JPH1048129A - Quality evaluation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a quality evaluation apparatus capable of simply calculating quality data of a plurality of kinds of objects to be inspected. SOLUTION: In a quality evaluation apparatus provided with a spectral analyzing means M constituted so that an object to be inspected being a measuring object is irradiated with measuring light to obtain the diffraction spectrum of the reflected light or transmitted light from the object to be inspected and the quality data based on the component contained in the object to be inspected is calculated on the basis of the obtained deffraction spectrum and the output means O outputting the result calculated by the spectral analyzing means M, a kind data input means I inputting the kind data of the object to be inspected being the measuring object from a plurality of kind data is provided and the spectral analyzing means M sets an operational formula for calculating quality data on the basis of the deffraction spectrum so as to correspond to the kind data inputted by the kind data input means I to calculate quality data on the basis of the set operational formula.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for irradiating an object to be measured with a measuring light beam to obtain a spectrum of light reflected or transmitted from the object, and based on the obtained spectrum. Further, the present invention relates to a quality evaluation apparatus provided with spectral analysis means for obtaining quality information based on components contained in a test object and output means for outputting a result obtained by the spectral analysis means.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When an object to be inspected is irradiated with a measuring light beam, it exhibits an absorption characteristic corresponding to the amount of the component in the wavelength range peculiar to the component to be inspected. Based on the spectral spectrum of the reflected light or transmitted light from the inspection object, quality information based on the components contained in the inspection object (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as quality information) is obtained by multiple regression analysis or the like. is there. For example, it is used to obtain quality information of fruits and vegetables. By the way, when obtaining quality information by multiple regression analysis or the like based on the spectral spectrum of the reflected light or transmitted light from the test object, it is necessary to set an arithmetic expression according to the type of the test object. For example, the wavelength range peculiar to the component, which shows the light absorption characteristics according to the amount of the component, differs depending on the type of the test object even if the component is the same. It is necessary to set an arithmetic expression based on the area.

Conventionally, the type of the inspection object to be measured is limited to one, and an arithmetic expression peculiar to the one type is set to obtain the type information.

[0004]

However, conventionally, when obtaining quality information of a plurality of types of inspected objects, a plurality of devices having different types of objects to be measured are prepared.
Alternatively, it is necessary to artificially change and set an arithmetic expression that is already set according to the type of the measurement target to an arithmetic expression that is different from the type. Therefore, there is a problem particularly in terms of cost when preparing a plurality of devices having different types of measurement objects, and when changing and setting the arithmetic expression, the operation is complicated, and thus improvement has been desired.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a quality evaluation apparatus capable of easily obtaining quality information of a plurality of types of inspection objects.

[0006]

According to the characteristic configuration of the present invention, the kind information of the inspection object to be measured is inputted from the kind information input means, and the kind information is inputted to the kind information input means by the spectral analysis means. An arithmetic expression for obtaining the quality information based on the spectral spectrum is automatically set so as to correspond to the input type information, and the quality information is obtained based on the set arithmetic expression. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain the quality information of the inspection objects of a plurality of types.

Since the intensity of reflected light and transmitted light from an object to be inspected is considerably weaker than the intensity of a measuring light beam, a spectral spectrum is required to obtain quality information with high accuracy. Need to be obtained in a state of being integrated over the accumulation time. Further, the degree of reduction in the intensity of reflected light or transmitted light varies depending on the type of the inspection object. Therefore, in order to quickly and accurately obtain the quality information, an appropriate accumulation time can be set according to the type of the inspection object.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the characteristic configuration based on the above-described aspect, and according to the second aspect, the type input by the type information input means. The spectral spectrum is obtained in a state of being integrated over an accumulation time set according to the information, and the quality information is obtained based on the obtained spectral spectrum. Therefore, the accumulation time can be adjusted to an appropriate time for the test object to be measured, so that quality information can be obtained quickly and with high accuracy.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the type of the inspection object to be measured is input by manually switching the switch means. Therefore, as a specific configuration of the kind information input means for inputting the kind of the inspection object to be measured, a low-priced switch means can be applied, so that the cost for carrying out the present invention can be reduced. it can.

