JP5875186B2 - Agricultural product inspection device and agricultural product inspection method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for inspecting agricultural products, and in particular, an agricultural product inspection apparatus for detecting a fluorescent reaction from a raw wound on an epidermis by irradiating ultraviolet rays while inspecting the appearance of the agricultural products by irradiating the agricultural products with visible light and It relates to agricultural product inspection methods.

  Conventionally, the appearance of crops by appropriate imaging means to inspect normal wounds of agricultural products (including wounds before harvest, worms, discoloration, dirt, mold after decay), size, shape, etc. An inspection apparatus for imaging and inspecting the image is used.

  By the way, among the agricultural products, spherical oil vesicles having a diameter of about 1 mm exist in the citrus epidermis such as mandarin oranges, grapefruits, and citrons, in which essential oils such as limonene are contained. These crops are damaged by the impact, rubbing, bruise, etc. on the citrus fruits during harvesting, transportation, and sorting operations (hereinafter referred to as “raw wounds”), the oil follicles are damaged, and the damaged parts are spoiled. Bacteria adhere to cause initial rot (hereinafter referred to as “water rot”). This water rot does not stop at the epidermis and eventually progresses to internal rot. Moreover, if the spoiled potatoes adhere to other citrus fruits, there is a risk that other normal citrus fruits may be spoiled.

  Since this raw wound (including water rot) is almost the same color as the normal skin of a fruit, it is different from a normal wound, and is used to inspect a normal wound using an inspector's visual inspection or visible light. It is difficult to determine with an apparatus. However, it is known that when a citrus epidermis is damaged, a flavonoid substance, which is a kind of polyphenol, is secreted from the damaged part, and when this substance is irradiated with ultraviolet rays, it becomes an excited state and exhibits a fluorescent reaction. . A technique for inspecting the presence or absence of raw wounds on the citrus epidermis using this fluorescent reaction has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The agricultural product inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1 includes a light source that irradiates agricultural products with light in the ultraviolet region, and an imaging device that captures images of agricultural products. It can be determined whether or not there is.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-14650

  The agricultural product inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1 detects a slight amount of fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent substance present at a site of raw wounds or water rot, and therefore requires a special camera with high sensitivity as an imaging means. To do. That is, the inspection apparatus for detecting raw wounds or water rot has a different configuration from the inspection apparatus for detecting normal scratches. Therefore, in the agricultural product sorting facility, when conducting agricultural appearance inspection including water rot inspection, in addition to the existing inspection equipment for inspecting normal scratches, inspection for inspecting for water rot It is necessary to provide a new device, and the inspection process takes time. If the sorting facility is not large enough, it may be difficult to place a new line to check for water rot. Even when the existing inspection apparatus is modified to a configuration that can also inspect water rot, it requires a large cost for changing the arrangement of the irradiation means and installing a high-sensitivity camera.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an apparatus and method capable of performing both an appearance inspection by visible light and an inspection of raw wounds or water rot that cannot be detected by such inspection in one agricultural product inspection apparatus. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to solve the above-described problems, the agricultural product inspection apparatus according to the present invention includes a conveying unit that conveys agricultural products, an imaging unit that images agricultural products being conveyed by the conveying unit, and a visible light irradiating unit that irradiates agricultural products with visible light. And ultraviolet light irradiating means for irradiating agricultural products with ultraviolet light, and imaging means, visible light irradiating means, and control means for controlling the ultraviolet light irradiating means, and the control means has a predetermined timing by the visible light irradiating means and the ultraviolet light irradiating means. While irradiating either one of visible light and ultraviolet light every time, the same image pickup means picks up the agricultural product based on the first imaging condition at the time of visible light irradiation, and picks up the agricultural product based on the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet light irradiation. Configured to image.

  In the agricultural product inspection apparatus, the imaging unit includes a storage unit that stores the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition, and the control unit uses the first imaging condition and the second imaging unit at predetermined timings in the imaging unit. It is preferable to switch between these imaging conditions.

  In addition, the control means detects information including at least one of the normal wound, shape, and size of the agricultural product based on the agricultural product image captured at the time of visible light irradiation, and the agricultural product captured at the time of ultraviolet irradiation. It is preferable to be configured to detect the presence or absence of a fluorescent reaction caused from a raw wound or water rot of an agricultural product on the basis of the image.

  In the agricultural product inspection apparatus, it is preferable that the second imaging condition is at least a shutter speed longer and / or a gain larger than the first imaging condition. Further, the first imaging condition is that the shutter speed is 1/1000 to 1/2000 seconds and the gain is 80 or less, and the second imaging condition is that the shutter speed is 1/500 seconds or more and the gain is 200 or more. It is preferable.

