JPH02260091A - Quantity measuring instrument for carried article such as egg - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To correctly measure a quantity in a simple configuration by intermittently image-picking up only the section between the conveyer supporting members by means of an image sensor camera. CONSTITUTION:When eggs 6 are carried by being locked by means of bars 3 of a flat conveyer 1, a photoelectric switch 15 detects any one of the bars 3, and simultaneously a CCD camera 4 image-picks up a carrying surface 5. At such image pickup timing, the camera 4 image-picks up the position between the bars 3, and the bar 3 is not image-picked up. Consequently when the egg exists immediately under the camera 4, only the egg 6 is surely image-picked up, and the suitable image is outputted. Thus a clearly discriminating slice signal can be obtained, the bar 3 is not erroneously counted as the egg 6, and the correct quantity can be measured in the simple configuration.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION (Field of Industrial Application) The present invention relates to a measuring device that can accurately count the number of articles such as chicken eggs transported by a conveyor by optical means.

(Prior Art) Conventionally, as a means for transporting chicken eggs and counting their quantity, there is a birch means shown in FIG. 5(a).

This conventional means uses a so-called flat bar conveyor 1 to transport eggs, and the eggs 6 are locked between bars 3, 3 to prevent them from rolling back and forth. . Moreover, the quantity measurement is performed by disposing a limit switch 20 on the transport path of the chicken eggs 6 and measuring the number of times the switch is operated.

On the other hand, conventionally, there is a method described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 59-208682 as a means for measuring the quantity of target articles different from the above. Such means, as shown in FIG.
An image sensor camera (CCO camera) 4 is provided above a conveyor 1e such as a belt conveyor for conveying the conveyor, and the camera 4 continuously scans the conveyance surface of the conveyor 1e.

(Problem to be Solved by the Invention) However, with the former conventional means shown in FIG. It becomes necessary to provide the switches 20, which causes the inconvenience of complicating the device configuration. In addition, as a measure to solve the conventional problems,
As shown in FIG. 3(b), means is also adopted to set the conveyor 1 narrow so that the eggs 6 are conveyed in a single vertical line. However, this poses a problem in that the efficiency of conveying the eggs is poor, and if a large number of conveyors are installed in parallel to increase the conveyance efficiency, the cost of the entire apparatus becomes very high.

Furthermore, it is quite difficult to adjust the limit switch so that it makes accurate contact with objects that are rounded and easily damaged, such as chicken eggs, and if the contact pressure is large, it may damage objects such as rabbits, so it is difficult to adjust the limit switch. It was getting complicated. As a result, there is a great possibility that the limit switch will malfunction due to such poor adjustment, and problems have also arisen in terms of accuracy.

On the other hand, the latter conventional means shown in FIG. 6 has the advantage of being able to simultaneously image a wide area on the conveyor 1e using -3 COD cameras 4, and there is no need to provide a large number of cameras 4. However, this latter method cannot be applied because accurate measurement is difficult when the object of measurement is the article 6 conveyed by the flat bar conveyor 1 as in the former method.

In other words, since this means uses the CCO camera 4 to constantly scan the transport surface of the conveyor, the eight rabbits 6 and the bar 3 of the conveyor must be imaged at the same time, making it impossible to reliably identify only the eggs 6. This is very difficult and results in a situation where the number of bars 3 is counted as the same as the number of chicken eggs.

Therefore, in the past, when articles were conveyed by a type of conveyor such as a flat bar conveyor, it was not possible to accurately measure the quantity using a CCO camera.

Therefore, when the present invention conveys articles while being locked between a plurality of support members, such as on a flat bar conveyor, the quantity of the conveyed articles can be accurately measured by means of a simple configuration. Its purpose is to

(Means for Solving the Problems) The present invention does not continuously image the transport surface of the conveyor using an image sensor/camera, but rather uses the support member of the conveyor that supports the transport article when taking an image of the transport article. This is an attempt to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems by taking into account the possibility of not capturing an image.