By the way, when an object to be inspected is irradiated with a measuring light beam, it exhibits an absorption characteristic corresponding to the amount of the component in a wavelength range peculiar to the component, as described above. Are known. On the other hand, the inventors of the present invention, when irradiating the inspection object with a measuring light beam, in the wavelength range specific to the type of the inspection object, almost no influence on the amount of contained components, the inspection object Varieties exhibit specific light absorption characteristics. Then, they have found that the type of the inspected object can be determined by analyzing the spectral spectrum of the reflected light or transmitted light from the inspected object.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the characteristic configuration based on the above-described aspect. Then, the variety information of the fruits and vegetables to be measured is determined. When the type information artificially input by the switch means differs from the type information determined by the type determination means, an alarm is output by the alarm means. Therefore, although the kind information input means is constituted by a low-priced switch means, the operator is informed of an artificial mistake such as input of kind information different from the kind information of the fruits and vegetables to be measured by the switch means. You can now squeeze. In addition, it is possible to reliably prevent a problem that the quality information of fruits and vegetables is obtained by an arithmetic expression according to a variety different from the variety of the fruits and vegetables to be actually measured.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the measurement of the quality information of a plurality of inspection objects of the same type is continuously performed, the measurement can be performed by a simple operation, and the actual measurement can be performed. It is possible to reliably prevent mistakes such as input of variety information that is different from the variety information of the target fruits and vegetables.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the command information display means displays one of a plurality of pieces of command information which can be selected from among a plurality of pieces of command information for the same selection state of the switch means. The command information displayed on the command information display means is instructed to the means in accordance with the selection state selected by the switch means. That is, it is possible to instruct a large amount of instruction information while reducing the number of selection states of the switch means. Therefore,
The operator can select the selection state corresponding to the type information of the inspection object to be measured from among the few selection states in the switch means, so that the setting of the type information by the switch means can be performed easily and without error. Now you can do it.

According to the characteristic configuration of the present invention, the variety information of the fruits and vegetables to be measured is automatically determined by the variety determination means based on the spectrum. Therefore, the operation of artificially setting the type information of the inspection object to be measured can be omitted, so that the operability can be further improved.

By the way, it is difficult for the value of the quality information itself to intuitively understand the degree of the quality. For example, in the case of fruits and vegetables, sugar content, acidity, and the like are measured as quality information. However, it is difficult to intuitively understand the degree of sweetness and sourness of the fruits and vegetables with such measured values of the sugar content and acidity. According to the characteristic configuration of the eighth aspect, the quality information obtained by the spectral analysis means is output to the output means as the difference between the value of the quality information and the predetermined reference quality information value increases. , Are output as marks located at positions distant from the position corresponding to the reference quality information value. Therefore, the degree of the quality of the test object, for example, when the test object is a fruit or vegetable, the degree of sweetness or sourness can be intuitively understood.

According to the ninth aspect, the quality information of the fruits and vegetables can be easily obtained for each variety.
The quality of fruits and vegetables cannot be evaluated properly with quality information based on appearance such as size, shape, color, etc.To properly evaluate the quality of fruits and vegetables, quality information based on components such as sugar content, acidity, etc. Is required. Moreover, since there are many varieties of fruits and vegetables, when obtaining quality information based on the components of the fruits and vegetables, it is required to accurately obtain the quality information for each variety. Therefore, it is particularly preferable to apply the present invention to evaluation of the quality of fruits and vegetables.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the spectroscopic analysis means, the output unit, and the kind information input means are integrally united in a movable state, so that the unit is optional. Can be easily moved to the location to obtain the quality information. Therefore, the operability can be further improved.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment in which the present invention is applied to the evaluation of the quality of fruits and vegetables will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the quality evaluation device irradiates a measuring light beam to a fruit or vegetable to be measured, obtains a spectrum of diffuse reflection light from the fruit or vegetable, and includes the spectrum in the fruit or vegetable based on the obtained spectrum. Analysis unit M (corresponding to a spectrum analysis unit) for obtaining quality information based on the component to be analyzed
And a liquid crystal display 11 and a printer 1 as output means O for displaying the result obtained by the spectral analysis unit M.
And a control unit C (corresponding to control means) which is composed of a microcomputer and controls various controls of the quality evaluation device.
And an operation panel S for commanding various kinds of control information to the control section C are integrally unitized in a movable state by using a casing P movable on casters. Further, on the upper surface of the casing P, a measuring table Pa for supporting the fruits and vegetables to be measured in a mounted state and a stock plate Pb for temporarily storing the fruits and vegetables are provided.

