JPH0854350A - Method and device for inspecting sheet of dried laver - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To judge the quality of sheets of dried laver to be inspected by inspecting in advance several sheets of reference dried laver which are identified as defectless and obtaining a reference value by adding a fixed value to the mean value of the signal levels of reflected light rays. CONSTITUTION:A camera 5 scans a sheet of dried laver which is identified as defectless and reads reflected light signals for a fixed period of time and an integration circuit 39 integrates the signals through an analog switch 38 at every scanning line. An A/D conversion circuit 40 converts the integrated signals into digital values and an arithmetic circuit 41 calculates the optimum threshold (reference value) by summing and averaging the digital values of each scanning line from the downstream side edge to the upstream side edge of the sheet and a memory 42 stores the reference value. A comparator circuit 44 inputs the set reference value through a D/A conversion circuit 43. Therefore, the signals of sheets of dried laver to be inspected are supplied to the comparator circuit 44 while the sheets are carried and the circuit 44 compares the signals with the reference signal. When any one of the signal levels from a sheet to be inspected exceeds thc reference value, the sheet is judged as a defective sheet and, when the signal levels front the entire area of the sheet do not reach the reference value, the sheet is judged as a defectless sheet.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for inspecting dried seaweed for foreign matter.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, methods and apparatuses for detecting damages, defects, etc. of dried seaweed have been proposed (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-84).
463, JP-A-63-84464).
Those described in these publications have a light source arranged on one side and an image sensor arranged on the other side across the transportation path of dry seaweed, and the light passing through a damaged portion or a defective portion of dry seaweed is disposed. By detecting and measuring, the good product and the defective product of the dry seaweed are identified.

However, if the quality of dry seaweed was judged by measuring only the transmitted light, foreign matter such as fine feathers and paper scraps adhering to the surface of the dry seaweed could not be detected, and it could be completely detected. I couldn't make a pass / fail judgment. Therefore, the present inventor has proposed an invention relating to a method and apparatus for detecting and measuring not only the transmitted light of dry seaweed but also the reflected light to more reliably detect the foreign matter (Japanese Patent Application No. 2-172).
62).

Here, this conventional device will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 is a front view, FIG. 2 is a plan view, and FIG. 3 is a block diagram. In these figures, 1 is dried laver on a sheet, which is formed to a predetermined size. Seaweed 1
Are placed on two parallel belt conveyors 2 and 3 and are conveyed from the right side to the left side in the figure at a speed of about 40 m / min. The belt conveyors 2 and 3 are divided into upstream conveyors 2a and 3a and downstream conveyors 2b and 3b, respectively, and a transparent plate 4 made of glass or the like is attached to the divided portions.

A first camera 5 as a photoelectric conversion means (reflection pattern reading means) for the seaweed 1 is provided above the intermediate portion of the upstream conveyors 2a, 3a. The first
The camera 5 has a built-in line type solid-state image pickup device (CCD) extending in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the belt conveyors 2 and 3, and a predetermined lens filter 6 is attached thereto. The CCD has 1024 elements in the line direction.
Pixels with a scan rate of 500 KHz or 4M
Hz.

Further, a first halogen lamp 7 of about 150 W as an exposing means for making a measurement light beam incident is provided obliquely below the upstream side of the first camera 5 and above the belt conveyors 2 and 3. A filter 8 is attached to the light irradiation portion of the first halogen lamp 7.

A reflecting mirror 9 is provided on the downstream side of the first halogen lamp 7 in the horizontal direction, and the light rays reflected by the reflecting mirror 9 are irradiated on the surface of the seaweed 1 (exposed portion). A cylindrical lens 10 extending in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the belt conveyors 2 and 3 is provided for converging the sheet. Instead of using the reflection mirror 9 and the cylindrical lens 10, a cylindrical concave mirror may be used. A first polarization filter PF is provided between the cylindrical lens 10 and the seaweed 1 to polarize a light beam transmitted through the cylindrical lens 10 in a constant vibration direction.
1 is installed.

Further, in the case where the polarization direction of the first polarizing filter PF1 is orthogonal to the first polarizing filter PF1 and the light polarized by the first polarizing filter PF1 arrives below the lens filter 6 of the first camera 5. A second polarization filter PF2 for blocking the light rays is attached to the. A second camera 11 as a transmission pattern reading means (photoelectric conversion means) of the seaweed 1 is provided above the transparent plate 4 provided in the divided parts of the upstream side conveyors 2a, 3a and the downstream side conveyors 2b, 3b. ing. The lens filter 12 is also attached to the second camera 11.

Further, a second halogen lamp 13 similar to the first halogen lamp 7 is provided as an exposing means below the belt conveyors 2 and 3 obliquely below the upstream side of the first camera 5. A filter 14 is also mounted on the second halogen lamp 13. Further, on the downstream side in the horizontal direction of the second halogen lamp 13, immediately below the transparent plate 4, a reflection mirror 15 similar to the above is provided, and
A cylindrical lens 16 similar to that described above is provided for converging the light beam reflected by the reflection mirror 15 to the irradiated portion (portion through which the light beam is transmitted) on the back surface of the seaweed 1.

The first halogen lamp 7 and the second halogen lamp 13 are connected to a stabilizing power supply 17 for a common light source. In addition, the first camera 5 and the second camera 1
1 is connected to a camera controller 18, and the camera controller 18 is connected to an oscilloscope 19 and a CRT monitor system 20. Further, the mechanism section is provided with a timing sensor (rotary encoder) 21, a drive control circuit 22, and the like. Although not shown, the belt conveyors 2 and 3 are provided with a defective product discharging device for selecting and discharging defective seaweed 1.