That is, the present invention provides a method for transporting eggs, etc., which are placed in a locked state between a plurality of support members 3 arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals and forming the transport surface 5 of the conveyor 1. A measuring device for measuring the quantity of articles 6, which is provided above or below the conveyance surface 5 of the conveyor 1, and is an image for capturing and detecting the conveyed articles 6 conveyed by the conveyor 1. The image sensor-camera 4 has a sensor-camera 4 and a detection means 15 for detecting each support member 3 of the conveyor 1 and transmitting a detection signal thereof, and the image sensor-camera 4 has a detection means 15 for the support member. Each support member 3.3 of the conveyor 1 is based on the transmission timing of the detection signal to be transmitted.
It is set to intermittently image the parts between each other.
This is a quantity measuring device for transported goods such as chicken eggs.

Further, in the above configuration, the present invention resets the image sensor-camera 4 by detecting the support member 3 of the conveyor 1 at a position upstream or downstream of the conveyor relative to the detection means 15. This is a quantity measuring device for conveyed articles such as chicken eggs, which is additionally provided with a detection means 15a for transmitting a signal to enable imaging.

Further, in the present invention, in any of the above configurations, the image sensor-camera 4 is set to image a position C2 eccentric from the center position C1 between the support members 3, 3 of the conveyor 1. This is a quantity measuring device for transported goods such as chicken eggs.

(Function) In the quantity measuring device with the above configuration, the image sensor
The camera 4 has a wide detection range, and one camera 5 can image the entire width of the conveyance surface 5 of the conveyor 1.

Therefore, the image sensor camera 4 has a detection means 15.
Since the position between the support members 3 of the conveyor 1 is set to be imaged based on the time when the support member 3 of the conveyor 1 is detected, the support member 3 is not imaged. Therefore, the data of the support member 3 is not included in the image output of the detection data, and there is no possibility that the support member 3 is erroneously counted as the transported article 6. In addition, the conveyed article 6
Since the image output value is not affected by the data of the support member 3, the image data of the conveyed article 6 can be determined very accurately.

In addition to the detection means I5, the support member 3 of the conveyor 1
In the means provided with a detection means 15a that transmits a signal to reset the image sensor camera 4 and enable the next image capturing by detecting..., the conveyor 1
Even if a situation arises in which the same support member 3 is detected multiple times by the detection means 15 due to vibration of the support member 3 when stopped, etc., the other detection means 15a will not detect the support member 3. During this period, the image sensor/camera 4 does not capture images.

Therefore, the possibility that the image sensor/camera 4 repeatedly images the same position multiple times when the conveyor 1 is stopped or the like can be accurately eliminated.

Further, in the means set to image a position C2 eccentric from the center position C7 between the respective support members 3.3 of the conveyor 1, rounded conveyed articles 6.6 such as chicken eggs are placed between the support members 3, Even if the conveyed articles 6 are conveyed in a state in which they are in contact with each other at the center position between the conveyed articles 6, images are taken at positions where the conveyed articles 6 are in non-contact with each other. Therefore, it is eliminated that the plurality of conveyed articles 6, 6 are detected individually and erroneously counted as - number of conveyed articles 6.

(Example) Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

In Fig. 1, to explain the case of measuring the quantity of chicken eggs 6 as an example, in the figure, 1 is a flat bar conveyor, and two drive chains 2, which are endless and can be freely circulated, have many chains between them. Round bar-shaped bars 3 are arranged parallel to each other at a predetermined constant interval.