  In addition, it is preferable that the agricultural product inspection apparatus includes a reflection countermeasure unit that prevents visible light irradiated from the visible light irradiation unit or the ultraviolet irradiation unit arranged in the imaging region of the imaging unit from being reflected. The reflection countermeasure means may irradiate blue light between the irradiation surface of the visible light irradiation means or the ultraviolet irradiation means and the agricultural product to prevent reflection of visible light irradiated to the visible light irradiation means or the ultraviolet irradiation means. preferable.

  Furthermore, the present invention is an agricultural product inspection method for inspecting an agricultural product by imaging the agricultural product by a plurality of imaging means while conveying the agricultural product by the conveying unit, and either one of visible light and ultraviolet rays is provided at each predetermined timing. When the visible light irradiation is performed, the agricultural product is imaged based on the first imaging condition, and when the ultraviolet irradiation is performed, the agricultural product is imaged based on the second imaging condition.

  In the above agricultural product inspection method, based on the image of the agricultural product imaged at the time of visible light irradiation, the agricultural product imaged at the time of ultraviolet irradiation is detected by detecting information including at least one of the normal wound, shape and size of the agricultural product. It is preferable to detect the presence / absence of a fluorescent reaction caused from a raw wound or water rot of an agricultural product based on the above image.

  In the agricultural product inspection method, it is preferable that the second imaging condition is at least a shutter speed longer and / or a gain is larger than the first imaging condition.

  According to the present invention, the appearance inspection of agricultural products by visible light irradiation and the detection of the presence of raw wounds or water rot by ultraviolet irradiation can be carried out in one agricultural product inspection apparatus. In addition, since it is possible to acquire images during irradiation with visible light and during irradiation with ultraviolet rays using a conventional imaging means, a low-cost inspection device can be provided. Other effects will be described in the mode for carrying out the invention.

Schematic plan view of the agricultural product inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the operation | movement order of an imaging means and each irradiation means Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the 1st and 2nd imaging conditions Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the reflection corresponding | compatible means provided in an ultraviolet irradiation means Schematic plan view of the agricultural product inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention Explanatory drawing which shows another example of the operation | movement order of an imaging means and each irradiation means.

[Summary of Invention]
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can perform the process of inspecting the appearance (usually wounds, size, shape, etc.) of agricultural products (mainly citrus fruits) and the process of inspecting whether there are raw wounds or water rot with a single inspection device. An agricultural product inspection apparatus and an inspection method.

  The agricultural product inspection apparatus 1 according to the present invention (refer to FIG. 1 for reference numerals hereinafter) includes a conveying means 2 for conveying the agricultural product 10, an imaging means 3 for imaging the agricultural product 10 conveyed by the conveying means 2, and visible light on the agricultural product 10. A visible light irradiating means 4 for irradiating, an ultraviolet irradiating means 5 for irradiating the produce 10 with ultraviolet rays, and a control means 6 for controlling various means are provided.

  Conventionally, a high-sensitivity special image pickup means was used to acquire an image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation. However, in the present invention, visible light and ultraviolet light are sequentially irradiated while one image pickup means is irradiated with visible light. The image at the time of visible light irradiation and the image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation are continuously acquired while switching the setting of the imaging means (first imaging condition) and the setting of the imaging means at the time of ultraviolet irradiation (second imaging condition). To do. Since the fluorescence reaction due to ultraviolet irradiation is a weak reaction, the second imaging condition is higher by increasing the exposure time (shutter speed) and / or increasing the sensitivity (gain) than the first imaging condition. Get a lightness image. While it is required to focus and acquire a clear image during irradiation with visible light, such a second imaging condition may result in an image containing noise or blur, Since it is sufficient to be able to determine the presence or absence of a fluorescent reaction that occurs from the location of water rot, finer image quality is not required compared to the first imaging condition.

  For example, in the first imaging condition at the time of visible light irradiation, the shutter speed is set to 1/1000 to 1/2000 seconds, and in the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation, the shutter speed is 1/500 seconds or more (conveyance speed). Although it depends, for example, 1/100 to 1/500 seconds). Further, in the first imaging condition at the time of visible light irradiation, the gain is 80 or less, and in the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation, the gain is 200 or more.

  The agricultural product 10 that is the object to be inspected is mainly citrus fruits, but is not limited thereto. The present invention can also be applied to other agricultural products (for example, pepper, rice, etc.) containing a fluorescent substance that exhibits a fluorescent reaction due to ultraviolet irradiation. Moreover, you may apply to the external appearance test | inspection of the agricultural products or articles | goods (industrial product) which do not show the fluorescence reaction by ultraviolet irradiation.

