JP5565936B2 - Inspection equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting the appearance of an article, and in particular, an apparatus for imaging and inspecting the appearance of an article by imaging means disposed at least upstream and downstream in the conveyance direction while the article is conveyed by the conveyance means. About.

  Conventionally, in order to inspect the hue, damage, size, shape, decay, etc. of crops, the appearance of crops is imaged by an imaging means, and compared with a reference image, hue, damage, size, An inspection apparatus that collects and inspects information on crops such as shape and rot is known. Such an inspection apparatus is used as an appearance inspection means in a sorting apparatus that sorts agricultural products by grade.

  In Patent Document 1, as an inspection apparatus, a plurality of imaging cameras are provided on both sides of a conveyance path for conveying a crop so as to be able to image the crop from obliquely front and back, and further from the top and bottom of the conveyance path. Imaging the upper and lower peripheral surfaces is disclosed. In general, each imaging camera is arranged so that the crop is clearly and appropriately sized at the center of the screen in order to increase the accuracy of inspection by image processing. In other words, using the standard crop as a reference, set the imaging position so that the center of the crop is located at the center of the screen, and point each imaging camera toward the imaging position so that the surface of the crop is within the depth of field. Deploy. As is apparent from the arrangement of the imaging cameras in FIG. 3 of Patent Document 1, the plurality of imaging cameras are arranged toward the crop at a certain imaging position, and all imaging is performed when the crop reaches a predetermined imaging position. The camera is imaged simultaneously.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, in the moving article imaging apparatus, a moving article detector and an encoder for measuring the moving distance of the moving article are provided, and the moving article being conveyed by the belt conveyor is detected by the moving article detector. Thereafter, it is disclosed that the moving distance of the moving article is measured using an encoder, and the moving article is imaged by operating the imaging device at a timing when the moving distance from the detection position becomes a predetermined distance.

JP 2004-249249 A JP 7-333174 A

  As described above, the orientation and position of the imaging camera are determined according to the crop to be inspected. Agricultural crop sorting device can sort several varieties in a day, and depending on the varieties, the size and shape may vary greatly. There was a need to provide more than one. Furthermore, different types of crops may be sorted according to the season and time, and in this case as well, it is necessary to change the arrangement according to the type of crops or to provide a plurality of types.

  When crops with different sizes and shapes are imaged in the same layout without changing the position of the imaging camera, the center of the crop is shifted from the center of the screen, and the crop image becomes smaller or the image protrudes from the screen. There is. When the image becomes smaller, there are cases where sufficient inspection cannot be performed due to insufficient resolution. Further, if the image protrudes from the screen, the protruding portion cannot be inspected, resulting in an incomplete inspection apparatus. Furthermore, due to the difference in the size and shape of the crop, the distance from the imaging camera to the crop surface changes, so that part or all of the crop surface is outside the range of depth of field, and the image is blurred and insufficient. There is a possibility of inspection.

  In addition, when imaging an article with an imaging camera, when imaging while illuminating the article with illumination, the imaging camera and the illumination are usually integrated, so if the distance from the imaging camera to the surface of the crop is increased Since it is far from the illumination, and as a result, the image becomes dark, it is difficult to make a uniform determination in hue determination or the like. Furthermore, when an imaging camera for imaging the upper side of the article is provided, the illumination from the imaging camera provided on the upstream side and the illumination from the imaging camera on the downstream side are evenly irradiated, that is, The upper imaging camera has to be arranged so that the optical axis of the upper imaging camera is perpendicular to the center of the article at a midpoint between the upstream imaging camera and the downstream imaging camera. If the upper imaging camera is not arranged as described above, unevenness in brightness and darkness due to the illumination on the upstream side and the downstream side occurs in the image, so that uniform determination cannot be performed in hue determination or the like.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the above problem, and is a schematic plan view showing an arrangement state of the crops 31a and 31b having different sizes from the arrangement of the imaging cameras 23a to 23d at the time of imaging by the conventional inspection apparatus 21. It is. FIGS. 6A to 6D show images of the crops 31a to 31b having different captured sizes. In FIG. 5, two types of different crops, large crop 31a and small crop 31b, are illustrated as crops 31a to 31b (in FIG. 5, crops other than the imaging position and detection position D are omitted). . The crops 31a to 31b are sequentially conveyed in the direction of the arrow in a state of being aligned in a row by a conveying means 22 such as a belt conveyor. According to the imaging method described in Patent Document 2, the inspection apparatus 21 detects the crops 31a to 31b that are moved by the moving article detector 24, and moves the crops 31a to 31b using an encoder (not shown). The distance is measured, and the plurality of imaging cameras 23a to 23d are operated simultaneously at the imaging position moved by a predetermined distance from the detection position D, and all the side surfaces of the crops 31a to 31b are imaged at a time. Note that the moving article detector 24 in FIG. 5 is a means for detecting, as the detection position D, the point in time when the light beam blocked by the crops again passes, that is, the last part of the crops.

  In FIG. 5, imaging cameras 23a to 23d are arranged with reference to the largest crop among the transported crops. The imaging cameras 23a to 23d are arranged with a certain distance from the imaging position so that the largest crop is within the screen and the surface of the crop is within the depth of field. Further, the four imaging cameras 23a to 23d are arranged so as to be inclined at 45 ° with respect to the conveyance direction in four directions around the crop so that all sides of the crop can be captured. Furthermore, in order to illuminate the article surface brightly when imaging with the imaging cameras 23a to 23d, illuminations 25a to 25d are provided above the imaging cameras 23a to 23d, respectively.

  6A is an image of a large crop 31a by the imaging camera 23a arranged upstream in the conveyance direction (backward of the crop), and FIG. 6B is arranged downstream in the conveyance direction (front of the crop). It is the image of the big crop 31a by the imaging camera 23c. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, since the imaging camera is based on a large crop 31a, the large crop 31a is captured at an appropriate size in the center of the screen.

  FIG. 6C is an image of the small crop 31b by the imaging camera 23a arranged upstream in the conveyance direction (backward of the crop), and FIG. 6D is arranged downstream in the conveyance direction (front of the crop). It is an image of the small crop 31b by the imaging camera 23c. As described above, the apparatus of FIG. 5 captures an image at a timing when the moving distance from the detection position D reaches a predetermined distance (imaging position), and detects the rearmost end of the crop. For this reason, in the imaging camera 23a arranged upstream in the conveyance direction (the rear of the crop), the surface of the large crop 31a and the surface of the small crop 31b at the imaging position are substantially the same distance from the lens of the imaging camera. Therefore, in FIG. 6C, although the image is shifted from the center position, the image of the small crop 31b is the same ratio as the actual ratio compared to the large crop 31a, and is clear. . On the other hand, in the imaging camera 23c arranged downstream in the transport direction (in front of the crop), the surface of the small crop 31b is farther than the surface of the large crop 31a at the imaging position. As a result, the image of the small crop 31b in FIG. 6 (D) is shifted from the center position, and is captured even smaller than the ratio of the actual product to the large crop 31a. Furthermore, since it is far from the illuminations 25d and 25c of the imaging cameras 23d and 23c, the image becomes dark. For this reason, the exact size and hue of the small crop 31b cannot be inspected, and in some cases, the image may be too small or too dark to sufficiently inspect the surface scratches.

