow state and becomes a two-layer state etc., it is contained in the concept of a single layer state.
[0032]
The storage tank 7 stores rice grains k supplied from an external rice mill or the like, and normal or defective products that are re-sorted after the primary sorting of the rice grains k from the outside. The tank 7 is formed in a tapered cylinder toward the lower end side, and the supply amount of the rice grain group k that has fallen onto the feeder 9 from the storage tank 7 to the shooter 1 varies the conveying speed of the rice grain group k due to the vibration of the feeder 9. Adjusted.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 2, in the planned transfer path IK in which the rice grain group k moves and drops from the lower end of the shooter 1, a planned location where the rice grain group k is planned (hereinafter referred to as a detection location J) is set. Has been. In addition, the rice grain group k is configured to be conveyed so as to pass through the detection portion J formed wide along the horizontal width direction in a state of spreading in the horizontal width direction.
[0034]
A front-side line light source 4B that illuminates the front side (left side in FIG. 2) of the planned transfer path IK and a rear-side line light source 4A that illuminates the rear side (right side in FIG. 2) of the planned transfer path IK are provided. ing. Diffusing and transmitting plates 18A and 18B are disposed on the path of the illumination light connecting the line light sources 4A and 4B and the detection point J, respectively, and cover the back side and part side portions of the line light sources 4A and 4B. In the state, curved diffuse reflectors 20A and 20B having a matte white coating on the inner surface are arranged. Illumination means 4 for illuminating the detection location J as the planned location of the rice grain group is constituted by the two line-shaped light sources 4A and 4B.
[0035]
The front side line sensor 5B that receives the reflected light reflected from the front side of the detection point J by the illumination light from the front side linear light source 4B, and the illumination light from the rear side line light source 4A is the detection point J. A rear-side line sensor 5A that receives the reflected light reflected on the rear side is provided, and the light-receiving means 5 that receives the light from the detection point J is configured by both line sensors 5A and 5B.
Each of the line-shaped light sources 4A and 4B includes a lower light source that illuminates the detection point J from obliquely below so as to illuminate the rice grain group k from a plurality of directions inclined with respect to the light receiving directions of the line sensors 5A and 5B. , And an upper light source that illuminates the detection portion J obliquely from above. And even if the detection location J is illuminated from a different direction by changing the illumination angle of the illumination light in this way, even when the rice grain group k is shifted laterally from the normal detection location J, illumination is performed in a uniform state as much as possible. I can do it.
[0036]
As shown in FIG. 6, both the line sensors 5A and 5B have a plurality of light receiving elements 5a as light receiving portions for receiving light from the wide detection point J along the width direction of the detection point J. Are arranged side by side. That is, a plurality of light receiving elements 5a each having a range p smaller than the size of each rice grain of the rice grain group (for example, about one tenth of the size of the rice grain) as the respective light receiving target ranges are set as the wide detection points J. Correspondingly, they are arranged in a line.
Each of the line sensors 5A and 5B includes a monochrome type CCD sensor unit 50 in which the light receiving elements 5a are arranged in a straight line and an image of the rice grain group k at the detection point J on each light receiving element 5a of the CCD sensor. For example, the light receiving information is sequentially extracted from each light receiving element 5a from the right end side to the left end side of the detection point J in FIG.
[0037]
A projection member 8 is provided that projects light toward each of the line sensors 5A and 5B. The projection member 8 is disposed in the light receiving direction of each of the line sensors 5A and 5B and on the back side of the detection location J. The projection member 8 is arranged on the light projection side of a plurality of LED light emitting elements 80 arranged in a dense state along the lateral width direction of the detection location J and a region where the plurality of LED light emitting elements 80 are installed. And a diffusion plate 81 for diffusing the light emitted by the plurality of LED light emitting elements 80.
[0038]
More specifically, as shown in FIG. 4, the inside of the casing 83 is formed in an elongated shape along the lateral width direction of the detection location J, has a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, and has an open front portion. In addition, an LED substrate 82 provided with a plurality of LED light emitting elements 80 is provided. As shown in FIG. 4B, the LED substrate 82 is installed in a state in which a plurality of LED light emitting elements 80 are arranged in a dense state along the lateral width direction. The LED substrate 82 is attached to a heat radiating plate 84 made of an aluminum plate screwed to the casing 83 with a silicon heat radiating resin. On the other hand, on the front side of the LED substrate 82, a diffusion plate 81 for diffusing the light emitted by the LED light emitting element 80 is provided between each LED light emitting element 80 at the center in the arrangement direction of the plurality of LED light emitting elements 80. The separation distance is large, and the both ends in the arrangement direction are provided in a curved state so that the separation distance between each LED light emitting element 80 is small. By curving the diffuser plate 81 in this way, the light intensity at the detection location J is increased at the center in the lateral width direction, so that there is no bias that does not occur at the end portion. The strength is made as uniform as possible in the width direction.