The spectroscopic analyzer M irradiates a measuring light beam to the fruits and vegetables to be measured, and causes only the light emitting and receiving adapter 3 for receiving diffusely reflected light from the fruits and vegetables to face the measuring opening of the measuring table Pa. In this state, it is provided in the casing P. Further, the control unit C is also provided in the casing P. The liquid crystal display 11 and the operation panel S include a casing P
It is assembled in. Although not shown, the printer 12 is configured to be freely switchable between an operation state in which the printer P projects outward from a side portion of the casing P and a storage state in which the printer 12 is stored in the casing P. It is configured so that the state can be switched to the storage state so as not to occur.

As shown in FIG. 2, the operation panel S includes:
A variety information input means I for inputting variety information of the fruits and vegetables to be measured from among a plurality of types of variety information is provided. Then, based on a command from the control unit C, the spectral analysis unit M calculates an arithmetic expression for obtaining quality information based on the spectral spectrum so as to correspond to the type information input by the type information input unit I. It is configured to set and obtain quality information based on the set arithmetic expression. The kind information input means I comprises switch means 8 which can select one of the kind information to be commanded from among a plurality of kinds of information. Further, the operation panel S is provided with command information display means 9 for displaying command information in a state corresponding to each selection state selected by the switch means 8.

That is, the quality evaluation device according to the present invention is configured so that it can be installed in an arbitrary place, for example, by moving inside a store. Then, when the consumer or the like takes out his or her favorite fruits and vegetables from the display stand, places it on the measuring table Pa, and switches the switch means 8 to a selection state corresponding to the variety of the fruits and vegetables placed on the measuring table Pa, The quality information obtained by the spectral analysis unit M is displayed on the liquid crystal display 11. When a print switch (not shown) is operated as necessary, the quality information obtained by the spectral analysis unit M is printed out on the printer 12.

Hereinafter, the spectral analyzer M will be described with reference to FIG. The spectral analysis unit M includes a light source unit 1, a measurement probe 2 for guiding the measurement light beam from the light source unit 1 and the diffuse reflection light from the fruit or vegetable F, and a measurement light beam guided by the measurement probe 2 for the fruit or vegetable F. And vegetables and fruits F
And a light emitting and receiving adapter 3 for receiving the diffuse reflected light from the light source and guiding it to the measuring probe 2, a spectral unit 4 for obtaining a spectral spectrum of the diffuse reflected light guided by the measuring probe 2, and a spectral unit 4. A component operation unit 5 for obtaining quality information based on components contained in the fruits and vegetables based on the obtained spectral spectrum, and a shutter unit 6 that can be switched between a light-shielding state in which a measuring light beam from the light source unit 1 is shielded and a light-shielding state in which light is not shielded. It is provided with.

The light source unit 1 comprises a tungsten-halogen 1a which emits infrared light as a measuring light beam, and a lens 1b which shapes the measuring light beam from the tungsten-halogen 1a into a parallel light beam.

The measuring probe 2 includes an irradiation optical fiber 2.
a and a light receiving optical fiber 2b.
The irradiating optical fiber 2a and the receiving optical fiber 2b are formed in a ring shape except for the incident end side of the measuring light beam in the irradiating optical fiber 2a and the emitting end side of the diffuse reflection light in the receiving optical fiber 2b. The light receiving optical fiber 2b is located coaxially inside the irradiation optical fiber 2a, and the coaxial end face has an annular tip end face of the irradiation optical fiber 2a and the light receiving optical fiber inside it. The circular tip surface of 2b is flush.

As shown in FIG.
Is attached to the tip of the measurement probe 2 and the outer cylinder 3
a, an inner cylinder 3b coaxially located inside the outer cylinder 3a at an interval from the outer cylinder 3a, a connecting member 3c for coupling the outer cylinder 3a and the inner cylinder 3b, It comprises a mounting cylinder 3d fixed to one end of the outer cylinder 3a so as to fit externally, and a screw 3e screwed into the mounting cylinder 3d. Then, the light emitting / receiving adapter 3 is connected to the measurement probe 2 by externally fitting the mounting cylinder 3d to the measurement probe 2 and tightening the screw 3e. In addition, 3f in the figure
Is a probe casing that houses the light emitting and receiving adapter 3 with its distal end exposed.