  Conventionally, because such a problem has occurred, in actual operation, whenever the size of the crop to be imaged changes, the operator manually changes the placement and focus of the imaging camera each time, Such a change work was a burden on the operator, and if the change work was neglected, normal inspection could not be performed. Furthermore, the conventional manual change could not cope with a mixture of crops of different sizes.

  The present invention is based on the above-described conventional technology, while making the most of the equipment of the conventional inspection apparatus as much as possible. As a result, the main purpose is to provide an article inspection apparatus that is more versatile and easy to handle at low cost. Another object of the present invention is to provide an article inspection apparatus that can capture an appropriate image when an article having a different size or shape is imaged by a plurality of imaging means.

  Therefore, the article inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys an article, an upstream imaging unit that images an article conveyed by the conveying unit from an upstream side in the conveying direction, and an article conveyed by the conveying unit. In an article inspection apparatus comprising: a downstream imaging unit that captures images from the downstream side in the transport direction; and a control unit that controls the upstream imaging unit and the downstream imaging unit, the control unit includes: an imaging timing of the upstream imaging unit; The imaging timing of the downstream imaging means can be set independently, and a combination of a plurality of different imaging timings can be set according to the size or type of the article to be conveyed. The upstream imaging means and the downstream imaging And a second setting for imaging the upstream imaging unit and the downstream imaging unit at different imaging timings. It features that.

  In the article inspection apparatus, it is preferable that the second setting is to image the upstream imaging unit first, and then image the downstream imaging unit after the article is conveyed by a predetermined distance. In this case, it is preferable that the article to be imaged with the second setting is smaller than the article to be imaged with the first setting.

  Furthermore, in the article inspection apparatus, the control unit has a third setting for imaging the downstream imaging unit first, and imaging the upstream imaging unit after the article is conveyed by a predetermined distance. Also good. In this case, it is preferable that the article to be imaged with the third setting is larger than the article to be imaged with the first setting.

  The article inspection apparatus further includes an upper imaging unit that images an article conveyed by the conveying unit from above, and the control unit includes the upstream imaging unit and the downstream imaging unit in the first setting. The upper imaging unit is imaged at the same time as the first imaging unit. In the second setting, the upper imaging unit is imaged between the time when the upstream imaging unit is imaged and the time when the downstream imaging unit is imaged. In this setting, it is preferable that the upper imaging unit is imaged after the downstream imaging unit is imaged and before the upstream imaging unit is imaged.

  In addition, these article inspection apparatuses include a measuring unit that measures the size of the article, and the control unit changes the setting of the imaging timing according to the size of the article measured by the measuring unit. May be.

  The present invention provides control means capable of independently controlling the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means and the downstream imaging means respectively arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the conveying means, so that the articles conveyed by the conveying means can be controlled. According to the size or type, the imaging means of the imaging means is controlled by the control means so that the distance between the article and the imaging means has a predetermined relationship, and an image having an appropriate size or position is obtained. It is characterized by. For this reason, it is possible to obtain appropriate images for articles of different sizes, and it is possible to relax restrictions on the arrangement of the imaging means and to set the degree of freedom higher than in the past. Moreover, since the present invention can be realized at least by using a control unit that can independently control the imaging timing of the imaging unit, most of the facilities of the conventional inspection apparatus can be used as they are, An article inspection apparatus that is more versatile and easy to handle can be provided at low cost.

  In particular, a first setting for imaging the upstream imaging unit and the downstream imaging unit simultaneously, and a second setting for imaging the upstream imaging unit first and imaging the downstream imaging unit after the article is conveyed by a predetermined distance. Can be processed at a high speed by the first setting, and after the rear portion of the article is imaged at a position close to the upstream imaging means by the second setting, Since the front part of the article is imaged at a position close to the downstream imaging means, the distance from each imaging means to the surface of the article is close, and even a small article has an appropriate size. A clear image can be obtained.

  Further, when the downstream imaging unit has a third setting for imaging the upstream imaging unit first and imaging the upstream imaging unit after the article has been transported by a predetermined distance, the third setting is set at a position away from the downstream imaging unit. After imaging the front part of the article, the article is transported and the rear part of the article is imaged at a position away from the upstream imaging means, so the distance from each imaging means to the surface of the article is increased and the outer shape is large. Even so, it is possible to obtain a clear image with an appropriate size.

  Furthermore, the image pickup apparatus further includes an upper imaging unit that images the article from above and is controlled by the control unit, whereby not only the side surface of the article but also the upper surface can be inspected.

  In addition, if the control means changes the setting of the imaging timing according to the size of the article measured by the measurement means, it is not necessary to switch the setting by the operator. Yes, an image of an appropriate size can be obtained even when many kinds of goods are mixed, or even if the goods have a large variation in size within the same kind (mainly agricultural products).

Schematic configuration diagram of the entire article inspection apparatus according to the present invention (A) And (B) is a schematic block diagram which shows other embodiment of arrangement | positioning of several imaging means, respectively. (A) thru | or (C) is a figure which shows the relationship between the arrangement | positioning of an article | item at the time of imaging of each position, and an imaging means, respectively. The schematic block diagram of the other article inspection apparatus concerning this invention Schematic configuration diagram of conventional inspection equipment (A) thru | or (D) are the examples of the image of the crops imaged with the conventional inspection apparatus

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the following examples. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an entire article inspection apparatus 1 according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, an article inspection apparatus 1 includes a conveying means 2, a plurality of imaging means 3 (3a, 3b, etc. in the drawing are collectively referred to as “3”, the same shall apply hereinafter), an article detecting means 4, and a conveyance distance measurement. Means 5 and control means 6 are provided.