[0039]
As shown in FIG. 7, the plurality of LED light emitting elements 80 are divided into a set number (several to ten) of blocks BK in the arrangement direction, and the LED light emitting elements 80 are collectively collected for each block BK. A light control device 85 is provided as a light emission output adjusting means capable of changing and adjusting the light emission output. The dimming device 85 is configured to change and adjust the light emission output of the LED light emitting element 80 for each block BK based on a control command from the control device 10 to be described later.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 2, the front-side line light source 4B, the front-side line sensor 5B, and the rear-side reflecting plate 8A are housed in one housing portion 13B. The reflecting plate 8B is housed in the other housing portion 13A, and both housing portions 13A and 13B are formed as a single box with a common side plate, and each housing portion 13A and 13B has a plate shape on the side facing the detection location J. Transmission windows 14A and 14B made of transparent glass. That is, the line light sources 4A and 4B and the line sensors 5A and 5B are housed in the housing portions 13A and 13B having the transmission windows 14A and 14B on the side facing the detection portion J, and the line light sources 4A. , 4B illuminate the detection location J through the transmission windows 14A, 14B, and the line sensors 5A, 5B are configured to receive light from the detection location J through the transmission windows 14A, 14B. .
[0041]
Normal rice grains by blowing air to defective grains such as rice grains and foreign matters determined to be defective based on the light receiving information at the detected position J at the separated position on the lower side of the path from the detected position J of the scheduled transfer path IK An air blowing device 6 for separating the moving direction of the group k is provided. The air blowing device 6 divides a plurality of injection nozzles 6a into a plurality of sections with a predetermined width over the entire width of the scheduled transfer path IK. The jet nozzles 6a are arranged in a state corresponding to each of the formed sections, and the nozzles 6a of the sections where defectives are present are operated.
[0042]
That is, the shooter 1 functions as a conveying unit that conveys the rice grain group k so as to pass through the detection point J that is wide in the horizontal width direction in a state where the rice grain group k is expanded in the horizontal width direction in a single layer state, and the rice grain group k is configured to function as a transfer means for transferring k to the detection location J along the planned transfer path IK and to the separation location on the lower side of the path from the position of the detection location J, and the air blowing device 6 is Separation means for separating the normal product and the defective product in the granular material group transferred to the separation location into different paths is configured.
[0043]
And for the good rice which collects the normal rice grain k which advances as it is without receiving the blowing of the air from the said injection nozzle 6a among the rice grain groups k which flow down along the predetermined path | route from the lower end part of the shooter 1. Receiving part 2B, and for defective items such as colored rice and shell cracked rice separated from the flow of normal rice grains k by blowing air or collecting foreign matter such as stones and glass pieces The receiving portion 2B is provided, and the receiving portion 2B for good rice is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape in the width direction, and the receiving port for defectives is surrounded by the receiving portion 2B for good rice Part 3B is formed. Incidentally, the rice grains k collected at the receiving part 2B for good rice and the defectives collected at the receiving part 3B for defectives are used for the tank 7 of this inspection apparatus for re-sorting and the like. Or to another inspection device.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 1, vertical frames F2, F3, and F4 standing on a bottom plate F1 having legs F0 are connected by horizontal frames F5, F6, and F7 to form a machine frame. A console 21 for displaying and inputting information is installed on the upper oblique portion of the vertical frame F4 on the front side, a vibration generator 9A for the feeder 9 is installed on the horizontal frame F5, and air is supplied to the air blowing device 6 An air tank 15 is installed on the bottom plate F1. Further, the box-shaped storage portions 13A and 13B are supported on the front side by the vertical frame F4 and on the rear side by the vertical frame F3, and the chute 1 is supported on the upper side by the horizontal frame F6 and on the lower side by the storage portion 13B. . A cover K that covers the outer surface of the apparatus is attached to the machine frame.
