JPH03280166A - Product inspection device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To miniaturize a whole product inspection system by executing arithmetic processing by a CPU by using discrimination data generated by the CPU itself and the discrimination data obtained before by another inspection device. CONSTITUTION:An arithmetic means 32 refers to data held in a RAM 15b at prescribed timing. In response to information from a data control means 34 grasping the address data of the RAM 15b, the discrimination data for the same objective product, namely, the discrimination data obtained for some product Px by the discrimination data generating means 30 of a product inspection device and the discrimination data obtained by inspecting the product Px by another deciding system and taken in this CPU previously by an input control means 31 are read in. Then, necessary processing such as AND or OR, etc., is executed about these two discrimination data, and overall discrimination data is obtained. Thus, a problem that a whole system for executing inspection and discrimination becomes too large is removed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Application Fields] The present invention controls the execution of a predetermined inspection on products (articles to be inspected) conveyed by a product line, and also controls the inspection obtained by the inspection. Analyze the information signal,
The present invention relates to a product inspection device that can obtain discrimination data as inspection results based on the analysis data.

[Prior Art] For example, in a factory production line, products are sequentially transported by an incoming conveyor line (hereinafter referred to as a line), and in order to distinguish them by type or to eliminate defective products, each product is Each product is inspected using images taken of the product.

For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when a product P conveyed through a line 1 is detected by a detector 2 composed of an odometer or the like, the detection signal is supplied to a product inspection device 3, and the product inspection device 3 line l by distance d1 from the position of detector 2
A control signal is sent to an image sensor 4, such as a CCD camera, and a strobe illumination device 5 installed downstream of the product, and the product is photographed.

In this case, the supply timing of the control signal is determined by the distance d.
1 and the speed V of line 1, that is, after the detection signal of the detector 2 is obtained so that the product P detected by the detector 2 can be properly photographed by the image sensor 4 (d,
/V) The image sensor 4 and the strobe lighting 5 are set to operate with a time difference.

The image data obtained from the image sensor 4 by the above-mentioned photographing operation is analyzed in the product inspection device 3, - for example,
The area of the product is calculated by binarizing the image data, and the calculation result is compared with a preset standard value to determine whether the product to be inspected has an appropriate area, i.e. Determine whether the crystal is normal.

Such a judgment system #. This judgment system # allows us to determine the quality and type of a product.

Line 1 uses the discrimination data obtained as a control signal.
If the product is supplied to the sorting device 6 provided downstream of the line 1, the defective products P° can be removed from the line 1, for example, as shown in the figure. However, the control signal to the sorting device 6 is supplied with a time difference due to the separation distance d2 of the installation position and the line speed ■ so that the target product of the pass/fail discrimination data and the product to be sorted by the sorting device 6 match. Ru.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Incidentally, in actual manufacturing lines, various types of inspections are often performed on products transported by one line.

For example, various inspections may be performed on the product, such as its external shape, area, presence of labels, etc. In such cases, prescribed inspections are performed sequentially along line 1 as shown in Figure 6. Judgment system #1゜#2. #3 is installed, and these are controlled by an external controller 7. In other words, the external controller 7 calculates the discrimination data obtained from each judgment system #1 to #3 for the product P that is supplied next, generates and outputs a sorting control signal to the sorting device 6, and also outputs the sorting control signal for the sorting device 6. Management of distances d, d4. The time difference caused by d5 and line speed V is managed to ensure that each discrimination data manually input from each judgment system and the control signal supplied to the sorting device based on the discrimination data target completely the same product. to control.

However, in such conventional methods, the need to systemize using an external controller makes the overall system for performing inspection discrimination too large, resulting in high costs and
There were problems with the area used within the factory and the flexibility of the process.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention was made in view of the above problems, and the product inspection device itself uses self-generated discrimination data and
By performing arithmetic processing on the same inspected article as the inspected article from which the discrimination data was obtained, using discrimination data already obtained by another inspection device, discrimination is performed as a comprehensive discrimination result based on both discrimination data. For this purpose, an external discrimination data input control means that inputs discrimination data from other inspection devices and records it in memory inside the system control section of the product inspection device. and an arithmetic means for performing arithmetic processing on the discriminative data obtained by the self-execution-controlled test and the discriminative data input and held by the external discriminative data input control means, and an external device that performs arithmetic processing on the discriminative data obtained by the arithmetic means. and a data control means for controlling so that each piece of discrimination data processed by the calculation means is discrimination data for the same article to be inspected.