  The conveying means 2 uses the driving force from a driving source (not shown) to move the article 11 (11a, 11b, etc. in the drawing are collectively referred to as “11”, the same applies hereinafter) at the required conveying speed in the direction of the arrow (hereinafter “the conveying direction”). The article supply side is called “upstream side” and the conveyance destination side is called “downstream side” (the same applies hereinafter) from the upstream side to the downstream side. For example, belt conveyors, roller conveyors , Overhead conveyors, packet conveyors, etc. can be used. The transport means 2 may be able to change the transport speed, and the transport path may be a straight line or a curved line. Furthermore, it is preferable to provide alignment means for aligning articles in a row. As the aligning means, for example, a guide plate for guiding the article to a predetermined position is provided, or the cross-sectional shape of the conveyance path perpendicular to the conveyance direction is V-shaped, and the article is aligned to the predetermined position by inclination. May be. Further, the conveying means 2 may convey the article 11 directly on a belt or a roller, or may convey the article 11 on a container, a plate or the like. However, if the lower surface of the article is also inspected, use transparent containers and dishes.

  The article 11 that is conveyed and inspected is an article 11 that requires images of side surfaces from at least a plurality of angles, and can be applied to an article that is inspected so that images are captured while being conveyed. Examples include mandarin oranges, persimmons, pears, peaches, apples, melons, watermelons, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, carrots, persimmons, leeks, radishes and other agricultural products, competition balls, various foods, parts, toys and the like. In particular, in the inspection apparatus of the present invention, different types (sizes or shapes) of articles 11 can be transported and inspected. The articles 11 do not need to be transported at regular intervals by the transport means 2 (which may of course be at regular intervals), and are transported in a line at a distance that does not overlap when imaged. It only has to be. In FIG. 1, three types of articles (large) 11a, (medium) 11b, and (small) 11c of large, medium, and small sizes are conveyed.

  The plurality of imaging units 3 are for imaging the appearance of the article 11, and a plurality of imaging units 3 are provided according to the angle at which the article 11 is inspected, and the imaging timing is controlled by the control unit 6. In the inspection apparatus 1 according to the present invention, the upstream imaging means 3a that is arranged at least at different positions in the transport direction and images the article 11 from the upstream side in the transport direction, and the downstream imaging that images the article 11 from the downstream side in the transport direction. And means 3b. The upstream imaging unit 3a and the downstream imaging unit 3b are arranged so that an image can be acquired at the same imaging position at the same time with respect to a standard product. In addition, when each imaging unit is provided with illumination, if imaging is performed completely at the same time, the illumination of the opposing imaging unit is incident as backlight and a normal image cannot be obtained. In the meantime, the illumination of the other imaging means was turned off to take an image. For this reason, in the field of inspection apparatuses, simultaneous imaging includes sequential imaging with a time difference of about the shutter speed of the imaging means. For example, assuming that the shutter speed of the imaging means is 1/2000 seconds (= 0.5 ms), when an article is imaged from four directions by four imaging means, the image is taken in a time of about 1/2000 seconds × 4 = 2 ms. Was. This means that when the conveyance speed is 1000 mm / s, the imaging is finished while the article moves 2 mm. That is, the predetermined imaging position does not indicate only one exact point, but also includes an area of about several millimeters, as in the same time. The shutter speed is related to the transport speed. If the transport speed is high, the shutter speed must be shortened so that the image does not blur. Conversely, to increase the shutter speed, the transport speed must be slow. There is a need to. From this, the period included at the same time may be a period in which imaging can be performed at a predetermined imaging position of about several mm.

  Furthermore, an imaging means for imaging the upper surface of the article 11, an imaging means for imaging the lower surface of the article 11, or an imaging means for imaging the article 11 from the side may be provided. The control means 6 inspects the appearance of the images picked up by the plurality of image pickup means 3. An imaging camera (digital camera) is usually used as the imaging means, but is not limited to such a configuration, and a two-dimensional image may be obtained. Further, the imaging means is not limited to visible light, and may be other imaging means that detects infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, or the like. Furthermore, it is preferable that the imaging means is provided with illumination (not shown) for illuminating the article. As illumination, a halogen lamp can be used as the LED lamp.

  The upstream imaging means 3a is for capturing an image of the article 11 from the upstream side in the transport direction and obtaining an image including at least a part of the rear of the article 11 in the transport direction. For this reason, when the optical axis of the upstream imaging means 3a is 0 ° on the downstream side in the transport direction (hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, such a reference is applied to the angle of the optical axis, and the clockwise angle is positive). The angle is less than ± 90 °. Further, the upstream imaging means 3a may be arranged above the article 11 on the conveying means and may take an image centering on the rear upper part in the conveying direction of the article 11, or arranged below the article 11, You may image centering on the back lower part of the conveyance direction of the articles | goods 11. FIG. One or a plurality of the upstream imaging means 3a itself can be provided. When there are two upstream imaging means 3a, the upstream imaging means 3a are usually arranged symmetrically with respect to the conveyance means so that both the left and right sides in the conveyance direction can be observed simultaneously. ing. Conventionally, the optical axes of the two upstream imaging means 3a are arranged so as to be ± 45 °. However, in the present invention, since the imaging timing can be controlled independently, the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement. For example, a plurality of upstream imaging units 3a may be arranged at different positions in the transport direction, or a plurality of upstream imaging units 3a may be provided at different heights. Further, when there is one upstream image pickup means 3a, the upstream image pickup means 3a is arranged at a position that compensates the blind spot of other image pickup means. In this case, the direction of the optical axis of the upstream imaging means 3a is preferably in the range of less than ± 30 °.

  The downstream imaging unit 3b captures the article 11 from the downstream side in the transport direction, and obtains an image including at least a part of the front of the article 11 in the transport direction. For this reason, the angle of the optical axis of the downstream imaging means 3b is in the range of 90 ° to 180 ° or −90 ° to −180 °. Further, the downstream imaging means 3b may be arranged above the article 11 in the horizontal plane and may take an image centering on the front upper part in the conveying direction of the article 11, or arranged below the article 11 and the article. You may image centering on the front lower part of 11 conveyance directions. One or a plurality of the downstream imaging means 3b itself can be provided, and when there are two downstream imaging means 3b, they are usually arranged symmetrically with respect to the conveying means and arranged so that both the left and right sides in front of the conveying direction can be observed simultaneously. Is done. Conventionally, the optical axes of the downstream imaging means 3b are arranged so as to be ± 135 °. However, in the present invention, since the imaging timing can be controlled independently, it is not limited to such a symmetrical arrangement, and a plurality of downstream imaging means 3b may be arranged at different positions in the transport direction, A plurality of downstream imaging means 3b may be provided at different heights. When there is one downstream imaging unit 3b, the downstream imaging unit 3b is arranged at a position that compensates for the blind spot of the other imaging unit. In this case, the angle of the optical axis of the downstream imaging means 3b is preferably in the range of 150 ° to 180 ° or −150 ° to −180 °.

