JPH11178894A - Method and device for inspecting appearance of tablet and blister sheet packer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and a device for inspecting the appearance of a tablet, enabling the level of a gradation image to be monitored without being affected by a marked part of the tablet and foreign matter clinging to the tablet to be inspected. SOLUTION: In a method and a device of inspecting the appearance of a tablet, a tablet is inspected for appearance on the basis of a binary image on an image memory which is obtained from a gradation image of the tablet on a graphic memory, and, of the gradation values of the gradation image, those for pixels corresponding to the surface of the tablet are compared (S7) with an image level reference value to monitor (S8) the level of the gradation image. In this case, the positions of the pixels corresponding to the surface of the tablet need to be specified in the gradation image on the graphic memory, and this specification is performed on the basis of the binary image on the image memory which is obtained from the gradation image on the graphic memory (S4, S5).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for inspecting the appearance of a tablet for inspecting the appearance of a tablet.
The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting the appearance of a tablet filled in a pocket portion of a blister sheet in a blister sheet packaging machine and monitoring a video level of a grayscale image obtained by imaging the tablet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a blister sheet packaging machine for packaging tablets in blister sheets, the appearance of tablets is inspected based on a binary image obtained from a gray image obtained by imaging the tablets, and the accuracy of the appearance inspection of tablets is evaluated. In order to improve and maintain image quality, the video level of the grayscale image is monitored.

As one of such monitoring means, it is conceivable to use, for example, an image data input device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 8-139996. This image data input device obtains an average density in a predetermined time unit from digital image data, and corrects the light amount of the lighting device by a correction amount corresponding to a difference between the previously obtained average density and the current average density. In addition, the light amount of the lighting device can be automatically adjusted in real time. As a result, it is possible to supply accurate image data, which can be said to contribute to improving and maintaining the accuracy of the tablet appearance inspection.

[0004]

However, in the prior art image data input device, since the average density in a predetermined time unit is obtained from the digital image data, if the digital image data has a defect or the like, the average density is obtained. , I was always affected.

[0005] In particular, when inspecting the appearance of a tablet filled in a pocket of a blister sheet in a blister sheet packaging machine, when inspecting a tablet of which type is stamped on only one side, one side of the tablet is inspected. Since it is difficult to fill the pocket portion of the blister sheet while aligning, in the conventional image data input device, the average density always fluctuates under the influence of the presence or absence of the stamped portion, and the Even if the light amount of the device is originally stable, there is a possibility that the correction will be made.

Also, powder may bite into the sheet portion of the blister sheet, foreign matter may adhere to the tablet surface, a portion of the tablet surface may be missing, or the tablet may be filled in a pocket portion of the blister sheet. Even if it is determined that there is an abnormality in the appearance of the tablet to be inspected, such as when the tablet has not been inspected, or when a different tablet is filled in some pockets of the blister sheet, the image data input of the related art is performed. In the device, the average density fluctuates under the influence of the influence, and similarly, even if the light amount of the illumination device is originally stable, the correction may be performed.

In order to avoid these inconveniences (correction when the light amount of the illumination device is stable), if the allowable range of the fluctuating average density is expanded,
Even if the light amount of the lighting device is insufficient, there is a possibility that the correction is not performed.

Therefore, even if the image level of the grayscale image is monitored using the image data input device of the prior art, it is possible to contribute to improving and maintaining the accuracy of the visual inspection of the tablet from the above viewpoint. It can not be said.

Therefore, the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and monitors the video level of a grayscale image without being affected by the stamped portion of the tablet to be inspected or the attached foreign matter. It is an object of the present invention to provide a tablet appearance inspection method and a tablet appearance inspection device that realize this.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tablet appearance inspection method for inspecting the appearance of a tablet based on a grayscale image of a tablet. A tablet appearance inspection method for monitoring the video level of the gray image by comparing the gray value of the gray image with a video level reference value, wherein the gray value of the gray image compared with the video level reference value is The pixel is located at a position corresponding to the surface of the tablet. The tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 2 is the tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 1, wherein the pixel at a position corresponding to the tablet surface is a stamp or foreign substance on the tablet surface. A method for inspecting the visual appearance of a tablet, wherein the method excludes the position corresponding to (i).

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the tablet appearance inspection method according to the first or second aspect, wherein the gray level image is compared with the image level reference value. The position of a pixel having a value is specified based on a binary image acquired from the grayscale image.
Further, the method for inspecting the appearance of a tablet according to claim 4 is based on claim 3.
In the tablet appearance inspection method described in the above, if there is a connected region in the region of the tablet displayed in the binary image, the gray value of the gray image compared with the video level reference value is , Except for the pixel at the position corresponding to the connected region of the binary image.

A tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 5 is the tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 3,
When there are a plurality of connected regions in the region of the tablet displayed in the binary image, based on the maximum and minimum values of the X and Y coordinates of the connected region, the image level reference value and A position of a pixel having a gray value of the gray image to be compared is specified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the tablet appearance inspection method according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the tablet image displayed on the binary image is provided. If there is no connected area in the area of the gray level value of the gray image to be compared with the video level reference value,
It is a pixel at a position specified based on the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tablet appearance inspection method according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the illumination means having a constant brightness is used. It is characterized by having.

The tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 8 is the tablet appearance inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the blister being conveyed in the blister sheet packaging machine is provided. It is characterized by inspecting the appearance of the tablet filled in the pocket of the sheet.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tablet appearance inspection apparatus that performs the tablet appearance inspection method according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. Also,
A blister sheet packaging machine according to a tenth aspect is provided with the tablet appearance inspection device according to the ninth aspect.

In the tablet appearance inspection method and tablet appearance inspection apparatus of the present invention having the above-described configurations, the tablet appearance is inspected based on the grayscale image obtained by imaging the tablet, and the tablet grayscale value of the grayscale image is determined. The video level of the grayscale image is monitored by comparing the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet with the video level reference value. At this time, it is necessary to specify the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet in the grayscale image. The specification is performed based on, for example, a binary image acquired from the grayscale image.

If there is a stamped portion on the surface of the tablet or a foreign substance adheres, a connected region exists in the region of the tablet displayed in the binary image. Therefore,
If it is determined that there is a connected area in the area of the tablet displayed in the binary image, the location of the pixel in the connected area in the binary image may be used to determine whether the stamped portion of the tablet or the adhered foreign matter in the grayscale image is present. Recognize the position. This makes it possible to specify the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet in the grayscale image by excluding the position corresponding to the connected region in the region of the tablet displayed in the grayscale image.

That is, according to the tablet appearance inspection method and tablet appearance inspection apparatus of the present invention, the pixel value corresponding to the surface of the tablet among the gradation values of the gradation image is compared with the image level reference value to obtain the gradation image. Can be monitored, so that it is possible to monitor the video level of the grayscale image without being affected by the stamped portion of the tablet to be inspected or the attached foreign matter.

Further, since the stamped portion of the tablet or the attached foreign matter in the grayscale image is recognized through the position of the pixel in the connected area of the binary image acquired from the grayscale image, the surface of the tablet in the grayscale image is recognized. The position of the corresponding pixel can be reliably specified.

In the case where a plurality of stamped portions or adhered foreign substances are present on the tablet to be inspected, there are a plurality of connected regions in the region of the tablet displayed in the binary image. If the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet in the grayscale image is specified based on the maximum value and the minimum value of the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the connected region, the processing can be performed at high speed.

Among the grayscale values of the tablets in the grayscale image, the one with the highest reliability as video data corresponds to the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet far from the part (edge) where the grayscale value difference is large and its periphery. It is the gray value of the pixel at the position, but if there is no connected area in the area of the tablet displayed in the binary image, there is no stamped part or attached foreign matter at and around the center of gravity of the tablet surface Therefore, in this case, by specifying the position of the pixel based on the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet in the grayscale image, the most reliable video data can be compared with the video level reference value.

In addition, many of the causes of abnormalities in the image level of the grayscale image are other than the deterioration of the light amount of the illumination means (for example, changes in illumination conditions such as position, external light and direction, dirt of the illumination means, camera lens Dirt and misalignment of the aperture), providing illumination means with constant brightness is different from automatically correcting the brightness of the illumination means to return the image level of the grayscale image to normal. Since the cause of the abnormality can be essentially clarified, the probability of occurrence of an abnormality in the video level of the grayscale image can be significantly reduced by eliminating the cause of the abnormality.

When the tablet appearance inspection apparatus of the present invention is provided in a blister sheet packaging machine, etc., when inspecting the appearance of a tablet filled in a pocket of a blister sheet, the blister inside the blister sheet packaging machine is used. The sheet moves slightly while shaking in the transport direction, and although the position of the tablet filled in the pocket portion of the blister sheet also varies somewhat, it corresponds to the surface of the tablet as a gray value of the gray image compared with the image level reference value. By using the pixel of the position, it is possible to realize monitoring of the video level of the grayscale image without being affected by the fluctuation in the transport direction of the blister sheet or the variation in the position of the tablet.