[Function] The product inspection device itself, as an internal control means, can calculate the discrimination data from other product inspection devices and its own discrimination data, so that Discrimination data can be generated as a comprehensive determination of inspection results and self-discriminated data.

[Example] First, the overall configuration of an example of the product inspection apparatus of the present invention will be schematically described.

FIG. 1 shows the circuit block, and numeral 10 surrounded by a dashed line indicates a product inspection device. Note that the product inspection device 10, the image sensor (CCD camera) 4, the illumination device 5, and the detector 2 are used to form a determination system # as shown in FIG. 5 described above. is configured. Also,
In this embodiment, the illumination device 5 performs the illumination operation as a strobe illumination in synchronization with the shutter timing of the image sensor 4, but it may be a device that emits continuous light, such as a fluorescent lamp, for example.

Such a judgment system #. The product inspection apparatus 10 of this embodiment in FIG. Input as data for product judgment.

11R, IIG, and IIB are A/D converters, which convert the supplied R, G, and B image signals into digital signals, respectively. 12R, 12G, and 12B are frame memories that respectively store R, G, and B signals converted into digital signals.

The image data stored in the frame memories 12R, 12G, and 12B are supplied via the image bus 13a to an image processing section 14 surrounded by a dotted line, where various arithmetic operations are performed.

This image processing section 14 includes a binarization processing section 14a, a center of gravity/inclination calculation section 14b, and a hard logic circuit, for example.
A perimeter calculation section 14C1, a density dispersion calculation section 14d, and the like are provided, and the data of the product can be calculated from the image data obtained by photographing the product.

By extracting a specific color from the image data, the binarization processing unit 14a can calculate, for example, the area of the product (or a specific portion of the product). Further, based on this binarized data, various calculations are executed in the center of gravity/inclination calculation unit 14b and the perimeter calculation unit 14c, and the center of gravity, inclination, perimeter, etc. of the product are calculated, and the perimeter of the product is calculated. By dividing the area from the square, it is possible to obtain the complexity of the product's external shape.

Further, the density distribution calculating section 14d is configured to be able to calculate the density distribution from the R, G, and B luminance data held in the frame memory 12.

Various other image processing operations can also be performed within the image processing section 14, but since they are not directly related to the main part of the present invention, detailed explanations of their processing circuits, calculation methods, etc. will be omitted here.

15 is a system controller (CPU), and various calculation results obtained in the image processing section 14 are sent to a control bus 13.
b, and the CPU 15 compares this calculation result with a preset setting value or performs arithmetic processing to determine whether or not the product meets the setting conditions. make such judgments, etc.

For example, when identifying a product with a red label affixed on a line, the image processing unit 14 is controlled and the binarization processing unit 14a uses the image data stored in the frame memory 12.
The area of the red portion is calculated by the controller 13, and the calculated data is taken in via the control bus 13b, and the value is compared with a preset reference value. If the area of the red part is greater than or equal to the standard value, the product to be inspected is determined to have a red label affixed, and the determination data is transmitted to the sorting device shown in Figure 6 above, for example. It is designed so that it can be output to 6 etc.

Note that when analyzing the image captured in the frame memory 12, it is not always necessary to analyze the entire data for one screen; It is also possible to set one or more areas (hereinafter referred to as windows) in , and control the analysis operation in the arithmetic processing unit 14 for each window. In this case, multiple (
When setting (n) windows, the analysis data for each window is compared with a reference value of 1 to Kn to generate discrimination data for each window, and this n discrimination data is further calculated. By processing, comprehensive discrimination data can be obtained.

Further, the CPU 15 sets timing based on the detection signal from the detector 2 and outputs an operation control signal to the image sensor 4 and the illumination device 5.

15a and 15b are memory units (ROM, R
AM), and the above-mentioned judgment reference values, control contents at each inspection, etc. are classified and written in advance for each item to be inspected and inspection contents. In addition, the memory section 15b
(RAM) stores discrimination data from other inspection devices.
It is also used to write 1, but its recording operation will be described later. Note that the human output of information in the CPU 15 is performed via an interface section inside the CPU.
For the sake of explanation, the interface section will be omitted.

