JPWO2015083505A1 - Near infrared inspection equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 detects a near-infrared transmitted light irradiated to the article G, and a light irradiation unit 2 that irradiates the article G having the package and the contents contained in the package, and a detection signal. And a control computer 4 that acquires a near-infrared transmission image of the article G based on the detection signal and estimates the content of the content based on the gray value in the near-infrared transmission image. .

Description

  The present invention relates to a near-infrared inspection apparatus.

  There is a problem (for example, biting of contents into the sealing part of the package, contents in the package, etc.) in the transportation line of goods such as film packaging materials that contain contents such as food in a package for shipment. In order to prevent the shipment of an article in which an article is damaged or a foreign substance is mixed into the package, it is necessary to inspect the condition of the article.

  As a near-infrared inspection apparatus for inspecting the state of such an article, for example, an apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is known. In this apparatus, a near-infrared transmission image is acquired in a state where a plurality of thin plate-like foods are stacked in a packaging material, and it is inspected whether or not there is a foreign substance in the thin plate-like foods based on the near-infrared transmission image. Is done.

Japanese Patent No. 4209926

  Although the near-infrared inspection apparatus as described above can inspect the state of the contents accommodated in the package and is beneficial, it can also inspect the content of the contents accommodated in the package. It would be more beneficial if possible.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the near-infrared inspection apparatus which can test | inspect the content of the content accommodated in the package.

  A near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention detects a near-infrared transmitted light irradiated to an article, a light irradiation unit that irradiates the article having a package and the contents contained in the package with near-infrared rays, A light detection unit that outputs a detection signal; and an internal capacity estimation unit that acquires a near-infrared transmission image of the article based on the detection signal and estimates an internal volume of the contents based on a gray value in the near-infrared transmission image. Prepare.

  In this near-infrared inspection apparatus, a near-infrared transmission image of a package and an article having the contents contained in the package is acquired, and the content of the contents is estimated based on the gray value in the near-infrared transmission image. Therefore, according to this near infrared ray inspection apparatus, it is possible to inspect the internal volume of the contents accommodated in the package.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus of one aspect of the present invention, the internal volume estimation unit may estimate the mass of the content as the internal volume. According to this configuration, it is possible to determine whether the mass of the contents is excessive or insufficient.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the internal volume estimation unit may estimate the quantity of contents as the internal volume. According to this configuration, for example, even if a plurality of thin plate-like contents are stacked in the package, it is possible to determine whether the quantity of the contents is excessive or insufficient.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus of one aspect of the present invention, the near-infrared optical path from the light irradiation unit to the light detection unit may be exposed to the ambient atmosphere. According to this configuration, since it is not necessary to shield the near-infrared light path from the surrounding atmosphere, the structure of the near-infrared inspection apparatus can be simplified. As a result, it is possible to easily install the near-infrared inspection device in the gap between the desired conveyors in the conveyor line.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the package may have a colorless color or a single color. According to this configuration, since it is not affected by the pattern or the like applied to the package, the content of the contents accommodated in the package can be inspected by simple image processing.

  The near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention may further include a support unit that supports the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit in a cantilever manner. According to this configuration, the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit are located close to one side of the conveyance line so that the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit face the existing conveyance line that conveys the article with the gap between the continuous conveyance conveyors interposed therebetween. An infrared inspection apparatus can be easily installed.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to inspect the content of the contents stored in the package.

It is a side view of the near-infrared inspection apparatus of one embodiment of the present invention. It is a front view of the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a schematic diagram which shows the principle of the foreign material mixing inspection by the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a top view of the conveyance line in which the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. 1 was installed. It is a control block diagram which shows the structure of the control computer with which the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. 1 is provided. It is a functional block diagram produced when CPU contained in the control computer of FIG. 5 reads a near-infrared inspection program. It is a graph which shows the relationship between the brightness of the image contained in a near-infrared transmitted image, and the thickness of the substance of the part. It is a figure which shows ten near-infrared transmission images of the goods acquired in the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of the mass estimation method based on the near-infrared inspection program by the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. (A) is a graph showing a table m (a) before the coefficient α is optimized. (B) is a graph showing the table m (a) after the coefficient α is optimized. (A)-(c) is a graph which shows the process in which the conversion table m (a) is optimized. (A) is a figure which shows what the powder exists substantially uniformly in a bag as an example of the near-infrared transmission image of the goods G. FIG. (B) is a figure which shows what exists in the state in which the powder was partially offset in the bag. The estimated mass of the product shown in FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) obtained using the conversion table m (a) optimized by the near-infrared inspection apparatus of the present invention and the conversion table before optimization. It is a figure which shows a comparison result. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the near-infrared inspection method performed in the near-infrared inspection apparatus of other embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the near-infrared inspection method performed in the near-infrared inspection apparatus of other embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the concept of the curve interpolation implemented in the flowchart of FIG. It is a perspective view of an optical inspection system provided with the near-infrared inspection apparatus of other embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a right view of the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a right view of the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG. It is a front view of the near-infrared inspection apparatus of FIG.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same or an equivalent part, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
[Configuration of near-infrared inspection equipment]

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the near-infrared inspection device 1 includes a light irradiation unit 2, a light detection unit 3, and a control computer (internal capacity estimation unit) 4. The light irradiation unit 2 is disposed below the conveyors 11 and 12. The light detection unit 3 is disposed above the conveyors 11 and 12. The light irradiation unit 2 and the light detection unit 3 face each other through a gap provided between the transport conveyors 11 and 12.

  The near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 uses a package having a colorless or single color and an article G having a content contained in the package as an inspection target. The article G is, for example, a bag-shaped powder soup or the like (see FIG. 12 (a) or the like) that is transported in a transport line for food or the like. The package is made of a light-transmitting material such as a transparent material or a translucent material. The package material itself may have a color, or the package may be colored by printing or the like.