The first camera 5 and the second camera 11 are provided above the intermediate portions of the two belt conveyors 2 and 3 because the first camera 5 and the second camera 11 are separated from the seaweed 1, respectively. This is because the patterns of the two seaweeds 1 on the belt conveyors 2 and 3 are simultaneously projected and imaged on the CCD by the lenses 6 and 12. 22 and 23 are both conveyor rollers.

Thus, the seaweed 1 conveyed by the upstream conveyors 2a, 3a is exposed from above by the first halogen lamp 7 and the reflection pattern (embodied by the reflected light of the exposed portion ( The seaweed in which no foreign matter is mixed has a substantially uniform black color, and no fixed pattern exists.) Is read by the first camera 5. The read reflection pattern is converted into an electric signal, and the camera controller 18 performs signal processing. Then, if the pattern is compared with a predetermined pattern, and if it is the same (if it shows a substantially uniform black color), the surface of the seaweed 1 has a high lightness such as algae, feathers of seabirds, and paper pieces. There is no foreign substance.

On the other hand, the foreign matter with high brightness as described above is seaweed 1
When the seaweed 1 is attached to the surface of the seaweed, the reflection pattern is not uniform (a pattern having a high brightness portion is formed), and it is detected that the foreign matter is attached to the seaweed 1. Since the surface of the seaweed 1 has gloss, when the polarizing filters PF1 and PF2 are not present, the measurement light beam is reflected on the exposed surface to be measured, and no foreign matter is attached to the surface of the seaweed 1. Nevertheless, the reflection pattern is read by the first camera 5 and is erroneously detected as the presence of foreign matter.

In this respect, in the invention proposed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2-17262, as described above, since the first and second polarization filters PF1 and PF2 having mutually different polarization directions are provided, nori seaweed is provided. The reflected light due to the gloss of the surface of No. 1 is cut, and only the reflected light due to the foreign matter is detected by the first camera 5, and there is no erroneous detection. This is because the measurement light beam is specularly reflected at the glossy portion of the surface of the seaweed 1, and the vibration direction of the reflection light cannot be changed so much that it cannot pass through the second polarization filter PF2 and depending on the first camera 5. This is because it is not detected.

On the other hand, the measurement light beam whose vibration direction is made constant by the first polarization filter PF1 is diffusely reflected by foreign matter and the vibration direction of the reflected light beam is partly changed, so that a light beam which can pass through the second polarization filter PF2 is also generated. To do. When such a light ray passes through the second polarization filter PF2, its presence is detected by the first camera 5, and the presence of foreign matter is identified. As described above, the foreign matter detected by the first camera 5 is, as long as it has a high brightness and a small specific gravity, which is mainly attached to the surface of the seaweed 1.
It does not matter whether it is opaque or translucent, but it is not possible to detect foreign matter that adheres to the back surface of the seaweed 1 or is mixed inside. Therefore, the second camera 11 is required to detect such foreign matter.

Transported by the upstream conveyors 2a, 3a,
The seaweed 1 after the reflection pattern is read is exposed from below by the second halogen lamp 13 on the transparent plate 4, and the transmission pattern (foreign matter is mixed) embodied by the transmitted light at the exposed portion. The seaweed that has not been applied has a substantially uniform translucent shape, and there is no fixed pattern.) Is read by the second camera 11. The read transmission pattern is converted into an electric signal and processed in the same manner as in the case of the reflection pattern to detect foreign matter. However, the foreign matter detected in this case is an opaque matter such as a metal piece, an opaque resin piece, or a wood piece, and has no relation to its brightness. That is, if an opaque foreign matter is mixed in regardless of the front and back of the seaweed 1 or inside, the foreign matter is read and detected by the second camera 11 as a transmission pattern.

Therefore, when a transparent or semitransparent foreign matter having high brightness is mixed in the back surface or the inside of the seaweed 1, the foreign matter is not detected by any of the cameras 5 and 11, but generally, It is known empirically that the foreign matter having a high brightness mixed in the seaweed 1 has a small specific gravity, so that there is practically no problem. As described above, the seaweed 1 in which the foreign matter is detected by the first camera 5 and the second camera 11 is discharged to a predetermined place.

Next, another example will be described with reference to FIGS. In this example, the same parts as those in the above example are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. In this example, only one conveyor 2 will be described. Above the transparent plate 4 provided in the divided parts of the upstream side conveyors 2a, 3a and the downstream side conveyors 2b, 3b, as an exposing means extending in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the belt conveyors 2, 3. First light emitting diode array (LE
An image reading unit 26 including a D array) 24 and a contact type image sensor (contact type one-dimensional CCD sensor) 25 as a linear photoelectric conversion unit arranged in parallel with the first LED array 24 is provided.

The image reading unit 26 has a base body made of an aluminum drawing member, and the printed circuit board 2 on which the image sensor 25 is fixed.
7. The first LED array 24 is fixed to the lower portion, and the short focus lens array 28 is closely fixed to the downstream side in the direction parallel to the extending direction of the image sensor 25.
The same first polarizing filter PF1 as in the above example is fixed to the lower surface of the first LED array 24, and the second polarizing filter PF2 is fixed to the lower surface of the short focus lens array 28. The operations of these polarization filters PF1 and PF2 are the same as described above.