[0025]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the appearance inspection device 10 as the appearance inspection device for tablets is provided in the blister sheet packaging machine 30 so that the tablet appearance inspection method is performed in the blister sheet packaging machine 30. doing.

This method of inspecting the appearance of a tablet inspects the appearance of the tablet based on a binary image obtained from a gray image obtained by imaging the tablet, and further examines the pixels corresponding to the surface of the tablet among the gray values of the gray image. Is compared with a video level reference value to monitor the video level of the grayscale image.

First, the blister sheet packaging machine 30 in which the tablet appearance inspection method is performed will be briefly described. The blister sheet packaging machine 30 automatically packages tablets and the like into blister sheets. Specifically, first, P
A container film 40 such as P or PVC is heated by a film feed roll 33 and tension rolls 31 and 32 to a heating plate 50.
Then, a pocket portion 44 (see FIG. 5) filled with tablets or the like is formed into the container film 40.

Then, the pocket portion 4 is formed in the container film 40.
When the molded product 41 (see FIG. 5) is conveyed below the tablet input shutter 52, the tablet input shutter 52 is inserted into each pocket 44 (see FIG. 5).
(See FIG. 5) is automatically filled. Further, an aluminum lid film 42 is fed via tension rolls 34 and 35 onto a container film 41 in which each pocket 44 (see FIG. 5) is filled with the tablet 1, and is thermocompression-bonded by a pair of seal rolls 36. Let it.

As a result, the tablet 1 is inserted into each pocket 44
(See FIG. 5), a film-like blister sheet 43 is manufactured. After the film-shaped blister sheet 43 is cut into a sheet shape, it is sequentially sent to a defective sheet discharging mechanism, a blister sheet stacking mechanism, and the like (not shown).

Next, the appearance inspection apparatus 10 for executing the tablet appearance inspection method will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. The visual inspection device 10 includes an A / D converter 13, a comparator 14, an image memory 16, a shading correction table 18, a CPU 20, a determination memory 22, an input / output interface 23, a camera timing control unit 26, a graphic memory 27, and a fixed fluorescent lamp. It comprises a light quantity control means 28 and the like.

The A / D converter 13 converts a one-dimensional gray image picked up by the CCD camera 11 from an analog signal to a digital signal. Here, the CCD camera 1
1. As shown in FIG. 5, the blister sheet 43 is uniformly illuminated with the light 9 of the fluorescent lamp 12, which is an illuminating means, and the conveyed blister sheet 43 is one-dimensionally imaged in the width direction. Is what you do. for that reason,
Here, the sheet portion 45 of the blister sheet 43, the five pocket portions 44 formed in one row in the width direction thereof, and the tablet 1 filled in each pocket portion 44 can be imaged simultaneously.

At this time, since the image of the blister sheet 43 in close contact with the fixed roll 37 is taken, it is not necessary to consider the vertical swing of the film-like blister sheet 43 in the transport direction. 4 and 6, the CCD camera 11 and the fluorescent lamp 12 are connected to the blister sheet packaging machine 30.
Are each one of the components that constitute the visual inspection device 10.

Returning to the drawing, the comparator 14 binarizes the one-dimensional grayscale image replaced by the digital signal with a threshold value. Since such one-dimensional grayscale images are taken by the CCD camera 11, the CCD
Binarization processing is performed for each pixel of the camera 11.

The threshold value used by the comparator 14 is smaller than the density value of the surface of the tablet 1 and the sheet portion 45 of the blister sheet 43 and the threshold value of the The value is set to a value larger than the respective grayscale values of the adhered foreign matter on the surface and the stamped portion. On the other hand, under the condition that the lighter the lighter the smaller the gray value, the larger the gray value on the surface of the tablet 1 and
The density is set to a value smaller than the density value of each of the sheet portion 45 of the blister sheet 43 and the adhered foreign matter and the stamped portion on the surface of the tablet 1.

The image memory 16 stores the one-dimensional binary image sequentially binarized by the comparator 14 as a two-dimensional binary image (hereinafter, simply referred to as a "binary image") while synchronizing. Things. By performing image processing on the stored binary image, an appearance inspection of the tablet 1 is performed. The shading correction table 18 stores a threshold value used by the comparator 14 and the like.