[0045]
Next, the control configuration will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, a control device 10 using a microcomputer is provided, and image signals from both line sensors 5A and 5B and operation information from the console 21 are input to the control device 10. Yes. On the other hand, from the control device 10, a driving signal for the lighting circuit 19 for lighting the line light sources 4A and 4B, a driving signal for a plurality of electromagnetic valves 11 for turning on / off each air supply to each injection nozzle 6a, and A drive signal for the feeder vibration generator 9 </ b> A and a control command signal to the dimmer 85 are output.
[0046]
Based on the light reception information of the transmission and reflection line sensors 5A and 5B, the determination unit 100 is configured to determine whether there is a defect in the rice grain group k by using the control device 10. , The detection light (transmitted light and reflected light) from the rice grain group k, that is, the received light amount of the transmission and reflection line sensors 5A and 5B is within the appropriate light amount range (ΔEt for transmitted light, ΔEh for reflected light). When it comes off, it is configured to determine the presence of a defective product. The discriminating means 100 uses the set amount of received light amount data obtained by sampling the received light amounts of the transmission and reflection line sensors 5A and 5B at set time intervals in order to set the appropriate light amount range. It is configured to obtain a power distribution for each light quantity value divided into a plurality of stages from the dark side to the bright side, and the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the appropriate light quantity range are automatically set based on the power distribution. It is configured. In addition, a determination process as to whether or not the light amount value of the received light amount is out of the appropriate light amount range and a process for obtaining the frequency distribution are executed for each light receiving unit.
[0047]
Further, based on the information on the frequency distribution of the discriminating means 100 using the control device 10, the light quantity value of the light projected from the projection member 8 having the highest frequency in the frequency distribution is within the appropriate light quantity range. Light quantity command means for commanding control command information to the light control device 85 so as to change and adjust the light quantity of light projected from the projection member 8 toward the transmission and reflection line sensors 5A and 5B so as to be positioned at an appropriate position. 101 is configured. Accordingly, the light quantity command means 101 and the light control device 85 constitute light quantity adjustment means KT that changes and adjusts the light quantity of light projected from the projection member 8 toward the transmission and reflection line sensors 5A and 5B. .
[0048]
Next, various correction processes of received light data for setting the appropriate light amount range will be described.
First, the inspection reference object Kj having the same transmittance and reflectance as the normal substance in the rice grain group k is positioned at the detection position J, and as shown in FIG. 8, the transmission and reflection line sensors 5A, 5B. Each received light information received by is obtained as reference received light amount information. That is, for each light receiving portion 5a of each sensor 5A, 5B, the reference received light amount Si of transmitted light and the reference received light amount Si ′ of reflected light (i = 0 to [number of light receiving portions −1]) are stored, and at the same time. The average values Sm and Sm ′ for the reference received light amounts Si and Si ′ are obtained (this process is referred to as “reference creation”). Here, the inspection reference object Kj is constituted by a long white resin plate or the like in accordance with the longitudinal detection position J. Separate inspection reference objects Kj may be used for transmitted light and reflected light.
[0049]
Moreover, the fluctuation | variation of the illumination light quantity from illumination light source 5A, 5B is detected. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, with the illumination light quantity sufficiently stable, the light quantity of the projection member 8 is set to the inspection reference value, and the output of each light receiving element 5a of the reflection line sensor 5B. The voltage r [i] (i = 0 to [number of light receiving elements-1]) is measured as a reference illumination light quantity value, and an average value rm is obtained for all the light receiving parts (this process is referred to as “illumination light correction”). Called "data creation"). On the other hand, at the latest time point when the actual inspection is performed, the output voltage r ′ [i] of each light receiving part 5a of the reflection line sensor 5B is measured, the average value rm ′ for all the light receiving parts is obtained, and the reference illumination is obtained. A ratio (rm ′ / rm) between the average value rm of the light quantity value and the average value rm ′ of the latest illumination light quantity value is defined as the change rate of the illumination light quantity. Note that the rate of change in the amount of illumination light may be obtained based on the light reception information of the transmission line sensor 5A that receives the reflected light from the transmission reflection plate 8A instead of the reflection reflection plate 8B.
[0050]
In order to obtain a stable state of the illumination light amount, the reference light amount is measured after sufficient time has elapsed after lighting, for example, during shipping adjustment. Further, during an actual inspection operation, if inspection is performed for a predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes), the window portions 14A and 14B are cleaned by a cleaning unit (not shown), and thus the amount of illumination light is measured after the cleaning.