On the opposite side of the image reading unit 26 across the transparent plate 4, that is, below the transparent plate 4, a direction parallel to the extending direction of the image sensor 25 as an exposing means. The first LED array 2 extending
An exposure unit 30 in which a second LED array 29 similar to that of No. 4 is fixedly installed is arranged oppositely. The exposure unit 3
Similarly to the image reading unit 26, the substrate 0 is made of an aluminum drawing material.

Reflection type photosensors 31 and 32 for detecting the arrival of the seaweed 1 are provided upstream and downstream of the image reading unit 26 along the conveying direction of the belt conveyors 2 and 3, respectively. Has been. The operation of this example is basically the same as the above example, but in this example, only the image sensor 25 corresponding to one of the cameras (5 or 11) in the above example exists, and the image sensor 25 The first camera 5 and the second camera 11 are used in common.

When reading the reflection pattern of the seaweed 1, the first LED array 24 emits light, and when reading the transmission pattern of the seaweed 1, the second LED array 29.
Is controlled to emit light. That is, as shown in the timing chart of FIG. 8, the first LED array 24 and the second LED array 29 alternately emit light, and the image sensor 25 operates when any LED array (24 or 29) emits light. Controlled by. Therefore, in this apparatus, only one image sensor 25 is required, the reflection pattern and the transmission pattern are read at substantially the same position, and the size reduction,
The weight is reduced and the price is reduced.

In this respect, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the reflection pattern and the transmission pattern are read at different positions, and the apparatus becomes large, but since the two belt conveyors 2 and 3 are simultaneously covered, a large amount of processing is performed at high speed. can do. In addition,
In this example, in order to increase the processing speed, the first LED array 24, the second LED array 29 and the image sensor 25
May be divided into a plurality along the extending direction (in the main scanning direction). In addition, LED arrays with different emission colors (for example, red, yellow, green, etc.) are installed in a row,
It is also possible to make the D array emit light at the same time or alternately so as to correspond to foreign matters of all colors.

FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show examples of the above application.
In this application example, the symmetrical first image reading unit 26 and second image reading unit 33 are arranged so as to sandwich the transparent plate 4, and only the reflection pattern and the transmission pattern on the surface side of the seaweed 1 are provided. Instead, the reflection pattern on the back side is also read. In the second image reading unit 33, 34 is a second image sensor and 35 is a second image sensor.
Is a third LED array, 36 is a second short focus lens array, and 37 is a second printed circuit board. Thus, the operation of this application example is as shown in the operation timing of FIG.
The first LED array 24 and the third LED array 35 alternately emit light, but the third LED array 35 emits light for twice as long as the first LED array 24.

The first image sensor 25 operates once each while the first LED array 24 and the third LED array 35 emit light, and when the first LED array 24 emits light, the reflection pattern on the surface side of the seaweed 1 is formed. Read, third
When the LED array 35 emits light, the transmission pattern of the seaweed 1 is read. Further, the second image sensor 34 operates once after the operation of the first image sensor 25 and while the third LED array 35 is emitting light, reads the reflection pattern on the back surface side of the seaweed 1.

In this application example, the first
Polarization filter PF1a and second polarization filter PF2a
And the first polarizing filter P on the bottom as well.
The F1b and the second polarization filter PF2b are mounted respectively. In this case, since the transmitted light of the seaweed 1 needs to reach the first image sensor 25 as it is, at least the lower part, the first polarizing filter PF1b, and the upper second polarizing filter PF2a have the same polarization direction.

[0027]

With the apparatus and method described above, foreign matter can be accurately detected when inspecting seaweed having a uniform reflectance and transmittance. However, seaweed has different thickness, lightness, gloss, color, etc. depending on the place of production, type, and harvest time (in extreme cases, it changes only at the harvest time, even on the same day). There are cases where the transmittance and reflectance of the are extremely different. Therefore, if the signal levels of the reflected light beam and the transmitted light beam are constantly compared with a constant reference value (threshold value), there is a risk of inaccuracies.

[0028] In particular, since nori seaweed processors are supplied with various kinds of seaweed from all production sites over a long period of time, this problem will be greatly highlighted. In order to deal with the above problem, the operator must adjust and reset the reference value every time the production place, type, harvest time, etc. of seaweed change, but such adjustment work is troublesome and forgotten. There is also a risk of doing it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a method for inspecting seaweed capable of automatically adjusting and resetting the reference value every time the production place, type, harvest time, etc. of seaweed changes. And an inspection device.

[0030]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, the surface of seaweed is irradiated with a measuring light beam, the light beam reflected on the surface of the seaweed is converted into an electric signal, and the signal level is detected.
When the signal level is less than or equal to a reference value, in the seaweed inspection method that determines that the seaweed is a good product, a plurality of reference seaweed known to be good products are inspected in advance, and the signal level of the reflected light is determined. Store it, set a value obtained by adding a constant value to the average value or multiplying by a constant rate as the reference value,
The feature is to judge the quality of the seaweed to be inspected.

A second aspect of the present invention irradiates the surface of the seaweed with a measuring light beam, converts the reflected light beam reflected on the surface of the seaweed into an electric signal to detect the signal level, and the signal level is below a reference value. In the method for inspecting seaweed to judge that the seaweed is a good product, the seaweed is inspected based on a predetermined initial reference value, and Memorize the signal level of the reflected light,
It is characterized in that a value obtained by adding a certain value to the average value or multiplying it by a certain rate is sequentially set as a new reference value, and the quality of the seaweed to be inspected thereafter is successively judged based on the new reference value. is there.