  In FIG. 1, as a plurality of image pickup means, there are two upstream image pickup means 3a and two downstream image pickup means 3b, an image pickup means for observing the upper surface (not shown), and an image pickup means for observing the lower surface. have. The two upstream imaging means 3a are arranged symmetrically with respect to the conveying means, and their optical axes are arranged to be 45 ° and −45 ° with respect to the conveying direction, respectively, and the two downstream imaging means 3b are also arranged. Are arranged symmetrically with respect to the conveying means, and their optical axes are arranged to be 135 ° and −135 ° with respect to the conveying direction, respectively. It is preferable that the optical axes of the two upstream imaging means 3a and the optical axes of the two downstream imaging means 3b are arranged so as to intersect at one point. Furthermore, an imaging unit for observing the upper surface is disposed above the center of the article 11, and an imaging unit for observing the lower surface is disposed below the center of the article 11. Typically, it is arranged above and below the intersection of the optical axes of the upstream imaging means 3a and the downstream imaging means 3b in order to match the imaging timing.

  FIGS. 2A and 2B each show another embodiment of the arrangement of a plurality of imaging means, and FIG. 2A includes two upstream imaging means 3a and one downstream imaging means 3b. (B) includes one upstream imaging unit 3a, one downstream imaging unit 3b, and one side imaging unit 3c having an optical axis perpendicular to the transport direction. It is an example of an embodiment. In FIG. 2A, the two upstream imaging means 3a whose optical axis directions are 60 ° and −60 ° are arranged symmetrically with respect to the transport direction, and on the downstream side, the optical axis direction is 180 °. One downstream imaging means 3b is arranged on the transport path. The intersections of the optical axes of the imaging units are arranged so as to intersect on the transport unit. The crossing here is an arrangement for imaging the entire circumference of 11 by simultaneously imaging each imaging means, and not only when the optical axes of each imaging means intersect exactly at one point, This includes the case where there is a slight deviation in the vertical and horizontal directions within the range of 11. In FIG. 2B, one upstream imaging means 3a whose optical axis direction is 30 °, one downstream imaging means 3b whose optical axis direction is 150 °, and one optical imaging direction that is −90 °. Side imaging means 3c is arranged. In FIG. 2B as well, the intersections of the optical axes of the imaging units are arranged so as to overlap the center of the article 11. Note that it is preferable that the imaging timing of the side imaging means 3c in FIG. 2B is taken when the center of the article reaches the optical axis regardless of the size of the article.

  In FIG. 1, the article detection unit 4 and the transport distance measurement unit 5 are part of the position specifying unit. The article detection unit 4 detects the article 11, and then the transport distance measurement unit 5 detects the position. By measuring the distance from the control means 6, the control means 6 can specify the current position of the article 11 to be conveyed. However, the position specifying means is not limited to such a configuration. For example, if the conveyance speed is constant, the position can be specified by combining the article detection means 4 and a clock circuit (such as a crystal resonator) that measures time. When imaging is started at the detection position of the article detection means 4, the position of the article 11 can be specified by providing a plurality of article detection means 4 and the arrangement of the detected article detection means 4. Further, it may be a completely different means, for example, a position specifying means for specifying a position of the article 11 placed on the container by attaching a radio wave oscillator to a container on which the article 11 is placed and receiving the radio wave. That is, in order to control the timing of imaging, if the position of the article 11 to be conveyed can be specified, it can be used as a position specifying means.

  Further, the article detection means 4 and the conveyance distance measurement means 5 measure the distance from when the article detection means 4 detects the article 11 until it is no longer detected, so that the control means 6 Since the length of 11 can be measured, it can function as a measuring means. However, like the position specifying means described above, the measuring means is not limited to such a configuration, and other means can be used as the measuring means as long as the size of the article 11 can be measured.

  The article detection unit 4 includes a sensor that detects at least a point imaged by the imaging unit 3 on the conveyance path of the conveyance unit 2 or the presence of the article 11 arranged upstream from the point. As the article detection means 4, for example, a combination of a light emitting element and a light receiving element can be used, and the front end portion of the article can be detected by blocking the light from the light emitting element. When the light receiving element starts to receive light, the rear end of the article can be detected. However, the article detection means 4 is not limited to such a configuration, and a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like can be used as appropriate. Information on the article 11 detected by the article detection unit 4 is input to the control unit 6.

  The conveyance distance measuring means 5 measures the conveyance distance of the article 11 by the conveyance means 2 and controls the imaging timing by measuring the distance from the position detected by the article detection means 4. is there. As the transport distance measuring means 5, for example, a pulse generator such as an encoder may be connected to a rotating shaft (not shown) of the conveyor to detect the rotation angle of the rotating shaft, and the transport distance may be measured. The conveyance distance may be measured by detecting time. Information relating to the distance detected by the transport distance measuring means 5 is input to the control means 6.

  The control means 6 controls at least the imaging timings of the plurality of imaging means 3, and in the present invention, among the plurality of imaging means 3, the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means 3a and the imaging timing of the downstream imaging means are set. It can be set independently. The control means 6 can set a plurality of combinations of the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means 3a and the imaging timing of the downstream imaging means 3b according to the size or type of the article 11. For this reason, even if the size and type of the article 11 to be conveyed change, it is possible to use the article inspection apparatus 1 only by changing the setting of the imaging timing.

  The control means 6 may also control other functions of the article inspection apparatus 1. For example, activation and termination of the apparatus, adjustment of the conveyance speed, and control of conveyance path setting may be possible, or a captured image may be processed or inspected from the image. As the control means 6, for example, an information processing apparatus having an arithmetic function and a storage function can be used.

  The combinations of imaging timings can be roughly classified into the following three patterns. However, as will be described later, in the case of the second pattern and the third pattern, a plurality of combinations of different imaging timings can be set in one pattern.

First pattern: a pattern for simultaneously imaging the upstream and downstream imaging means 3a and 3b. Second pattern: a pattern for imaging the upstream imaging means 3a first, and then imaging the downstream imaging means 3b. Third pattern: first downstream imaging means. Pattern that causes 3b to be imaged and then the upstream imaging means 3a to image

  The first pattern is substantially the same as the imaging timing in the prior art, but since the imaging timing of the upstream and downstream imaging means 3a and 3b can be set independently, it is naturally possible to set them simultaneously. . Since the first pattern can be processed at high speed, it is preferable that the inspection apparatus 1 has an imaging timing of an article 11 (hereinafter referred to as “standard product”) that is a standard or most frequent item. The imaging position (position A) of the first pattern is one point, and the upstream and downstream imaging means 3a and 3b are images of the article 11 clearly and appropriately sized at the center of the screen at the imaging position A. It is preferable to arrange so that. In FIG. 1, the article (medium) 11b is a standard product. In FIG. 1, the position A is set so that the center of the article 11 (medium) is arranged at the intersection of the optical axes of the respective imaging means 3.