  In the present invention, the arrangement, quantity, form, and the like of the transport unit 2, the imaging unit 3, the visible light irradiation unit 4, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5, and the like can be changed as appropriate. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.

[Embodiment 1]
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an agricultural product inspection apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The agricultural product inspection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a conveying unit 2 and a plurality of imaging units 3 (3a to 3e in the drawing are collectively referred to as “3”. The same applies to those to which other branch numbers are added). , A plurality of visible light irradiation means 4, a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation means 5, and a control means 6. In the present embodiment, the imaging means 3a and 3b are arranged so as to take an image of the agricultural product 10 from the upstream side, the imaging means 3c and 3d are arranged to take an image of the agricultural product 10 from the downstream side, and the imaging means 3e captures the agricultural product 10 from above. It arrange | positions so that it may image. The agricultural product inspection apparatus 1 is preferably provided in a dark room whose periphery is covered with a shielding member in order to avoid the influence of external light.

  The transport means 2 transports the agricultural product 10 (for example, mandarin orange) in the direction of the arrow (transport direction) at a required transport speed by a driving force from a drive source (not shown). Hereinafter, the supply side of the agricultural product 10 is referred to as the upstream side, and the transport destination side is referred to as the downstream side. The transport means 2 is preferably a PK (Piano Key) conveyor (piano keyboard-like tray conveyor). Each key of the PK conveyor is preferably given a unique identification number. However, the structure of the conveyance means 2 is not limited to this, For example, a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, an overhead conveyor, a packet conveyor etc. can also be used.

  The image pickup means 3 picks up the agricultural product 10 and preferably uses a digital camera. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is only necessary to obtain a two-dimensional image of the inspection object. The imaging unit 3 preferably includes a storage unit (not shown) (for example, a semiconductor memory). The storage means preferably stores settings of imaging conditions (including shutter speed, gain, gamma value, etc.) that differ between visible light irradiation and ultraviolet light irradiation. Such imaging conditions may be stored in a storage unit included in the control unit.

  In the present embodiment, in the plan view, when the upstream side in the transport direction is 0 ° and the clockwise direction is positive, the upstream imaging units 3a and 3b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the transport unit 2, It arrange | positions so that an optical axis may be 45 degrees and -45 degrees with respect to a conveyance direction, respectively. Therefore, the upstream imaging units 3a and 3b can capture the image of the agricultural product 10 from the upstream side in the transport direction and include an image including at least part of the rear of the agricultural product 10 in the transport direction. On the other hand, the imaging units 3c and 3d on the downstream side are also arranged symmetrically with respect to the transport unit 2, and are arranged so that their optical axes are −135 ° and 135 ° with respect to the transport direction, respectively. Therefore, the imaging means 3c and 3d on the downstream side can capture the image of the agricultural product 10 from the downstream side in the transport direction and include an image including at least a part of the front of the agricultural product 10 in the transport direction. As described above, when the side surface is imaged by the four imaging units 3a to 3d, the optical axes of the upstream imaging units 3a and 3b and the optical axes of the downstream second imaging units 3c and 3d intersect at one point. It is preferable that they are arranged as described above. The image pickup means 3e is preferably arranged vertically above the intersection of the optical axes, and picks up an image including the upper surface of the agricultural product 10.

  However, the imaging means in the agricultural product inspection apparatus of the present invention is not limited to such an arrangement (and quantity) because the imaging timing can be independently controlled by the control means. If necessary, an appropriate number of image pickup means may be provided in an appropriate arrangement. For example, an imaging unit for imaging the lower surface of the agricultural product 10 from below may be arranged, or an imaging unit for imaging the agricultural product 10 from the side may be arranged. In order to image the side surface of the object to be inspected, it is possible to use three imaging means and arrange the angles between the optical axes to be 120 °. Visible light irradiation means and ultraviolet light irradiation means are installed in each imaging means (or its surroundings).

  The visible light irradiation means 4 is illumination for capturing a color image of the agricultural product 10 and irradiates visible light including at least a part of a visible light region (generally, a wavelength of 380 to 750 nm). As the visible light irradiation means 4, a white LED lamp or the like can be used. One or a plurality of visible light irradiation means 4 are arranged so that visible light can be sufficiently irradiated to the imaging surface of the agricultural product 10. For example, in FIG. 1, an annular visible light irradiation unit 4 is arranged around the imaging unit so that the irradiation amount of visible light is not biased. In the upper imaging unit 3e in FIG. 1, an annular visible light irradiation unit 4e is illustrated with the imaging unit 3e as the center. Regarding the side image pickup means 3a to 3d, a part (upper surface) of an annular visible light irradiation means arranged around the image pickup means is illustrated.