A third aspect of the present invention irradiates the surface of the seaweed with a measuring light beam, converts the transmitted light beam that has passed through the seaweed into an electric signal to detect the signal level, and the signal level is above a reference value. In the seaweed inspection method that determines that the seaweed is a good product, a plurality of reference seaweeds that are known to be good products are inspected in advance, the signal level of the transmitted light is stored, and a fixed value is calculated from the average value. It is characterized in that the quality of the seaweed to be inspected is determined by setting a value obtained by subtraction or multiplication by a constant rate as a reference value.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention, when the surface of the seaweed is irradiated with a measurement light beam, the light beam transmitted through the seaweed is converted into an electric signal to detect the signal level, and the signal level is above a reference value. In the method for inspecting seaweed that determines that the seaweed is a good product, the seaweed to be inspected is inspected based on a predetermined initial reference value, and the transmitted light of the predetermined number of seaweed to be inspected, which is determined to be a good product. The signal level is stored, and a value obtained by subtracting a constant value from the moving average value or multiplying by a constant rate is sequentially set as a new reference value, and the quality of the inspected seaweed to be inspected thereafter is sequentially determined based on the new reference value. It is characterized by that.

A fifth invention is an exposing means for irradiating the surface of the seaweed with a measuring light beam, and a photoelectric conversion means for converting the reflected light beam reflected by the surface of the seaweed into an electric signal to detect the signal level. Mean value calculation means for irradiating a plurality of reference seaweeds known to be good products with measurement light rays in advance and calculating the average value of the signal level of the reflected light, and a constant value is added to the average value or a constant rate is multiplied. The memory that is set and stored with the specified value as a reference value is compared with the reference value stored in the memory and the signal level of the reflected light from the seaweed to be inspected, and when the signal level is below the reference value, Is a seaweed inspection device equipped with a comparison means for judging that the seaweed to be inspected is a good product.

A sixth invention is an exposing means for irradiating the surface of the seaweed with a measuring light beam, and a photoelectric conversion means for converting the reflected light beam reflected by the surface of the seaweed into an electric signal to detect the signal level. A first memory for storing a predetermined initial reference value, and a first memory for irradiating the seaweed to be inspected with a measuring light beam and comparing the signal level of the reflected light with the initial reference value stored in the first memory. A comparing means, an average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the signal levels of a predetermined number of seaweed to be inspected whose signal level of reflected light is equal to or lower than an initial reference value, and a constant value is added to or a constant rate to the average value. The second memory, in which the multiplied value is set and stored as a new reference value, is compared with the new reference value stored in the second memory and the signal level of the reflected light from the seaweed to be inspected. Level is the new reference value If a lower a testing apparatus of laver and second comparison means for determining that the seaweed is good is provided.

In a seventh aspect of the invention, an exposing means for irradiating the surface of the seaweed with a measuring light beam, and a transmitted light beam, which is provided on the opposite side of the exposing means via the seaweed, and which has passed through the seaweed, is converted into an electric signal. A photoelectric conversion unit that detects the signal level, an average value calculation unit that irradiates a plurality of reference seaweeds known to be non-defective with a measurement light beam to calculate an average value of the signal level, and a constant value from the average value. A memory that is set and stored with a value obtained by subtracting the value or multiplying by a constant rate as a reference value, and the reference value stored in the memory and the signal level of the reflected light from the seaweed to be inspected are compared, and the signal level is compared. Is a reference value or more, the seaweed inspection device is provided with a comparison means for judging that the seaweed to be inspected is a good product.

An eighth aspect of the present invention is to expose the surface of the seaweed with a measuring light beam, and to convert the transmitted light beam, which is provided on the opposite side of the exposure means through the seaweed, through the seaweed, into an electric signal. Photoelectric conversion means for detecting the signal level, a first memory in which a predetermined initial reference value is stored, and a signal level of reflected light obtained by irradiating the seaweed to be inspected with a measuring beam and stored in the first memory. A first comparing means for comparing the signal level of the reflected light with an initial reference value, and an average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the signal levels of a predetermined number of seaweed to be inspected whose signal level of reflected light is equal to or less than the initial reference value; A second memory in which a value obtained by subtracting a constant value from the average value or multiplying by a constant rate is set and stored as a new reference value, the new reference value stored in the second memory, and the seaweed to be inspected And the signal level of the reflected light Comparison, an inspection apparatus of laver and second comparison means for determining that the seaweed is good is provided when the signal level is the new reference value or more.

[0038]

According to the first and fifth aspects of the invention, when detecting new seaweed, a plurality of 5 to 10 reference seaweeds which are judged to be non-defective by visual inspection are first inspected, and the signal of the reflected light thereof is detected. The level is memorized, and a value obtained by adding a certain value to the average value is set as the reference value, and if the quality of the inspected laver to be inspected is judged thereafter, the operator manually sets the reference value every time a new laver is detected. There is no need to adjust with. In addition, the constant value to be added considers the variation of the reflected light of seaweed as a normal distribution,
It is determined in consideration of the grade of seaweed. This also applies to other inventions.

In the second invention and the sixth invention, when detecting the new seaweed, the seaweed to be inspected is inspected based on a predetermined initial reference value, and 5 to 50 pieces which are judged to be non-defective. The signal level of the reflected light of the seaweed to be inspected is stored, and the average value, that is, a value obtained by adding a certain value to the moving average value is sequentially set as a new reference value, and the quality of the seaweed to be inspected thereafter is newly updated Based on such a reference value, the operator does not need to manually adjust the reference value every time a new laver is detected. The present invention can be applied not only when the type of seaweed has changed, but also when the same seaweed changes its environment during inspection and its reflectance changes accordingly. it can.