  The light irradiation unit 2 includes a near infrared irradiator 13 that extends along the gap below the gap between the conveyors 11 and 12. The light irradiation unit 2 irradiates the article G with near infrared rays from the near infrared irradiator 13 when the article G conveyed by the conveyors 11 and 12 passes over the gap between the conveyors 11 and 12. The near infrared wavelength is 780 nm to 1100 nm.

  The light detection unit 3 has a near-infrared line sensor 14 that extends along the gap above the gap between the conveyors 11 and 12. The light detection unit 3 uses the near-infrared line sensor 14 to transmit near-infrared light transmitted to the article G when the article G conveyed by the conveyors 11 and 12 passes over the gap between the conveyors 11 and 12. Detect and output detection signal.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the near-infrared line sensor 14 detects near-infrared rays that have passed through the article G. The near-infrared line sensor 14 has a plurality of pixels 14 a arranged in a line in a horizontal direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the article G by the conveyance conveyors 11 and 12. In FIG. 4, the irradiation direction of the near infrared ray is opposite to that in FIGS. 1 and 2, but as a schematic diagram, the near infrared irradiation state in the near infrared inspection apparatus 1 and each pixel of the line sensor 14 at that time are shown. A graph showing the amount of near infrared rays detected at 14a is shown.

  As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the light irradiation unit 2 and the light detection unit 3 are placed on the pedestal 5 with the near-infrared light path L from the light irradiation unit 2 to the light detection unit 3 exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. It is cantilevered by a standing column (support) 6. That is, the inspection area of the article G is not covered with a shield box or the like. Thus, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1, since a shield box etc. become unnecessary, the light irradiation part 2 and the light detection part 3 can be cantilever-supported to the support | pillar 6. FIG. As a result, the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 can be easily installed in the gap between the desired conveyors among the conveyor lines configured by arranging a plurality of conveyors.

  The control computer 4 is accommodated in the column 6 and performs operation control of the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 and various signal processing. As an example, the control computer 4 acquires a near-infrared transmission image of the article G based on the detection signal output from the light detection unit 3, and based on the grayscale value per pixel in the near-infrared transmission image, the article The mass (content volume) of the contents in G is estimated. In addition to the control computer 4, the support 6 is provided with a display unit such as a display and an operation unit such as a touch button. However, the control computer 4, the display unit, and the operation unit may be provided in a control box or the like prepared separately from the base 5 and the column 6.

As shown in FIG. 4, the article G is continuously transported to the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 by the transport conveyors 11 and 12. The near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 estimates the mass of the contents in the article G that has been conveyed. The estimation result of the mass of the contents is transmitted to the sorting mechanism 70 arranged on the downstream side of the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1. The distribution mechanism 70 sends the article G to the regular line conveyor 80 for the article G whose mass estimation result is within a predetermined range. On the other hand, the sorting mechanism 70 moves the arm G to the collection box 90 that is out of the regular line conveyor 80 for the article G whose content mass estimation result is out of the predetermined range. Send.
[Configuration of control computer]

  As shown in FIG. 5, the control computer 20 executes an image processing routine, an inspection determination processing routine, and the like included in the control program in the CPU 21. Further, the control computer 20 stores and accumulates near-infrared images corresponding to defective products, inspection results, correction data for near-infrared images, and the like in a storage unit such as a CF (“Compact Flash” (registered trademark)) 25. As a specific configuration, the control computer 20 includes a CPU 21 and a ROM 22, a RAM 23, and a CF 25 as a main storage unit controlled by the CPU 21. The CF 25 stores various programs for controlling each unit, information on a near-infrared transmission image that is a basis for mass estimation, and the like.

  The control computer 20 further includes a display control circuit for controlling data display on the monitor 26, a key input circuit for fetching key input data from the touch panel of the monitor 26, and an I / O for controlling data printing in a printer (not shown). USB 24 as an external connection terminal is provided.

  In the control computer 20, the CPU 21, the ROM 22, the RAM 23, the CF 25, and the like are connected to each other via a bus line such as an address bus or a data bus. Furthermore, the control computer 20 is connected to a conveyor motor 12f, a rotary encoder 12g, a near infrared irradiator 13, a near infrared line sensor 14, a photoelectric sensor 15, and the like. Note that the photoelectric sensor may not be provided, and the passage of the article G may be detected by a decrease in brightness of the image detected by the line sensor.

  The control computer 20 receives the conveying speed of the conveyors 11 and 12 detected by the rotary encoder 12g mounted on the conveyor motor 12f, and is composed of a pair of light projectors and light receivers arranged with the conveyor interposed therebetween. By receiving a signal from the photoelectric sensor 15 as a synchronous sensor, the timing at which the article G, which is the object to be inspected, comes to the position of the near-infrared line sensor 14 may be detected.

  In the present embodiment, the CPU 21 included in the control computer 20 reads the near-infrared inspection program stored in the CF 25 and creates a functional block as shown in FIG. Specifically, a sample image acquisition unit 31, a table creation unit (ideal curve creation unit) 32, a table adjustment unit (curve adjustment unit) 33, and a mass estimation unit 34 are created as functional blocks in the control computer 20. .

  The sample image acquisition unit 31 acquires a near-infrared transmission image for 10 articles of bag-shaped powder soup G whose mass is known in advance (hereinafter, the mass of each of the 10 articles G is referred to as “substantial amount”). .

  The table creation unit 32 uses the table (ideal curve) m based on the following formula (1) for calculating the estimated mass m in the region for the brightness a for each pixel acquired in the sample image acquisition unit 31. Create (a).

m = ct = −c / μ × In (I / I ₀ ) = − αIn (I / I ₀ ) (1)
(Where m is an estimated mass, c is a coefficient for converting the thickness of the object into a mass, t is the thickness of the substance, I is the brightness when there is no substance, and I _{0 is} the brightness when transmitting through the substance. , Μ: linear absorption coefficient)

  The table adjustment unit 33 compares the actual amount of each of the ten articles G input through the monitor 26 with the total estimated mass obtained by adding the estimated masses of the respective gradations obtained from the table (ideal curve), Adjust the table so that the total estimated mass is close to the real amount.