The inner cylindrical body 3b is formed in a truncated conical shape in which the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the cylinder become smaller as approaching the fiber connecting portion on the base end side, and the thickness of the peripheral wall becomes smaller as approaching the probe 2 for measurement. It is formed so that it becomes. Further, the inner cylindrical body 3b has an inner diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the circular distal end surface of the light receiving optical fiber 2b at the fiber connection portion on the base end side, and the thickness of the peripheral wall is equal to the distal end of the light receiving optical fiber 2b. The distance between the surface and the distal end surface of the irradiation optical fiber 2a is substantially the same. The thickness d of the peripheral wall at the distal end of the inner cylinder 3b is 20 m.
m. The inner and outer peripheral surfaces of the inner cylindrical body 3b are finished to mirror surfaces capable of reflecting light. Outer cylinder 3a
Is formed in a truncated conical shape in which the inner diameter and the outer diameter of the tube become smaller as they approach the fiber connection portion on the base end side. Furthermore,
The inner diameter of the outer cylindrical body 3a at the fiber connection portion on the proximal end side is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the annular distal end surface of the light receiving optical fiber 2a. The inner peripheral surface of the outer cylinder 3a is finished to a mirror surface capable of reflecting light.

That is, the shape of the opening of the fiber connection portion on the proximal end side of the inner cylindrical body 3b is substantially the same as the shape of the distal end surface of the optical fiber for light reception 2b, and the shape of the outer end of the inner cylindrical body 3b is substantially the same as that of the outer end. The shape of the annular opening formed by the base end of the cylindrical body 3a is substantially the same as the shape of the annular distal end surface of the irradiation optical fiber 2a. In addition, light emitting and receiving adapter 3
Is connected to the distal end of the measurement probe 2, the opening of the inner cylindrical body 3b is located in a state facing the distal end surface of the light-receiving optical fiber 2b, and is formed in the inner cylindrical body 3b and the outer cylindrical body 3a. The opening is located so as to face the distal end surface of the light receiving optical fiber 2a. Further, the distal end portion of the light emitting and receiving adapter 3 is formed in a concave curved shape in which the central portion is the deepest.

The light emitting / receiving adapter 3 configured as described above
Is provided directly below the measuring table Pa with its tip facing the measurement opening of the measuring table Pa.

The shutter section 6 is provided between the lens 1b and the incident end of the measuring light beam on the measuring probe 2.
The shutter plate 6a is movably supported between a light-shielding state in which the measurement light beam is shielded and a light-shielding state in which light is not shielded, and an electromagnetic solenoid 6b for moving and driving the shutter plate 6a.

Then, the fruits and vegetables F are placed on the measuring table Pa, and the shutter section 6 is switched to the non-light shielding state. Then
The measuring light beam from the light source unit 1 guided by the irradiation optical fiber 2a passes through the inner cylindrical body 3 from the distal end surface of the irradiation optical fiber 2a.
b and the outer cylinder 3a, enters the space, passes through the space, and passes through the annular opening formed by the tip of the inner cylinder 3b and the tip of the outer cylinder 3a to produce fruits and vegetables F Out. And the diffuse reflection light from the fruits and vegetables F is
b, the light enters the inner cylindrical body 3b, passes through the inner cylindrical body 3b, exits to the distal end surface of the light receiving optical fiber 2b, and is split by the light receiving optical fiber 2b. Guided to part 4.

As described above, by connecting the light emitting / receiving adapter 3 to the tip of the measuring probe 2, the distance between the emitting portion of the measuring light beam to the fruits and vegetables and the incident portion of the reflected light from the fruits and vegetables is increased. Thus, it can receive diffusely reflected light from fruits and vegetables.

The spectroscopic unit 4 includes a reflecting mirror 4a for reflecting the diffuse reflected light guided by the light receiving optical fiber 2b, and a reflecting mirror 4a.
A concave diffraction grating 4b that spectrally reflects the diffuse reflection light reflected by the optical element, and an array-type light receiving element 4c that detects the light flux intensity for each wavelength spectrally reflected by the concave diffraction grating 4b. The array type light receiving element 4c includes a concave diffraction grating 4b.
At the same time, the light is simultaneously received for each wavelength and converted into a signal for each wavelength and output. The reflecting mirror 4a, the concave diffraction grating 4b, and the array type light receiving element 4c
It is arranged in an aluminum dark box 4d that blocks light from the outside, and diffused and reflected light guided by the light receiving optical fiber 2b is guided into the dark box 4d through an incident hole 4e formed in the dark box 4d. It is composed.