In the third and seventh inventions, when detecting a new laver, first, a plurality of 5 to 10 reference laver, which are visually judged to be non-defective, are inspected, and the signal of the transmitted light thereof is detected. The level is memorized, a value obtained by subtracting a certain value from the average value is set as a reference value, and if the quality of the seaweed to be inspected thereafter is judged, the operator manually sets the reference value every time new seaweed is detected. There is no need to adjust with. In addition,
The constant value to be subtracted is determined by considering the variation of the transmitted light of the seaweed as a normal distribution and considering the grade of the seaweed and the like. this is,
The same applies to other inventions.

In the fourth and eighth inventions, when detecting the new seaweed, the seaweed to be inspected is inspected based on a predetermined initial reference value, and 5 to 50 pieces which are judged to be non-defective. The signal level of the transmitted light of the seaweed to be inspected is stored, and the average value, that is, the value obtained by subtracting a certain value from the moving average value is set as a new reference value one after another, and the quality of the seaweed to be inspected thereafter is newly updated. Based on such a reference value, the operator does not need to manually adjust the reference value every time a new laver is detected. The present invention can be applied not only when the type of seaweed has changed, but also when the same seaweed changes its environment during inspection and its transmittance changes accordingly. it can.

[0042]

The mechanical structure and the basic circuit configuration of the embodiment of the present invention are substantially the same as those of the conventional example, but in the present embodiment, the configuration of the reflection type portion of FIG. 1 and FIG. The corresponding configuration is the configuration shown in FIG. 9, and the configuration of the transmissive portion of FIG. 1 and the configuration corresponding to FIG. 5 are the configurations shown in FIG. 10, all of which are shown in FIGS. The same parts as 7 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the camera controller / signal processing circuit 18 of FIG. 3 is connected to a memory for storing the output level and a comparison circuit for comparing with a reference value. As shown in. 12
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a plane of laver 1 and an optical scanning direction. As is clear from this figure, the seaweed 1 is main-scanned in the direction orthogonal to the moving direction and is sub-scanned in the moving direction similarly to the original reading scanning of the facsimile apparatus.

FIG. 13 shows the reflection state of the reflected light of the seaweed 1 in the main scanning direction (signal waveform in one scanning) in this way. When the width of one scan is T between the scan start pulse and the next scan start pulse, T1 to T2 in the main scan direction and S0 to Sn in the sub scan direction.
The gate circuit 46 is set so as to be effective.

First, the light reflection system device (FIG. 9) will be described. The seaweed 1, which is known to be a good product in advance, is main-scanned by the camera (image sensor) 5 in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. , A signal of reflected light between T1 and T2 is read, and the signal is supplied to the integrating circuit 39 through the analog switch 38 for each scanning line and integrated, and the A / D converting circuit 40 performs A / D conversion. To be converted. The A / D conversion value of the integrated value of each scanning line extending from the downstream edge to the upstream edge of the seaweed 1 thus obtained is added and averaged by the arithmetic circuit 41 to obtain the optimum threshold value (reference value). The value) is calculated, and the data (signal level) is stored in the memory 42.

The reference value is a value obtained by first detecting the above-mentioned data for about 5 to 10 sheets of seaweed known to be non-defective and calculating an average value thereof, and adding a constant value α to the average value. Is stored in the memory 42 (see FIG. 14). The constant value α is empirically appropriately found depending on the characteristics of seaweed. Further, the reference value may be stored in a second memory different from the memory 42. Furthermore, instead of adding a constant value α to the average value,
You may multiply by a fixed rate. The reference value thus set is supplied to the comparison circuit 44 via the D / A change circuit 43. The output signal from the second memory may be supplied to a second comparison circuit different from the comparison circuit.

Thereafter, the seaweed 1 to be inspected is conveyed, and the signal of the seaweed 1 to be inspected is supplied to the comparison circuit 44 to be compared with the reference value. At that time, as shown in FIG. 14, if there is a portion where the signal level of the seaweed 1 to be inspected exceeds the reference value, that portion reflects an abnormally large number of light rays and is determined to be a defective product. In this case, it can be understood that the white foreign matter WD is attached to the portion that reflects an abnormally large number of light rays. On the other hand, when the signal level does not reach the reference value over the entire area of the seaweed 1 to be inspected, there is no site where an abnormally large number of rays are reflected, and it is determined as a good product.

In the apparatus of this embodiment, first, the seaweed 1 which is known to be a good product in advance by visual inspection is set to set the reference value.
The seaweed 1 to be inspected is inspected on the basis of an appropriately determined initial reference value, and the signal level of the reflected light of about 5 to 50 seaweed 1 to be inspected, which is judged as a good product, is stored, and the average value thereof is stored. That is, a value obtained by adding a constant value α to the moving average value is sequentially set as a new reference value, and if the quality of the inspected laver 1 to be inspected thereafter is successively determined based on the new reference value, new laver is detected. The operator does not have to manually adjust the reference value every time. In the present invention, not only when the type of seaweed 1 is changed, but also when the seaweed 1 is the same, the environment changes during the inspection and the reflectance changes accordingly. You can

Next, a light transmission system device will be described. This light transmission system device has the same basic configuration as the reflection system device, except that the seaweed 1 known to be a good product is used. About 5 to 10 sheets are detected, an average value thereof is calculated, and a value obtained by subtracting a constant value β from the average value is stored in the memory 42 as a reference value (see FIG. 15). Also in this case, the constant value β is empirically appropriately found depending on the characteristics of the seaweed 1. Further, also in this case, instead of subtracting the constant value β from the average value, a constant rate may be multiplied.