The CPU 20 executes the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 1, which will be described later, and executes the processing using the determination memory 22, the graphic memory 27, and the like. The determination memory 22 is a memory that stores the video level reference value Q and the like. Also, the graphic memory 27
Is a memory that stores a one-dimensional gray-scale image repeatedly captured by the CCD camera 11 as a two-dimensional gray-scale image (hereinafter, simply referred to as a “gray-scale image”) in synchronization.

Therefore, both the grayscale image stored in the graphic memory 27 and the above-described binary image in the image memory 16 are created from the same one-dimensional grayscale image repeatedly imaged by the CCD camera 11. The binary image on the image memory 16 described above is stored in the graphic memory 27.
It can be said that the gray image above was obtained as an original image. Thus, the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 and the above-described binary image on the image memory 16 have a positional correlation.

Here, for convenience of explanation, the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 and the image memory 16
The upper binary images are both stored as images of the same size, and their X and Y coordinates are also identical.

In this case, the graphic memory 27
As shown in FIG. 7, a total of ten upper and lower gray-scale images (the same applies to the above-described binary image on the image memory 16) are filled in two rows of pocket portions 44 in the width direction of the blister sheet 43. Tablet 1 is stored as one gray image 70 as a blister sheet 43 for one sheet. Note that the grayscale image 70 in FIG. 7 is illustrated in a horizontal direction.

Further, the tablet 1 has a stamped part "Iroha" on only one side thereof.
0, it is difficult to fill the pockets 44 of the blister sheet 43 while aligning one side of the tablets 1, so that the ten tablets 1 shown in one grayscale image 70
There are two types: "Iroha" as a stamped portion is clearly displayed by the density difference, and "Iroha" as a stamped portion is not displayed.

Further, in the blister sheet packaging machine 30, it is difficult to fill the pocket portion 44 of the blister sheet 43 while aligning the direction of "Iroha" which is the stamped portion of the tablet 1, so that the density The “Iroha” on the seal, clearly marked by the difference, points in all directions.

The input / output interface 23 is for transmitting or receiving inspection data and control signals to the blister sheet packaging machine 30. Based on such inspection data and control signals, for example, a defective sheet discharging mechanism of the blister sheet packaging machine 30 can be controlled. It is also for transmitting display data to the monitor 25, and is used for transmitting the grayscale image 7 on the graphic memory 27.
0, a binary image on the image memory 16, a visual inspection result, and the like can be displayed on the monitor 25. The monitor 25
Is drawn outside the visual inspection device 10 in FIG.
This is one of the components of the visual inspection device 10.

The camera timing control means 26 includes a CCD
It controls the timing at which a one-dimensional grayscale image captured by the camera 11 is taken into the A / D converter 13. Such timing is performed based on a signal from an encoder (not shown) provided in the blister sheet packaging machine 30. Thereby, the CCD camera 11 can repeatedly capture a one-dimensional grayscale image.

The fluorescent lamp constant light amount control means 28
The brightness of the second light 9 is controlled to be constant. Specifically, a sensor (not shown) for measuring the light amount and temperature of the fluorescent lamp 12 is installed near the fluorescent lamp 12, and the light amount of the fluorescent lamp 12 is kept constant based on the light amount and the temperature detected here. The control is performed by controlling a high-frequency lighting device (not shown) or a fan motor (not shown) or a heater (not shown) provided in the fluorescent lamp 12 from a controller (not shown).

Next, the monitoring procedure of the grayscale image will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The monitoring of the grayscale image is performed on the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27 via the binary image on the image memory 16. Further, it is performed simultaneously with the visual inspection of the tablet, which is performed by processing the binary image on the image memory 16.

First, in step (hereinafter abbreviated as “S”) 1, in the binary image on the image memory 16,
The labeling process is performed on the connection area A in the area of the predetermined tablet 1. Here, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the predetermined tablet 1 is displayed in the upper left corner of the binary image on the image memory 16. It is assumed that a total of n connection areas A exist in the area of the tablet 1.

In the next S2, the table 80 shown in FIG. 2 is created in the determination memory 22. That is, for each of the total number n of the connected regions A, the minimum value XMIN of the X coordinate, the maximum value XMAX of the X coordinate, the minimum value YMIN of the Y coordinate, and the maximum value YMAX of the Y coordinate are obtained and stored. You. Furthermore, the minimum value X1 of the minimum values XMIN of the X coordinates, the maximum value X2 of the maximum values XMAX of the X coordinates, the minimum value Y1 of the minimum values YMIN of the Y coordinates, the maximum value of the Y coordinates The largest YMAX of YMAX is obtained and stored.