The component operation unit 5 will be described. The component calculation unit 5 is configured using a microcomputer, and basically processes an output signal from the array-type light receiving element 4c to generate an absorbance spectrum and a secondary spectrum in a wavelength region of the absorbance spectrum. A differential value is obtained, and quality information based on components contained in the fruits and vegetables is calculated based on the secondary differential value. The component calculation unit 5 calculates quality information based on components included in the fruits and vegetables F based on multiple regression analysis using the following calculation formula (hereinafter, referred to as a calibration formula). Y = K ₀ + K ₁ × A (λ ₁ ) + K ₂ × A (λ ₂ ) + K ₃
× A (λ ₃ ) where Y: component amount K ₀ , K ₁ , K ₂ , K ₃ …; coefficient A (λ ₁ ), A (λ ₂ ), A (λ ₃ ) ……; Wavelength λ
Derivative of absorbance spectrum at

The component calculation unit 5 includes a variety of fruits and vegetables.
And a specific calibration formula is set for each item of quality information.
You. In other words, in the above calibration formula,
For each item of quality information, a specific coefficient K₀, K₁, K
_Two, K_Three……, wavelength λ₁, Λ _Two, Λ_ThreeSet ……
You. In addition, the component calculation unit 5 stores in advance the variety of fruits and vegetables.
The previously set storage time is stored in association with the quality information.
I have.

The component operation unit 5 includes a switch unit 8
In the state where the integration is performed over the accumulation time set in accordance with the kind information instructed by the above, an absorbance spectrum is obtained, and the above calibration formula is set so as to correspond to the kind information instructed by the switch means 8. , Based on the set calibration equation.

The items of quality information based on the components contained in the fruits and vegetables include sugar content, acidity, hardness, coloring degree, starch amount,
It includes the amount of water and the like.

For example, when the fruits and vegetables whose quality information is to be measured are tomatoes, sugar content and acidity are used as items of the quality information. The acidity is indicated by the content of citric acid. When measuring the sugar content, the specific wavelength λ in the above calibration formula is
For example, 750 nm, 830 nm, 915 nm, 103
0 nm, 1080 nm, 1205 nm, 1260 nm,
Set to 1380 nm. When measuring the content of citric acid, the specific wavelength λ in the above calibration equation is, for example, 775 nm, 1005 nm, 1060 nm, 117
Set to 0 nm, 1240 nm, and 1375 nm.

When the fruit or vegetable whose quality information is to be measured is an apple, the specific wavelength λ in the above calibration equation for measuring the sugar content is, for example, 750 nm, 830 nm, 915n.
m, 1030 nm, and 1080 nm. When measuring the content of citric acid, the specific wavelength λ in the above calibration equation is, for example, 775 nm, 900 nm, 100
It is set to 5 nm and 1060 nm.

Further, the component operation unit 5 operates as described above.
Based on the obtained absorbance spectrum,
To determine the variety of fruits and vegetables. Z = B₀+ B₁× A (λ₁) + B_Two× A (λ_Two) + ... + B_n× A (λ_n) However, Z: Product type judgment value B₀, B₁, B_Two, ……, B_n The coefficient A (λ₁), A (λ_Two), ..., A (λ_n); The second derivative of the absorbance spectrum at the specific wavelength λ.
A judgment formula has been set. In other words, for each variety of fruits and vegetables
And a specific coefficient B₀, B₁, B_Two, ……, B _n,wavelength
λ₁, Λ_Two, ……, λ_nIs set, and the absorbance
Whether the vector complies with each judgment formula set for each product type
By judging whether or not the varieties of fruits and vegetables are determined.
Therefore, the type determination means 7 is configured by using the component calculation unit 5.
It has been done.

Incidentally, n is set to, for example, about 10 to 30. Further, for example, the wavelength λ and the coefficient B for determining tomato and apple are set as follows, for example. λ ₁ = 571.5, λ ₂ = 593.7,..., λ ₂₈ = 9
57.5 B ₁ = 569.0, B ₂ = 677.3,..., B ₂₈ = −
1234.1

Next, the operation panel S will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 as switch means 8
One push-type switch 8a, 8b, 8c, 8d, 8
e, 8f, 8g, 8h, 8i, 8j, 8k and 11 liquid crystal display panels 9a, 9b, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9 for displaying command information commanded by the switches 8a to 8k.
f, 9g, 9h, 9i, 9j, 9k (corresponding to command information display means), the variety of fruits and vegetables commanded by the switches 8a to 8k, and the variety of fruits and vegetables determined by the component calculation unit 5 An error notification lamp 10 (corresponding to an alarm means) which lights up and outputs an alarm when different is provided. The eleven switches 8a to 8k are provided in a distributed manner on the panel surface, and are positioned above the switches 8a to 8k so that the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k can be pressed to operate the switches 8a to 8k. As described above, it is provided so as to be reciprocally movable in a direction perpendicular to the panel surface.