Reference numeral 16 denotes an operation panel (keyboard) through which the user performs various operations on the CPU 15, such as selecting setting values and control contents stored in the memory section.

17 is the image held in the frame memory 12 and C
A display that displays control images (operation menus, image window frames, etc.) supplied from the PU 15 is shown. Note that images and the like may be displayed using an external CRT or the like.

Reference numeral 18 indicates a memory card drive, which is designed to be able to exchange information with an external memory card (for example, a RAM card that backs up with its own power supply, a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, etc.); It is possible to input the generated control data to the CPU 15, or to store the image signal held in the frame memory 12 in a memory card for external use.

Reference numeral 19 indicates an input/output terminal section for human output of various signals to/from external equipment. For example, via the input/output terminal section 19, a detection signal from the detector 2 that detects a product being conveyed on the line is manually inputted, and control signals for various external devices output from the CPU 15 within the CPU 15 are input to the image sensor 4. Lighting device 5. And it will be output to a sorting device (not shown) or the like.

The entire product inspection device of this embodiment is configured as described above, and based on the image taken by the image sensor 4,
As described above, it is designed to be able to perform various types of discrimination on the target product.

In this embodiment, the CPU 15 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned control means for normal product inspection operations, various means as shown in FIG. 2, which are constructed of software. As a result, the product inspection device 10 of this embodiment
As shown in FIG. 3, along the product conveyance line 1, a product inspection device 10, an image sensor 4. A judgment system consisting of a detector 2, etc. is formed in multiple units like #1 to #3, and various inspections are performed on one product, and based on the comprehensive judgment, product selection or defective product elimination etc. When forming such a system, it is possible to eliminate the need for systemization using an external controller.

In FIG. 2, 3o is a discrimination data generation means, which controls the image signal processing operation in the image processing section 14 as described above, and also generates discrimination data based on the calculation results in the image processing section 14. It is.

Reference numeral 31 denotes an input control means, which inputs the discrimination data into the CPU 15 when the discrimination data inspected and output by a product inspection device other than the product inspection device 10 is input from the input terminal 19 to the product inspection device 10. , RAM15
control so that it is stored in b.

32 is a calculation means, which calculates the judgment data generated by the judgment data generation means 30, which is the own inspection result of the product inspection apparatus 10, and the judgment data of other product inspection apparatuses that have been manually processed by the input control means 31. Based on both discrimination data (to obtain discrimination data as a comprehensive result).

Reference numeral 33 indicates output control means for performing processing for outputting the calculation results of the calculation means 32 to the outside.

Each of these means is controlled by the data control means 34 to control the operation timing and read and write addresses of the RAM 15b, so that the sameness of the test object is maintained. This maintenance of the identity of the inspection target means, as mentioned above, that each judgment system #1 to
The predetermined delay time (tr, t
z, ta (tr = d + o/V, t 2 =
By controlling the operation by including dz/V, t3=d12/V), each judgment system #
1 to #3, the discrimination data related to the same product to be inspected is calculated in the calculation means 32, and the sorting device 6
The timing is set so that the control signal for the target product is outputted when the target product reaches the sorting device 6 to control the sorting device. (For example, product PX on the line
In contrast, the discrimination data J1 obtained by the discrimination system #1 must be input into the calculation means 32 in the discrimination system #2 in correspondence with the discrimination data obtained from the discrimination data generation means 30 after the elapse of time t1. Must be. ) It goes without saying that the necessary time difference between the detection timing of the detector 2 and the photographing timing of the image sensor 4 in each determination system # is also set and controlled in the same manner as in the past.

The above-described discrimination data generation means 30, input control means 31,
The calculation means 32 and the output control means 33 independently execute the operations shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 4(a) to 4(d) while being timing-controlled by the data control means 34, respectively.

First, as shown in FIG. 4(a), the discrimination data generation means 30 performs shutter control of the image sensor 4 at a predetermined timing to obtain an image signal and store it in the frame memory 12 (Floo, FIOI). Based on the image signal, the processing in the image processing unit is controlled and the data that becomes the criterion for judgment is captured (F1021, for example, ROM1
Discrimination data is generated by comparing it with the reference value taken in from 5a, and is stored in the RAM 15b at the address set by the data control means 34 (F1O3).