Reference numeral 4 denotes a COD camera which is disposed above the conveyance surface 5 at the top of the conveyor 1, and is set to be able to image the entire width of the conveyance surface 5. In addition, as shown in the same figure (b), the CCD camera 4
A quantity measurement calculation device 8 is connected to a photoelectric conversion circuit 7 that converts the imaging light into a predetermined pulsed electric signal and outputs it. In the arithmetic unit 8, 9 recognizes image output values of a predetermined level and a predetermined width from the CCo image output AI and A2-8 outputted as shown in FIG. This conversion circuit has a function of removing unjustified detection data B such as dust and converting it into slice signals A, . . . A2 corresponding to chicken eggs as shown in FIG. Reference numeral 10 denotes a quantitative calculation unit that sequentially integrates the output values of the slice signals. II is a display to display the quantity so that it can be confirmed from the outside. 1
Reference numeral 2 indicates a data writing device for writing the measured quantity of chicken eggs into a memory card 13 such as a magnetic card. However, if the measured value of the chicken egg is zero, it is set not to write data to the card 13. 14 is a fluorescent lamp for projecting light, which is arranged above the conveyor 1 similarly to the CCD camera 4.

15, tsa are two reflective charging switches arranged in parallel below the passing position of each bar 3 of the conveyor 1, and these are adsorbed in a suitable bracket 16 so that the position can be adjusted, so that the direction of movement of each bar 3 is adjusted. The slide can be adjusted freely. Further, each of the charging switches 15 and 158 transmits a detection signal to the CCO camera 4 each time the bar 3 is detected. Here, each time the CCD camera 4 receives the detection signal from one of the switches 15, the CCD camera 4 simultaneously detects the detection signal from the conveyor 1.
The above image capture is set to be performed once instantaneously. Furthermore,
The CCD camera 4 is set to be reset so that it can take the next image by receiving the detection signal from the other switch 15a. That is, even if the CCD camera 4 receives a detection signal from the one charging switch 15, if it has not been reset by receiving the detection signal transmitted from the other charging switch 15a before then,
The next image capture is not possible.

The present embodiment has the above configuration, and an example of its use will be described next.

First, before doing the actual measurement work, please turn on the two charging switches + 5. Set the TSA position in advance.

This is both switch 15. ? 5a in the front-rear direction to align the optical axis K of the CCD camera 4, for example as shown in FIG.
It is only necessary to place one charging switch 15 in a position where it just detects the other appropriate bar 3 when the charging switch 15 faces the position between the two bars 3, 3. In that case, preferably CC
The optical axis K of the D camera 4 is at the center of the two bars 3.3 fc+
It is set to face a position C2 which is eccentric to the light source side, for example, about 174 points upstream between the bars 3 and 3. The other switch 15a may be placed either downstream or upstream of the conveyor relative to the one switch 15.

Next, after the above settings are made, each device is operated to properly convey a large number of chicken eggs by the flat bar conveyor 1. First, the chicken eggs 6 are locked between the bars 3 and 3, so they move forward and backward. Stable conveyance is performed without rolling in any direction.

During conveyance, if the charging switch 15 detects any bar 3 on the conveyor 1, the C
The CD camera 4 images the conveyance surface 5 of the conveyor 1. Here, at the timing of the one image, the CC() camera 4 images the position between the bars 3.3, and the bar 3.
Do not image.

Therefore, the chicken egg 6 is placed directly under the CCD camera 4 during the imaging period.
If this exists, only the chicken egg 6 will be reliably imaged, and the CCD camera 4 will output an accurate image. Since the imaging data of the bar 3 is not mixed in the image output, a clearly distinguishable slice signal is obtained, and there is no error in the pulse count.

Further, even if there is no chicken egg 6 between the bars 3 and 3, the bar 3 is not imaged, so there is no possibility of mistaking the bar 3 for the chicken egg 6 and performing an erroneous count.

Furthermore, during transportation, two bars 3.
In some cases, a plurality of chicken eggs 8, 8 are conveyed in contact with each other during the three-way period. However, the part imaged by the CCD camera 4 is bar 3. Since the position C2 is more eccentric than the center position C of 3, imaging at the position C4 where both eggs 6, 6 are in contact with each other is avoided, and the region where the gap H exists is imaged.

Therefore, there is no possibility that a plurality of chicken eggs 6 that come into contact with each other will be counted as - eggs, and the accuracy is further improved.