Then, the seaweed 1 to be inspected is conveyed, the signal of the seaweed 1 to be inspected is supplied to the comparison circuit 44, and is compared with the reference value. At this time, as shown in FIG. 15, if there is a portion where the signal level of the seaweed 1 to be inspected is equal to or lower than the reference value, it becomes difficult for the portion to transmit light rays and it is determined that the product is defective. In this case, it can be understood that the opaque foreign matter BD is attached to the portion where the light ray is difficult to pass. Even in this light-transmissive system, it is possible to sequentially set a value obtained by subtracting the constant value β from the moving average value as a new reference value and perform an inspection.

[0051]

According to the first and fifth aspects of the invention, a plurality of reference seaweeds of about 5 to 10 which are judged to be non-defective are inspected and the signal level of the reflected light thereof is stored and the average value thereof is stored. A value obtained by adding a certain value or multiplying a certain rate is set as a reference value, and the quality of the inspected seaweed to be inspected thereafter is judged.Therefore, the gloss and lightness of the seaweed will change depending on the production location and type of seaweed. However, the operator does not need to manually adjust the reference value every time new seaweed is detected, and the efficiency of inspection work is improved.

In the second invention and the sixth invention, the seaweed to be inspected is inspected based on a predetermined initial reference value,
The signal level of the reflected light of about 5 to 50 sheets of seaweed to be inspected which is judged to be non-defective is stored, and the average value, that is, the moving average value is added with a constant value or multiplied by a constant rate as a new reference value. Since the quality of the seaweed to be inspected thereafter is sequentially determined based on the new reference value, it is not necessary for the operator to manually adjust the reference value each time a new seaweed is detected. In addition, according to the present invention, not only when the type of seaweed is changed, but even when the same seaweed is changed, the environment changes during the inspection and the reflectance changes automatically. Can respond to.

In the third and seventh inventions, a plurality of reference seaweeds of about 5 to 10 which are judged to be non-defective are inspected, the signal level of the transmitted light is stored, and the average value thereof is kept at a constant value. Is set as the reference value, and the quality of the inspected seaweed to be inspected is determined after that.Therefore, the thickness and transparency of the seaweed may change depending on the production location and type of seaweed. However, the operator does not need to manually adjust the reference value each time a new seaweed is detected, which improves the efficiency of inspection work.

In the fourth invention and the eighth invention, the seaweed to be inspected is inspected based on a predetermined initial reference value,
Memorize the signal level of transmitted light of about 5 to 50 sheets of seaweed that were judged to be non-defective, and subtract a constant value from the average value, that is, the moving average value, or multiply it by a constant rate as a new reference value. Since the quality of the seaweed to be inspected thereafter is sequentially determined based on the new reference value, it is not necessary for the operator to manually adjust the reference value each time a new seaweed is detected. This invention can also handle not only when the type of seaweed has changed, but also when the same seaweed changes its environment during inspection and its transmittance changes accordingly. it can.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front view of a conventional device.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a conventional device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a conventional device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second conventional example.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional front view of a second conventional example.

FIG. 6 is a timing chart of a second conventional example.

FIG. 7 is a partial sectional front view of an application example of a second conventional example.

FIG. 8 is a timing chart of an application example of the second conventional example.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional front view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional front view of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of seaweed showing a scanning state in an example of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a graph showing the signal level of non-defective seaweed in one example of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a graph showing signal levels according to an example of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a graph showing signal levels according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Nori 2 Belt Conveyor 3 Belt Conveyor 2a Upstream Conveyor 2b Downstream Conveyor 3a Upstream Conveyor 3b Downstream Conveyor 4 Transparent Plate 5 First Camera 6 Lens Filter 7 First Halogen Lamp 8 Filter 9 Reflection Mirror 10 Cylindrical Lens 11 1st 2 Camera 12 Lens / Filter 13 Second Halogen Lamp 14 Filter 15 Reflecting Mirror 16 Cylindrical Lens 17 Stabilized Power Supply 18 Camera Controller 19 Oscilloscope 20 CRT Monitor System 21 Timing Sensor 22 Drive Control Circuit 23 Conveyor Roller 24 First LED Array 25 Image Sensor 26 Image reading unit 27 Printed circuit board 28 First short focus array 29 First LED array 30 Light emitting unit 31 Photo sensor 32 Hotose 33 Second image reading unit 34 Second image sensor 35 Third LED array 36 Second short focus array 37 Second printed board 38 Analog switch 39 Integration circuit 40 A / D conversion circuit 41 Addition / averaging circuit 42 Memory 43 D / A conversion circuit 44 comparison circuit 45 timing pulse generator 46 gate circuit 47 CPU PF1 first polarization filter PF2 second polarization filter

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] October 20, 1992

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Claim 7

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] Claim 8

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, the the bottom of the first lens filter 6 of the camera 5 the polarization direction is perpendicular to the first polarization filter PF1, if light rays polarized in the first polarization filter PF1 is directly arrives A second polarization filter PF2 for blocking the light beam is attached to the. A second camera 11 as a transmission pattern reading means (photoelectric conversion means) of the seaweed 1 is provided above the light diffusion plate 4 provided in the divided portions of the upstream conveyors 2a, 3a and the downstream conveyors 2b, 3b. Has been. The lens filter 12 is also attached to the second camera 11.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Further, a second halogen lamp 13 similar to the first halogen lamp 7 is provided as an exposing means below the belt conveyors 2 and 3 obliquely below the upstream side of the first camera 5. A filter 14 is also mounted on the second halogen lamp 13. Then, on the downstream side in the horizontal direction of the second halogen lamp 13, immediately below the light diffusing plate 4, the same reflection mirror 15 as described above is provided, and the light rays reflected by the reflection mirror 15 are reflected on the back surface of the seaweed 1. A cylindrical lens 16 similar to that described above is provided for converging on the irradiated portion (the portion through which the light rays are transmitted).