Then, in S3, it is determined whether or not the connection area A exists within the area of the predetermined tablet 1. Here, since there are n connected areas A in the area of the predetermined tablet 1, it is determined that the connected area A exists in the area of the predetermined tablet 1 (S3: Yes), and the process proceeds to S4.

In the next S4, the graphic memory 27 having a positional correlation with the binary image on the image memory 16 is provided.
In the upper gray image 70, the position corresponding to the pixel whose X coordinate and Y coordinate of the binary image on the image memory 16 is (X2, (Y1 + Y2) / 2) is specified, and the gray value of the pixel at that position is determined. What is compared with the image level reference value Q (hereinafter, referred to as
"Sampling video data P").

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, in the tablet 1 shown in the upper left corner of the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27 (see FIG. 7), the X coordinate and the Y coordinate are (X
The grayscale value of the pixel at the position T (x mark) at (2, (Y1 + Y2) / 2) is taken as the sampling video data P.

At this time, the foreign matter adhering to the surface of the tablet 1 and “Iroha” as a seal portion are recognized as one of the connection areas A in the binary image on the image memory 16. , X2 of the X coordinate means the largest value among the X coordinates of the attached foreign substance on the surface of the tablet 1 and “Iroha” which is the stamped portion. Similarly, Y1 of the Y coordinate means the minimum value among the Y coordinates of the foreign matter on the surface of the tablet 1 and “Iroha” which is a stamped portion, and Y2 of the Y coordinate indicates the value of the tablet 1 Means the largest value among the Y-coordinates such as foreign matter adhering to the surface and "Iroha" which is a stamped portion.

Accordingly, in the tablet 1 projected on the upper left corner of the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27 (see FIG. 7), the X coordinate and the Y coordinate are (X2, (Y1 + Y2) /
At the position T (marked by X) in 2), it is extremely unlikely that foreign matter adhering to the surface of the tablet 1 or "Iroha" as a stamped portion exists. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the position T (×) where the X coordinate / Y coordinate is (X2, (Y1 + Y2) / 2)
It can be said that the surface of the tablet 1 is projected on the mark). As a result, the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 is specified in the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27.

On the other hand, the connection area A
If it is determined that does not exist (S3: No), S
Go to 5. In the next step S5, in the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 that has a positional correlation with the binary image on the image memory 16, it corresponds to the center of gravity of the tablet 1 at the upper left corner of the binary image on the image memory 16. The position is specified, and the grayscale value of the pixel at that position is set as sampling video data P.

In this case, in the binary image on the image memory 16, there is no connected area A within the area of the predetermined tablet 1. Therefore, the surface of the tablet 1 is a foreign substance or a stamped portion. "Iroha" does not exist. Therefore, it can be said that in the tablet 1 projected on the upper left corner of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27, the surface of the tablet 1 is projected on the center of gravity of the tablet 1.

After the sampling video data P is determined in S4 or S5, the difference R between the sampling video data P and the video level reference value Q is determined in S6. Then, in the next S7, it is determined whether or not the absolute value of the difference R is within the allowable difference H. The tolerance H is set in advance and stored in the determination memory 22.

If it is determined that the absolute value of the difference R is within the tolerance H (S7: Yes), the graphic memory 2
It is assumed that the grayscale image on FIG.
The monitoring procedure of the grayscale image is ended. On the other hand, if it is determined that the absolute value of the difference R is not within the allowable difference H (S7: N
o) Assuming that the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 is not at the optimal video level, a warning signal is output to the blister sheet packaging machine 30 in S8, and then the grayscale image monitoring procedure of FIG. 1 is ended.

The procedure of monitoring the grayscale image of FIG. 1 is performed each time one blister sheet 43 for one sheet is newly stored in the graphic memory 27 as one grayscale image.

As described above in detail, the tablet appearance inspection method and the tablet appearance inspection device 30 of the present embodiment
The appearance of the tablet 1 is inspected on the basis of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 in which the tablet 1 is imaged, and among the grayscale values of the grayscale image, those of the pixels corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 are compared with the video level reference value Q. By doing (S
7) The video level of the grayscale image is monitored (S)
8). At this time, it is necessary to specify the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 in the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27. This is performed based on the value image (S4, S5).

Then, as shown in the tablet 1 shown in the upper left corner of the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27 (FIG. 7), the surface of the tablet 1 has a stamped portion "Iroha" or foreign matter adheres. Then, 2 in the image memory 16
The connection area A exists in the area of the tablet 1 displayed in the upper left corner of the value image. Therefore, when it is determined that the connected area A exists in the area of the tablet 1 displayed in the upper left corner of the binary image on the image memory 16 (S3: Ye
s) The stamped portion “Iroha” of the tablet 1 projected on the upper left corner of the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27 via the position of the pixel of the connected area A in the binary image on the image memory 16 Recognize the position.