  The second pattern is an image picked up by the upstream image pickup means 3a at the position B1 on the upstream side of the conveyance path, and then the downstream image pickup means 3b is picked up at the position B2 on the downstream side. The second pattern is preferably applied to an article that is smaller than a standard product. That is, after imaging the rear part of the article 11 at the position B1 close to the upstream imaging means 3a, the article 11 is conveyed, and the front part of the article 11 is imaged at the position B2 approaching the downstream imaging means 3b. For this reason, even if the distance from each imaging means to the surface of the article 11 is small and the size is small, it is possible to obtain a clear image with an appropriate size. In the second pattern, by making the distance from the upstream imaging means 3a to the position B1 and the distance from the downstream imaging means 3b to the position B2 substantially the same, the size of each captured image (ratio with the actual image) is the same. This is preferable.

  The second pattern merely specifies the order, and the imaging timing (position B1) of the upstream imaging means and the imaging timing (position B2) of the downstream imaging means can be changed according to the size and type of the article 11, respectively. . For this reason, even if the combination of the imaging timings set in the control means 6 is only the second pattern, a plurality of combinations of different imaging timings can be set by changing the setting of the position B1 or the position B2.

  In the third pattern, the downstream imaging unit 3b captures an image at a position C1 upstream of the transport path, and then the upstream imaging unit 3a captures an image at a downstream position C2. The third pattern is preferably applied to an article that is larger than a standard product. That is, after imaging the front part of the article 11 at a position C1 away from the downstream imaging means 3b, the article 11 is conveyed, and the rear part of the article 11 is imaged at a position C2 away from the upstream imaging means 3a. For this reason, even if the distance from each imaging means to the surface of the article 11 is increased and the outer shape is large, it is possible to obtain a clear image with an appropriate size. In the third pattern, by making the distance from the upstream imaging unit 3a to the position C2 and the distance from the downstream imaging unit 3b to the position C1 substantially the same, the size of each captured image (ratio to the actual object) is the same. This is preferable.

  The third pattern merely specifies the order, and the imaging timing (position C1) of the upstream imaging means and the imaging timing (position C2) of the downstream imaging means can be changed according to the size and type of the article 11, respectively. . For this reason, even if the combination of the imaging timings set in the control means 6 is only the third pattern, a plurality of combinations of different imaging timings can be set by changing the setting of the position B1 or the position B2.

  Note that the above three patterns are classified only with respect to the imaging timing of the upstream and downstream imaging means 3a and 3b. If there are further provided imaging means for imaging the upper surface, right side, and lower surface, those images are captured. Depending on the timing, the pattern further increases. However, basically, the image pickup means for picking up the upper surface, the right side, and the lower surface is picked up at the timing when the center of the article is positioned on the optical axis of the image pickup means.

  Furthermore, it is preferable that the control means 6 can measure the length of the article 11 by the article detection means 4 and the transport distance measurement means 5 and can automatically change the setting of the imaging timing based on the length. In this case, as the setting of the imaging timing, the first setting is registered in the control unit 6 for the length of a certain range, and the second setting is registered for the other range, and the measured length belongs to any range. It may be determined whether the setting is changed. In this case, an appropriate image can be obtained according to the length of the article regardless of the type of the article. Further, the type of the article may be determined from the measured length, and the setting may be changed to the setting for the determined type of article. In this case, it is possible to carry out an inspection (for example, sorting process, color, etc.) specific to the identified type of article. Further, the imaging timing may be changed by calculating the imaging position by inputting the measured length of the article to the function for obtaining the imaging position. In this case, a more appropriate image can be obtained according to the length of the article regardless of the type of the article.

  The image pickup positions A, B1, B2, C1, and C2 can be set by the detection position D of the article detection means 4 and the distance (including 0) therefrom. As the imaging timing, which part of the article reaches the imaging position is not so important. If the relative positional relationship between the article and the imaging means at the time of imaging is the same, the part and position of the article The relationship can be set as appropriate. That is, the timing at which the tip of the article having a length of 10 cm reaches position A is the same as the timing at which the center of the article reaches a position 5 cm upstream of position A, and further, The timing is the same as when the end reaches the position 10 cm upstream of the position A. Therefore, it is only necessary to set a part and an imaging position that are reached from a part or the like where the article is detected by the article detection unit 4. When the center of the article is obtained by the measuring means, the length of the article is measured and a half of the article is calculated. In FIG. 1, each imaging position is set at a position reached by the rear end of the article 11.

  In FIG. 1, position A, position B1, and position C2 are the same position, position B2 is set downstream of these positions A, B1, and C2, and position C1 is set upstream. FIG. 3A is a diagram showing the relationship between the arrangement of the articles 11a and 11c and the imaging means at the time of imaging the positions B1 and C2, and FIG. 3B shows the arrangement of the article 11c and the imaging means at the time of imaging the position B2. The figure (C) is a figure which shows the relationship between arrangement | positioning of the articles | goods 11a regarding the position C1, and an imaging means. In FIGS. 3A to 3C, as a reference, an article 11b which is a standard object at the position A is indicated by a dotted line, and unused imaging means are shaded.

  In FIG. 3A, the upstream imaging means 3a operates at the timing when the article (small) 11c reaches the position B1, but the downstream imaging means 3b does not operate. For this reason, only the rear part of the article (small) 11c at the position B1 is imaged. Even at the timing when the article (large) 11a reaches the position C2, the upstream imaging means 3a operates to image only the rear part of the article (large) 11a at the position C2. However, when other imaging means (upper surface, right side, lower surface imaging means) arranged in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction are provided, these imaging means may be operated (FIG. 3B ) And (C)). 1 and 3, when the position A, the position B1, and the position C2 are matched, the distance from the upstream imaging means 3a to the rear surface of the articles 11a and 11c is substantially the same as that of the standard article (medium) 11b. Therefore, the images of the rear portions of the articles 11a and 11c are preferable because a clear image can be obtained similarly to the standard product. However, the position A, the position B1, and the position C2 are not necessarily matched. In consideration of the size of the article, the position B1 and the position C2 can be adjusted within the range of the depth of field so that the image of the article fits within the screen.