[0051]
Then, for each sensor output voltage j of transmitted light and reflected light, the average of the reference received light amount is used to cancel the deviation of the reference received light amount Si, Si ′ of each light receiving element 5a with respect to the average value Sm, Sm ′ of the reference received light amount. Multiply the values Sm and Sm ′ by the ratio of the reference received light amounts Si and Si ′ of each light receiving element 5a, and further divide by the rate of change of the illumination light quantity (rm ′ / rm) in order to cancel out the influence of the fluctuation of the illumination light quantity. As described above, the correction processing is performed based on the following expression to obtain the corrected output voltages jt and jh (sensor correction outputs) of the sensors 5A and 5B for the transmitted light and the reflected light.
[0052]
[Expression 1]
Sensor correction output jt = j × (Sm / Si) × (rm / rm ′)
Sensor correction output jh = j × (Sm ′ / Si ′) × (rm / rm ′)
[0053]
Next, sensitivity correction processing is performed on the sensor correction outputs jt and jh. Here, the sensitivity value is set to the standard value (100). In the actual inspection operation, if the sensitivity value is set larger than “100” (for example, 110), the deviations (jt−) of the sensor correction outputs jt and jh from the average values Sm and Sm ′ of the reference received light amount. Sm), (jh−Sm ′) are increased and corrected so that the detected light reception amount is increased, and the sensitivity value is set to be smaller than “100” (for example, 90), the deviation (jt−Sm), (jh) The sensitivity correction outputs jk and jk ′ of the transmitted light and the reflected light, in which the detected light reception amount is corrected to decrease so that −Sm ′) is reduced, are obtained.
[0054]
[Expression 2]
Sensitivity correction output jk = (sensitivity value / 100) × (jt−Sm) + (Sm)
Sensitivity correction output jk ′ = (sensitivity value / 100) × (jh−Sm ′) + (Sm ′)
[0055]
That is, the control device 10 is used to change and set correction coefficients (sensitivity values) for increasing or decreasing the amount of light received from the transmission and reflection line sensors 5A and 5B (jt and jh in the above equation). Sensitivity correction means 102 is configured to correct the sensitivity of the received light amount with respect to the appropriate light amount range. When the sensitivity value is changed to a value larger than “100”, for example, “110” and the received light amount is increased, the increased corrected received light amount easily deviates from the appropriate light amount range, and the sensitivity for defect determination is increased. On the other hand, if the sensitivity value is changed to be smaller than “100”, for example, “90”, and the received light amount is decreased, the decrease-corrected received light amount is not easily deviated from the appropriate light amount range, and the sensitivity for defect determination The sensitivity of the received light amount with respect to the appropriate light amount range of the transmitted light and the reflected light is corrected so as to be low. This sensitivity adjustment is manually performed by the operator using the console 21.
[0056]
Next, the appropriate light amount range setting process by the determination unit 100 will be described. This appropriate light amount range setting process is executed at the time of shipment adjustment of the apparatus.
For each light receiving element 5a of each line sensor 5A, 5B, with respect to each light quantity value obtained by dividing a range from the dark side to the bright side with respect to a set number of received light amount data obtained by sampling at a set time interval. A frequency distribution (also called a histogram) is obtained, and the appropriate light amount range is set based on the frequency distribution.
[0057]
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, setting is made for each light receiving element 5a of each line sensor 5A, 5B while flowing the rice grain group k in a state where the illumination light quantity from the illumination light sources 5A, 5B is sufficiently stable. The received light amount data, that is, the output voltage is sampled at time intervals, and the output voltage is converted into 256-stage digital values. In this case, the air blowing device 6 is not operated. Thereafter, the supply of the rice grain group k is stopped, and for example, as shown in FIG. 18, the set number of output voltages sampled for each light receiving element 5a is divided into a plurality of stages from the dark side to the bright side. The frequency distribution hg for each received light amount is obtained. Then, in the frequency distribution hg, the upper light quantity value TH1 is set in correspondence with the position near the upper end of the continuous area where the power value for each received light amount exists continuously from the dark side to the bright side, and the upper side An upper limit value T1 of the appropriate light amount ranges ΔEt and ΔEh is set at a position distant from the light amount value TH1 by the set light amount K1, and the lower light amount value TH2 is set in correspondence with the position near the lower end of the continuous region. The lower limit value T2 of the appropriate light amount ranges ΔEt and ΔEh is set at a position apart from the lower light amount value TH2 and set light amount K2 on the dark side. The set light amounts K1 and K2 are set in advance as control constants. As described above, the upper limit value T1 and the lower limit value T2 of the appropriate light amount ranges ΔE1 and ΔE2 on the front side and the rear side to be set and corrected for each light receiving element 5a of each line sensor 5A and 5B will be described later. In such a memory LUT (front side and rear side LUT) in the control device 10 is stored as a failure detection look-up table.