  Based on the table (ideal curve) adjusted by the table adjustment unit 33, the mass estimation unit 34 obtains an estimated mass for each pixel according to the brightness of each pixel, and sums these to calculate the article G Calculate the estimated mass. The mass estimation method using each of these functional blocks will be described in detail later.

  In general, the relationship between the thickness of a substance and the brightness of the portion (brightness normalized with 1.0 when no substance is present) in an acquired near-infrared transmission image is expressed by the following formula (2). When a graph represented by a simple exponential function is compared with a graph indicating actual mass, it is known that an error as shown in FIG. 7 occurs.

I / I ₀ = e ^−μt (2)
(However, I ₀ : image brightness when no substance is present, I: image brightness of a portion where the near infrared ray is transmitted through the substance, t: thickness of the substance, μ: energy of the near infrared ray and the kind of the substance) Linear mass coefficient (larger value means better absorption of near infrared rays)

  In particular, in the graph showing the actual mass, the brightness sharply decreases in a region where the thickness t is relatively small. This is due to the fact that near-infrared light in a wavelength range that is easily absorbed by a substance is absorbed first, and that near-infrared light in a wavelength range that is difficult to be absorbed every time it passes through the substance remains.

  Since a near-infrared transmission image is normally composed of a plurality of pixels, m is obtained for each pixel by the above-described equation (1), and these are added to the entire image to add a substance (content excluding the package). Thing) It is possible to estimate the total mass. This is represented by the following mathematical formula (3).

  M = ΣΣm (x, y) (3)

  Here, FIG. 8 shows ten near-infrared transmission images obtained by estimating the estimated mass using the article G having a substantial amount of 8.0 g. Compared to other near-infrared transmission images, the near-infrared transmission images at the lower left end and the center of the lower stage where the powder is offset in the bag may have an estimated mass larger than 8.0 g which is a substantial amount. I understand.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, based on the above problems, the mass of the article G is estimated with high accuracy by eliminating the influence of the powder deviation in the bag and various uncertain factors. Therefore, the mass is estimated according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  That is, in step S1, for example, 1.0 is substituted for α in the formula (1), and the estimated mass m (a) corresponding to the image brightness (gradation) a (0 to 220) is tabulated. . In the table created based on the formula (1), first, the brightness a is changed every 10 gradations and stored on a table corresponding to m (a), and the numerical value between them is obtained by linear interpolation. Thereby, in the table creation part 32 of the control computer 20, the table (ideal curve) which shows the relationship between brightness and the estimated mass m (a) as shown in FIG. 10 (a) is created. In consideration of the fact that it takes too much time to obtain all estimated masses for each brightness according to Equation (1), here, after obtaining the estimated masses using Equation (1) for every 10 gradations, It is obtained by linear interpolation.

  In step S2, as shown in FIG. 8, 10 articles G whose substantial amount is known to be 8.0 g in advance are irradiated with near-infrared rays, and the sample image acquisition unit 31 has 10 sheets. A near-infrared transmission image is acquired. And about 10 acquired near-infrared transmitted images, estimated mass is calculated by table m (a) conversion, and these average value Mave is calculated | required. In order to obtain a wide range of brightness data, it is preferable that the ten sample images include a mixture of powders that are offset or uniform in the bag.

  In step S3, m (a) is changed so that the average value Mave obtained in step S2 becomes equal to the test substance amount Mt according to the following formula (4), and is shown by a solid line in FIG. 10 (b). Such a changed table is set as an initial table (ideal curve). In FIG. 10B, the table before the change is indicated by a broken line, and the initial table (ideal curve) after the change is indicated by a solid line.

  m (a) = m (a) × Mt / Mave (4)

  In step S4, the estimated mass m (a) is obtained by substituting 10 for the brightness a in the equation (1). Here, the brightness a starts from 10 and is substituted with 20, 30,... Because the estimated mass becomes infinite at brightness 0. For this reason, it is possible to start from substituting 1 for the brightness a and substitute for 11, 21, 31,.

  In step S5, in order to investigate how the table m (a) is shifted little by little up and down, the table m (a) is changed by ± 2% and the tables m + (a) and m− (a ) And create. At this time, the table between a-10 and a is obtained by linear interpolation between m (a-10) and m (a), and the table between a and a + 10 is m (a). Tables m + (a) and m- (a) are created by linear interpolation between and m (a + 10).

  In step S6, based on the two tables m + (a) and m- (a) newly created in step S5 and the original table m (a), estimated masses are respectively obtained for 10 near-infrared transmission images. calculate.

  In step S7, the standard deviation is the smallest (the variation is small) from the estimated masses of the ten near-infrared transmission images calculated by the three tables m (a), m + (a), and m− (a) in step S6. Select the (few) table and replace that table with m (a).

  For example, at a certain brightness (gradation) a, when m + (a) has a smaller standard deviation than m (a), the table m (a ) Is replaced with the table m + (a). On the other hand, when m (a) has a standard deviation smaller than m + (a), the portion corresponding to the brightness a is maintained as it is without replacing the table m (a).

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, in the portion of brightness a = 10, a table m (10) indicated by a solid line, a table m + (10) indicated by an upper broken line, The standard deviation of the table m− (10) indicated by the broken line is compared, and m + (10) having the smallest standard deviation is selected. Then, as shown in FIG. 11B, the table m (10) is replaced with the table m + (10) for the portion of the brightness a = 10.

  In step S8, it is determined whether or not the brightness a is 210. If NO, the process proceeds to step S10, and the brightness a is increased by 10 while increasing m by 10 until m = 210 in step S7. Repeat the replacement process of a). That is, table replacement is repeated in the same manner for the brightness a = 20, 30, 40,... To create a table as indicated by the solid line in FIG. The process in step S7 corresponds to a table adjustment process by the table adjustment unit 33, that is, an ideal curve adjustment process.

  In step S9, the masses of ten near-infrared transmitted images are obtained according to the adjusted table m (a) by the replacement process, and it is determined whether or not the variation is 0.1 g or less. Here, if larger than 0.1 g, the process returns to step S4 and the above-described processing is repeated until the variation becomes 0.1 g or less.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of the present invention, the conversion table m (a) for estimating the mass of the article G from the near-infrared transmission image obtained by imaging the article G through the above processing (see FIG. 11C). ). Thus, the mass of the article G to be inspected is estimated using the optimized conversion table m (a) after adjustment as shown in FIG. Compared with the mass estimation method, a highly accurate mass estimation result can be obtained.

  Here, the result of inspecting the article G having a substantial amount of 10.0 g using the conversion table before and after the optimization will be described with reference to FIG. In the result before optimizing the conversion table m (a), as shown in FIG. 12 (a) and FIG. 12 (b), the powder is uniform (10.34g) and offset ( 9.79 g) had an estimated mass error of 0.55 g, whereas in the result after optimizing the conversion table m (a) according to the flowchart shown in FIG. It can be seen that the error of the estimated mass is as small as 0.08 g between the uniform (10.03 g) and the offset (9.95 g). Further, the estimated mass obtained based on the conversion table after optimization has an error from the conventional 0.34 g, 0.21 g, and 0 for both the uniform and offset masses with respect to the substantial amount of 10.0 g. It can be seen that they are significantly reduced to 0.03 g and 0.05 g.

In this manner, by calculating the estimated mass based on the conversion table m (a) optimized according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9 from the result shown in FIG. It becomes clear that it becomes possible to ask for.
[Features of near-infrared inspection equipment]

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the CPU 21 mounted on the control computer 20 reads the near-infrared inspection program stored in the CF 25, and the functional block as shown in FIG. Form. This functional block includes a sample image acquisition unit 31, a table creation unit 32, a table adjustment unit 33, and a mass estimation unit 34. The sample image acquisition unit 31 acquires ten near-infrared transmission images of the article G whose substantial amount is known in advance. The table creation unit 32 creates a table (ideal curve) m (a) based on the above formula (1) indicating the relationship between the brightness of each pixel included in the near-infrared transmission image and the estimated mass of the portion. To do. The table adjustment unit 33 refers to the substantial amount of each near-infrared transmission image input through the monitor 26, and adjusts the table m (a) so that the estimated mass approaches the substantial amount every 10 gradations. The mass estimation unit 34 obtains an estimated mass for each pixel based on the adjusted table m (a), and adds these to obtain an estimated total mass of the article G.

  Thus, the estimated mass is obtained using the table m (a) adjusted with reference to the actual amount, and the estimated mass is obtained using the table m (a) created based on the formula (1) as it is. Compared with the conventional method, it is possible to obtain a highly accurate estimated mass that is closer to a substantial amount.

  Moreover, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment, about the table m (a) created by the table creation part 32, it produces ± 2% and creates a new table m + (a), m- (a), As shown in FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (c), these tables m (a), m + (a), and m− (a) are compared for each predetermined gradation, and the standard deviation is the smallest. The table m (a) is adjusted while repeatedly replacing it with m (a).

  As a result, the table m (a) created based on the formula (1) can be optimized so as to estimate a mass that is closer to a substantial amount, and therefore, an estimated mass that is more accurate than before can be obtained. Is possible.

  Further, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in step S8 of FIG. 9, the optimization process (replacement) of the table m (a) described above is performed with the brightness a ranging from 10 gradations to the 10th floor. Repeatedly increasing until it reaches 210 gradations.

  Thereby, by setting a predetermined number of gradations as the termination condition for the optimization process of the table m (a), the table m (a) optimized for each gradation (brightness) can be obtained. . As a result, it is possible to obtain a more accurate estimated mass.

  Moreover, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as shown in step S9 of FIG. 9, the optimization process (replacement) of the above-described table m (a) was obtained for 10 near-infrared transmission images. Repeat until the estimated mass variation is 0.1 g or less.

  As a result, the table m (a), which is a basis for obtaining the estimated mass, is repeatedly optimized until the variation is equal to or less than a predetermined amount, thereby further optimizing the table m (a) and performing highly accurate estimation. The mass can be determined. Further, as shown in step S8 and step S9 of FIG. 9, as the termination condition of the optimization process of the table m (a), the first condition until a predetermined gradation is reached, and the variation is equal to or less than a predetermined amount. By combining the second condition, it is possible to adjust the table m (a) in more detail, and thus it is possible to obtain a more accurate estimated mass.

  Further, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment, as shown in step S1 of FIG. 9, the estimated mass is calculated based on the formula (1) by changing the brightness a by 10 gradations, and the interval between them is calculated. A table m (a) is created by linear interpolation.

  Thereby, compared to the case where the table m (a) is created using the formula (1) for all the gradations of the table m (a), the creation time of the table m (a) is greatly reduced. The estimated mass can be obtained efficiently.

  Moreover, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment, as a tool for obtaining the estimated mass, a table m () indicating the relationship between the brightness a for each pixel included in the near-infrared transmission image and the estimated mass of that portion. a) is used.

  Thereby, compared with the method of calculating | requiring estimated mass based on numerical formula, the calculation time of estimated mass can be shortened significantly.

  Moreover, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 of this embodiment, the brightness and its estimated mass are obtained for each pixel.

  Accordingly, it is possible to obtain a more accurate estimated mass by obtaining the estimated mass in units of one pixel which is the minimum unit included in the near-infrared transmission image.

