JPH10243287A - Image-pickup device and image processor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform the setting and focusing of prescribed area, without the use of display devices for an image-pickup device for picking up the images of prescribed area on an object and an image processor for performing the inspection or measurement of object, corresponding to the picked-up image provided by image pickup. SOLUTION: An image-pickup device 2A is composed of a projecting means 23 for projecting an image in a prescribed area 1a on an object 1 with the light of prescribed wavelength band, illuminating means 29 and 30 for illuminating the object, wavelength selecting element 22 for making incident the light of wavelength band, excepting for the light of this prescribed wavelength band in light reflected from the object, and image-pickup means 26 for picking up the images formed from light passed through the wavelength selecting element. For an image processor 2, the image picked up by the image-pickup device 2A is compared with a prescribed image stored in advance, and the compared result is outputted.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image pickup apparatus and an image processing apparatus for setting a predetermined area on an object, imaging the predetermined area, and inspecting or measuring the object.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known an image processing apparatus which takes an image of an object using an image pickup apparatus, performs matching between the taken image and a known image as a reference, and determines the quality of the object. ing.

In this case, a captured image of the object is displayed on a monitor screen of a display device, and while viewing this screen, an area frame indicating a predetermined area is superimposed and displayed by an input device such as a keyboard or a mouse. An operation of setting a predetermined region to be inspected in a captured image is performed by changing and displaying the gradation of the region.

In addition, the degree of blurring of the captured image displayed on the monitor screen is visually observed, and if the image is blurred, the distance between the object and the imaging device is adjusted to adjust the focus of the imaging device. I have.

[0005]

In the above-described setting and focus adjustment of the predetermined area, it is necessary to display a captured image of the target object and the predetermined area on a monitor screen, and a display device, an input device, A signal generation circuit, a storage circuit, and the like are required.

In order to perform focus adjustment, it is necessary to check the degree of blur of an image on a monitor screen.
When the position of the display device and the position of the object are far from each other, focus adjustment has been difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem, and performs setting and focus adjustment of a predetermined area of an object without using a display device, thereby performing imaging and inspection of the object. It is an object to provide an imaging device and an image processing device that can perform the processing.

[0008]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for projecting an image on a predetermined area on an object surface with light in a predetermined wavelength band, and illuminating the object. An illuminating unit, a wavelength selection element that receives light in a wavelength band excluding light in a predetermined wavelength band out of light reflected from the object, and an imaging unit that captures an image formed by light passing through the wavelength selection element Is provided.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for performing a comparison process between an image captured by the imaging device according to the first aspect and a predetermined image stored in advance, and outputting the comparison result. It is.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus which compares a result of image processing of an image captured by the imaging apparatus according to the first aspect with a predetermined reference value stored in advance. Outputs the result.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging apparatus for projecting an image on a predetermined area on an object surface with light in a predetermined wavelength band, an illuminating means for illuminating the object, and an object. A wavelength selection element that reflects light in a wavelength band excluding light in a predetermined wavelength band out of light reflected from the light source; and an imaging unit that captures an image formed by the light reflected by the wavelength selection element. Things.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus for performing a comparison process between an image captured by the imaging device according to the fourth aspect and a predetermined image stored in advance, and outputting the comparison result. It is.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, an image processing apparatus compares the result of image processing of an image picked up by the imaging apparatus according to the fourth aspect with a predetermined reference value stored in advance. Outputs the result.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image processing apparatus comprising: a wavelength selection element that transmits light in a first wavelength band and reflects light in a second wavelength band; Projection means for projecting with light of the first wavelength band transmitted through the selection element, illumination means for illuminating the object with light of the second wavelength band, and second wavelength band reflected by the object and the wavelength selection element And an image processing means for processing an image picked up by the image pickup means, so that an area where the object is projected by the projection means coincides with a predetermined area.

An image processing apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention includes a wavelength selection element that reflects light in a first wavelength band and transmits light in a second wavelength band, and that a predetermined area on an object is set to a wavelength. Projecting means for projecting with light of the first wavelength band reflected by the selection element, illuminating means for illuminating the object with light including the second wavelength band, and second means for reflecting the object and transmitting the wavelength selection element And an image processing means for processing an image picked up by the imaging means, so that an area where the object is projected by the projection means coincides with a predetermined area.