  The ultraviolet irradiation means 5 irradiates ultraviolet rays in order to detect a fluorescent reaction from a raw wound or water rot of the agricultural product 10. As the ultraviolet rays, it is preferable to use light having a wavelength of about 320 to 420 nm (not only the near ultraviolet region but also a part of the visible light region), although it depends on the type of citrus fruit to be inspected. As the ultraviolet irradiation means 5, an ultraviolet LED lamp, an ultraviolet laser, or the like can be used. When an ultraviolet LED lamp is used, the irradiated light may include not only ultraviolet light but also visible light. Hereinafter, even when simply referred to as ultraviolet rays, the light in such a visible light region may be included.

  One or a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation means 5 are arranged so that the imaging surface of the produce 10 can be sufficiently irradiated with ultraviolet rays. For example, in FIG. 1, an annular ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 is arranged around the imaging unit so that the ultraviolet irradiation amount is not biased. In the upper imaging unit 3e in FIG. 1, an annular ultraviolet irradiation unit 5e arranged around the imaging unit 3e is illustrated. Regarding the side image pickup means 3a to 3d, a part (upper surface) of an annular ultraviolet irradiation means arranged around the image pickup means is illustrated. In addition, the number, shape, and arrangement of each irradiation means in the figure are merely examples, and can be appropriately changed as necessary. For example, a plurality of irradiation means may be arranged around the imaging means.

  Based on the position of the object to be inspected (agricultural product 10), the control means 6 picks up the imaging timing of the plurality of imaging means 3, the visible light irradiation timing of the visible light irradiation means 4, the ultraviolet irradiation timing of the ultraviolet irradiation means 5, the imaging means 3 The switching of the imaging conditions is controlled.

  Further, the control means 6 specifies the position of the agricultural product 10 by a position specifying means (not shown). The position specifying means includes, for example, agricultural product detection means and conveyance distance measurement means (not shown). The agricultural product detection means is, for example, arranged upstream of the imaging position on the conveyance path and detects the presence of the agricultural product 10. As the agricultural product detection means, for example, a combination of a light emitting element and a light receiving element, a pressure sensor, an infrared sensor, or the like can be used as appropriate. It is preferable that the agricultural product detection means can detect at least one of the front end and the rear end of the agricultural product.

  The transport distance measuring unit measures the transport distance of the agricultural product 10 by the transport unit 2 and measures the moving distance from the position detected by the agricultural product detecting unit. The conveying distance measuring means may be configured to measure the conveying distance by detecting the rotation angle of the rotating shaft by connecting to a rotating shaft (not shown) of the conveyor by means of a pulse generator such as an encoder, or the conveying speed. In addition, the conveyance distance may be measured by detecting the conveyance time (based on a clock circuit or the like). However, the position specifying means is not limited to such a configuration.

  Furthermore, the control means 6 may also control other functions of the agricultural product inspection apparatus 1. For example, activation and termination of the apparatus, adjustment of the conveyance speed, and setting of the conveyance path may be controlled. As the control means 6, for example, an information processing apparatus having an arithmetic function and a storage function can be used. The arithmetic function may be configured by a processor, for example. The storage function may be configured by, for example, a semiconductor memory, a hard disk device, or the like. For example, the processor implements various processes by executing a program loaded from the hard disk device to the semiconductor memory. Hereinafter, the process of inspecting agricultural products in the agricultural product inspection apparatus 1 will be described.

  When the agricultural product 10 is conveyed from upstream to downstream by the conveying means 2, the control means 6 specifies the current position of the agricultural product 10 being conveyed based on the information acquired by the agricultural product detecting means and the conveying distance measuring means. . When it is determined that the current position of the agricultural product 10 has reached the imaging start position (for example, near the intersection of the optical axes), the control means 6 sequentially irradiates visible light and ultraviolet rays at every predetermined imaging timing (see FIG. 2). The visible light irradiating means 4 and the ultraviolet irradiating means 5 are controlled so that the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition stored in the storage means inside the imaging means are instantaneously switched while the visible light is irradiated. The image pickup means 3 is controlled so as to continuously pick up the image and the image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation. Note that the control unit 6 may switch the imaging condition of the imaging unit based on the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition stored in the storage function of the control unit 6.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the operation order of the imaging unit and each irradiation unit, and the correspondence relationship between the imaging timing 20, the operation 21 of the imaging unit, the operation 22 of the visible light irradiation unit, and the operation 23 of the ultraviolet irradiation unit. Is shown.