  In FIG. 3B, the downstream imaging means 3b operates at the timing when the article (small) 11c reaches the position B2 arranged on the downstream side of the position B1. For this reason, only the front part of the article (small) 11c at the position B2 is imaged. In FIG. 3B, the front end of the article (small) 11c at the position B1 is aligned with the front end of the article (medium) 11b which is a standard product. For this reason, since the distance from the downstream imaging means 3b to the front surface of the article 11c is substantially the same as that of the article 11b which is a standard product, the image of the front part of the article 11c is a clear image like the standard product. It can be obtained and is preferable. However, it is not always necessary to align the front end with the standard product. In consideration of the size of the article, the position B2 can be adjusted within the range of the depth of field so that the image of the article fits within the screen.

  In FIG. 3C, the downstream imaging means 3b operates at the timing when the article (large) 11a arrives at a position C1 arranged on the upstream side of the position C2. For this reason, only the front part of the article (large) 11a at the position C1 is imaged. In FIG. 3C, the front end of the article (large) 11a at the position C1 is aligned with the front end of the article (medium) 11b which is a standard product. For this reason, since the distance from the downstream imaging means 3b to the front surface of the article 11a is substantially the same as that of the article 11b which is a standard product, the image of the front part of the article 11a is a clear image like the standard product. It can be obtained and is preferable. However, it is not always necessary to align the front end with the standard product. Considering the size of the article, the position C1 can be adjusted within the range of the depth of field so that the image of the article fits within the screen. For convenience of explanation, the position C2 in FIG. 3A has been described earlier, but actually, the imaging of the position C1 arranged on the more upstream side is performed before the imaging of the position C2.

  The size of the article correlates with the size of the image captured by each imaging means, and is determined by the width and height of the article perpendicular to the optical axis of the imaging means. It may differ depending on the means, that is, depending on the orientation of the article. Further, when the article is an agricultural product or the like, the size and shape are different for each individual. For this reason, normally, a standard size is assumed according to the type of article, and the arrangement of the imaging means and the imaging timing are set based on the standard size.

  Conventionally, the difference in width and height depending on the orientation of the article has not been considered in particular and has been set by assuming that the same size is used for any imaging means. However, in the present invention, depending on the orientation of the article. It is also possible to reflect the difference in size on the imaging timing. In other words, when the size of the article in one direction is larger than the size in the other direction, the imaging unit that images the large direction is the imaging unit that advances the imaging timing or images the small direction. The imaging timing may be delayed so that an image with an appropriate size may be obtained, although the scale of the actual image varies depending on the image. This setting can be realized, for example, by controlling one imaging timing and the other imaging timing independently when there are two upstream imaging means 3a.

  Hereinafter, specific numerical values will be described in the examples. In the following examples, a photoelectric sensor was used as the article detection means 4, and the rear end of the article 11 was detected. Further, an encoder is used as the transport distance measuring means 5. The conveying speed of the conveying means was 1000 mm / s, and the conveying distance per pulse of the encoder was 0.1 mm (that is, one pulse is 0.1 ms interval). In addition, grapefruit (large), Iyokan (middle), and Wenzhou orange (small) were used as the article 11. The lengths of these articles 11 were approximately 1500 pulses for grapefruit (large), approximately 1000 pulses for Iyokan (medium), and approximately 500 pulses for mandarin orange (small) according to the number of pulses of the encoder.

[Example 1]
In Example 1, the article inspection apparatus shown in FIG. 4 was used. The apparatus of FIG. 4 has the same basic configuration as the apparatus of FIG. 1, but the article detection means 4 is arranged at the imaging position A of the standard article and the article detection signal input by the article detection means 4 is imaged. It is used as one of the timings. Each component in the apparatus of FIG. 4 is assigned the same reference numeral as in FIG.

  In the article inspection apparatus of Example 1, each imaging means 3 was arranged using grapefruit (large) as a standard product. That is, with the rear end of the grapefruit (large) reaching the imaging position A (= detection position), the grapefruit (large) can be clearly imaged with an appropriate size within the screen of each imaging means 3a and b. The optical axes of the imaging means 3a and b are arranged so as to intersect at the center of the grapefruit (large) (position of 750 pulses from the imaging position A). Further, the upper imaging means 3d is arranged above the center of the grapefruit (large) at the imaging position A (intersection of the optical axes of the imaging means 3a and b) so that the optical axis passes through the center of the grapefruit (large). .

  First, in order to image the imaging means (mode 1) for imaging grapefruit (large), the imaging timing (mode 2) for imaging Iyokan (medium), and Wenzhou orange (small) to the control means 6. The imaging timing (mode 3) was set. Since grapefruit (large) is a standard product, mode 1 which is its imaging timing is set so that imaging is performed when the rear end reaches the imaging position A (= detection position) for all imaging means. (As described above, when each imaging means is equipped with illumination, each imaging means sequentially images in order to prevent backlighting). Since Iyokan (medium) is 500 pulses smaller than the grapefruit (large), mode 2 which is the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means 3a is the same as the grapefruit (large), with the rear end at the imaging position A (= The image is picked up when it reaches the (detection position), and for the upper image pickup means 3d, the center of Iyokan (medium) reaches the center position of the grapefruit (large) at the image pickup position A (the intersection of the optical axes of the image pickup means). After 250 pulses (after 25 ms), the downstream imaging means 3b is picked up after 500 pulses (after 50 ms) when the front end reaches the same position as the front end of the grapefruit (large) at the imaging position A. Set. Since the Wenzhou orange (small) is 1000 pulses smaller than the grapefruit (large), the mode 3 that is the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means 3a is the same as the grapefruit (large), and the rear end is at the imaging position A (= The image is picked up when the detection position is reached, and for the upper image pickup means 3d, the center of the mandarin orange (small) reaches the center position of the grapefruit (large) at the image pickup position A (the intersection of the optical axes of the image pickup means). After 500 pulses (after 50 ms), the downstream imaging means 3b is 1000 pulses after 100 ms (after 100 ms) when the front end of the mandarin orange (small) reaches the same position as the front end of the grapefruit (large) at the imaging position A ) To capture images. Table 1 is a list of imaging timings of the first embodiment.

  In the article inspection apparatus 1 in which the imaging timing is set as described above, when inspecting the grapefruit (large), the imaging timing is set to mode 1, and the grapefruit (large) is sequentially conveyed in a line by the conveying means. When the front end of the grapefruit (large) reaches the position where the photoelectric sensor 4 is disposed, the light from the photoelectric sensor is blocked by the grapefruit (large), and the photoelectric sensor is turned off. After about 1500 pulses, when the grapefruit (large) passes, the photoelectric sensor is turned on again, the rear end of the article is detected, and a detection signal is input to the control device 6. Upon receiving the detection signal, the control device 6 outputs an imaging signal to all of the upstream imaging unit 3a, the upper imaging unit 3d, and the downstream imaging unit 3b, and each imaging unit images the grapefruit (large) and performs imaging. The processed image is output to the control device 6. The control means 6 performs a predetermined inspection based on the input image.