[Procedure Amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0016

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

Transported by the upstream conveyors 2a, 3a,
The seaweed 1 from which the reflection pattern has been read is exposed from below by the second halogen lamp 13 on the upper part of the light diffusion plate 4 and is embodied by the transmitted light of the exposed part. The second camera 11 reads the pattern (the seaweed in which no foreign matter is mixed has a substantially uniform translucent shape, and there is no fixed pattern). The read transmission pattern is converted into an electric signal and processed in the same manner as in the case of the reflection pattern to detect foreign matter. However, the foreign matter detected in this case is an opaque matter such as a metal piece, an opaque resin piece, or a wood piece, and has no relation to its brightness. That is, if an opaque foreign matter is mixed in regardless of the front and back of the seaweed 1 or inside, the foreign matter is read and detected by the second camera 11 as a transmission pattern.

[Procedure correction 6]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0020

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

On the opposite side of the image reading unit 26 with the light diffusing plate 4 in between, that is, the light diffusing plate 4 is provided.
The image sensor 2 as an exposure unit is also provided below the image sensor 2.
Extending direction exposing unit 30 first 2LED array 29 similar to the first 1LED array 24 extending member is fixed to a direction parallel 5 are opposed deployed. Like the image reading unit 26, the exposure unit 30 has a base body made of an aluminum drawing material.

[Procedure Amendment 7]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0036

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

In a seventh aspect of the invention, an exposing means for irradiating the surface of the seaweed with a measuring light beam, and a transmitted light beam, which is provided on the opposite side of the exposing means via the reed moss, and which has passed through the seaweed, is converted into an electric signal. And photoelectric conversion means for detecting the signal level, an average value calculation means for irradiating a plurality of reference seaweed known to be good products with a measurement light beam and calculating an average value of the signal level, and from the average value A memory that is set and stored with a value obtained by subtracting a constant value or multiplying by a constant rate as a reference value, compares the reference value stored in the memory with the signal level of transmitted light from the seaweed to be inspected, and outputs the signal. When the level is equal to or higher than the reference value, the seaweed inspection device is provided with a comparison means for judging that the seaweed to be inspected is a good product.

[Procedure Amendment 8]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0037

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

An eighth aspect of the present invention is to expose the surface of the seaweed with a measuring light beam, and to convert the transmitted light beam, which is provided on the opposite side of the exposure means through the seaweed, through the seaweed, into an electric signal. A photoelectric conversion means for detecting the signal level, a first memory in which a predetermined initial reference value is stored, and a signal level of transmitted light obtained by irradiating the seaweed to be inspected with a measurement light beam and the signal level in the first memory. A first comparing means for comparing the signal level of the transmitted light with an initial reference value, and an average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the signal levels of a predetermined number of inspected moss whose signal level of the transmitted light is equal to or less than the initial reference value, From a second memory in which a value obtained by subtracting a constant value or multiplying a constant rate from the average value is set as a new reference value and stored, and the new reference value and the seaweed to be inspected stored in the second memory signal level of the transmitted <br/> light Comparing the door is an inspection apparatus of laver and second comparison means for determining that the seaweed is good is provided when the signal level is the new reference value or more.

[Procedure Amendment 9]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0038

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[0038]

According to the first and fifth aspects of the invention, when detecting new seaweed, a plurality of 5 to 10 reference seaweeds which are judged to be non-defective by visual inspection are first inspected, and the signal of the reflected light thereof is detected. The level is memorized, and a value obtained by adding a certain value to the average value is set as the reference value, and if the quality of the inspected laver to be inspected is judged thereafter, the operator manually sets the reference value every time a new laver is detected. There is no need to adjust with. In addition, the constant value to be added considers the variation of the reflected light of seaweed as a normal distribution,
It is decided based on the numerical value found empirically . This also applies to other inventions.

[Procedure Amendment 10]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0044

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 13 shows the reflection state of the reflected light of the seaweed 1 in the main scanning direction (signal waveform in one scanning) in this way. Incidentally, when the width of one scan is that between the scanning start pulse to the next scanning start pulse is T, the main scanning direction from T1 to T2, also the sub-scanning direction from S 1 Sn
The gate circuit 46 is set so as to be effective.