According to these inventions, the object is illuminated by the illumination means, an image of a predetermined shape is projected on the object by the projection means, and the positional relationship with the object is adjusted while visually observing the projected image. By doing so, it is possible to set a predetermined area on the object and adjust the focus. Of the light reflected from the object, light in a wavelength band other than the wavelength band of the projection image is selected (incident or reflected) by the wavelength selection element, and an image formed by the selected light is imaged by the imaging means. As a result, it is possible to image a predetermined area of the target object without the projection image. The captured image is compared with a reference image, or the result of image processing of the captured image is compared with a reference value, and a comparison result is output.

An image processing apparatus according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the image processing apparatus according to any one of the seventh to eighth aspects.
Is the green light, and the light in the second wavelength band is the red light and the blue light.

According to the present invention, an object is detected by two illumination lights (for example, red light and blue light) having different wavelength bands, so that the reflected light amounts differ, and the illumination light of one wavelength band is used. Compared with the case of detection, the identifiable target object can be expanded.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the image processing apparatus according to the ninth aspect, the illuminating means alternately emits the light of the second wavelength band in a time division manner, It is a black and white photoelectric conversion element that receives light in a wavelength band in a time-division manner.

According to the present invention, the two illumination lights having different wavelength bands are emitted in a time-division manner, so that each color can be detected using a monochrome photoelectric conversion element without using a color image sensor. it can. This allows
An image processing apparatus capable of low-cost and highly accurate two-wavelength pattern recognition can be realized.

According to an image processing apparatus of the present invention, the wavelength selecting element is formed in a plate-like form, and the image pick-up means reflects reflected light of the plate-like wavelength selecting element. It is arranged at the position on the light receiving side.

According to the present invention, a low-cost plate-like element is used as a wavelength selecting element for separating light of each wavelength band, and the imaging means is arranged on the reflection position side of the wavelength selecting element. As a result, astigmatism and coma do not occur, and a clear image can be obtained.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect
A light source for generating light of a third wavelength band, a projection unit for projecting a predetermined area on an object by light of the first wavelength band extracted from the light of the light source, and light extracted from the light of the light source or the light of the light source. Illuminating means for illuminating the object with the light of the second and third wavelength bands, imaging means for imaging an image formed by the light of the second and third wavelength bands reflected on the object, and imaging means And an image processing means for processing the image captured in the step (a), so that an area on which the object is projected by the projection means coincides with a predetermined area.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the twelfth aspect, the light source and the projection means and the illumination means are connected by an optical fiber, and the light source and the imaging means are separated. It is what is arranged.

According to the inventions of claims 12 and 13,
By using the same light source for the projection light source and the illumination light source, the size of the device can be reduced, and by separating the light source, the temperature rise in the device can be suppressed, and the imaging device can exhibit stable performance. .

[0026]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 illustrates an image processing apparatus 2 that performs an inspection or the like by capturing an image of the image 1. The image processing device 2 includes an imaging unit 2A which is an imaging device that captures an image of the object 1 and outputs a digital image signal, and image processing means that inspects the object 1 from the digital image signal using an image processing technique. And a certain processing unit 2B.

The imaging section 2A includes a lens 21, a plate-like wavelength selection element 22, and a projection light source 23 arranged in series on the same optical axis, and a slit 24 in front of the projection light source 23.
Is arranged. As shown in the characteristic diagram of FIG. 2, the wavelength selection element 22 has a characteristic of transmitting only light in the green wavelength band and reflecting light in other wavelength bands. The projection light source 23 is a green light source and is driven by a driver 25. The projection light source 23 and the slit 24 constitute a projection unit.

The light reflected by the object 1 is
An image pickup device 26 is disposed at a position where the light passes through and is reflected by the wavelength selection element 22. The imaging device 26 is driven and controlled by an imaging control unit 27 and outputs an imaging signal obtained by photoelectric conversion. The image pickup signal is converted into a video signal by the image pickup control section 27, and the analog / digital (A / D) converter 2
At 8 the digital image signal is converted and output to the processing section 2B.