  As described above, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1, a near-infrared transmission image of the article G having the package and the contents contained in the package is acquired, and the gray value per pixel in the near-infrared transmission image is obtained. Based on this, the mass of the contents is estimated. Therefore, according to the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1, the mass of the contents accommodated in the package can be inspected, and the excess or deficiency of the mass of the contents of the article G can be determined.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1, the near-infrared optical path L from the light irradiation unit 2 to the light detection unit 3 is exposed to the ambient atmosphere. Thereby, since it is not necessary to shield the near-infrared light path L with respect to the surrounding atmosphere, the structure of the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 can be simplified. As a result, it is possible to easily install the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 in the gap of the desired conveyor on the conveyor line.

  Moreover, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1, the package of the article | item G has a colorless or single color. Thereby, since it is not influenced by the pattern etc. which were given to the package, the mass of the content accommodated in the package can be test | inspected by simple image processing.

  For example, the transmittance of near infrared rays is about 90% for an acrylic plate having a thickness of 10 mm, and about 5% for a shrimp cracker having a thickness of 4 mm. The inspection can be suitably performed according to the relationship between the thickness of the contents and the transmittance of near infrared rays.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, according to the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1, the quantity of contents can be estimated based on the gray value per pixel. Thereby, for example, even if a plurality of thin plate-like contents are stacked in the package, it is possible to determine whether the quantity of the contents of the article G is excessive or insufficient.

  In the above embodiment, the mass of the content is estimated based on the gray value per pixel. However, the content of the content is based on the gray value per unit area, with a predetermined number of pixels as the unit area. The amount (mass, quantity, etc.) may be estimated.

  Moreover, a package is not limited to what is colorless or has a single color, A pattern etc. may be given. In such a case, the content of the contents can be estimated by performing image processing for removing the influence of the pattern or the like on the near-infrared transmission image.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the light detection part 3 had the near-infrared line sensor 14, it replaces with the near-infrared line sensor 14 and the light detection part of this invention may have a near-infrared area sensor. Good. Moreover, the light detection part of this invention may have a filter which allows near infrared rays to pass through and blocks visible light. Thereby, when the near-infrared optical path from the light irradiation unit to the light detection unit is exposed to the ambient atmosphere, visible light enters the near-infrared line sensor or near-infrared area sensor from the ambient atmosphere, and the visible light is It is possible to prevent disturbance light.

  In the embodiment described above, an example in which the estimated mass of the article G is obtained by creating a table m (a) indicating the relationship between the brightness a in one pixel included in the near-infrared transmission image and the estimated mass of the region is described. did. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the table m (a) does not necessarily have to be created, and a mathematical expression may be used for a portion represented by a mathematical expression. However, in the case where the estimated mass is obtained using the table m (a) as in the above embodiment, the processing time for obtaining the estimated mass can be greatly shortened compared to the case where the mathematical expression is used. It is more preferable to use a table as in the above embodiment.

  Further, in the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the loop of S5 to S8 of the optimization process of the table m (a) is increased by 10 gradations until the gradation reaches 220 gradations. An example of repeated execution has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The termination condition of the optimization process is not limited to the brightness of 220 gradations. For example, the optimization process may be terminated when the number of gradations is reached, after a predetermined number of times, or after a predetermined time. You may control so that it may complete | finish after progress. Alternatively, a plurality of these end conditions may be combined.

  In the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 9, the loop of S4 to S10 of the optimization process of the table m (a) is described as an example in which it is repeatedly performed until the variation is 0.1 g or less. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The termination condition of the optimization process is not limited to the variation being 0.1 g or less, and may be terminated when the variation is other than 0.1 g, or repeated a predetermined number of times. It is also possible to perform control so as to end after or after a predetermined time. Alternatively, a plurality of these end conditions may be combined.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the example which acquires ten near-infrared transmission images corresponding to ten articles | goods G whose mass was known beforehand was given and demonstrated as a sample image of a near-infrared transmission image. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  The number of sample images is not limited to 10 and may be, for example, 5 or less, or 20 or more.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the example which selects the thing with the smallest standard deviation among estimated mass m (a), m + (a), and m- (a), and performs the process which replaces m (a) is given. Explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the means for selecting is not limited to the standard deviation, and can be performed by looking at other elements of variation such as dispersion.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, the example which applied this invention with respect to the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 was given and demonstrated. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to a near-infrared inspection program stored in a storage unit of a near-infrared inspection apparatus. In this case, the CPU may read the near-infrared inspection program and cause the computer to execute a near-infrared inspection method that performs processing according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In the above embodiment, in step S5, in order to examine how the table m (a) is shifted up and down little by little, the table m (a) is changed by ± 2% and a new table m + (a ) And a table m- (a), and a table between a-10 and a is obtained by linear interpolation between m (a-10) and m (a), and a and a + 10 The table between is obtained by an example in which the tables m + (a) and m− (a) are created by linear interpolation between m (a) and m (a + 10). However, the present invention is not limited to this.

For example, as shown in FIG. 14, after step S5, step S5a may be inserted to adjust the table obtained by linear interpolation. Specifically, in step S5a, for the linearly interpolated table, a moving average is calculated based on the following formula (5) to form a smooth curve when graphed, and table fluctuation (estimated mass) Variation).

  This makes it possible to prevent the estimated mass from changing discontinuously with a slight change in brightness at each pixel, compared to a table created by linear interpolation. The mass can be calculated.

  Further, in the above embodiment, in step S1, the brightness a is changed every 10 gradations and stored on a table corresponding to m (a), and a numerical value therebetween is obtained by linear interpolation, and the table of the control computer 20 is obtained. An example has been described in which the creation unit 32 creates a table (ideal curve) indicating the relationship between the brightness and the estimated mass m (a) as shown in FIG. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a table obtained by curve interpolation may be adjusted by inserting step S5b instead of step S5. Specifically, in step S5b, a table m + (a) when m (a) is + 10%, a table m− (a) when −10% are created, and a table between a-10 and a is created. The table is obtained by curve interpolation between m (a-10) and m (a), and the table between a and a + 10 is obtained by curve interpolation between m (a) and m (a + 10).