Thus, in the area of the tablet 1 projected on the upper left corner of the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27, the position corresponding to the connected area A in the binary image on the image memory 16 is excluded. The position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 in the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27 can be specified (S
4).

That is, in the tablet appearance inspection method and the tablet appearance inspection apparatus 10 of the present embodiment, of the gradation values of the gradation image on the graphic memory 27, those of the pixels corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 are determined based on the video level. By comparing with the value Q (S4 to S7), the video level of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 can be monitored, so that the tablet 1 to be inspected is affected by the stamped portion "Iroha" and the attached foreign matter. Without this, it is possible to monitor the video level of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27.

Further, via the position of the pixel of the connected area A of the binary image on the image memory 16 obtained from the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 (S4),
7 recognizes the stamped portion “Iroha” of the tablet 1 and the attached foreign matter in the grayscale image on the graphic memory 2.
7, the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 can be reliably specified.

Further, like the tablet 1 projected on the upper left corner of the gray-scale image 70 on the graphic memory 27, a plurality of stamped parts "a", "b", "c" (separated into two parts) and foreign substances attached Exists (S3: Yes), the tablet 1 displayed in the upper left corner of the binary image on the image memory 16
, There are a plurality of connected areas A. XMIN, XMAX, YMIN, and YMA, which are the maximum and minimum values of the X coordinate and Y coordinate of the connected area A, respectively.
X, the grayscale image 70 on the graphic memory 27
Since the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 projected on the upper left corner of the image is specified (S4), the processing can be performed at high speed.

Among the grayscale values of the tablet 1 in the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27, the one with the highest reliability as video data is the portion (edge) where the grayscale value difference is large.
The gray value of a pixel at a position corresponding to the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet 1 far away from the contour of the tablet 1 and the periphery thereof,
If the connected area A does not exist in the area of the tablet 1 displayed in the upper left corner of the binary image on the image memory 16 (S3:
No), since there is no stamped portion “Iroha” or attached foreign matter at and around the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet 1, in this case, the tablet displayed in the upper left corner of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 By specifying the position of the pixel based on the center of gravity of the surface 1 (S5), the most reliable video data can be compared with the video level reference value Q.

Many of the causes of abnormalities in the image level of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 are other than the deterioration of the light quantity of the fluorescent lamp 12 (for example, changes in illumination conditions such as position, external light, direction, and the like). The fluorescent lamp 12 having a constant brightness by the fluorescent lamp constant light amount control means 28, so that the brightness of the fluorescent lamp 12 can be reduced. Unlike the case of automatically correcting and returning the image level of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 to the normal state, the cause of the abnormality can be essentially clarified. 27 can be greatly reduced.

The tablet appearance inspection apparatus 10 of the present embodiment is provided in the blister sheet packaging machine 30 so that the appearance of the tablet 1 filled in the pocket 44 of the blister sheet 43 can be inspected. The blister sheet 43 in the blister sheet packaging machine 30 moves while slightly swinging in the transport direction, and the positions of the tablets 1 filled in the pockets 44 of the blister sheet 43 vary somewhat, but are compared with the image level reference value Q. As the gray value of the gray image on the graphic memory 27 is that of the pixel at the position corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 (S4, S4
5) It is possible to realize the monitoring of the video level of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 without being affected by the fluctuation of the transport direction of the blister sheet 43 and the variation of the position of the tablet 1.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. For example, in the monitoring procedure of the grayscale image of the present embodiment, the predetermined tablet 1 displayed at the upper left corner of the binary image on the image memory 16 (displayed at the upper left corner of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27). ), But other types may be used.

Although one tablet is used as the predetermined tablet 1, several tablets may be used. At this time, for example, if the image displayed at the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the binary image on the image memory 16 (the image projected at the upper left corner and the lower right corner of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27) is used, The same effect as when all the objects displayed in the binary image on the memory 16 (all the objects displayed in the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27) can be obtained. The same applies to the case where the image displayed at the lower left corner and upper right corner of the binary image on the image memory 16 (the image projected at the lower left corner and upper right corner of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27) is used. .

Although only one blister sheet 43 is projected on the grayscale image (binary image on the image memory 16) on the graphic memory 27, when several blister sheets 43 are projected. It is preferable to use the tablets on each sheet as the predetermined tablets 1.