  When the control means 6 first determines that the agricultural product 10 has reached the imaging start position, the imaging means 3a emits visible light from the visible light irradiation means 4a, 4b, 4d at the imaging timing “1” in FIG. Is controlled so as to image the rear left side of the agricultural product 10 under the first imaging condition during visible light irradiation. As shown in FIG. 1, the visible light irradiation means 4c arranged at a position facing the imaging means 3a for imaging is not operated at the imaging timing “1” in order to prevent reflection on the imaging means 3a.

  Next, at the imaging timing “2”, visible light is irradiated from the visible light irradiation means 4a, 4b, and 4c so that the imaging means 3b images the rear right side of the farm product 10 under the first imaging condition at the time of visible light irradiation. To control. The visible light irradiation means 4d facing the imaging means 3b is not operated.

  Then, at the imaging timing “3”, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation means 5a, 5b, and 5d, and the imaging means 3a is controlled to image the rear left side of the agricultural product 10 under the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation. . Even at the imaging timing “3”, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5c disposed at a position facing the imaging unit 3a that performs imaging is not operated in order to prevent reflection on the imaging unit 3a.

  Furthermore, at the imaging timing “4”, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation means 5a, 5b, and 5c, and the imaging means 3b is controlled to take an image of the rear left side of the agricultural product 10 under the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation. To do. Even at the imaging timing “4”, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 5d facing the imaging unit 3b for imaging is not operated.

  Thereafter, at the imaging timing “5”, the visible light irradiation means 4e is irradiated with visible light, and the imaging means 3e is controlled to image the upper surface of the agricultural product 10 under the first imaging condition at the time of visible light irradiation. Next, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation means 5e, and the imaging means 3e is controlled to take an image of the state of the agricultural product 10 under the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation. In the operation sequence of FIG. 2, the other visible light irradiation means 4a to 4d and ultraviolet irradiation means 5a to 5d are not operated at the imaging timings “5” and “6”, but in order to obtain a brighter image. The visible light irradiation means 4a to 4d and the ultraviolet light irradiation means 5a to 5d may be operated, respectively.

  Hereinafter, as shown in the figure, at the imaging timing “7”, the image at the time of visible light irradiation is captured by the imaging means 3c under the first imaging condition, and at the imaging timing “8”, the image at the time of visible light irradiation is captured by the imaging means 3d. An image is captured under the first imaging condition. Then, at the imaging timing “9”, the image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation is captured by the imaging means 3c under the second imaging condition, and at the imaging timing “10”, the image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation is captured by the imaging means 3d under the second imaging condition. To do.

  The interval between the imaging timings may be appropriately set according to the conveyance speed of the conveyance unit 2 and the shutter speed set in the imaging unit, and may not be equal intervals. Further, the above-described imaging order is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited to this. In addition, it is preferable to take an image at a timing at which the best focus is achieved so that an image during visible light irradiation can be taken. When an image of the agricultural product 10 is taken, it is preferable that the imaging means 3 and other sensors read the identification number assigned to the key on the conveying means 2 on which the agricultural product 10 is placed.

  In this agricultural product inspection device, the weak fluorescence reaction at the time of ultraviolet irradiation is detected by a normal camera without using a special camera with high sensitivity, so the imaging condition of the imaging means is switched to a setting corresponding to the fluorescence reaction each time. There must be.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the first and second imaging conditions. The 1st imaging condition at the time of visible light irradiation can be suitably set according to the conveyance speed and the kind of citrus fruits. For example, when the conveyance speed is 1000 mm / second and the object to be inspected is a mandarin orange, it is preferable to set the shutter speed to 1/1000 to 1/2000 seconds, the gain to 60 to 70, and the gamma value to 0.9. Thereby, the control means 6 can acquire a clear image that can detect a normal scratch or the like of the appearance of the agricultural product 10.

  On the other hand, the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation is preferably, for example, a shutter speed of 1/500 seconds, a gain of 255, and a gamma value of 0.7. Thereby, the control means 6 can acquire the image with high contrast which can detect the fluorescence reaction produced in the site | part of the citrus raw wound or water rot. However, in this case, since the shutter speed is large, the captured image may be unclear. However, the magnitude, position, number, etc. of the fluorescence reaction are not a problem. Even if it is a small wound or water rot, it may not be possible to maintain quality due to the progress of rot during distribution. Therefore, produce that shows even a slight fluorescence reaction should be eliminated beforehand as rot. preferable. For this reason, in this embodiment, it is sufficient to detect the presence or absence of a fluorescent reaction. If necessary, threshold values may be set for the magnitude, position, number, etc. of the fluorescence reaction, and the approximate degree of raw wounds or water rot in the agricultural products may be determined based on these threshold values.