On the other hand, the input control means 31 is as shown in FIG. 4 (b-1).
When the determination data supplied from another determination system # is input manually, it is stored in the RAM 15b according to the address set by the data control means 34 (F200-1.
F2O1-1). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 4(b-2), the determination data from another determination system # is read at regular intervals (F200-2°F2O1-21, and the results are set by the data control means 34. The address is stored in the RAM 15b (F202-2).

In addition, as shown in FIG. 4(C), the calculation means 32 refers to the data held in the RAM 15b at a predetermined timing, and uses the information from the data control means 34 pressing the address data in the RAM 15b to identify the same product. In other words, the discrimination data obtained by the discrimination data generation means 30 of the product inspection device 10 for the product P, and the discrimination data for the product Px are inspected by another judgment system #, and the product Px is inspected manually. Book C by the control means 31
The discrimination data stored in the PU 15 is read (F3O0, F3O1), and necessary processing such as logical product and OR is performed on the two discrimination data to obtain comprehensive discrimination data (F3O2). Then, the discrimination data is stored in the RAM 15b.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4(d), the output control means 33 reads out the predetermined discrimination data obtained by the calculation means 32 at a predetermined output timing set by the data control means 34. is output from the input/output terminal 19 to an external device (another judgment system # or sorting device 6) (F2O3). Note that if the output is to be output to the sorting device 6, the output timing is t in FIG.
Include the time difference of 3.

By each means operating as described above, even if a plurality of determination systems #1 to #3 using the product inspection apparatus of this embodiment are provided along line 1 as shown in FIG. No external controller is required. In other words, as shown in FIG. 3, the determination data J1 output from the determination system #1 is used in the determination system #2
J2 obtained in step 2 is calculated and outputted from the determination system #2 as determination data J, □. Similarly, comprehensive judgment is made in judgment system #3, and judgment data J1□3
is output as a control signal and is finally supplied to the sorting device 6.

[Effects of the Invention] As explained above, the product inspection device of the present invention
By performing arithmetic processing on the self-generated discrimination data and the discrimination data already obtained by another inspection device for the same inspected article as the inspected article from which the discrimination data was obtained, both discriminations can be performed. Because it is designed to output discrimination data as a comprehensive discrimination result based on data, even if multiple judgment systems are installed along a product line, there is no need for an external controller, making the entire product inspection system compact. It has the effect of being able to be transformed into

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the product inspection device of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of software means formed in the CPU in this embodiment, and Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of software means formed in the CPU in this embodiment. 4(a) to 4(d) are flowcharts showing operation examples of each means in the CPU of this embodiment, and FIG. 5 is an explanation of the product inspection system. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional system in which a plurality of determination systems are installed. 2 is a detector, 4 is an image sensor, 5 is a lighting device, 6 is a sorting device, 10 is a product inspection device, 12R112G, 12E are frame memories, 14 is an image processing unit, 15 is a CPU, 1
5a is ROM, 15b is RAM, 19 is input/output terminal, 3
0 indicates a discrimination data generation means, 31 an input control means, 32 a calculation means, 33 an output control means, and 34 a data control means. (b-2) Figure

Claims (1)

[Claims] Controlling the execution of a predetermined inspection on objects to be inspected that are transported on a product line, analyzing inspection information signals obtained from the inspection, and making the analysis data conform to preset conditions. External discrimination data input that inputs discrimination data from other inspection devices and stores it in the memory in a product inspection device that can generate discrimination data regarding the object to be inspected by determining whether or not it is a control means; an arithmetic means for performing an arithmetic process on the discrimination data obtained by the inspection controlled by the self-execution control means; and the discrimination data input and held by the external discrimination data input control means; comprising an output means for outputting the discrimination data to an external device, and a data control means for controlling so that each discrimination data processed by the calculation means is discrimination data for the same inspected article, By performing arithmetic processing on the self-generated discrimination data and the discrimination data already obtained by another inspection device on the same inspected article as the one from which the discrimination data was obtained, both discriminations can be performed. A product inspection device characterized in that it is configured to be able to obtain discrimination data as a comprehensive discrimination result based on data.