[Procedure Amendment 11]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 10

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

[Figure 10]

[Procedure Amendment 12]

[Document name to be corrected] Drawing

[Name of item to be corrected] Fig. 11

[Correction method] Change

[Correction content]

FIG. 11

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. When the surface of seaweed is irradiated with a measuring light beam, the reflected light beam reflected on the surface of the seaweed is converted into an electric signal to detect the signal level, and the signal level is below a reference value. Is a method of inspecting seaweed that determines that the seaweed is good, inspecting a plurality of reference seaweed known to be good in advance,
A method for inspecting seaweed characterized in that the signal level of the reflected light is stored, and a value obtained by adding a certain value to the average value or multiplying a certain rate is set as a reference value to judge the quality of the seaweed to be inspected. . 2. When the surface of the seaweed is irradiated with a measuring light beam, the reflected light beam reflected on the surface of the seaweed is converted into an electric signal to detect the signal level, and the signal level is below a reference value. Is the signal for the reflected light of a predetermined number of seaweeds that have been judged to be non-defective, by inspecting the seaweed to be inspected based on a predetermined initial reference value in the seaweed inspection method that determines that the seaweed is good. The level is memorized, and a value obtained by adding a certain value to the average value or multiplying it by a certain rate is sequentially set as a new reference value, and the quality of the seaweed to be inspected thereafter is judged based on the new reference value. Characteristic seaweed inspection method. 3. The nori seaweed is irradiated with a measuring light beam, the transmitted light beam that has passed through the nori seaweed is converted into an electric signal to detect the signal level, and when the signal level is equal to or higher than a reference value, the nori seaweed is detected. In the inspection method of seaweed that is judged to be a good product, a plurality of reference seaweeds that are known to be good products in advance are inspected,
A method for inspecting seaweed, characterized in that the signal level of the transmitted light is stored, and a value obtained by subtracting a constant value from the average value or multiplying by a constant rate is set as a reference value to judge the quality of the seaweed to be inspected. . 4. The seaweed is irradiated with a measurement light beam, the transmitted light beam that has passed through the seaweed is converted into an electric signal, and the signal level is detected. If the signal level is equal to or higher than a reference value, the seaweed is produced. In the seaweed inspection method that determines that the seaweed is a good product, the seaweed to be inspected is inspected based on a predetermined initial reference value, and the signal level of the transmitted light of a predetermined number of seaweeds that are judged to be a good product is stored. However, the value obtained by subtracting a constant value from the moving average value or multiplying it by a constant rate is sequentially set as a new reference value, and the quality of the seaweed to be inspected thereafter is determined based on the new reference value. How to inspect seaweed. 5. An exposure means for irradiating the surface of seaweed with a measurement light beam, and a photoelectric conversion means for converting the reflected light ray reflected on the surface of the seaweed into an electric signal to detect the signal level, which are good products in advance. It is known that a plurality of reference seaweeds are irradiated with a measuring light beam and an average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the signal level of the reflected light, and a value obtained by adding a constant value or a constant rate to the average value The memory set and stored as a reference value is compared with the reference value stored in the memory and the signal level of the reflected light from the seaweed to be inspected, and if the signal level is below the reference value, the inspected An apparatus for inspecting seaweed, which is equipped with a comparison means for determining that seaweed is good. 6. An exposure means for irradiating the surface of the seaweed with a measurement light beam, and a photoelectric conversion means for converting the light ray reflected by the surface of the seaweed into an electric signal to detect the signal level.
A first memory in which a predetermined initial reference value is stored,
First comparison means for irradiating the seaweed to be inspected with a measuring light beam and comparing the signal level of the reflected light with the initial reference value stored in the first memory, and the signal level of the reflected light is less than the initial reference value. An average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the signal levels of a predetermined number of seaweeds to be inspected, and a value obtained by adding a constant value or multiplying the average value by a constant rate is set and stored as a new reference value. The two memories are compared with the new reference value stored in the second memory and the signal level of the reflected light from the seaweed to be inspected. If the signal level is less than the new reference value, the seaweed is detected. An apparatus for inspecting seaweed, which is provided with a second comparing means for judging that it is a non-defective product. 7. An exposure means for irradiating the surface of the seaweed with a measurement light beam, and a transmitted light beam, which is provided on the opposite side of the exposure means via the seaweed, and which has passed through the seaweed, is converted into an electric signal to change the signal level. Photoelectric conversion means for detecting, an average value calculating means for irradiating a plurality of reference laver known to be non-defective with a measuring light beam to calculate an average value of the signal level, and a constant value subtracted from the average value or A memory that is set and stored with a value multiplied by a fixed rate as a reference value is compared with the reference value stored in the memory and the signal level of the reflected light from the seaweed to be inspected, and the signal level is greater than or equal to the reference value. And a comparing means for judging that the seaweed to be inspected is a good product, the seaweed inspection device. 8. An exposure means for irradiating the surface of the seaweed with a measurement light beam, and a transmitted light beam, which is provided on the opposite side of the exposure means via the seaweed, and which has passed through the seaweed, is converted into an electric signal to change the signal level. Photoelectric conversion means for detection, a first memory in which a predetermined initial reference value is stored, a signal level of reflected light obtained by irradiating the seaweed to be inspected with a measurement light beam, and the initial reference value stored in the first memory. A first comparing means for comparing the value with a value, an average value calculating means for calculating an average value of the signal levels of a predetermined number of seaweeds to be inspected whose signal level of reflected light is equal to or less than an initial reference value, and a constant value from the average value. A second memory in which a value obtained by subtracting the value or multiplying by a constant rate is set and stored as a new reference value, a new reference value stored in the second memory, and a signal of reflected light from the seaweed to be inspected Compare with level and signal An apparatus for inspecting seaweed, comprising: second comparing means for determining that the seaweed is a good product when the level is equal to or higher than the new reference value. 9. The first memory and the second memory are shared,
The seaweed inspection apparatus according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the initial reference value is rewritten to a new reference value. 10. The seaweed inspection apparatus according to claim 6 or 8, wherein the first comparing means and the second comparing means are also used.