  As a method of curve interpolation, an interpolation method using a so-called Bezier curve approximated by an n-order function as shown in FIG. 16 can be used. According to this, when an interpolation method called a Bezier curve is adopted from N control points, curve interpolation can be performed by an N−1 linear function. For example, if a curve connecting four control points is created, a curve represented by a cubic function can be obtained. That is, when four control points P1 to P4 shown in FIG. 16 are given, first, a point P5 that divides P1 to P2 at a ratio of t: 1-t is set. Similarly, points P6 and P7 to be divided at the same ratio are set for P2 to P3 and P3 to P4. Next, after setting points P8 and P9 for dividing P5 to P6 and P6 to P7 at the same ratio, finally, a point P10 for dividing P8 to P9 at the same ratio is obtained. This operation is continuously performed for 0 ≦ t ≦ 1, and curve interpolation can be performed by drawing a Bezier curve along the locus of P10.

  As a result, compared to a table created by linear interpolation, the estimated mass can be prevented from changing discontinuously due to a slight change in brightness at each pixel. The mass can be calculated.

Note that the method of performing the curve interpolation is not limited to the method described in the other embodiments described above, and for example, it is possible to perform interpolation using a spline curve or the like.
[Configuration of other near infrared inspection equipment]

  The configuration of the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 described below can be partially or wholly applied to the configuration of the near-infrared inspection apparatus 1 described above. Hereinafter, the configuration of the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 is an apparatus that is installed later on a portion of the existing transfer line 200 that transfers an article 150 where a gap 203 between continuous transfer conveyors 201 and 202 exists. It is. The near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 targets, for example, an article 150 having a package such as a film packaging material and a content such as food contained in the package. A control device 130 is electrically connected to the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 by wire or wirelessly, and the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 and the control apparatus 130 constitute an optical inspection system.

  The control device 130 includes a control box 131 that houses a computer, and an operation panel 132. The control device 130 controls the operation of the near-infrared inspection device 101 and, based on the detection signal output from the near-infrared inspection device 101, malfunctions of the article 150 (for example, biting of contents into the package sealing portion) Or damage of the contents in the package, mixing of foreign matter into the package, etc.) or estimating the contents (mass, quantity, etc.) of the contents in the package.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 includes a leg portion 102 installed on the floor surface and a quadrangular columnar main column 103 erected on the leg portion 102. A guide rail 104 extending in the vertical direction is provided on the front surface 103a (the surface on the conveyance line 200 side) of the main pillar 103. On the rear surface 103b of the main pillar 103, a guide rail 105 extending in the vertical direction is provided. A belt 106 is stretched over the right side surface 103 c (right side surface when viewed from the conveyance line 200 side) and the left side surface 103 d of the main column 103 via the upper end portion of the main column 103.

  An inspection head 110 is attached to the guide rail 104 so as to be movable along the guide rail 104. One end of a belt 106 located on the right side surface 103 c of the main pillar 103 is fixed to the inspection head 110. A weight 107 is attached to the guide rail 105 so as to be movable along the guide rail 105. The other end of the belt 106 positioned on the left side surface 103 d of the main pillar 103 is fixed to the weight 107.

  With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 19, when the inspection head 110 is raised along the guide rail 104, the weight 107 is lowered along the guide rail 105. On the other hand, when the inspection head 110 is lowered along the guide rail 104, the weight 107 is raised along the guide rail 105. After the inspection head 110 is disposed at a desired height, the inspection head 110 is fixed to the main pillar 103 by the lever 108. As described above, the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 uses the weight 107 to facilitate the vertical movement of the inspection head 110 relative to the main column 103.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the inspection head 110 includes a light irradiation unit 111 that irradiates the article 150 with light, a light detection unit 112 that detects transmitted light of the light irradiated on the article 150, the light irradiation unit 111, and And a support portion 113 that supports the light detection portion 112 in a cantilever manner. The light irradiation unit 111 is disposed below the gap 203 between the continuous conveyors 201 and 202, and the light detection unit 112 is disposed above the gap 203. The light path from the light irradiation unit 111 to the light detection unit 112 is exposed to the ambient atmosphere. That is, the inspection area of the article 150 by light is not covered with a shield box or the like and is exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. Note that a cover may be provided so as to cover at least a part of the inspection region in order to block disturbance light.

  The light irradiation unit 111 includes a plurality of LEDs arranged along the horizontal direction (the direction in which the gap 203 extends). The light irradiation unit 111 irradiates the article 150 with near infrared rays through the gap 203 when the article 150 passes over the gap 203 between the continuous conveyors 201 and 202. The near infrared wavelength is 780 nm to 1100 nm.

  The light detection unit 112 is a line sensor and includes a plurality of PDs arranged in the horizontal direction (the direction in which the gap 203 extends). The light detection unit 112 detects transmitted near-infrared light irradiated on the article 150 when the article 150 passes through the gap 203 between the continuous conveyors 201 and 202, and outputs a detection signal to the control device 130. .

  The support portion 113 includes a column portion 116 including a first column portion 114 and a second column portion 115, a first beam portion 117, and a second beam portion 118. The first support column portion 114 is provided with a guide groove 114a extending in the vertical direction. A second support column portion 115 is attached to the guide groove 114a so as to be movable along the guide groove 114a. The first support column portion 114 and the second support column portion 115 are fixed to each other by a lever 121. A stopper bolt 122 with a buffer member is fixed to a lower end portion of the second support column portion 115 through a long hole 114b formed in the first support column portion 114. As a result, when the lever 121 is released, even if the second column portion 115 is unexpectedly lowered, the lowering of the second column portion 115 is stopped while the impact is absorbed.