In the vicinity of both ends of the lens 21, illumination light sources 29 and 30 composed of light emitting diodes are arranged. The illumination light sources 29 and 30 use white light sources, and illuminate the object 1 with white light.

The processing section 2B includes an image processing section 31 for processing the digital image signal obtained by the image pickup section 2A, a CPU 32 for controlling the entire apparatus, and a memory 33 for storing program data and fixed data, storing temporary data, and the like. , An input / output unit (I / O) 34 for transmitting and receiving data to and from an external input device or output device, a lighting control unit 35 for controlling the driver 25, and a system bus 36 for connecting these components.

In this configuration, first, the positional relationship between the object 1 and the imaging section 2A is adjusted. First, the imaging unit 2A is arranged so that the optical axis is perpendicular to the object 1. The distance L between the two is determined by the focal length of the lens 21. Next, the projection light source 23 is turned on by the driver 25, and a green slit image having a shape corresponding to the transmission hole formed in the slit 24 is projected on the object 1.

In this embodiment, a green light source is used as the projection light source 23, and the wavelength selection element 22 has a characteristic of transmitting only the green light wavelength band.
The green light emitted from the light source passes through the slit 24, passes through the wavelength selection element 22, is condensed by the lens 21, and projects a predetermined area 1a of the object 1.

FIG. 3 (a) shows this state, in which a square slit image is projected and formed on a predetermined area 1a in the center of the object 1. FIG. Slit 2
If the shape and position of the transmission hole of No. 4 and the distance L are properly set, the slit image matches the predetermined area 1a. The inspector performs these adjustments while visually monitoring the slit image and the predetermined area 1a so as to completely match.

As shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C,
Focus adjustment can be performed by observing the degree of blurring of the slit image projected and formed on the target object 1. That is, when the outline of the slit image is blurred as shown in (b), focus adjustment is performed by adjusting the distance L so that the outline of the slit image is sharp as shown in (c).

When the position adjustment and the focus adjustment are completed, the object 1 is imaged by the image sensor 26. In the present embodiment, white light sources are used as the light sources 29 and 30 for illumination, and the wavelength selection element 22 transmits only green light, so that the white light emitted from the light sources 29 and 30 for illumination illuminates the object 1. After the reflected light is condensed by the lens 21, only the light in the red and blue wavelength bands is reflected by the wavelength selection element 22 to form an image on the imaging element 26.

The image pickup signal obtained by the image pickup device 26 is converted into a video signal by an image pickup control section 27, converted into a digital image signal by an A / D converter 28, and output to an image processing section 31. The image processing unit 31 stores an image of the predetermined area 1 a to be inspected under the control of the CPU 32 and a memory 33.
For example, gray search is performed using the model image stored in advance to determine whether the object 1 is good or bad. The judgment result is I
Output from / O34 to the outside.

In the gray search, image data is treated as grayscale data of several bits without binarization. Matching is performed between a registered image and an input image. Is a process of recognizing that they match. Generally, since the registered image is smaller than the input image, the input image is sequentially compared from one end to the other while shifting the registered image by one pixel with respect to the input image, and a matching point is searched.

Note that a binarized search may be applied instead of the gray search. In this case, the image data is binarized at the reference shading level, the area is measured and compared with the reference area value to determine the quality. However, if the gray search is used, there is an advantage that even if a displacement of less than a pixel unit occurs between the registered image and the input image, the displacement can be accurately detected by estimation. Also, even if there is a change in brightness between the registered image and the input image, the meaning of the shape comparison becomes stronger, so that the brightness remains the same even if the brightness changes slightly due to lighting or the like. There is an advantage that almost the same result can be obtained as in the case of

In this way, the image sensor 26 detects the two colors of red and blue.
By detecting the object 1 in one wavelength band, a difference appears in each reflected light amount, and the identifiable objects are spread as compared with the case of detecting in one wavelength band.

This means that, for example, the illumination light sources 29 and 30
When only the red light source is used, as shown in FIG.
Because the difference in reflectance between white and yellow and red is small,
Yellow and red patterns on a white background cannot be detected. However, since a difference in reflectance occurs in the blue wavelength band, if the detection is performed using the two wavelength bands, red and blue reflected light, as in the present embodiment, the difference in the reflected light amount appears. The possible objects will expand.