When the appropriate light amount range set for each light receiving element 5a in this way is continuously expressed along the direction in which the light receiving elements 5a are arranged, it is as shown in FIG.
[0058]
Next, the light quantity command processing by the light quantity command unit 101 will be described. This light quantity command processing is repeatedly executed not only at the time of shipping adjustment but also in a normal operation state. Based on the frequency distribution information obtained as described above, for example, the most frequent location in the frequency distribution such as the peak value pi in FIG. 18 corresponds to the light amount value of the light projected from the projection member 8. To do. Therefore, the light control device 85 is configured to change and adjust the light amount of the light projected from the projection member 8 toward the light receiving means so that the most frequent light amount value in the frequency distribution is located at an appropriate position within the appropriate light amount range. Control information.
[0059]
That is, as shown in FIG. 15, when executing at the time of shipping adjustment, the sensitivity value by the sensitivity correction means 102 is set to the standard sensitivity value “100”. As a proper position within the proper light quantity range, the light quantity BG of light projected from the projection member 8 toward the light receiving means is the same as or substantially the same as the light quantity corresponding to the center position in the proper light quantity range. It is configured to change and adjust.
When sensitivity correction is performed by the sensitivity correction means 102 as in normal operation, the sensitivity value is set to be larger than the standard value “100” and the received light amount is increased or decreased accordingly. When the sensitivity is corrected, as the appropriate position within the appropriate light amount range, for example, as shown in FIG. 20B, the light amount of the light projected from the projection member 8 is slightly larger than the median value of the appropriate light amount range. If the sensitivity value is set to be smaller than the standard value “100” and the sensitivity is corrected so that the amount of received light is reduced, the appropriate position within the appropriate light amount range is shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3, the light quantity of the light projected from the projection member 8 is changed and adjusted so that the light quantity position is smaller than the median value of the appropriate light quantity range.
[0060]
At this time, the amount of light projected to the plurality of light receiving elements 5a is changed for each of the plurality of light receiving elements 5a divided into the plurality of blocks BK in the arrangement direction of the light receiving elements 5a as described above. The configuration is adjusted. In other words, in the initial installation state of the apparatus, for example, as shown in FIG. 19 (a), there is little variation in the amount of light of the projection members 8 in the alignment direction in each light receiving element 5a, but the inspection is performed for a long time. As a result, as shown in FIG. 19B, the amount of light may fluctuate greatly at the left and right ends. For example, when a fluorescent lamp is used as the line light source, the luminous intensity at both ends in the longitudinal direction is reduced, and the correlation between the distribution of the light quantity of the rice grain group k and the light quantity of the projection member 8 is the center position and the left and right end parts. May be different. Moreover, dust may adhere to the surface of the projection member 8 after a long period of use, and the amount of light may decrease. Therefore, in such a case, the light amount of the projection member 8 is not changed in the central portion of the arrangement direction, and only the portion of the block BK corresponding to the left and right ends is changed to the bright side. Thus, it is possible to return to an appropriate state close to the initial state as shown in FIG.
[0061]
Next, the appropriate light amount range correction process for the appropriate light amount range when performing normal operation will be described. In the appropriate light amount range correction processing, the appropriate light amount range itself is appropriately corrected as the received light amount data is detected when the normal operation state is continuously executed. That is, as shown in FIG. 14, when a set number of received light amount data is sampled at each set time and the data includes a light amount value brighter than the upper light amount value TH1, the upper light amount value is set. While TH1 is moved one step to the bright side, when the light quantity data of the set number does not include a light amount value brighter than the upper light amount value TH1, the upper light amount value TH1 is moved one step to the dark side. In addition, when the set number of received light quantity data includes a light quantity value darker than the lower light quantity value TH2, the lower light quantity value TH2 is moved to the dark side by one step, When the quantity of received light quantity data does not include a light quantity value darker than the lower light quantity value TH2, the lower light quantity value TH2 is moved one step to the bright side.
[0062]
Then, as described above, the upper limit value T1 and the lower limit value T2 of the appropriate light amount ranges ΔEt and ΔEh on the front side and the rear side that are set for each light receiving element 5a of the line sensors 5A and 5B and are corrected thereafter. 10, is stored in a memory LUT (front side and rear side LUT) in the control device 10 as a lookup table for defect detection processing.
When this look-up table is further described, for each light receiving element 5a represented by the position data i (i = 0 to [number of light receiving elements-1]), all light quantity values j that can take a sensor output voltage (the above-mentioned If each value j is within the appropriate light amount range ΔEt, ΔEH while changing in a range of 256 light amount values), “0” is stored as a determination output in the corresponding address (i, j) of the memory LUT. If the appropriate light amount ranges ΔEt and ΔEH are not included, “1” is stored as the determination output at the corresponding address (i, j) of the memory LUT. When the determination is made, the position data i (i = 0 to [the number of light receiving elements−1]) of the light receiving elements 5a of the line sensors 5A and 5B and the position thereof are determined with respect to the memory LUT created above. When the light quantity value j of each light receiving element 5a at i is input, a determination output “0” is output for each light receiving element 5a when it is normal, and a determination output “1” is output when it is defective. Therefore, based on this, the determination means 100 performs determination.
[0063]
Hereinafter, the light reception outputs of the line sensors 5A and 5B for transmitted light and reflected light will be specifically described.
In the case of transmitted light, as shown in the output waveform of the transmitted light line sensor 5A in FIG. 11, normal when the output voltage corresponding to the amount of light received by each light receiving portion 5a is within the appropriate light amount range ΔEt for the rice grain group k. The presence of a fresh rice grain is discriminated, and if it is outside the set appropriate range ΔEt, the rice grain is defective or the presence of foreign matter is discriminated. In the figure, e0 is the output voltage level for standard transmitted light from normal rice grains. When the light amount is smaller than the appropriate light amount range ΔEt, the presence of defective rice grains or foreign matters (for example, black stone particles) whose transmittance is smaller than that of normal rice grains is determined, and when the light amount range is larger than the appropriate light amount range ΔEt. Then, the presence of the defective rice grain k on the bright side having a higher transmittance than the normal rice grain k or the foreign matter is determined. As an example of the defective rice grain k or foreign matter on the bright side, a light colored transparent glass piece or the like becomes a foreign matter having a larger transmittance than the normal rice grain k, and the normal rice grain k is changed to “glutinous rice”. “Uruchi rice” becomes a defective rice grain k having a larger transmittance than the normal rice grain k.
[0064]
In FIG. 11, the output voltage (light receiving amount) of the light receiving element 5 a is a position where a partially colored portion exists in the rice grain k, a position of black stone or the like (indicated by e1), and a position where a shell crack portion exists. (Indicated by e2), when there is a foreign substance or the like that is located below the appropriate light amount range ΔEt and has a larger transmittance than normal rice grains, the appropriate light amount range ΔEt as indicated by a position e3. The state located in the upper side is illustrated.
[0065]
On the other hand, in the case of reflected light, as shown in the corrected output waveform of the reflected light line sensor 5B in FIG. 12, the output voltage after correction corresponding to the amount of light received by each light receiving portion 5a is in the appropriate light amount range ΔEh. The presence of normal rice grains is determined when it is within the range, and the defect of the rice grains or the presence of the foreign matter is determined when the proper light amount range ΔEh is not satisfied. In the figure, e0 ′ is an output voltage level for standard reflected light from normal rice grains. In the figure, at a position where a part of the rice grain k is colored (indicated by e1 ′) and a position where a cracked portion of the rice is present (indicated by e2 ′), a state deviating downward from the appropriate light amount range ΔEh. In addition, when a foreign object such as a glass piece is present, a state in which the object is deviated upward from the appropriate light amount range ΔEh as indicated by a position e3 ′ by strong direct reflected light from the foreign object is illustrated. Although not shown, black stones and the like have a very low reflectance, so that they greatly deviate from the appropriate light amount range ΔEh in the waveform.
[0066]
When the control device 10 determines based on the defect determination information, among the rice grain groups k transferred to the detection positions J of the two line sensors 5A and 5B, whether the rice grains are defective or the presence of foreign matter is determined. As the transfer time from the detection position J to the air injection position by the injection nozzle 6a elapses, the air from each injection nozzle 6a in the section corresponding to that position flows against the defective rice grains or foreign matters that are flowing down. To separate from the normal rice grain pathway.
[0067]
Then, as shown in FIG. 16, at the time of shipment adjustment, the apparatus is turned on and a predetermined warm-up operation is performed, and after confirming the stable state of the illumination light quantity, etc., first, the “reference” Each process of “creation” and first “illumination light correction data creation” is performed. Next, sensor output correction and sensitivity correction (however, standard sensitivity values) are performed, the appropriate light quantity range setting process and the first light quantity command process are executed, and the memory LUT is based on the set appropriate light quantity ranges ΔEt and ΔEh. Create Finally, exclusion adjustments such as the operation time of each nozzle of the air blowing device 6 are performed.
[0068]
Then, as shown in FIG. 17, during the normal inspection operation, the apparatus is first turned on to perform a predetermined warm-up operation, and then the latest “illumination light correction data creation” at that time is performed to perform illumination. The data of the change rate of the light quantity is calculated, and the data in the memory is rewritten using the change rate data of the illumination light quantity and the appropriate light quantity ranges ΔEt and ΔEh to create the memory LUT. Further, when the sensitivity value is set, the light amount adjustment processing is executed in accordance with the sensitivity value setting. Further, the rice grain group k is supplied to the chute 1 using the corrected memory LUT and the inspection is started.
When a predetermined time (30 minutes) for cleaning elapses, the supply of the rice grains k is stopped to stop the inspection, the cleaning means (not shown) is operated to clean the windows 14A and 14B, and the light amount range. A correction process is executed, the light quantity command process is executed in accordance with the correction result, and the data in the memory is rewritten to reflect the process result to create a memory LUT. Thereafter, the grain group k is again supplied to the chute 1 using the corrected memory LUT, and the inspection is started.
[0069]
[Another embodiment]
Hereinafter, other embodiments are listed.
[0070]
(1) In the above embodiment, sensitivity correction means for correcting the sensitivity of the received light amount with respect to the appropriate light amount range is provided, and the appropriate light amount range of the light amount value of the light projected from the projection member corresponding to the sensitivity setting. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and is always configured to change and adjust so that the light amount is always the same as or substantially the same as the light amount at the center position of the appropriate light amount range. It is good.
[0071]
(2) In the above embodiment, the light amount adjusting means KT uses a plurality of LED light emitting elements as a light source, but is not limited to such LED light emitting elements, and other light sources such as a fluorescent lamp and an incandescent lamp are used. It may be used. Further, the present invention is not limited to the configuration in which the adjustment is performed for each of the plurality of regions, and the light amount of the light source may be adjusted by projecting the entire range in the width direction of the existing location using one light source.
[0072]
(3) In the above embodiment, when the normal operation is performed, the light amount range correction process and the light amount command process are repeatedly executed every time a predetermined time for cleaning elapses. It is good also as a structure which performs the said light quantity range correction | amendment process and light quantity instruction | command process only when starting a work | work not only in a structure.
[0074]
( 4 ) In the above embodiment, the line sensors 5A and 5B for transmitted light and reflected light are used as the light receiving means, but the light receiving means is constituted by either the line sensor 5A or 5B for transmitted light or reflected light. May be. The line sensor may also be an imaging tube type television camera other than the monochrome type CCD line sensor. Further, instead of a monochrome type, a color type CCD sensor may be used, and for example, the presence or absence of defective rice or foreign matter may be determined with higher accuracy from the amount of received light for each of the color information R, G, and B.
[0075]
( 5 ) In the above-described embodiment, the transfer means H is configured to transfer the granular material group in a state of being spread in the horizontal direction in a single layer along the scheduled transfer path, and according to this, the illumination means 4A, 4B Is configured to illuminate the entire width of the granular material group in the horizontal width direction, and the light receiving means 5A and 5B are configured to set the entire width of the granular material group in the horizontal width direction as the light receiving range. Absent. For example, the granular material group may be transferred in a single row, and in accordance with this, the illumination means may be constituted by a single lamp or the like, and the light receiving means may be constituted by a single light receiving sensor.
[0076]
( 6 ) In the above embodiment, the separation means blows air against the defective object and separates it into a different path from the normal object. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the defective object is sucked with air. May be separated by mechanical contact, or may be separated by mechanical contact action.
[0077]
( 7 ) In the above embodiment, the case where the granular material group as the inspection object is the rice grain group is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when inspecting the presence or absence of defectives or foreign matters in plastic grains or the like It can also be applied to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall side view of a defective object removing apparatus. FIG. 2 is a side view of the main part. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the main part showing an operating state. Block diagram [Fig. 6] Diagram showing the light receiving range of the line sensor [Fig. 7] Circuit configuration diagram of the projection member [Fig. 8] Output waveform diagram when storing the reference received light amount [Fig. 9] Output showing the change state of the illumination light quantity Waveform diagram [FIG. 10] Block diagram of memory for defect determination [FIG. 11] Output waveform diagram of transmitted light line sensor [FIG. 12] Output waveform diagram of reflected light line sensor [FIG. 13] Proper light quantity range setting processing FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an appropriate light amount range correction process. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a light quantity command process. FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a control operation during shipping adjustment. FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a control operation during normal operation. 18 shows frequency distribution Graph 19 Graph [EXPLANATION OF SYMBOLS] showing a graph Figure 21 frequency distribution shown FIG. [20] frequency distribution indicating the proper quantity range of the light receiving elements
4 Illuminating means 5 Light receiving means 6 Separating means 8 Projecting member 80 Light source 100 Discriminating means 102 Sensitivity correcting means H Transfer means KT Light quantity adjusting means

Claims (5)

Illumination means for illuminating the planned location of the inspection object, with the granular body group as the inspection object,
A light receiving means for receiving light from the existing location;
A projection member that projects light toward the light receiving means disposed in a light receiving direction of the light receiving means and located on the back side of the planned location;
A determination unit that samples the amount of light received by the light receiving unit at set time intervals, and determines the presence of a defective object when the sampled amount of received light is outside an appropriate light amount range for detection light from a normal object in the granular material group. And a defect detection device provided with
The discrimination means is
In order to set the appropriate light amount range, for a set number of received light amount data obtained by the sampling, configured to obtain a frequency distribution for each received light amount divided into a plurality of stages from the dark side to the bright side, And it is configured to automatically set an upper limit value and a lower limit value of the appropriate light amount range based on the frequency distribution,
A light amount adjusting means for changing and adjusting the amount of light projected from the projection member toward the light receiving means;
The light amount adjusting means automatically changes and adjusts the light amount of light projected from the projection member toward the light receiving means based on the information of the frequency distribution of the determining means , and the most frequent in the frequency distribution. A defective detection device that positions a high light amount value at an appropriate position within the appropriate light amount range . Conveying means for conveying the granular material group so as to pass through the pre-existing portion formed wide along the lateral width direction in a state where the granular body group is expanded in the lateral width direction, is provided.
The light receiving means is configured to juxtapose a plurality of light receiving units that receive light from the existing planned location along a lateral width direction of the existing planned location,
The determination unit is configured to execute, for each light receiving unit, a determination process as to whether or not a light amount value of the received light amount is out of the appropriate light amount range and a process of obtaining the frequency distribution.
The light amount adjusting means is
A plurality of light sources arranged side by side along the direction in which the plurality of light receiving units are arranged; and
2. The defect detection according to claim 1, wherein the amount of light projected onto the plurality of light receiving units is configured to be freely adjustable for each light source or for each of a plurality of divided light sources. apparatus. The light amount adjusting means is
As a central position in the proper quantity range proper position within said proper light amount range, the same or substantially the amount of light corresponding to the central position in the proper quantity range the amount of light projected toward the light receiving means from said projection member defective object detection apparatus according to 請 Motomeko 1 or 2 tO aDJUST same as change. Sensitivity correction means for correcting the sensitivity of the received light amount with respect to the appropriate light amount range is provided by changing and setting a correction coefficient for increasing or decreasing the received light amount from the light receiving means,
The light amount adjusting means is
Corresponding to the sensitivity correction by the sensitivity correction means, when sensitivity correction is performed so that the amount of received light decreases, the appropriate position in the appropriate light amount range is set to a light amount position smaller than the center position of the appropriate light amount range. as a change adjusted to the amount of the smaller side than the central position of the proper quantity range the amount of light projected toward the light receiving means from said projection member,
When the sensitivity is corrected so that the amount of received light increases, the appropriate position in the appropriate light amount range is set as the light amount position larger than the center position of the appropriate light amount range from the projection member toward the light receiving means. defective object detection apparatus according to any one of the 請 Motomeko 1-3 you change adjusts the amount of projection light to the light amount of the larger side than the central position of the proper quantity range. A separation apparatus comprising the defect detection apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A transfer means for transferring a granular material group as an inspection object along the planned transfer path to the existing planned location and a separation location on the lower side of the path from the location of the planned existing location;
A separation device comprising separation means for separating a normal product and a defective product of the granular material group transferred to the separation part into different paths.

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