  Next, when inspecting Iyokan (middle), the imaging timing is set to mode 2, and the Iyokan (middle) is sequentially conveyed in a line by the conveying means. When the front end of Iyokan (medium) reaches the position where the photoelectric sensor 4 is arranged, the light of the photoelectric sensor is blocked by the Iyokan (middle), and the photoelectric sensor is turned off. About 1000 pulses later, when Iyokan (medium) passes, the photoelectric sensor is turned on again, the rear end of the article is detected, and a detection signal is input to the control device 6. The control device 6 receives the detection signal and outputs an imaging signal to the upstream imaging means 3a. Thereafter, when a pulse signal of 250 pulses is input from the encoder 5, an imaging signal is output to the upper imaging means 3d. Further, when a pulse signal of 250 pulses (500 pulses from the detection position D) is input from the encoder 5, an imaging signal is output to the downstream imaging means 3b. The image of Iyokan (medium) imaged by each imaging means is input to the control device 6, and the control means 6 performs a predetermined inspection based on the input image.

  Also, when inspecting mandarin oranges (small), the imaging timing is set to mode 3, and the mandarin oranges (small) are sequentially conveyed in a line by the conveying means. When the front end portion of the mandarin orange (small) reaches the position where the photoelectric sensor 4 is disposed, the light of the photoelectric sensor is blocked by the mandarin orange (small), and the photoelectric sensor is turned off. After about 500 pulses, when the mandarin orange (small) passes, the photoelectric sensor is turned on again, the rear end of the article is detected, and a detection signal is input to the control device 6. The control device 6 receives the detection signal and outputs an imaging signal to the upstream imaging means 3a. Thereafter, when a pulse signal of 500 pulses is input from the encoder 5, an imaging signal is output to the upper imaging means 3d. Further, when a pulse signal of 500 pulses (1000 pulses from the detection position D) is input from the encoder 5, an imaging signal is output to the downstream imaging means 3b. An image of Wenzhou mandarin orange (small) imaged by each imaging means is input to the control device 6, and the control means 6 performs a predetermined inspection based on the input image.

  In the article inspection apparatus 1 of Example 1, since the largest article was used as a standard product, the other articles were the same as or smaller than the standard article, so that the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means could be made the same. On the other hand, for an article smaller than the standard product, an image of an appropriate size could be obtained by changing the imaging timing of the downstream imaging unit and the upper imaging unit 3d late. Further, since the detection signal is one of the imaging timings, it is not necessary to count the number of pulses from the encoder, and high-speed processing is possible. In Embodiment 1, the modes 1 to 3 are switched by the operator, but may be switched by other means. For example, the number of pulses from the OFF state to the ON state of the photoelectric sensor may be counted by an encoder, and modes 1 to 3 may be automatically switched according to the number of pulses. In the first embodiment, the imaging timing of the upstream imaging unit is the same for each article, but may be changed. For example, in order to inspect the surface scratches in detail, when it is desired to enlarge the image of the smallest mandarin orange (small), it may be imaged upstream of the imaging position. In this case, the imaging signal may be generated while the photoelectric sensor is in the OFF state (for example, 600 pulses after the OFF state).

[Example 2]
As shown in FIG. 1, the article inspection apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment has a photoelectric sensor disposed upstream of the conveyance path, detects an article by the photoelectric sensor, and then counts the number of pulses from the encoder to obtain an imaging timing. To do. In the article inspection apparatus 1 of Example 2, each imaging means 3 was arranged with Iyokan (medium) as a standard product. That is, in the state where the rear end of Iyokan (medium) has reached the imaging position A, the Iyokan (middle) is arranged so that it can be clearly imaged with an appropriate size in the screen of each imaging means. Further, an upper imaging means (not shown in FIG. 1) is arranged above the center of Iyokan (medium) at the imaging position A (position of 500 pulses from the imaging position A). In the article inspection apparatus 1 of Example 2, the distance from the photoelectric sensor 4 to the imaging position A was 3000 pulses.

  First, in order to image the imaging means (mode 1) for imaging grapefruit (large), the imaging timing (mode 2) for imaging Iyokan (medium), and Wenzhou orange (small) to the control means 6. The imaging timing (mode 3) was set. Grapefruit (large) is 500 pulses larger than the standard Iyokan (middle), so the mode 1 that is the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means 3a is located after the imaging position A in the same way as Iyokan (middle). The time when the end reaches, that is, after 3000 pulses from the detection position D, and the upper imaging means, the time when the center of the grapefruit (large) reaches the center position of Iyokan (medium) at the imaging position A, that is, the detection position After 2750 pulses from D, the downstream imaging means 3b was set to image after 2500 pulses when the front end reaches the same position as the front end of Iyokan (medium) at the imaging position A. Since Iyokan (medium) is a standard product, mode 2 which is the imaging timing thereof is imaged for all imaging means when the rear end reaches the imaging position A, that is, after 3000 pulses from the detection position D. Was set as follows. Since Wenzhou mandarin orange (small) is 500 pulses smaller than Iyokan (middle), mode 3 which is the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means 3a is the same as Iyokan (middle), with the rear end at the imaging position A. , That is, after 3000 pulses from the detection position D, and for the upper imaging means, the image is taken 3250 pulses after the center of Wenzhou orange (small) reaches the center position of Iyokan (medium) at the imaging position A, The downstream imaging means 3b was set so that the image was taken after 3500 pulses when the front end of the mandarin orange (small) reached the same position as the front end of Iyokan (medium) at the imaging position A. Table 2 is a list of imaging timings of the second embodiment.

  In the article inspection apparatus 1 in which the imaging timing is set as described above, when inspecting the grapefruit (large), the imaging timing is set to mode 1, and the grapefruit (large) is sequentially conveyed in a line by the conveying means. When the front end of the grapefruit (large) reaches the position where the photoelectric sensor 4 is disposed, the light from the photoelectric sensor is blocked by the grapefruit (large), and the photoelectric sensor is turned off. After about 1500 pulses, when the grapefruit (large) passes, the photoelectric sensor is turned on again, the rear end of the article is detected, and a detection signal is input to the control device 6. The control device 6 counts the number of pulses from the encoder 5 after inputting the detection signal, and after 2500 pulses from the input of the detection signal, first outputs the imaging signal to the downstream imaging means 3b. The downstream imaging means 3b The front surface of the grapefruit (large) is imaged and the image is output to the control device 6. After 250 pulses (after 2750 pulses from the input of the detection signal), the control device 6 outputs an imaging signal to the upper imaging unit, and the upper imaging unit images the upper surface of the grapefruit (large) and displays the image. Output to the control device 6. Finally, after another 250 pulses (3000 pulses after the detection signal is input), the control device 6 outputs an imaging signal to the upstream imaging means 3a, and the upstream imaging means 3a images the rear surface of the grapefruit (large). The image is output to the control device 6. The control means 6 performs a predetermined inspection based on the input image.