As will be described in detail later, each of the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k displays a selectable one of a plurality of different pieces of command information under the control of the control unit C. Then, by pressing any one of the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k, the switches 8a to 8k located thereunder can be pressed, and the pressed liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k are pressed at that time. The displayed command information is configured to be commanded.

Next, the control section C will be described with reference to FIG. Switches 8a to 8k are connected to the control unit C so that command information from the switches 8a to 8k is input. Further, the control section C is connected to the component calculation section 5, the liquid crystal display 11, the printer 12, the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k, the error notification lamp 10, and the electromagnetic solenoid 6b to control the operation thereof. It is.

The control unit C instructs the component calculation unit 5 to determine the variety of fruits and vegetables as described above, and performs quality control in accordance with the variety information specified by the switches 8a to 8k. Command to obtain information, and further obtains the result obtained by the component operation unit 5 on the liquid crystal display 11.
Is displayed.

Hereinafter, the control operation of the controller C will be described. First, a type setting screen is displayed on the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k as shown in FIG. In FIG. 5 (a), when the liquid crystal display panel 9b is pressed, the switch 8b is turned on, and based on the switch, a screen showing vegetable variety information is displayed on each of the liquid crystal display panels 9d to 9k. When pressed, the switch 8c is turned on, and based on this, a screen showing the variety information of the fruit is displayed on each of the liquid crystal display panels 9d to 9k. FIG. 5 (a) shows a state in which the liquid crystal display panel 9b is pressed and the switch 8b is turned on, and a screen showing vegetable variety information is displayed on each of the liquid crystal display panels 9d to 9k.

Then, any one of the liquid crystal display panels 9d to 9k is pressed, and the pressed liquid crystal display panels 9d to 9k are pressed.
When the switches 8d to 8k below k are turned on, the liquid crystal display panels 9d to 9 corresponding to the turned on switches 8d to 8k.
When it is determined that the type information displayed in k is commanded, it is determined that measurement start has been commanded, and as described above, a command is sent to the component calculation unit 5 and the non-light-shielded state is switched. The operation of the electromagnetic solenoid 6b is controlled. For example, when the liquid crystal display panel 9d is pressed,
When the switch 8d is turned on, tomato is instructed as the variety information.

That is, only by turning on one switch, it is possible to simultaneously issue a command for product type information and a command for starting measurement, thereby simplifying the operation.

The component computing section 5 obtains the quality information and determines the variety of fruits and vegetables based on the command from the control section C as described above.

Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), a measuring screen indicating that the quality information is being measured is displayed.

Subsequently, when the operation result of the quality information and the judgment result of the product type are input from the component operation unit 5, the operation of the electromagnetic solenoid 6b is controlled so as to switch to the light shielding state. Further, the varieties of the fruits and vegetables commanded by the switches 8d to 8k are compared with the varieties of the fruits and vegetables determined by the component calculation unit 5, and when they are the same, as shown in FIG. While displaying the measurement end screen, the measurement result is displayed on the liquid crystal display 11 as shown in FIG.
If the variety of fruits and vegetables specified by the switches 8d to 8k is different from the variety of fruits and vegetables determined by the component calculation unit 5, the error notification lamp 10 is turned on.

On the measurement end screen, as shown in FIG. 5C, the quality information is obtained again based on the same calibration equation as the calibration equation corresponding to the type information instructed by the switches 8d to 8k. The liquid crystal display panel 9b displays a screen showing command information (eg, "measure tomatoes again") for commanding "repeated measurement". Then, the liquid crystal display panel 9b
Is pressed, the switch 8b is turned on, and the quality information is obtained again for the component computing unit 5 based on the same calibration equation as the calibration equation corresponding to the type information commanded by the switches 8d to 8k. Command. FIG.
(C) shows the state when the tomato is commanded as the variety information by the switch 8d.