  Here, the gain represents the amplification degree (sensitivity) of the signal, and the image can be brightened by increasing the gain. However, since the noise is also amplified at the same time, the image becomes unclear. The gamma value is an index representing the relationship between the input value and the output value. As the gamma value increases, the difference in brightness of the image increases. In addition, the 1st and 2nd imaging conditions are not limited to this, It can change suitably according to the conveyance speed of the conveyance means 2, and the kind of citrus fruits.

  Subsequently, the control means 6 stores the image at the time of visible light irradiation and the image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation imaged by each imaging means in a storage unit (not shown). In this case, it is preferable to associate the identification number assigned to the key on the transport means 2 on which the agricultural product 10 is placed with the image.

  The control means 6 may perform image processing such as binarization processing on the acquired image at the time of visible light irradiation and the image at the time of ultraviolet light irradiation as necessary. As a result, the control means 6 determines the normal scratch (length, area), size, shape, hue, etc. of the agricultural product in the image at the time of irradiation with visible light, and determines the grade of the agricultural product based on these. Good. In addition, the presence or absence of a fluorescent reaction (that is, raw wound or water rot) is determined in the image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation. If it is determined that there is a fluorescent reaction, it may be determined that the produce is spoiled. If necessary, the degree of decay (size of raw wound, progress of water rot) can be determined by comparing the magnitude, position, number, etc. of the fluorescence reaction with a preset threshold value. Good.

  Moreover, the control means 6 may display the acquired image on a display device (for example, a liquid crystal display or the like) not shown, and the inspection result obtained by image processing (ordinary damage, size, shape of agricultural products) , Hue, fluorescent reaction, etc.) may be displayed. The inspector may determine the grade of the produce 10 based on these inspection results.

  The control means 6 can also deliver the produce 10 to a sorting conveyor or container (not shown) provided for each grade based on the grade assigned to the produce 10. For example, when the key on which the agricultural product is placed reaches a predetermined position corresponding to the grade downstream of the conveying unit 2, the control unit 6 tilts the key and sends the agricultural product 10 to the subsequent sorting conveyor. You may comprise so that the agricultural product by which the fluorescence reaction was detected may be discharged | emitted by the downstream end of the conveyance means 2 as a spoiled fruit.

  In the present embodiment, the imaging units 3a and 3c, 3b and 3d are arranged so as to face each other. Here, when an ultraviolet LED lamp is used as a light source during ultraviolet irradiation, the peak wavelength is distributed in the ultraviolet region, but may also include light in the visible light region. The light in the visible light region included in the ultraviolet rays may be reflected by the opposing visible light irradiation unit 4 or ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 disposed at a position protruding outside the imaging unit, and the reflected visible light region There is a risk that light will appear in the image. In this case, since it may be difficult to correctly detect only the fluorescence reaction in the image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation imaged by the imaging unit 3a, the visible light irradiation unit 4 arranged in the imaging region of the opposing imaging unit. Alternatively, it is preferable that the ultraviolet irradiation means 5 is provided with means for reflecting ultraviolet light (visible light contained therein). The reflection countermeasure means can be appropriately used not only when the ultraviolet light is irradiated but also when the visible light is irradiated. In the case where the imaging unit and the reflecting member are not arranged to face each other, it is not necessary to provide the reflection countermeasure unit.

  FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing an example of a reflection countermeasure provided in the ultraviolet irradiation means. The ultraviolet irradiation means 5 includes a substrate 51 and an ultraviolet LED 52 connected to the substrate 51, and includes a substrate 53 provided on the side of the substrate 51 and a blue LED connected to the substrate 53 as a reflection countermeasure. When the ultraviolet ray 50 including light in the visible light region is irradiated from the one ultraviolet irradiation unit 5 facing the control unit 6, the control unit 6 emits blue light 60 (wavelength 400 to 500 nm) from the blue LED of the other ultraviolet irradiation unit 5. Irradiation is performed in a direction substantially parallel to the substrate 51. The visible light contained in the ultraviolet ray 50 irradiated from the one ultraviolet irradiation means 5 facing the blue light 60 is blocked, and reflection from the ultraviolet LED 52 is reduced. The light in the ultraviolet region itself is invisible, and even if it is reflected by the opposing irradiation means, it does not appear in the image at the time of imaging, so it does not affect the determination of the fluorescence reaction. In the present embodiment, the blue LED is arranged on the side of the substrate 51 of the other ultraviolet irradiation means 5, but the blue light is irradiated between the other ultraviolet irradiation means 5 and the agricultural product to emit visible light. It is only necessary to provide reflection countermeasures that can be blocked, and the arrangement can be changed as appropriate.