  Next, when inspecting Iyokan (middle), the imaging timing is set to mode 2, and the Iyokan (middle) is sequentially conveyed in a line by the conveying means. When the rear end of Iyokan (medium) is detected by the photoelectric sensor 4 and a detection signal is input to the control device 6, the control device 6 counts the number of pulses from the encoder 5, and the number of pulses is 3000 pulses. At that time, imaging signals are sent to all the imaging means, and an image of Iyokan (medium) is obtained.

  Also, when inspecting mandarin oranges (small), the imaging timing is set to mode 3, and the mandarin oranges (small) are sequentially conveyed in a line by the conveying means. When the photoelectric sensor 4 detects the rear end of Wenzhou mandarin orange (small) and a detection signal is input to the control device 6, the control device 6 counts the number of pulses from the encoder 5, and from the detection signal input When the number of pulses reaches 3000, an imaging signal is output to the upstream imaging means 3a. Thereafter, when the number of pulses reaches 3250 pulses, an imaging signal is output to the upper imaging unit, and when the number of pulses reaches 3500 pulses, an imaging signal is output to the downstream imaging unit 3b. An image of Wenzhou mandarin orange (small) imaged by each imaging means is input to the control device 6, and the control means 6 performs a predetermined inspection based on the input image.

  In the article inspection apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment, in a grapefruit (large) larger than the standard product, the imaging timing of the downstream imaging unit and the upper imaging unit is set earlier than the imaging timing (3000 pulses) of the standard product. An image of an appropriate size was obtained. In addition, for Wenzhou mandarin orange (small) smaller than the standard, an image of an appropriate size could be obtained by setting the imaging timing of the downstream imaging means and the upper imaging means late. In the second embodiment, the mode 1 to 3 may be switched by the operator or by other means. In the second embodiment, the imaging timing of the upstream imaging unit is the same for each article, but it may be changed.

[Example 3]
In the third embodiment, when the photoelectric sensor 4 detects an article, it also has a function of measuring the size thereof, and reads out a mode registered in the control device 6 in advance according to the detected size of the article. In this embodiment, the imaging timing is automatically changed. The basic configuration of the article inspection apparatus 1 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  In the control means 6, as shown in Table 1 or 2, the imaging timing for each article is set as each mode. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the correspondence between the size of the article and the mode is registered in the control means 6. Table 3 is an example.

  In the article inspection apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, the size of the article conveyed by the conveying unit 2 is measured by the photoelectric sensor 4. That is, the control means 6 is configured such that when the front end of the article 11 reaches the position of the photoelectric sensor 4 and the photoelectric sensor 4 is turned off, the rear end of the article 11 passes and the photoelectric sensor 4 is turned on. The number of pulses until the state is reached is counted by the encoder 5, and the length of the article 11 is measured. It is determined to which range shown in Table 3 the measurement result belongs, and an imaging signal is output to each imaging means in a mode corresponding to that range. In Example 3, since the selected mode and the measured length of the article are also important information in the inspection of the article, the selected mode or the measurement result is stored in association with the image, displayed, It is preferable to use in inspection.

  In the article inspection apparatus 1 according to the third embodiment, since the mode is changed based on the measurement result of the article size, it is not necessary to change the setting by the operator. An image of an appropriate size can be obtained even for an article (mainly agricultural product) having a large size variation within the variety. In Example 3, the size of the article was measured using the photoelectric sensor 4 for detecting the article, but a sensor for measuring the size of the article may be provided separately.

  In addition, in the above Examples 1-3, although the apparatus which test | inspects agricultural products was demonstrated, the range of this invention is not limited to this structure, It can utilize in the articles | goods which need the test | inspection of another external appearance. It is. In the above description, the conveying path is exemplified as a straight line. However, the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. For example, a so-called rotary conveying unit that conveys an article in the circumferential direction by a rotating body is used. The present invention can be applied even when used.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Item inspection means 2 Conveyance means 3a Upstream imaging means 3b Downstream imaging means 4 Article detection means 5 Conveyance distance measurement means 6 Control means 11a, 11b, 11c

Claims (7)

Conveying means for conveying the article;
Upstream imaging means for imaging the article being conveyed by the conveying means from the upstream side in the conveying direction;
Downstream imaging means for imaging the article being conveyed by the conveying means from the downstream side in the conveying direction;
In an article inspection apparatus comprising a control means for controlling the upstream imaging means and the downstream imaging means,
The control means can independently set the imaging timing of the upstream imaging means and the imaging timing of the downstream imaging means, and a plurality of different imaging timings can be set according to the size or type of the article to be conveyed. A combination can be set, and a first setting for simultaneously imaging the upstream imaging unit and the downstream imaging unit, and a second setting for imaging the upstream imaging unit and the downstream imaging unit at different imaging timings. Characteristic article inspection device.   2. The article inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the second setting, the upstream imaging unit is imaged first, and the downstream imaging unit is imaged after the article is conveyed by a predetermined distance.   The article inspection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein an article to be imaged with the second setting is smaller than an article to be imaged with the first setting.   The said control means has a 3rd setting which images the said downstream imaging means first, and images the said upstream imaging means, after the said goods are conveyed only the predetermined distance, The 3rd setting of Claim 3 characterized by the above-mentioned. Item inspection device.   The article inspection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein an article to be imaged with the third setting is larger than an article to be imaged with the first setting. Further comprising an upper imaging means for imaging the article being conveyed by the conveying means from above;
In the first setting, the control means images the upper imaging means simultaneously with the upstream imaging means and the downstream imaging means. In the second setting, the control means images the upstream imaging means and then captures the upstream imaging means. The upper imaging unit is imaged before the downstream imaging unit is imaged, and in the third setting, the upper imaging unit is captured between the downstream imaging unit and the upstream imaging unit. The article inspection apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the article is imaged. Comprising measuring means for measuring the size of the article,
The article inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit changes a setting of an imaging timing in accordance with a size of the article measured by the measurement unit.

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