TW202246751A - Food inspection device comprising a controller, a light source, and a detection unit - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a food inspection device capable of inspecting various foods with a simple structure. The food inspection device according to an embodiment comprises: a controller, a light source that irradiates at least one of the visible light and ultraviolet light based on a signal from the controller and can change the wavelength of the irradiated visible light, and a detection unit that detects at least one of the visible light and the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source and reflected by the object to be inspected.

Description

food inspection device

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a food inspection device.

In the food market, awareness of food safety has increased with the response to Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP), etc. In addition, in the food market, there are also problems such as food loss due to rot and the like. Food loss occurs in various supply chains such as food production, processing, retail, and consumption, and has become a social problem.

Therefore, for example, there has been proposed a technique for determining the presence or absence of an abnormality by irradiating ultraviolet rays to the surface of agricultural products to excite light from damaged or diseased portions of the surface of agricultural products. In addition, a technique of irradiating the surface of agricultural products with white light before irradiation of ultraviolet rays and detecting the range of inspection by ultraviolet rays has also been proposed.

However, in inspection using only ultraviolet rays, it is difficult to inspect various foods. In such a case, if inspection is performed using a hyperspectral camera (Hyperspectral camera), various foods can be inspected, but this will lead to an increase in the price of inspection equipment. Therefore, it is desired to develop a food inspection device capable of inspecting various foods with a simple structure. [Prior art literature] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2016-205839

[Problem to be Solved by the Invention] The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a food inspection device capable of inspecting various foods with a simple structure.

[Technical means to solve the problem] A food inspection device according to an embodiment includes: a controller; a light source that irradiates at least one of visible light and ultraviolet light based on a signal from the controller, and that can change the wavelength of the irradiated visible light; and a detection unit that detects At least one of the visible light and the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the light source and reflected by the object to be inspected.

[Effect of the invention] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a food inspection device capable of inspecting various foods with a simple structure can be provided.

Embodiments are illustrated below with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each drawing, the same code|symbol is attached|subjected to the same component, and detailed description is abbreviate|omitted suitably.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a food inspection device 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1 , the food inspection device 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as the inspection device 1 ) has, for example, a supply unit 10 , a movement unit 20 , an inspection unit 30 , a storage unit 40 , and a controller 50 .

The supply unit 10 may be provided near an end portion of the moving unit 20 on the carrying-in side. The supply unit 10 stores a plurality of inspection objects 100 inside, and supplies the stored inspection objects 100 to the moving unit 20 . For example, the supply unit 10 may include a hopper for storing a plurality of inspection objects 100 , and a supply device for taking out the inspection objects 100 stored therein and supplying them to the moving unit 20 . In addition, the structure of the supply part 10 is not limited to the illustrated structure. The supply unit 10 may supply the inspection target object 100 to the moving unit 20 without the inspection target objects 100 overlapping each other.

In addition, the supply part 10 is not essential and may be omitted. When the supply unit 10 is omitted, for example, the operator only needs to supply the inspection target object 100 to the moving unit 20 .

Here, the inspection object 100 may be food. The inspection object 100 may be, for example, food stored in a packaging film, tray, container, etc. that transmit at least one of visible light and ultraviolet rays, or may be food not stored in a packaging film or the like.

Foodstuffs are, for example, agricultural products, lean meat raw materials, fresh fish raw materials, processed foods, and the like. Furthermore, the "agricultural product" may be, for example, a plant that is cultivated and harvested artificially, or a plant that is grown and harvested in nature. "Agricultural products" can also be obtained by farming in which cultivated plants are cultivated and harvested in a planned way, collection of plants that grow naturally in nature (collection of wild plants), so-called semi-cultivation that grows and harvests in an intermediate state between cultivation and wild, etc. get. The use of "agricultural products" is not particularly limited, and various uses such as food, medicine, and ornamental use can be considered.

"Processed foods" include home-cooked dishes, bento boxes, salads, etc. In addition, foodstuffs are not limited to the illustrated foodstuffs, for example, as long as they are foodstuffs with an expiry date.

The moving unit 20 moves the inspection object 100 supplied from the supply unit 10 . The moving unit 20 may be provided, for example, between the supply unit 10 and the storage unit 40 . The moving part 20 can be set as a belt conveyor, a roller conveyor, etc., for example.

In addition, a case where the moving unit 20 moves the inspection target object 100 in the horizontal direction is illustrated, but the moving unit 20 may move the inspection target object 100 in a direction inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. In addition, the moving part 20 is not essential and may be omitted. For example, instead of the moving unit 20 , a table on which the inspection object 100 is placed may be provided.

The inspection unit 30 is provided on one side of the inspection object 100 in a direction intersecting with the moving direction of the inspection object 100 . The inspection unit 30 may be installed above the moving unit 20, for example. The inspection unit 30 is provided, for example, between the supply unit 10 and the storage unit 40 in the moving direction of the inspection target object 100 .

The inspection unit 30 irradiates at least one of visible light and light in the ultraviolet region (hereinafter simply referred to as ultraviolet light) to one side of the inspection object 100 .

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the inspection unit 30 . Furthermore, FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the inspection unit 30 in FIG. 1 viewed from the direction of line A-A. As shown in FIG. 2 , the inspection unit 30 includes, for example, an imaging unit 31 , a light source 32 , a detection unit 33 , and a circuit unit 34 .

The imaging unit 31 captures, for example, an image of the inspection object 100 immediately before inspection. The imaging unit 31 may be, for example, a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera (Charge-Coupled Device camera) capable of capturing a color image of the inspection object 100 . The imaging unit 31 is provided, for example, between the supply unit 10 , the light source 32 and the detection unit 33 in the moving direction of the inspection object 100 . In this way, the imaging unit 31 can image the inspection target object 100 before being inspected by the light source 32 and the detection unit 33 . Image data of the inspection object 100 captured by the imaging unit 31 is input to the controller 50 .

The light source 32 irradiates at least one of visible light and ultraviolet light based on a signal from the controller 50 , and changes the wavelength of the irradiated visible light.

The luminous body used for the light source 32 is not particularly limited as long as it radiates light of a predetermined wavelength. For example, the illuminant may be a light-emitting element such as a light-emitting diode, a laser diode, or an organic light-emitting diode, or may be a discharge lamp that irradiates ultraviolet rays, or the like. Wherein, if the illuminant used in the light source 32 is a light emitting diode (light emitting diode, LED), it can achieve cost reduction, miniaturization, long life, energy saving, and the like. Therefore, below, as an example, the case where the luminous body used for the light source 32 is LED is demonstrated.

The light source 32 has at least any one of a full-color LED and an ultraviolet LED, for example. In addition, instead of full-color LEDs, the light source 32 may have red LEDs, green LEDs, and blue LEDs. In addition, the light source 32 may further include LEDs that emit visible light other than red, green, and blue.

For example, full-color LEDs and red LEDs may be capable of emitting light having a peak wavelength of about 630 nm. For example, full-color LEDs and green LEDs can be configured to emit light having a peak wavelength of about 525 nm. For example, full-color LEDs and blue LEDs can be configured to emit light having a peak wavelength of about 455 nm. For example, the ultraviolet LED may be capable of irradiating ultraviolet light having a peak wavelength of about 280 nm to 400 nm.

The number and arrangement of the full-color LEDs and ultraviolet LEDs can be appropriately changed according to the size of the inspection object 100 and the like. For example, a plurality of full-color LEDs and a plurality of ultraviolet LEDs can be arranged in a matrix or on concentric circles.

The number and arrangement of red LEDs, green LEDs, blue LEDs, and ultraviolet LEDs can be appropriately changed according to the size of the inspection object 100 and the like. For example, a plurality of red LEDs, a plurality of green LEDs, a plurality of blue LEDs, and a plurality of ultraviolet LEDs may be arranged in a matrix or on concentric circles.

The detection unit 33 detects at least one of visible light and ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 32 and reflected by the inspection object 100 . The detection unit 33 may be, for example, a CCD camera or the like capable of capturing at least any one of visible light images and ultraviolet light images. In such a case, the detecting unit 33 may include, for example, a CCD camera that detects a color image and a CCD camera that detects an ultraviolet image.

The data of the reflected light detected by the detection unit 33 is input to the controller 50 via the circuit unit 34 .

The circuit unit 34 controls the light source 32 based on a signal from the controller 50 . For example, the circuit unit 34 causes the light source 32 to irradiate at least one of visible light and ultraviolet rays of a wavelength specified by the controller 50 . In the case of irradiating visible light from the light source 32 , light may be irradiated from full-color LEDs, or at least any one of red LEDs, green LEDs, and blue LEDs.

In addition, in the case of a full-color LED, the wavelength of irradiated visible light or the intensity of light can be controlled by selecting a terminal to which a voltage is applied or by increasing or decreasing the applied voltage. In the case of red LEDs, green LEDs, and blue LEDs, the wavelength of irradiated visible light or the intensity of light can be controlled by selecting an LED to which a voltage is applied or by increasing or decreasing the applied voltage. In addition, the details about the control of the irradiated visible light and ultraviolet-ray will be mentioned later.

In addition, a sensor 35 for detecting the position of the inspection target object 100 may be further provided. The sensor 35 is provided, for example, to obtain an imaging timing by the imaging unit 31 , to obtain an irradiation timing by the light source 32 , or to switch between start and stop of irradiation. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor 35 may be installed on the upstream side of the inspection unit 30 and in the vicinity of the inspection unit 30 . The form of the sensor 35 is not particularly limited. The sensor 35 may be, for example, an optical sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a proximity sensor, or the like.

The storage unit 40 stores the inspection target object 100a that has been inspected. The storage unit 40 is provided, for example, near the discharge-side end of the moving unit 20 . The storage unit 40 is, for example, a container or the like. In addition, a storage section for storing the inspection object 100a judged as "no abnormality" during the inspection and a storage section for storing the inspection object 100a judged as "abnormal" may be separately provided. In such a case, a device for distributing the inspection target object 100a may be installed in the moving unit 20 based on the inspection result. Furthermore, distribution of the inspection target object 100a may be performed by an operator, a robot, or the like.

The controller 50 controls the operation of each element provided in the inspection device 1 . The controller 50 includes computing elements such as a central processing unit (Central Processing Unit, CPU), and storage elements such as semiconductor memories, for example. The controller 50 is, for example, a computer. In the storage element, for example, a control program or the like for controlling the operation of each element provided in the inspection device 1 can be stored. In addition, an input device for inputting data such as inspection conditions by an operator may be connected to the controller 50 . A display device that displays an operating state, an abnormality warning, and the like may also be connected to the controller 50 .

Next, the operation of the inspection device 1 will be described. For example, the controller 50 controls the supply unit 10 to supply the inspection target object 100 to the moving unit 20 . For example, the controller 50 controls the moving unit 20 to move the inspection target object 100 to the inspection unit 30 .

The controller 50 causes the imaging unit 31 to capture a color image of the inspection object 100 , for example, when the sensor 35 detects that the inspection object 100 has been brought into the imaging area of the imaging unit 31 . The data of the captured color image is input to the controller 50 .

Here, on the surface of the inspection object 100, abnormal parts such as damaged parts, diseased parts, and decayed parts may occur. For example, the main color of the abnormal portion differs from the main color of the normal portion (the original color of the inspection target object 100 ) in at least one of hue, brightness, and chroma. In addition, in general, the area of the abnormal portion is smaller than that of the normal portion.

Therefore, by analyzing at least any one of hue, brightness, and chroma in the color image of the inspection object 100, the dominant color of the normal portion or the dominant color of the abnormal portion can be obtained.

In this case, for example, the hue, lightness, and saturation with the highest value or the hue, lightness, and saturation of a large area can be set as the main hue, lightness, and saturation of a normal portion. In addition, for example, the hue, lightness, and saturation with the lowest value or the hue, lightness, and saturation of a small area can be set as the main hue, lightness, and saturation of the abnormal portion.

In addition, the main color of the normal part and the main color of the abnormal part can also be calculated|required in advance. In this case, data on at least any one of the hue, lightness, and saturation of the main color of the normal part obtained in advance may be input to the controller 50 . Data on at least any one of the hue, brightness, and saturation of the main color of the abnormal portion obtained in advance may be input to the controller 50 . It is also possible to input the data of the normal portion and the data of the abnormal portion obtained in advance to the controller 50 . Note that, when these data are obtained in advance, the imaging unit 31 can be omitted. However, if the imaging unit 31 is provided, the dominant color of the normal portion or the dominant color of the abnormal portion of the inspection object 100 immediately before the inspection can be obtained. Therefore, inspection closer to actual conditions can be performed.

The controller 50 obtains the most prominent color of the normal portion based on the dominant color of the normal portion obtained by analyzing the data captured by the imaging unit 31 or the dominant color of the normal portion obtained in advance and input to the controller 50. The wavelength of visible light. The wavelength of visible light that makes the main color of the normal part stand out most can be, for example, the wavelength of visible light that has the highest hue, brightness, and chroma when the normal part is irradiated with sunlight. For example, when the inspection object 100 is a strawberry, it is a wavelength of red light.

In addition, the controller 50 can obtain the wavelength of visible light that makes the dominant color of the abnormal portion stand out the most. For example, in the case of obtaining the wavelength of visible light that makes the main color of the normal part stand out the most, the wavelength of the color that has a complementary color relationship with the obtained color of visible light can be set to make the main color of the abnormal part the most prominent wavelength of visible light. This facilitates calculation processing in the controller 50 .

In addition, based on the dominant color of the abnormal part obtained by analyzing the data captured by the imaging unit 31 or the dominant color of the abnormal part obtained in advance and input to the controller 50, it is also possible to obtain the most prominent dominant color of the abnormal part. wavelength of visible light. The wavelength of visible light that makes the main color of the abnormal portion stand out the most can be, for example, the wavelength of visible light that has the highest hue, brightness, and saturation when the abnormal portion is irradiated with sunlight.

Furthermore, when ultraviolet rays are irradiated, abnormal parts such as damaged parts, diseased parts, and decayed parts can be highlighted. However, depending on the type of the inspection object 100 or the degree of the abnormality, the abnormality may not be highlighted even when irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is also possible to selectively switch between the irradiation of visible light and the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, which make the main color of the abnormal portion the most prominent. For example, the operator may appropriately switch between the irradiation of visible light and the irradiation of ultraviolet rays based on the judgment of the operator, or the results of experiments or simulations.

In addition, for example, the controller 50 may compare the image data when irradiated with visible light that highlights the main color of the abnormal portion and the image data when irradiated with ultraviolet rays, and switch to irradiation for easier judgment of the abnormal portion. In addition, for example, irradiation of visible light and irradiation of ultraviolet rays to make the main color of the abnormal part stand out are performed sequentially or simultaneously, and image data that makes judgment of the abnormal part easier can be made the object of judgment.

For example, the controller 50 controls the circuit unit 34 so that the light source 32 is irradiated with at least one of visible light and ultraviolet light that make the main color of the normal part stand out most. For example, based on a signal from the controller 50 , the circuit unit 34 causes the light source 32 to irradiate at least one of visible light and ultraviolet rays that highlight the main color of the normal portion.

In addition, for example, the controller 50 controls the circuit unit 34 so that the light source 32 irradiates at least one of visible light and ultraviolet light that make the main color of the abnormal portion most prominent. For example, the circuit unit 34 irradiates the light source 32 with at least one of visible light and ultraviolet light that highlights the dominant color of the abnormal portion based on a signal from the controller 50 .

As described above, the controller 50 irradiates the visible light of the wavelength which makes the main color of the normal part of the inspection object 100 stand out the most from the light source 32 . Alternatively, the controller 50 irradiates visible light of a wavelength that makes the dominant color of the abnormal portion of the inspection object 100 most prominent from the light source 32 . In addition, the controller 50 can obtain the wavelength that makes the dominant color of the normal part of the inspection object 100 most prominent and the wavelength that makes the main color of the abnormal part of the inspection object 100 most prominent based on the image data input from the imaging unit 31 . at least any of the wavelengths.

At least one of visible light and ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source 32 and reflected by the surface of the inspection object 100 is detected by the detection unit 33 . Data detected by the detection unit 33 is input to the controller 50 via the circuit unit 34 .

For example, the controller 50 determines at least one of the presence or absence of an abnormal portion and the degree of the abnormal portion based on the data input from the detection unit 33 . When the visible light that highlights the main color of the normal part is irradiated, the range, size, etc. of the normal part become clear. Therefore, when the range, size, etc. of the normal portion is larger than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that there is no abnormal portion or the size, degree, etc. of the abnormal portion are within an allowable range.

When the visible light that highlights the main color of the abnormal portion is irradiated, the range, size, and the like of the abnormal portion become clear. Therefore, when the range, size, etc. of the abnormal portion are larger than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that there is an abnormal portion or the size, degree, etc. of the abnormal portion exceed the allowable range.

When ultraviolet rays are irradiated, the range, size, etc. of the abnormal portion become clear. Therefore, when the range, size, etc. of the abnormal portion are larger than a predetermined threshold, it can be determined that there is an abnormal portion or the size, degree, etc. of the abnormal portion exceed the allowable range.

In addition, for example, the controller 50 may temporarily stop the moving unit 20 or temporarily lower the moving speed when the inspection target object 100 is inspected. In such a case, the controller 50 may restart the movement or return the movement speed to the original state when the inspection of the inspection target object 100 is completed.

For example, the controller 50 controls the moving unit 20 to move the inspected object 100 a that has been inspected to the storage unit 40 . Furthermore, when a device for distributing the inspection object 100a is installed in the moving part 20 based on the inspection result, the controller 50 controls the device for distributing the inspection object 100a, And the inspection target object 100 a judged to be “abnormal” is stored in each storage unit 40 . When the operator distributes the inspection object 100a, the controller 50 may issue a warning or the like to notify the operator that the inspection object 100a is judged to be "abnormal".

The inspection apparatus 1 of the present embodiment is provided with a light source 32 capable of changing the wavelength of irradiated visible light. For example, the light source 32 can irradiate at least any one of visible light and ultraviolet light. Therefore, the controller 50 may irradiate at least any one of light that highlights the main color of the normal portion and ultraviolet rays from the light source 32 . Alternatively, the controller 50 may irradiate from the light source 32 at least any one of light that highlights the main color of the abnormal portion and ultraviolet rays.

Therefore, at least one of the presence or absence of an abnormal portion and the degree of the abnormal portion can be more accurately determined. That is, according to the inspection device 1 of the present embodiment, various foods can be inspected with a simple structure.

In addition, if the imaging unit 31 is provided, the dominant color of the normal portion or the dominant color of the abnormal portion of the inspection object 100 immediately before inspection can be obtained. Therefore, inspection closer to actual conditions can be performed.

As mentioned above, some embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated, but these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These new embodiments can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, substitutions, changes, etc. can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications thereof are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the inventions described in the claims for the invention and their equivalent scopes. In addition, the respective embodiments described above can be implemented in combination with each other.

1: Food inspection device / inspection device 10: Supply Department 20: Mobile Department 30: Inspection Department 31: Shooting Department 32: light source 33: Detection Department 34: Circuit Department 35: Sensor 40: Containment 50: Controller 100, 100a: inspection object A-A: line direction

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a food inspection device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an inspection unit.

1: Food inspection device / inspection device

10: Supply Department

20: Mobile Department

30: Inspection Department

35: Sensor

40: Containment

50: Controller

100, 100a: inspection object

A-A: line direction

Claims (3)

A food inspection device, comprising: controller; a light source that irradiates at least one of visible light and ultraviolet light based on a signal from the controller, and can change the wavelength of the irradiated visible light; and The detection unit detects at least one of the visible light and the ultraviolet light irradiated from the light source and reflected by the object to be inspected. The food inspection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller illuminates from the light source the visible light having a wavelength that makes the main color of the normal part of the inspection object stand out the most, or The visible light having a wavelength that makes the dominant color of the abnormal portion of the inspection object stand out the most. The food inspection device according to claim 1, further comprising an imaging unit for imaging the inspection object, data of an image captured by the imaging unit is input to the controller, The controller obtains, based on the input data of the image, a wavelength at which a dominant color of a normal portion of the inspection object is most prominent and a wavelength at which a main color of an abnormal portion of the inspection object is most prominent. at least any of the .

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