The switch 8 is provided on the liquid crystal display panel 9c.
A screen showing command information for instructing measurement of fruits and vegetables having variety information different from the variety information commanded in d to 8k is displayed. When the switch 8c is turned on by pressing the liquid crystal display panel 9c, a kind setting screen as shown in FIG. 5A is displayed. Further, the liquid crystal display panel 9
For k, a screen indicating command information for commanding the end of the measurement is displayed. When the switch 8k is turned on by pressing the liquid crystal display panel 9k, the liquid crystal display panel 9a is turned on.
An initial screen (not shown) is displayed at ~ 9k.

Next, a mode for displaying the measurement results on the liquid crystal display 11 will be described with reference to FIG. The control unit C causes the liquid crystal display 11 to display the value of the quality information obtained by the component calculation unit 5 for each quality information item as shown in FIG. The greater the difference between the reference quality information value and the reference quality information value, the more the mark m located at a position farther from the position corresponding to the reference quality information value is displayed.
FIG. 6 shows a display example when the sugar content and the acid content of the tomato are measured.

In addition, for each variety of fruits and vegetables, quality information is measured in a predetermined population in advance, and the average value x (corresponding to the reference quality information value) of the population and the standard deviation σ
Is obtained and stored in the storage means Cm of the control unit C. In the bar chart shown in FIG. 7, the coordinate value corresponding to the average value x is set to 0, the coordinate value corresponding to (x + 2σ) is set to a, and the coordinate value corresponding to (x−2σ) is set to −a. The coordinate value k corresponding to the measured value s is obtained as follows. When s <x−2σ, k = −a When x−2σ ≦ s ≦ x + 2σ, k = (s−x) × (a / 2σ) When s> x + 2σ, k = a

Then, in the bar chart as shown in FIG. 6, the coordinate value k corresponding to the measured value s of the quality information obtained as described above is displayed as a mark m.

[Another Embodiment] Next, another embodiment will be described. (A) As a specific configuration of the kind information input means I, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the switch means 8 which can select one of a plurality of kinds of kind information to be commanded artificially is applied is exemplified. However, various other configurations can be applied. For example, the type determination unit 7 in the above embodiment may be applied as a specific configuration of the type information input unit I. In this case, the operation panel S in the above embodiment can be omitted, and only the start command means for commanding the start of measurement need be provided instead, so that the configuration can be simplified. And
Based on a start command from the start command unit, the product type determination unit 7 determines a product type, and the component calculation unit 5 obtains quality information based on the determination result.

(B) In the above embodiment, the case where the switch means 8 is constituted by a plurality of push-type switches 8a to 8k has been exemplified. However, in addition to this, various other switches such as a rotary switch and a sheet switch may be used. It can be constituted by switch means.

(C) In the above embodiment, a configuration may be such that a plurality of product type setting screens can be sequentially displayed on the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k by a screen switching command. In this case, the command information of the screen switching command is displayed using one of the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k,
The switches 8a to 8k at the lower part are configured to instruct a screen switching instruction. When configured as described above,
Command information such as variety information of more fruits and vegetables can be commanded.

In this case, if the type setting screen is displayed when the measurement is completed without providing a selection state for instructing "repeated measurement", the following problem occurs. That is, when repeatedly measuring fruits and vegetables of the same variety as the previous time, there is a case where there is no selection state for instructing the same type information as the previous time on the variety setting screen. A switching operation is required, and the operation becomes complicated. Therefore, "repeated measurement"
Is provided, the effect in terms of simplicity of operation becomes remarkable.

(D) In the above embodiment, the case where the error notification lamp 10 is applied has been exemplified as a specific configuration of the alarm means, but various other configurations can be applied. For example, a buzzer can be applied. Further, a lamp and a buzzer may be used in combination. Further, by displaying alarm information such as "type setting is incorrect" on any of the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k, the liquid crystal display panels 9a to 9k may be used.

(E) The larger the difference between the value of the obtained quality information and the predetermined reference quality information value is, the larger the mark m located at a position apart from the position corresponding to the reference quality information value. Various methods other than the method exemplified in the above-described embodiment can be used to determine the coordinates in the case where is displayed. One example is described below. Perform a sensory test for sweetness and sourness. For example, for sweetness, set the relationship between sensory test index, class value of sugar content, and coordinate values as follows, and mark m based on the coordinate values. Display discretely.