In the monitoring procedure of the grayscale image according to the present embodiment, if it is determined that the absolute value of the difference R between the sampled video data P and the video level reference value Q is not within the allowable difference H (S7: No) ), Immediately, blister sheet packaging machine 30
(S8), the absolute value of the difference R is equal to the tolerance H in order to eliminate the influence of temporary disturbance and the like.
The warning signal may be output to the blister sheet packaging machine 30 for the first time when the case determined to be not within the predetermined number occurs continuously for a predetermined number of times. The predetermined number of times at this time is stored in the determination memory 22 in advance.

In the procedure for monitoring a grayscale image according to the present embodiment, the absolute value of the difference R between the sampled video data P and the video level reference value Q is compared with the allowable difference H (S
7), the allowable range of the sampled video data P has a width that is half the allowable difference H on both the positive and negative sides with respect to the video level reference value Q. In consideration of the inherent characteristics of the above, the widths of the positive side and the negative side may be different. The magnitudes of the positive and negative widths at this time are also stored in the determination memory 22 in advance.

In the monitoring procedure of the grayscale image according to the present embodiment, the connection area A is set within the area of the predetermined tablet 1 for all the connection areas A labeled in S1.
Is determined (S3), but the connection area A
May include minute ones generated from noise or the like.

Therefore, when creating the table 80 in S2, the area B of each of the numbered connected areas A is also obtained (see FIG. 2).
Is smaller than the predetermined area, the binary image in the image memory 16 and the table 80 in the determination memory 22 are used.
, And then the process may proceed to S3. In this way, the minute connection region A generated due to noise or the like is not erroneously recognized as a stamped portion “Iroha” of the tablet 1 or an attached foreign matter. Note that the predetermined area at this time is also stored in the determination memory 22 in advance.

In the monitoring procedure of the grayscale image according to the present embodiment, the image level reference value Q is stored in advance in the determination memory 22, but the sensor for measuring the light amount of the fluorescent lamp 12 is used. May be used based on the value indicated by. Alternatively, an image determined based on a certain grayscale image in the graphic memory 27 may be used. Further, as one step of the monitoring procedure of the grayscale image, the video level reference value Q may be automatically determined.

In the procedure for monitoring a grayscale image according to the present embodiment, the grayscale image 70
In (X2, (Y1 + Y2) / X coordinates and Y coordinates specifying the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1
Although 2) is used, any X and Y coordinates that can specify the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet 1 may be used. For example, most of the X and Y coordinates represented by the relational expressions using X1, X2, Y1, and Y2 are:
It can be said that the surface of the tablet 1 is shown. still,
X1 of the X coordinate means that it is the minimum value of the X coordinate of the foreign matter on the surface of the tablet 1 or the “Iroha” which is the stamped portion.

In the monitoring procedure of the grayscale image of the present embodiment, if the connected area A does not exist in the area of the tablet 1 displayed at the upper left corner of the binary image on the image memory 16 (S3 : No), by specifying the position of the pixel corresponding to the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet 1 projected in the upper left corner of the grayscale image on the graphic memory 27 (S5), the most reliable video data is determined based on the video level. Although it could be compared with the value P, the gray value at the position of another pixel such as around the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet 1 can also be handled as the most reliable video data.

[0077]

According to the tablet appearance inspection method and tablet appearance inspection apparatus of the present invention, the pixel value corresponding to the surface of the tablet among the gray values of the gray image is compared with the image level reference value to obtain the gray image. Can be monitored, so that it is possible to monitor the video level of the grayscale image without being affected by the stamped portion of the tablet to be inspected or the attached foreign matter.

Further, since the stamped portion of the tablet and the attached foreign matter in the grayscale image are recognized through the positions of the pixels in the connected area of the binary image acquired from the grayscale image, the surface of the tablet in the grayscale image is recognized. The position of the corresponding pixel can be reliably specified.

When a tablet to be inspected has a plurality of stamped portions or foreign substances, a plurality of connected regions are present in the region of the tablet displayed in the binary image. If the position of the pixel corresponding to the surface of the tablet in the grayscale image is specified based on the maximum value and the minimum value of the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the connected region, the processing can be performed at high speed.

Among the grayscale values of the tablet in the grayscale image, the one with the highest reliability as the video data corresponds to the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet far from the part (edge) where the grayscale value difference is large and its periphery. It is the gray value of the pixel at the position, but if there is no connected area in the area of the tablet displayed in the binary image, there is no stamped part or attached foreign matter at and around the center of gravity of the tablet surface Therefore, in this case, by specifying the position of the pixel based on the center of gravity of the surface of the tablet in the grayscale image, the most reliable video data can be compared with the video level reference value.