  One end portion 117a of the first beam portion 117 is fixed to the lower end portion of the first column portion 114, and the other end portion 117b of the first beam portion 117 is a free end. The first beam portion 117 is provided with a concave portion 117c that opens upward, and the light irradiation portion 111 is accommodated in the concave portion 117c. That is, the light irradiation unit 111 is supported by the first beam unit 117 and is supported by the support unit 113 in a cantilever manner.

  The opening of the concave portion 117 c is covered with a light-transmitting cover 123 placed on the first beam portion 117. The cover 123 is made of, for example, a light transmissive resin. A portion of the cover 123 corresponding to the one end portion 117 a of the first beam portion 117 is provided with a notch 123 a that opens on the opposite side of the other end portion 117 b of the first beam portion 117. A round hole 123 b is provided in a portion of the cover 123 corresponding to the other end portion 117 b of the first beam portion 117. In the cover 123, a pin 124a erected on one end 117a of the first beam 117 is fitted in the notch 123a, and a pin 124b erected on the other end 117b of the first beam 117 is formed in the round hole 123b. By being fitted, the first beam portion 117 is positioned. The pins 124a and 124b are, for example, bolt heads.

  One end portion 118a of the second beam portion 118 is fixed to the upper end portion of the second column portion 115, and the other end portion 118b of the second beam portion 118 is a free end. The light detection unit 112 is attached to the other end 118b of the second beam portion 118 which is a free end. That is, the photodetection unit 112 is supported by the second beam unit 118 and is supported by the support unit 113 in a cantilever manner.

  With the configuration of the support portion 113 described above, as shown in FIG. 20, the light detection portion 112 is raised and lowered integrally with the second column portion 115 and the second beam portion 118 in a state where the lever 121 is released. It is done. After the light detection unit 112 is disposed at a desired height, the first support column portion 114 and the second support column portion 115 are fixed to each other by the lever 121, thereby being fixed to the light irradiation unit 111.

  As shown in FIG. 18, a rectangular plate-like first plate 125 and second plate 126 are attached to the lower end portion of the first column portion 114. The first plate 125 is attached to the guide rail 104 so as to be movable along the guide rail 104. One end of the belt 106 located on the right side surface 103 c of the main pillar 103 is fixed to the first plate 125. The second plate 126 is fixed to the first plate 125 by bolts 127 inserted into arc-shaped elongated holes 126a provided at the four corners. The lower end portion of the first column portion 114 is fixed to the second plate 126.

  With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 21, with the bolt 127 loosened, the inspection head 110 is rotated within the range of the arc-shaped long hole 126a. At this time, the position P that is the center of rotation of the inspection head 110 is the center position of the first plate 125 and the second plate 126 attached to the lower end of the first support column 114 (when viewed from the conveyance line 200 side). Center position). Thus, the distance from the light irradiation unit 111 to the position P is smaller than the distance from the light detection unit 112 to the position P. After the inspection head 110 is arranged at a desired angle, each bolt 127 is closed, and thereby the inspection head 110 is fixed to the main pillar 103.

  As described above, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 are cantilevered by the support unit 113, and the inspection region of the article 150 by light is exposed to the surrounding atmosphere. Yes. Therefore, one of the conveyance lines 200 is arranged such that the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 face each other with the gap 203 between the continuous conveyance conveyors 201 and 202 with respect to the existing conveyance line 200 that conveys the article 150. The near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 can be easily installed from the side.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the light detection unit 112 is disposed on the upper side with respect to the light irradiation unit 111. According to this configuration, since the light detection unit 112 faces downward, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust to the light detection unit 112 that easily deteriorates the detection accuracy as compared with the case where dust adheres to the light irradiation unit 111. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress light such as illumination around the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 from entering the light detection unit 112 as disturbance light. Moreover, the light detection unit 112 can be easily cleaned in a wide space above the existing conveyance line 200.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the light irradiation unit 111 disposed below the light detection unit 112 is covered with a light-transmitting cover 123. According to this configuration, when dust adheres to the cover 123, the cover 123 can be removed and the cover 123 can be cleaned or replaced with a new cover 123. In particular, since the cover 123 is positioned in the first beam portion 117 by the pin 124a being fitted into the notch 123a and the pin 124b being fitted into the round hole 123b, the existing conveyance line 200 and the first beam portion are arranged. Even if the interval with the 117 is narrow, the cover 123 can be slid in the horizontal direction, and the cover 123 can be attached to and detached from the first beam portion 117 without using a tool or the like. Note that the cover 123 may have a lens function of collecting the light emitted from the light irradiation unit 111 or may have a filter function of blocking light of a predetermined wavelength.

  In addition, the distance between the conveyance surface of the existing conveyance line 200 and the light detection unit 112 needs to be equal to the focal distance, but from the viewpoint of suppressing attenuation of light irradiated to the article 150, the conveyance surface and light It is preferable to reduce the distance from the irradiation unit 111. In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the light detection unit 112 is disposed on the upper side with respect to the light irradiation unit 111. Therefore, even if the height of the conveyance surface of the existing conveyance line 200 is low, the conveyance line 200 In contrast, the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 can be easily installed.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 can move up and down integrally with the support unit 113. According to this configuration, the positions of the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 with respect to the existing conveyance line 200 can be easily adjusted.