The charging switch 15 is capable of transmitting a detection signal each time it detects the bar 3 of the conveyor 1 which is driven in circulation. Therefore, the CCD camera 4 images only predetermined positions between the bars 3 intermittently and without any leakage, and as a result, the eggs 6 being conveyed on the conveyor 1 can be counted very accurately. be.

Furthermore, when the conveyor 1 is stopped, etc., there may be a phenomenon in which the bars 3 move back slightly, and if the back of the bar 3 occurs directly above the charging switch 15, the charging switch 15 causes a situation in which the same bar 3 is detected twice. However, since the CCD camera 4 is set not to perform the next image capture after completing one image capture unless it receives a signal from the other photoelectric switch 15a, the above situation occurs. Also the other charging switch 15
The CCD camera 4 does not operate unless the bar 3 is detected by the bar 3. As a result, due to the deflection of bar 3, COD
It is also appropriately avoided that the camera 4 repeatedly images the same position twice, and the accuracy of quantity measurement is further improved.

Incidentally, in the above embodiment, since the CCO camera 4 is provided with the data writing device 12 to the memory card 13, there is an advantage that the storage and aggregation of the data can be facilitated. For example, as shown in Fig. 4, a large number of chicken houses 17... and an egg collection area 18 are connected by a plurality of conveyors, and the number of eggs carried out from each chicken house 17 by the conveyor 1 is calculated by -1 COD. camera 4
This is convenient when measuring. In such a case, the total number of chicken eggs 6 collected at the egg collection area 18 is determined by each CCO camera 4...
Individual data on the memory card 13 used can be read by a predetermined device and easily tabulated.

However, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to such uses, and the conveyed article is by no means limited to chicken eggs. It can be applied to the measurement of any number of articles as long as they can be supported and conveyed between the bars 3, 3 of the conveyor 1, and their specific types do not matter at all.

Further, the image sensor camera 4 according to the present invention does not need to be constructed as a COD camera having a memory card writing function as in the above embodiments. Further, the image sensor-camera 4 according to the present invention may be provided below the conveyor 1 instead of above it, and its specific installation position is not limited as in the above embodiments.

Further, in the above embodiment, a flat bar conveyor was used as a specific example of the conveyor 1, but the type of conveyor is not limited to this. Support members of other shapes may be used instead of bars. In short, any conveyor may be used as long as it is possible to arrange a plurality of support members at predetermined intervals and to place the conveyed article in a locked state between the support members and convey the article. The pitch interval of the support member 3, its driving means, etc. can be changed in design as appropriate.

Furthermore, a detection means 15° 15a for a support member according to the present invention
It is also not limited to charging switches. In short, these devices only need to have a function of detecting the support member 3 and outputting a detection signal thereof.In addition to the above, limit switches, proximity switches, or other various switches and sensors may be used. Is possible. Moreover, the installation position of these detection means 15.15a is not limited either, and may be either upstream or downstream of the image sensor-camera 4. Furthermore, it may be placed not only above the conveyance surface 5 of the conveyor, but also below or to the side thereof. In addition, in practice, it is preferable to take into account that the detection means 15, 15a for detecting these supporting members do not detect the conveyed article 6.

This can be easily achieved by providing the conveyor with a guide member for guiding the conveyance article 6 so that the conveyance article 6 is not conveyed to a position facing the detection means 15.15a.

Furthermore, in the device according to the first aspect of the present invention, only one detection means 15 is sufficient, and it is not necessarily necessary to provide two detection means 15.15a.

Even if only one of the detection means 15 is provided, the image sensor-camera 4 can be activated each time the support member is detected, and the object of the present invention can be achieved.

Furthermore, in the present invention, it is only necessary to set the imaging timing of the image sensor-camera 4 based on the detection signal of the detection means 15, and the sensor camera does not necessarily have to be activated at the same time as the detection means 15 detects the support member 3 of the conveyor 1. There is no need to activate it. There is no problem even if the actuation is performed after a certain period of time has elapsed after receiving the signal from the detection means 15. In short, it is only necessary to set the timing at which the position between the support members 3, 3 of the conveyor 1 can be imaged. .

In addition, the design of the specific configuration of each part of the present invention can be changed arbitrarily within the intended scope of the present invention.

(Effects of the Invention) As described above, the present invention provides detection for detecting the support member of the conveyor that locks and supports the conveyed article when the image sensor camera detects the article being conveyed on a predetermined conveyor. Since the configuration is such that the mutual position of each support member is intermittently imaged by an image sensor-camera based on the support member detection timing of the detection means, the quantity can be determined using a conventional limit switch. Needless to say, there is no problem such as the need to install a large number of limit switches as a means of measurement, and the data detected by the image sensor/camera does not include imaged data of the support member of the conveyor. becomes.

As a result, according to the present invention, there is no risk of erroneously counting the supporting members of the conveyor as conveyed articles, unlike in the conventional means in which the image sensor/camera continuously scans the conveyor. This has resulted in a special effect in that it is possible to count the number of conveyed articles very accurately without making it difficult to distinguish the image output value of the conveyed articles based on the data of the supporting member.

In addition to the detection means for the imaging timing reference of the image sensor/camera of the present invention, a signal for resetting the image sensor/camera to enable the next imaging by detecting the support member of the conveyor is also provided. According to a means that is also equipped with another detection means for transmitting data, the support member may shake when the conveyor is stopped, etc., and the detection means for the imaging timing reference may detect the same support member multiple times. In such cases, the function that can accurately eliminate the risk of the image sensor camera repeatedly taking images of the same position on the conveyor multiple times is obtained, and the excellent effect is that the accuracy of quantity measurement can be further improved. can get.

Furthermore, according to the means set to take images at positions eccentric from the center position between the supporting members of the conveyor of the present invention, rounded conveyed articles such as chicken eggs can be imaged at the center position between the supporting members. Even when conveyed items are in contact with objects, it is possible to image them in a non-contact position and detect the images of each conveyed item individually, which has the effect of further increasing the accuracy of the count measurement. be.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a main part, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory view. FIGS. 2A and 2B are explanatory diagrams showing an example of image output data and its processing state. FIG. 3 shows the state during measurement work, with (a) being a side sectional view of the main part, and (b) being a plan view of the main part. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the use of the device according to the present invention. 5 and 6 show a conventional example, FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are plan views of the main parts, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the main parts. 1... Conveyor 3... Bar

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of conveyors 1 arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals.
This is a measuring device for measuring the quantity of conveyed articles 6 such as chicken eggs that are placed and conveyed in a locked state between supporting members 3 forming a conveying surface 5 of the conveyor 1. An image sensor camera 4 provided above or below the surface 5 for capturing and detecting images of conveyed articles 6 conveyed by the conveyor 1; and an image sensor camera 4 for sensing each support member 3 of the conveyor 1 and receiving detection signals thereof; The image sensor camera 4 has a detecting means 15 for transmitting a detection signal, and the image sensor camera 4 detects the distance between the supporting members 3, 3 of the conveyor 1 based on the transmission timing of the detection signal transmitted by the detecting means 15 for the supporting member. 1. A quantity measuring device for conveyed articles such as chicken eggs, characterized in that the device is configured to intermittently take images of parts of the body. 2. Transmit a signal to a position upstream or downstream of the conveyor from the detection means 15 to reset the image sensor camera 4 by detecting the support member 3 of the conveyor 1 to enable the next image capture. Claim 1, characterized in that the detection means 15a is separately provided.
Quantity measuring device for transported goods such as chicken eggs as described in 2. 3. The image sensor camera 4 is set to take an image of a position C_2 that is eccentric from a central position C_1 between the support members 3, 3 of the conveyor 1. 2. A quantity measuring device for transported goods such as chicken eggs according to item 2.