Although the detection wavelength band is red and blue and the region projection band is green here, the detection wavelength band is red and green and the region projection band is blue.
Detectable patterns spread. However, the former is the best combination because there are many types of colors of the target that can be detected when the two detection wavelength bands are far apart. Since the wavelength selection element 22 transmits only green light, the same performance can be obtained even when a white light source is used as the projection light source 23.

When a color image sensor is used as the image sensor 26, the red and blue wavelength bands can be separately detected, so that a pattern with a more subtle color difference can be detected.

Further, a specific position coordinate of the predetermined area 1a in the captured image is obtained in advance, and the coordinate data is stored in the memory 3.
3, the processing can be performed accurately irrespective of the accuracy of the positional relationship between the slit 24 and the image sensor 26.

FIG. 5 shows, for each screen (a) a video signal (a) of one screen (16.7 msec) received by the image sensor 26, the light emission timing (b) of the projection light source 23 for each screen, and 6 is a timing chart for controlling the image pickup device to be less affected by light from the projection light source by shifting the light receiving timing (c). The light projection timing is set to several milliseconds at the start of one horizontal period (one screen), and the light reception timing is set to several milliseconds at the end of one horizontal period. These setting timings are fixed timings. Visually, it appears that the projection light source 23 is always lit by synchronous lighting.

FIG. 6 shows that the image signal (a) for one screen received by the image sensor 26 emits the projection light source 23 at the light emission timing (b) for each screen, and the image signal (a) is disabled by an external instruction. This is a timing chart for performing control such that when the light receiving timing (c) of the image sensor 26 that comes under the rule overlaps, the light emission of the projection light source 23 is stopped and the light receiving timing is prioritized (d). By doing so, the image pickup device 26 is hardly affected by the projection light source 23.

Here, a method of adjusting the light receiving timing of the image sensor 26 will be described. Generally, an imaging device is configured by forming a photoelectric sensor, a shift register, and the like on a semiconductor substrate. When the substrate voltage is the normal voltage, the signal charges photoelectrically converted by the photoelectric sensor are stored.When the substrate voltage becomes higher than the normal voltage, the stored signal charges are not transferred to the shift register and are transferred to the outside without any change. It has the property of releasing.

Therefore, utilizing this property, the substrate voltage is instantaneously increased every one horizontal period, and the signal charges stored in the photoelectric sensor until that time are released. However, by maintaining the substrate voltage at the normal voltage for a predetermined period before the end of one screen, the light signal received from when the substrate voltage finally becomes high until the signal charge is transferred to the shift register. The light receiving timing can be determined by transferring only the electric charge.

When performing control to shift the projection timing of the projection light source 23 and the light reception timing of the image sensor 26, strobe light emission is performed by matching the light reception timing with the illumination timing of the illumination light sources 29 and 30. In addition, the image sensor 26 is further less affected by disturbance light.

The position of the image sensor 26 is as follows.
Although it is possible on the transmission position side of the wavelength selection element 22, when the plate-shaped wavelength selection element 22 is used, the reflected light of the object 1 passes through the wavelength selection element 22 inclined through the lens 21. Therefore, astigmatism and coma are generated, and the image to be formed is blurred. For this reason, when using the plate-like wavelength selection element 22 which can be manufactured at low cost,
It is preferable that the imaging element 26 be disposed on the reflection position side of the wavelength selection element 22.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same components as those shown in FIG. Omitted. This embodiment uses a blue light source as the illumination light source 29, a red light source as the illumination light source 30, and a lighting control unit 35.
The configuration is the same as that of the above-described first embodiment, except that the light-emitting device is configured to emit light alternately in a time-division manner.

In this embodiment, by emitting two different illumination colors in a time-division manner, it is possible to perform the detection processing of each color using a monochrome image sensor without using a color image sensor. This makes it possible to realize an image processing apparatus capable of low-cost and highly accurate two-wavelength pattern recognition.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention, which is a modification of the above-described first embodiment. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 2A
Is separated into a light source device 4 and an imaging device 5, and light emitted from a white light source 41 of the light source device 4 is condensed by a lens 42, and is transmitted to the imaging device 5 via an optical fiber 6 as a projection light source and an illumination light source. It is configured to supply. Driver 2
5, components such as an imaging control unit 27, an A / D converter 28, and a processing unit 2B are omitted.