  Further, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the position of the light detection unit 112 can be adjusted with respect to the light irradiation unit 111. According to this configuration, the position of the light detection unit 112 can be adjusted with high accuracy, and the light detection unit 112 can be focused on the article 150.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 can be rotated integrally with the support unit 113. According to this configuration, for example, when the transport surfaces of the continuous transport conveyors 201 and 202 in the existing transport line 200 are inclined, the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit in a direction perpendicular to the transport surface. The angles of the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 with respect to the existing conveyance line 200 can be easily adjusted so that the front surface 112 faces the front.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 are integrated with the support unit 113 around the position P where the distance from the light irradiation unit 111 is smaller than the distance from the light detection unit 112. It can be turned. According to this configuration, since the rotation amount of the light irradiation unit 111 is smaller than the rotation amount of the light detection unit 112, the light irradiation unit 111 is arranged in the vicinity of the gap 203 between the continuous conveyors 201 and 202, and the article It is possible to suppress a decrease in detection sensitivity in the light detection unit 112 due to attenuation of light irradiated on the light 150. Further, the rotation amount of the light irradiation unit 111 located in the space below the existing conveyance line 200 is smaller than the rotation amount of the light detection unit 112 located in the space above the existing conveyance line 200. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the light irradiation unit 111 from interfering with any member of the transport line 200 in a narrow space below the existing transport line 200.

  Further, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the support portion 113 includes a support column portion 116, a first beam portion 117 with one end portion 117 a fixed to the support column portion 116, and a second end portion 118 a fixed to the support column portion 116. And a beam portion 118. The first beam portion 117 supports the light irradiation unit 111, and the second beam portion 118 supports the light detection unit 112. According to this configuration, for example, compared to a case where the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 are supported by a curved support unit, the support unit 113 is prevented from interfering with the existing conveyance line 200. However, the light irradiation unit 111 and the light detection unit 112 can be arranged at desired positions.

  Moreover, in the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101, the light irradiated by the light irradiation unit 111 is near-infrared. Thus, the state of the article 150 can be inspected with high accuracy by using near-infrared light having a higher transmission power than visible light.

  As mentioned above, although other embodiment (namely, near-infrared inspection apparatus 101) of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to the said other embodiment. For example, the light detection unit of the present invention is not limited to a line sensor, and may be an area sensor or the like. Moreover, the light detection unit of the present invention may be provided with a filter that blocks light of a predetermined wavelength. As an example, the light detection unit of the present invention may be provided with a filter that transmits near-infrared light and blocks visible light. As a result, when the near-infrared optical path from the light irradiation unit to the light detection unit is exposed to the ambient atmosphere, visible light enters the line sensor or area sensor from the ambient atmosphere, and the visible light becomes disturbance light. Can be prevented.

  The following invention is obtained from the configuration of the near-infrared inspection apparatus 101 described above. According to the following invention, it is possible to provide a near-infrared inspection apparatus that can be easily installed on an existing conveyance line for conveying articles.

  A near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates an article with light (near infrared light), a light detection unit that detects transmitted light of light irradiated on the article, a light irradiation unit, and a light detection A support part that supports the part in a cantilevered manner, and the inspection area of the article by light is exposed to the ambient atmosphere.

  According to this near-infrared inspection apparatus, one side of the conveyance line is arranged so that the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit are opposed to an existing conveyance line that conveys an article with a gap between successive conveyance conveyors interposed therebetween. A near-infrared inspection device can be easily installed from the side.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus of one aspect of the present invention, the light detection unit may be disposed on the upper side with respect to the light irradiation unit. According to this configuration, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dust to the light detection unit, which is likely to deteriorate the detection accuracy as compared with the case where dust adheres to the light irradiation unit. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress light such as illumination around the near-infrared inspection apparatus from entering the light detection unit as disturbance light.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit may be movable up and down integrally with the support unit. According to this structure, the position of the light irradiation part with respect to the existing conveyance line and the light detection part can be adjusted easily.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the position of the light detection unit may be adjustable with respect to the light irradiation unit. According to this configuration, the position of the light detection unit can be adjusted with high accuracy.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit may be rotatable integrally with the support unit. According to this configuration, for example, when the transport surface of a continuous transport conveyor is inclined in an existing transport line, the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit are opposed to each other in a direction perpendicular to the transport surface. In addition, the angles of the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit with respect to the existing conveyance line can be easily adjusted.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit can rotate integrally with the support unit around a position where the distance from the light irradiation unit is smaller than the distance from the light detection unit. It may be. According to this configuration, since the rotation amount of the light irradiation unit is smaller than the rotation amount of the light detection unit, the light irradiation unit is disposed in the vicinity of the gap between the continuous conveyors to attenuate the light irradiated to the article. It is possible to suppress a decrease in detection sensitivity due to the light detection unit.

  In the near-infrared inspection apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention, the support portion includes a support portion, one end portion is fixed to the support portion, a first beam portion that supports the light irradiation portion, and one end portion is fixed to the support portion. And a second beam portion that supports the light detection portion. According to this configuration, for example, compared to a case where the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit are supported by a curved support unit, the support unit is prevented from interfering with the existing conveyance line, and the light is suppressed. The irradiation unit and the light detection unit can be arranged at desired positions.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to inspect the content of the contents stored in the package.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,101 ... Near-infrared inspection apparatus, 2,111 ... Light irradiation part, 3,112 ... Light detection part, 4 ... Control computer (internal capacity estimation part), 6 ... Support | pillar (support part), 113 ... Support part, G ... goods.

Claims (6)

A light irradiating unit for irradiating near infrared rays to an article having a package and the contents contained in the package;
A light detection unit that detects the near-infrared transmitted light irradiated on the article and outputs a detection signal;
A near-infrared inspection apparatus, comprising: an inner-capacity estimation unit that acquires a near-infrared transmission image of the article based on the detection signal and estimates an inner volume of the content based on a gray value in the near-infrared transmission image .   The near-infrared inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal volume estimation unit estimates a mass of the contents as the internal volume.   The near-infrared inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the internal capacity estimation unit estimates the quantity of the contents as the internal capacity.   The near-infrared inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the near-infrared optical path from the light irradiation unit to the light detection unit is exposed to an ambient atmosphere.   The near-infrared inspection apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the package has a colorless color or a single color.   The near-infrared inspection apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a support unit that supports the light irradiation unit and the light detection unit in a cantilever manner.

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