  Further, as the reflection countermeasure means, a light shielding plate or a reflecting mirror for deflecting ultraviolet rays in a direction different from that of the imaging means for imaging may be provided in front of the opposing ultraviolet irradiation means, or reflected from an image taken by image processing. It is also possible to remove the reflection of light. For example, the reflected ultraviolet light has a wavelength different from that of the fluorescent light generated from the raw wound of the agricultural product. Therefore, the reflected light may be removed using a bandpass filter that transmits only a specific wavelength, or the reflected light may be reflected in a specific region. If it is clear that the signal occurs, it may be processed by software so as to delete the signal in such a region.

  In the above description, an example in which the reflection countermeasure is mainly used at the time of ultraviolet irradiation has been described. However, this reflection countermeasure can be used at the time of visible light irradiation. When visible light is irradiated from one opposing visible light irradiation means, when blue light is irradiated from the reflection corresponding means provided in the other irradiation means, the visible light is blocked by the blue light, and the other irradiation means Reflection from the reflecting member is reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent reflection in the image by visible light. In this case, blue light emitted from the reflection countermeasure unit itself may appear in the image, but only the signal in the blue range may be removed using a filter or image processing.

  Signals in the blue range may be lost from the area of the object to be inspected in the image, but it is also possible to inspect using an image in a specific wavelength range (eg, mainly red to yellow, green) Therefore, it is not necessary to include blue. As described above, it is preferable to use the reflection countermeasures even when the visible light is irradiated because reflection from the reflecting member or the like by visible light can be reduced.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view of the agricultural product inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The agricultural product inspection apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a transport unit 2, a plurality of imaging units 3, a plurality of visible light irradiation units 4, a plurality of ultraviolet irradiation units 5, a reversing mechanism 7, and a control unit (not shown).

  In the present embodiment, two imaging units 3a and 3b are arranged on the right side on the upstream side of the conveying unit 2, two imaging units 3c and 3d are arranged on the left side on the downstream side, and further upstream and downstream. Image pickup means 3e and 3f are arranged above each. Each imaging means is provided with annular visible light irradiation means 4 and ultraviolet irradiation means 5 around it.

  In addition, the quantity, arrangement, and shape of the imaging unit and each irradiation unit are examples, and may be appropriately changed according to the configuration of the apparatus and the conveyance unit. For example, a rectangular visible light irradiating unit that can irradiate a wide area may be provided at the left end of the imaging unit 3 a that images the rear surface of the agricultural product 10 upstream, or at the right end of the imaging unit 3 b that images the front surface of the agricultural product 10. Further, a rectangular visible light irradiation means 4b that can irradiate a wide range may be provided.

  Since the specific configuration of each means is the same as that of the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted. The reversing mechanism 7 is configured to reverse the top and bottom of the agricultural product 10 being conveyed (for example, a step, a pin roller, etc.).

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating another example of the operation order of the imaging unit and each irradiation unit. The imaging timing 70, the imaging unit operation 71, the visible light irradiation unit operation 72, and the ultraviolet irradiation unit operation 73 are illustrated. It shows the correspondence.

  When the control means 6 first determines that the agricultural product 10 has reached the upstream imaging start position, the control means 6 irradiates visible light from the visible light irradiation means 4a, 4b, 4e at the imaging timing “1” in FIG. The imaging means 3a, 3b, and 3e simultaneously capture images at the time of visible light irradiation including the rear surface, the front surface, and the top side (for example, the infarction side) of the produce 10 under the first imaging conditions at the time of visible light irradiation. Control to do. Note that simultaneous imaging may include sequential imaging with a time difference of about the shutter speed of the imaging means.

  Next, at the imaging timing “2”, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation means 5a, 5b, and 5e, and the imaging means 3a, 3b, and 3e are respectively in the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation, respectively, Control is performed so that an image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation including the surface on the apex side (for example, the infarction side) is simultaneously captured.

  Then, when the agricultural product 10 is moved by the conveying means 2 and reaches the reversing mechanism 7, the upper and lower sides thereof are returned. When the control unit 6 determines that the agricultural product 10 has reached the downstream imaging start position, the imaging unit 3c, 3d emits visible light from the visible light irradiation units 4c, 4d, 4f at the imaging timing “3”. 3f is a first imaging condition at the time of visible light irradiation, and controls to simultaneously capture images at the time of visible light irradiation including the rear surface, the front surface, and the bottom side (for example, the flower mark side) of the produce 10 respectively. .