The end of the optical fiber 6 on the side of the imaging device 5 is branched into two, one of which is provided behind the slit 24 to act as a light source for projection, and the other one is a lens 21.
And acts as an illumination light source.

The white light emitted from the white light source 41 is emitted from the back of the slit 24 through the optical fiber 6, and the red light and the blue light are reflected by the wavelength selection element 22, and only the green light is emitted from the wavelength selection element 22. Through the lens 2
The light is condensed by 1 and projects a predetermined area 1a of the object 1.

White light is emitted from the vicinity of the lens 21 to illuminate the object 1. The reflected light is transmitted through the lens 21
, Only the light in the red and blue wavelength bands is reflected by the wavelength selection element 22 and forms an image on the imaging element 26.

As described above, in this embodiment, since the same light source 41 is used for the projection light source and the illumination light source, the size of the imaging device 5 can be reduced, and the imaging device 5 has no light source. Therefore, the temperature rise does not occur, and the imaging element 26 can exhibit stable performance. Other operations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention, which is a modification of the above-described second embodiment. In the present embodiment, the imaging unit 2A
Is separated into a light source device 4 and an imaging device 5, and white light emitted from a white light source 41 of the light source device 4 is condensed by a lens 42, and is converted into green light by a wavelength selection element 43 having the same characteristics as the wavelength selection element 22. It is configured to be supplied to the imaging device 5 after being separated into red and blue light. The driver 25 and the imaging control unit 2
7, components such as the A / D converter 28 and the processing unit 2B are omitted.

The end of the optical fiber 6a on the imaging device 5 side is provided behind the slit 24 to act as a light source for projection, and the end of the optical fiber 6b on the imaging device 5 side is a lens 21.
And acts as an illumination light source.

The wavelength selecting element 42 emitted from the white light source 41
Is emitted from behind the slit 24 through the optical fiber 6a, passes through the wavelength selection element 22,
The light is converged by the lens 21 to project a predetermined area 1a of the object 1.

The red light and blue light emitted from the white light source 41 and reflected by the wavelength selection element 42 are
The light is emitted from the vicinity of the lens 21 via b, and illuminates the object 1. The reflected light is condensed by a lens 21, reflected by a wavelength selection element 22, and is imaged on an imaging element 26.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the same light source 41 is used in common for the projection light source and the illumination light source, so that the imaging device 5 can be downsized and the imaging device 5 has a light emitting source. Because there is no temperature rise, the temperature rise does not occur, and the image sensor 26 can exhibit stable performance. Further, since the white light is separated into the light for projection and the light for illumination by the light source device 4 and then supplied to the imaging device 5 via the optical fiber, the light emitted from the light source 41 can be used efficiently. Other operations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

(Fifth Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention, which is a modification of the above-described fourth embodiment. In the present embodiment, the light source device 4 is directly disposed behind the slit 24 of the imaging device 5, and the light emitted from the white light source 41 of the light source device 4 is collected by the lens 42, and has the same characteristics as the wavelength selection element 22. The green light and the red / blue light are separated by the wavelength selecting element 43 provided, and the green light is supplied to the back of the slit 24 of the imaging device 5 as a light source for projection,
The red and blue lights are configured to be supplied as light sources for illumination to the imaging device 5 via the optical fiber 6b. Other components such as the driver 25, the imaging control unit 27, the A / D converter 28, and the processing unit 2B are omitted.

The wavelength selecting element 42 emitted from the white light source 41
Is emitted from behind the slit 24 through the optical fiber 6a, passes through the wavelength selection element 22,
The light is converged by the lens 21 to project a predetermined area 1a of the object 1.

The red light and blue light emitted from the white light source 41 and reflected by the wavelength selection element 42 are
The light is emitted from the vicinity of the lens 21 via b, and illuminates the object 1. The reflected light is condensed by a lens 21, reflected by a wavelength selection element 22, and is imaged on an imaging element 26.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the same light source 41 is used in common for the projection light source and the illumination light source, so that the size of the imaging device 5 can be reduced, and light emission near the imaging device 5 can be achieved. Since there is no source, there is no increase in temperature,
6 can exhibit stable performance. Further, since the white light is separated into the light for projection and the light for illumination by the light source device 4 and then supplied to the imaging device 5, the light emitted from the light source 41 can be used efficiently. Other operations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

(Sixth Embodiment) FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a cube-type wavelength selection element 51 and an imaging element 26 are arranged behind the lens 21 in this order, and the slit 24 and the cube-type wavelength selection element 52 are arranged on the reflection position side of the wavelength selection element 51. They are arranged in this order, and the white light source 41 and the lens 42 are arranged on the reflection position side of the wavelength selection element 52. The driver 25, the imaging control unit 27, the A / D converter 28, the processing unit 2
Components such as B are omitted.

In this configuration, the two wavelength selecting elements 5
Each of the light emitting devices 1 and 52 has a characteristic of reflecting light in a wavelength band of green light and transmitting light in other wavelength bands. For this reason, of the light emitted from the white light source 41 and condensed by the lens 42, red and blue light are transmitted through the wavelength selection element 52 to illuminate the object 1, and green light is reflected by the wavelength selection element 52. After passing through the slit 24 and being reflected by the wavelength selection element 51, the light is condensed by the lens 21 and projected and formed on the object 1.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the same light source 41 is used in common for the projection light source and the illumination light source, so that the size of the imaging device 5 can be reduced, and the light emission near the imaging device 5 can be achieved. Since there is no source, there is no increase in temperature,
6 can exhibit stable performance. Further, since the white light is separated into the light for projection and the light for illumination by the light source device 4 and then supplied to the imaging device 5, the light emitted from the light source 41 can be used efficiently. Other operations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the image pickup element 26 is arranged on the transmission position side by using the cube-type wavelength selection element 51. As previously mentioned,
If the imaging element 26 is arranged on the transmission position side when a plate-shaped wavelength selection element is used, astigmatism and coma aberration occur, and an image to be formed is blurred. If spherical aberration occurs, the lens 21
Can be canceled by changing the shape of.

[0070]

According to the present invention, the object is illuminated by the illuminating means, an image of a predetermined shape is projected on the object by the projecting means, and the positional relationship with the object is determined while visually observing the projected image. Since the adjustment can be performed, the setting of a predetermined area on the target object and the focus adjustment can be performed without using the monitor screen of the display device. Further, by making the color (wavelength band) of the projected image projected on the target object different from the color of the illumination light illuminating the target object, these can be simultaneously turned on to set a predetermined area.

Further, according to the present invention, since an object is detected with light in two wavelength bands (for example, red light and blue light), the reflected light amounts differ, and detection is performed in one wavelength band. The identifiable object can be expanded as compared with the case.

Further, according to the present invention, by emitting two different illumination colors in a time-division manner, it is possible to perform detection processing of each color using a monochrome image sensor without using a color image sensor. This makes it possible to realize an image processing apparatus capable of low-cost and highly accurate two-wavelength pattern recognition.

According to the present invention, when a low-cost plate-like element is used as the wavelength selecting element for separating the light of each wavelength band, the image pickup element is arranged on the reflection position side of the wavelength selecting element. As a result, a clear image can be obtained without astigmatism or coma as compared with the case where the light source is disposed on the transmission position side.

Further, according to the present invention, since the same light source is used for the projection light source and the illumination light source, the size of the device can be reduced, and the temperature rise in the device can be reduced by separating the light source. As a result, the imaging device can exhibit stable performance. If the light source device supplies white light after separating it for projection and illumination, the light emitted from the light source can be used efficiently.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing transmittance (reflectance) of the wavelength selection element shown in FIG.

FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a positional relationship between an object and an imaging unit, and FIGS. 3B and 3C are views showing slit images projected and formed on the object.

FIG. 4 is a characteristic diagram showing a reflectance of each color of an object with respect to a light source wavelength.