(F) The items of the quality information to be measured can be appropriately selected according to the variety of fruits and vegetables. Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the sugar content and the acidity are measured in apples and tomatoes has been exemplified. However, vitamins, hardness, starch amount, and the like may be measured.

(G) The specific wavelength λ for measuring the sugar content and acidity of apples and tomatoes is not limited to the values exemplified in the above embodiment, but can be changed as appropriate.

(H) In the above embodiment, the case where the spectroscopic analysis unit M is configured to obtain the diffusely reflected light from the fruits and vegetables is illustrated, but instead, the transmitted light from the fruits and vegetables may be obtained. You may comprise.

(I) In the above embodiment, the case where fruits and vegetables are applied as the inspection object has been exemplified. However, as the inspection object, various things such as cereals can be applied.

Incidentally, reference numerals are written in the claims for convenience of comparison with the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the configuration of the attached drawings by the entry.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of a quality evaluation device.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration of a quality evaluation device.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a spectroscopic analysis unit.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view along the optical path of a measuring light beam in the light emitting and receiving adapter.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a display screen of an operation panel.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a display example of a measurement result.

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a method of obtaining display coordinates of a mark.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 Type determination means 8 Switch means 9 Command information display means 10 Warning means m mark I Product type information input means M Spectroscopic analysis means O Output means

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Masayuki Kazu 1-1-1, Hama, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo Prefecture Inside Kubota Technology Development Laboratory Co., Ltd. (72) Ryogo Yamauchi 1-1-1, Hama, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo Stock (72) Inventor Shinya Morimoto 1-1-1 Hama, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo Prefecture Inside Kubota Technology Development Laboratory Co., Ltd. (72) Susumu Uenaka 1-1-1 Hama, Amagasaki-shi, Hyogo Shares Company Kubota Technology Development Laboratory

Claims (10)

[Claims] An object to be measured is irradiated with a measuring light beam to obtain a spectrum of reflected light or transmitted light from the object to be measured, and based on the obtained spectrum, the object is inspected. A quality evaluation apparatus comprising: a spectral analysis unit (M) for obtaining quality information based on a contained component; and an output unit (O) for outputting a result obtained by the spectral analysis unit (M). Type information input means (I) for inputting the type information of the inspected object to be measured from among the type information of the above, and the spectral analysis means (M) is inputted by the type information input means (I). A quality is configured to set an arithmetic expression for obtaining the quality information based on the spectral spectrum so as to correspond to the type information, and obtain the quality information based on the set arithmetic expression. Evaluation device. 2. The spectral analysis means (M) obtains the spectral spectrum in a state of integrating over a storage time set according to the type information input by the type information input means (I). The quality evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the quality information is configured to obtain the quality information based on the obtained spectrum. 3. The type information input means (I) is constituted by switch means (8) which can select one of a plurality of types of type information to be commanded artificially. Or the quality evaluation device according to 2. 4. A type determining means (7) for determining type information of a test object to be measured based on the spectrum.
When the type information instructed by the switch means (8) is different from the type information determined by the type determination means (7), an alarm means (10) for outputting an alarm is provided. 4. The quality evaluation device according to claim 3, wherein: 5. The switch means (8) provides the spectral analysis means (M) with an arithmetic expression corresponding to the kind information instructed by the switch means (8). 5. The quality evaluation device according to claim 3, wherein a selection state for instructing to obtain the quality information again can be selected. 6. Command information display means (9) for displaying command information in a state corresponding to each selection state selected by the switch means (8), the command information display means (9) comprising: It is configured to be able to display one of a plurality of different pieces of command information that can be selected for the same selection state. The switch means (8) selects the spectral analysis means (M). The quality evaluation device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein command information displayed on the command information display means (9) is commanded in accordance with the selected state. 7. The quality evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein said kind information input means (I) comprises kind judgment means (7) for judging kind information based on said spectrum. 8. The output means (O) compares the quality information obtained by the spectral analysis means (M) with a large difference between the value of the quality information and a predetermined reference quality information value. The quality evaluation device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the quality evaluation device is configured to output as a mark (m) located at a position distant from a position corresponding to the reference quality information value. 9. The quality evaluation device according to claim 1, wherein the test object is a fruit and vegetable. 10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said spectral analysis means (M), said output section (O), and said kind information input means (I) are integrally unitized so as to be movable.
10. The quality evaluation device according to any one of 9.