  Thereafter, at the imaging timing “4”, ultraviolet rays are irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation means 5c, 5d, and 5f, and the imaging means 3c, 3d, and 3f are the second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation, respectively, and the rear and front surfaces of the produce 10 respectively. And upstream, control is performed so that an image at the time of visible light irradiation including a surface on the bottom side (for example, the flower mark side) is simultaneously captured.

  As described above, according to the agricultural product inspection apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to carry out both the normal inspection of agricultural products by visible light irradiation and the inspection of the presence of raw wounds or water rot by ultraviolet light in one step. The inspection line can be shortened. Moreover, since a general imaging means is used, a low-cost inspection apparatus can be provided.

  Furthermore, even when the ultraviolet irradiation means are arranged so as to face each other, reflection from the irradiation means can be reduced, and the fluorescence reaction can be detected by a simple image processing method. Moreover, if the image at the time of visible light irradiation and the image at the time of ultraviolet irradiation are continuously acquired and processed, both the judgment of the grade of agricultural products and the selection of spoilage fruit can be carried out in one transport process.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Agricultural product inspection apparatus 2 Conveyance means 3 Imaging means 4 Visible light irradiation means 5 Ultraviolet irradiation means 6 Control means 10 Agricultural products

Claims (10)

An agricultural product inspection device for inspecting agricultural products,
Conveying means for conveying the agricultural products;
Imaging means for imaging the agricultural products being conveyed by the conveying means;
Visible light irradiating means for irradiating the produce with visible light;
Ultraviolet irradiation means for irradiating the produce with ultraviolet rays;
Control means for controlling the imaging means, the visible light irradiation means, and the ultraviolet irradiation means,
The control means irradiates one of visible light and ultraviolet light at predetermined timings by the visible light irradiation means and the ultraviolet light irradiation means, and based on the first imaging condition at the time of visible light irradiation in the same imaging means. The agricultural product inspection apparatus is configured to image the agricultural product and to image the agricultural product based on a second imaging condition at the time of ultraviolet irradiation. The imaging means includes storage means for storing the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition,
The agricultural product inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches between the first imaging condition and the second imaging condition at a predetermined timing in the imaging unit.   The control means detects information including at least one of a normal wound, shape, and size of the agricultural product based on an image of the agricultural product imaged at the time of the visible light irradiation, and images at the time of the ultraviolet irradiation. The farm product inspection apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the farm product inspection apparatus is configured to detect the presence or absence of a fluorescent reaction generated from a raw wound or water rot of the farm product based on the image of the farm product.   4. The second imaging condition according to claim 1, wherein at least a shutter speed is increased and / or a gain is increased as compared with the first imaging condition. 5. Agricultural product inspection equipment. The first imaging condition is that the shutter speed is 1/1000 to 1/2000 seconds, the gain is 80 or less,
5. The agricultural product inspection apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the second imaging condition is a shutter speed of 1/500 second or more and a gain of 200 or more.   6. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a reflection countermeasure unit configured to prevent the visible light irradiated from the visible light irradiation unit or the ultraviolet irradiation unit arranged in the imaging region of the imaging unit from being reflected. The agricultural product inspection apparatus according to claim 1.   The reflection countermeasure means irradiates blue light between an irradiation surface of the visible light irradiation means or the ultraviolet irradiation means and the agricultural product, and the visible light irradiated to the visible light irradiation means or the ultraviolet irradiation means. The agricultural product inspection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein reflection is prevented. An agricultural product inspection method for inspecting the agricultural product by imaging the agricultural product by a plurality of imaging units while conveying the agricultural product by a conveying unit,
Irradiate one of visible light and ultraviolet rays at each predetermined timing,
A method for inspecting agricultural products, wherein one imaging means images the agricultural products based on a first imaging condition when the visible light is irradiated, and images the agricultural products based on a second imaging condition when the ultraviolet light is irradiated.   Based on the image of the agricultural product imaged at the time of the visible light irradiation, information including at least one of the normal wound, shape, and size of the agricultural product is detected, and the agricultural product imaged at the time of the ultraviolet irradiation is detected. 9. The method for inspecting agricultural products according to claim 8, wherein the presence or absence of a fluorescent reaction resulting from a raw wound or water rot of the agricultural product is detected based on an image.   10. The agricultural product inspection method according to claim 8, wherein the second imaging condition includes at least increasing the shutter speed and / or increasing the gain as compared to the first imaging condition.