5A is a timing chart showing a video signal, FIG. 5B is a timing chart showing a projection timing of a light source, and FIG. 5C is a timing chart showing a light receiving timing of an image pickup device which is irregularly input from the outside;

6A is a video signal, FIG. 6B is a projection timing of a light source, FIG. 6C is a light reception timing of an image sensor that is irregularly input from the outside, and FIG. 6 is a timing chart showing timing.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 object 1a predetermined area 2 image processing device 2A imaging unit 2B processing unit 21 lens 22 wavelength selection element 23 light source for projection 24 slit 25 driver 26 imaging element 27 imaging control unit 28 A / D converter 29, 30 illumination light source 31 Image processing unit 32 CPU 33 Memory 34 Input / output unit (I / O) 35 Lighting control unit 36 System bus 4 Light source device 41 White light source 42 Lens 43 Wavelength selection element 51, 52 Cube-type wavelength selection element

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code FIG06F 15/70 455A

Claims (13)

[Claims] A projection unit configured to project an image on a predetermined region on the target object by using light of a predetermined wavelength band; an illumination unit configured to illuminate the target object; An imaging apparatus, comprising: a wavelength selection element that receives light in a wavelength band other than light in a wavelength band; and an imaging unit that captures an image formed by light passing through the wavelength selection element. 2. An image processing apparatus, comprising: comparing an image captured by the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 with a predetermined image stored in advance; and outputting a result of the comparison. 3. An image processing apparatus which compares a result of image processing of an image captured by the imaging apparatus according to claim 1 with a predetermined reference value stored in advance and outputs the comparison result. . 4. Projection means for projecting an image on a predetermined area on an object by light in a predetermined wavelength band; illuminating means for illuminating the object; An imaging apparatus comprising: a wavelength selection element that reflects light in a wavelength band excluding light in a wavelength band; and an imaging unit that captures an image formed by the light reflected by the wavelength selection element. . 5. An image processing apparatus, comprising: comparing an image captured by the image capturing apparatus according to claim 4 with a predetermined image stored in advance; and outputting a result of the comparison. 6. An image processing apparatus, comprising: comparing a result obtained by performing image processing on an image captured by the imaging apparatus according to claim 4 with a predetermined reference value stored in advance; and outputting the comparison result. . 7. A wavelength selection element that transmits light of a first wavelength band and reflects light of a second wavelength band, and the first wavelength band that transmits a predetermined area on an object through the wavelength selection element. Projecting means for projecting with the light of the following; illuminating means for illuminating the object with light of the second wavelength band; and the second reflected by the object and the wavelength selection element.
Imaging means for receiving light in a wavelength band of: and image processing means for processing an image taken by the imaging means, so that an area where the object is projected by the projection means coincides with the predetermined area. An image processing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned. 8. A wavelength selection element that reflects light in a first wavelength band and transmits light in a second wavelength band, and the first wavelength band in which a predetermined area on an object is reflected by the wavelength selection element. Projection means for projecting with the light of the following, illumination means for illuminating the object with light including the second wavelength band, light of the second wavelength band reflected by the object and transmitted through the wavelength selection element And an image processing unit that processes an image captured by the imaging unit, wherein an area where the object is projected by the projection unit coincides with the predetermined area. Image processing device. 9. The image according to claim 7, wherein the light in the first wavelength band is green light, and the light in the second wavelength band is red light and blue light. Processing equipment. 10. The black-and-white photoelectric conversion element, wherein the illumination unit emits light of the second wavelength band alternately in a time-division manner, and the imaging unit receives the light of the second wavelength band in a time-division manner. The image processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein 11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength selection element is formed in a plate shape, and the imaging means is arranged at a position on a side of the plate-shaped wavelength selection element that receives reflected light. 8. The image processing device according to 7. 12. A light source for generating light of first to third wavelength bands, a projection unit for projecting a predetermined area on an object by light of the first wavelength band extracted from the light of the light source, The light of the light source or the second light extracted from the light of the light source
Illumination means for illuminating the object with light in the third and third wavelength bands; imaging means for capturing an image formed by the light in the second and third wavelength bands reflected on the object; An image processing apparatus comprising: an image processing unit configured to process an image captured by the unit, wherein an area on which the object is projected by the projection unit matches the predetermined area. 13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said light source, said projecting means and said illuminating means are connected by an optical fiber, and said light source and said imaging means are arranged separately. Image processing device.