Many of the causes of abnormalities in the image level of the grayscale image are other than the deterioration of the light amount of the illuminating means (for example, changes in illumination conditions such as position, external light, direction, dirt on the illuminating means, camera lens Dirt and misalignment of the aperture), providing illumination means with constant brightness is different from automatically correcting the brightness of the illumination means to return the image level of the grayscale image to normal. Since the cause of the abnormality can be essentially clarified, the probability of occurrence of an abnormality in the video level of the grayscale image can be significantly reduced by eliminating the cause of the abnormality.

When the tablet appearance inspection apparatus of the present invention is provided in a blister sheet packaging machine or the like, when inspecting the appearance of the tablets filled in the pockets of the blister sheet, the blister inside the blister sheet packaging machine is used. The sheet moves slightly while shaking in the transport direction, and although the position of the tablet filled in the pocket portion of the blister sheet also varies somewhat, it corresponds to the surface of the tablet as a gray value of the gray image compared with the image level reference value. By using the pixel of the position, it is possible to realize monitoring of the video level of the grayscale image without being affected by the fluctuation in the transport direction of the blister sheet or the variation in the position of the tablet.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a monitoring procedure of a grayscale image in the tablet appearance inspection method of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing contents of a table created in a determination memory;

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a predetermined tablet displayed on a grayscale image on a graphic memory. The X-coordinate and the Y-coordinate are (X2, (Y1 +)
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a relationship with a position that is Y2) / 2).

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of the tablet appearance inspection method of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a part of the blister sheet packaging machine, showing a part for imaging the appearance of a tablet filled in a pocket portion of a blister sheet being conveyed.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the tablet appearance inspection method of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of one grayscale image stored in a graphic memory.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Tablet 10 Tablet visual inspection apparatus 12 Fluorescent lamp 28 Fluorescent lamp constant light quantity control means 30 Blister sheet packaging machine 43 Blister sheet 44 Blister sheet pocket 70 Gray image A Connection area Q Image level reference value XMIN X coordinate of connection area Minimum value XMAX Maximum value of X coordinate of connected area YMIN Minimum value of Y coordinate of connected area YMAX Maximum value of Y coordinate of connected area

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A tablet for monitoring the video level of the gray image by inspecting the appearance of the tablet based on the gray image obtained by imaging the tablet and comparing the gray value of the gray image with a video level reference value. In the visual inspection method, the gray value of the gray image compared with the video level reference value is that of a pixel at a position corresponding to the surface of the tablet. 2. The tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 1, wherein the pixel at a position corresponding to the surface of the tablet excludes a pixel at a position corresponding to a stamp or foreign matter on the surface of the tablet. A method for inspecting the appearance of a tablet, comprising: 3. The tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 1, wherein a position of a pixel of a gray value of the gray image to be compared with the video level reference value is obtained from the gray image. A method for inspecting the appearance of a tablet, wherein the method is specified based on a binary image. 4. The tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 3, wherein when a connected region exists in a region of the tablet displayed in the binary image, the connected region is compared with the image level reference value. A method for inspecting the visual appearance of a tablet, wherein the gray value of the gray image is obtained by excluding the gray value of a pixel at a position corresponding to the connected region of the binary image. 5. The tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 3, wherein when there are a plurality of connected areas in the area of the tablet displayed in the binary image, an X coordinate and a Y coordinate of the connected area are provided. A method of identifying the position of a pixel having a gray value of the gray image to be compared with the video level reference value, based on the maximum value / minimum value of the tablet. 6. The tablet appearance inspection method according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein, when a connected region does not exist in the region of the tablet displayed in the binary image, A tablet appearance inspection method, wherein a gray value of the gray image to be compared with a video level reference value is a pixel at a position specified based on a center of gravity of a surface of the tablet. 7. The tablet appearance inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising an illuminating unit having a constant brightness. 8. The tablet appearance inspection method according to claim 1, wherein the appearance of the tablet filled in the pocket of the blister sheet being conveyed in the blister sheet packaging machine is inspected. A method for inspecting the appearance of tablets, characterized in that: 9. A tablet appearance inspection apparatus, wherein the tablet appearance inspection method according to any one of claims 1 to 8 is performed. 10. A blister sheet packaging machine comprising the tablet appearance inspection device according to claim 9. Description: