WO2019117009A1 - Imaging device for eggs and inspection device for eggs - Google Patents

Imaging device for eggs and inspection device for eggs Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019117009A1
WO2019117009A1 PCT/JP2018/044927 JP2018044927W WO2019117009A1 WO 2019117009 A1 WO2019117009 A1 WO 2019117009A1 JP 2018044927 W JP2018044927 W JP 2018044927W WO 2019117009 A1 WO2019117009 A1 WO 2019117009A1
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Prior art keywords
egg
light
pack
imaging
eggs
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Ceased
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PCT/JP2018/044927
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French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
山太 籾井
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Nabel Co Ltd
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Nabel Co Ltd
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K43/00—Testing, sorting or cleaning eggs ; Conveying devices ; Pick-up devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/17—Systems in which incident light is modified in accordance with the properties of the material investigated
    • G01N21/25—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands
    • G01N21/27—Colour; Spectral properties, i.e. comparison of effect of material on the light at two or more different wavelengths or wavelength bands using photo-electric detection ; circuits for computing concentration
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/62—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light
    • G01N21/63—Systems in which the material investigated is excited whereby it emits light or causes a change in wavelength of the incident light optically excited
    • G01N21/64—Fluorescence; Phosphorescence
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
    • G01N21/90—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination in a container or its contents

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an imaging device for eggs and an inspection device for eggs, and in particular, an imaging device for imaging eggs that pack eggs in a pack-packed state, and an inspection device for eggs that inspects such eggs. About.
  • the eggs are transported in a predetermined direction, and after the eggs are subjected to predetermined treatments such as orientation alignment, washing, drying and weighing, the weighing results are used. Sorting and packaging takes place. And the eggs packed in a predetermined pack will be shipped to the market.
  • GP Grading and Packing
  • the above-mentioned GP center is not suitable for commercialization, such as broken eggs in the shell (broken eggs) or eggs to which foreign substances such as feces and urine contents have been attached, by various tests that the eggs receive while being transported Eggs have been removed before packing.
  • the inspector again performs a visual inspection. At that time, it is necessary to visually observe from above the pack, and further, to turn the pack over and visually observe. For this reason, a lot of labor is required for the inspection, and for example, the egg inspection apparatus described in each of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 is mechanized.
  • near infrared rays are irradiated toward the lower side of the pack, and a state in which an egg white or an egg yolk has leaked into the pack from a broken eggshell, or a hole is opened in the eggshell
  • the image is taken using near infrared reflection.
  • the pack in which the egg is contained has an egg seat formed to conform to the shape of the egg.
  • the egg seat is provided with a number of asperities so that the pack is made of a thin material so that its strength does not decrease.
  • the present invention focuses on such a defect, and one object is to provide an egg imaging apparatus capable of easily imaging a packed egg in a state in which the pack is packed with eggs, Another object is to provide an egg inspection apparatus which can easily inspect such packed eggs.
  • the imaging device for eggs is an imaging device for eggs that picks up an image of a packed egg in a state in which the egg is packed in a translucent pack, and includes an irradiation unit and an imaging unit. There is.
  • the irradiation unit irradiates the pack egg with excitation light having a first wavelength through the pack.
  • the imaging unit acquires an image of the pack egg by imaging the pack egg irradiated with the excitation light through the pack.
  • the “translucent pack” may be any pack that can recognize to some extent the shape of the egg on the other side (inner side) of the pack through the pack, for example, a transparent container having a very high light transmittance. Besides, it may be a colored transparent (colored transparent) container.
  • the egg inspection apparatus includes a first light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and an excitation light other than the first light, emitted from the egg by irradiating the pack with the excitation light. It is preferable to have a light adjustment unit that distinguishes the light of two.
  • the light adjusting unit includes a light filter disposed between the imaging unit and the puck egg.
  • the light adjustment unit preferably includes a function of processing an image captured by the imaging unit, which includes the first light.
  • An egg inspection apparatus is an egg inspection apparatus including the above-described imaging device, and includes a determination unit that determines the state of a pack egg based on an image captured by the imaging unit.
  • the “packed egg state” refers to a state in which foreign matter is mixed in the pack other than those relating to eggshell state such as a stained egg or broken egg in which foreign matter has adhered to the eggshell, or inside the pack in which the egg is to be stored. Also included is the condition of egg loss when the egg is not accommodated in the egg seat of.
  • the inspection apparatus according to the present invention only needs to inspect at least one of these states.
  • an imaging device capable of easily imaging the state of packed eggs
  • an inspection device capable of easily inspecting the state of packed eggs
  • FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a packed egg inspection device and a packed egg imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the egg imaging device 2 images “packed eggs P” in a state in which the eggs E are accommodated in the translucent pack P1. Moreover, the inspection apparatus 1 of eggs which concerns on this embodiment containing the imaging device 2 of eggs test
  • the pack egg P refers to the egg E and the pack P1 in a state in which the pack P1 is packed with a predetermined number of eggs E, and is a concept including the egg E and the pack P1.
  • the pack P1 includes a main body P2 accommodating the lower side of the egg E, and a lid P3 disposed above the main body P2.
  • the main body P2 and the lid P3 are connected via a hinge P4.
  • the pack P1 is integrally formed of, for example, a colorless and transparent synthetic resin such as well-known PET (polyethylene terephthalate).
  • the main body P2 is provided with a plurality of egg seats P5.
  • Each egg seat P5 is a recess formed to follow the shape of the egg E.
  • the egg seat P5 is provided with a large number of asperities (not shown) so that the pack is made of a thin material so that its strength does not decrease.
  • the egg inspection apparatus 1 is disposed downstream of an egg packaging apparatus (not shown) well known in the art, and inspects the packed eggs P arranged at a predetermined inspection position.
  • the egg inspection apparatus 1 includes an irradiation unit 6, an imaging unit 7, a light adjustment unit 8, and a determination unit 9. That is, the egg inspection apparatus 1 includes an egg imaging apparatus 2 for imaging a pack egg P, and a determination unit 9.
  • the irradiation part 6 irradiates excitation light toward the egg E (packed egg P) through the translucent pack P1.
  • Excitation light includes light having a wavelength that can excite electrons in eggshell dye (protoporphyrin).
  • the irradiation unit 6 irradiates the ultraviolet light L1 as excitation light.
  • the irradiating unit 6 is, for example, an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) that emits light having a peak of intensity at a wavelength of around 400 nm.
  • the ultraviolet light L1 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line.
  • the irradiating unit 6 obliquely irradiates the excitation light toward the lower surface side of the pack egg P.
  • "ultraviolet light (excitation light)" also includes short visible light having a wavelength near 400 nm, which is adjacent to ultraviolet light.
  • 520 nm is also provided to the irradiation unit 6 side in order to block or suppress light having a wavelength close to the wavelength of the fluorescence L3 of eggshell described later among the light (excitation light) irradiated from the irradiation unit 6.
  • An optical filter 61 for cutting light of the above wavelength is disposed. Accordingly, only light having a wavelength shorter than 520 nm is adjusted from the irradiation unit 6 so as to be emitted toward the egg E (packed egg P) passing through the pack P1.
  • the imaging unit 7 images the egg E irradiated with the ultraviolet light L1 through the pack P1 through the pack P1.
  • the egg E irradiated with the ultraviolet light L1 is excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emits fluorescence having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the ultraviolet light L1.
  • the eggshell excited by the ultraviolet light L1 emits red fluorescence L3 having emission peaks (intensity) at wavelengths of 600 nm to 700 nm, specifically, wavelengths near 610 nm and 670 nm. That is, in the present embodiment, the “light of a wavelength different from excitation light” refers to this fluorescence L3.
  • the fluorescence L3 is indicated by a solid line.
  • the imaging unit 7 only needs to be capable of detecting the red fluorescence L3.
  • a monochrome camera is used as the imaging unit 7.
  • the imaging unit 7 is disposed immediately below the pack P1, and is set so that the lens of the camera is directed upward.
  • the light adjusting unit 8 has a function of blocking or suppressing the light having the wavelength of the excitation light among the light to be incident toward the imaging unit 7.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 has a function of causing only the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell to substantially enter the imaging unit 7.
  • the imaging unit 7 captures an image in which light other than the fluorescence L3 is blocked.
  • the wavelength of the reflected light L21 is the same as the wavelength of the incident light (ultraviolet light L1). In FIG. 1, the reflected light L21 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 has a function of transmitting the red fluorescence L3 and reducing the pack related light L2 having a wavelength shorter than 600 nm.
  • the pack related light L2 is the reflected light L21 and the fluorescence L22 related to the pack P1.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 is, for example, an optical filter that blocks or suppresses light having a wavelength of 600 nm or less.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 is provided between the egg E and the imaging unit 7, specifically, adjacent to a lens (not shown) of the imaging unit 7.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 has a function of suppressing the pack related light L2 from entering the imaging unit 7.
  • the fluorescent light L22 is green light which is excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emits light on the surface of the pack P1.
  • the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell is transmitted, and the transmission of the fluorescence L22 of the pack P1 and the reflected light L21 is suppressed.
  • the fluorescence L22 is indicated by a broken line.
  • the determination unit 9 is configured by a dedicated or general-purpose computer such as a central processing unit (CPU), an internal memory, an input / output interface, an AD conversion unit, and the like. The cooperation of the CPU and other peripheral devices in accordance with the program stored in the internal memory causes the function as the determination unit 9 to be exhibited.
  • the state of the egg E (packed egg P) packed in the pack P ⁇ b> 1 is determined based on the image captured by the imaging unit 7.
  • the stain on the surface of the eggshell blocks or suppresses the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell.
  • the image of the dirt part appears darker than the entire image of the egg E.
  • the image of the holed part appears darker than the image of the whole egg E.
  • the presence of the foreign matter between the eggshell and the imaging unit 7 blocks or suppresses the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell. Therefore, the image of the portion where the foreign matter is present appears darker than the image of the other portion.
  • egg loss there is no luminous eggshell at all. Therefore, the image of the egg drop appears dark as the surrounding images.
  • the determination unit 9 determines that the state of the egg E packed in the pack P1 is not normal. That is, it is determined that the state of the egg E packed in the pack P1 is tainted egg, broken egg, or the inclusion of foreign matter in the pack P1, and it is determined that the egg P is unsuitable for commercialization.
  • the determination section 9 when there is no part that appears bright in the image of the region where the egg E should be present, and the presence of the egg E can not be detected, it is determined that the egg is missing and unsuitable for commercialization. It is determined that the pack egg P is.
  • the “brightly appearing part” and the “dark appearing part” are separated (differentiated) by performing binarization processing using a threshold set in advance in the internal memory, etc. This can be done using various methods well known in
  • the egg imaging device 2 includes the irradiation unit 6 and the imaging unit 7.
  • the irradiating unit 6 irradiates excitation light (ultraviolet light L1) to the egg E (packed egg P) passing through the translucent pack P1.
  • the imaging unit 7 images an egg E which is excited by the excitation light (ultraviolet light L1) and emits light (fluorescent light L3) having a wavelength different from that of the ultraviolet light L1 through the pack P1.
  • a light adjustment unit 8 is provided adjacent to the lens of the imaging unit 7.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 has a function of distinguishing the fluorescence L3, the fluorescence L22, and the reflected light L21.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 in the light adjustment unit 8, light other than light (fluorescent light L3) having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light (ultraviolet light L1) is cut (blocked or suppressed). That is, the light adjusting unit 8 transmits red light having an emission peak (intensity) at a wavelength of 600 nm to 700 nm, which is excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emits light on the surface of the eggshell, and pack related light L2 having a wavelength shorter than 600 nm. Have the ability to dim light.
  • the transmission of the pack related light L2 including the green light excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emitted on the surface of the pack P1 is suppressed, and the pack related light L2 is suppressed from entering the imaging unit 7.
  • the light adjusting unit 8 cuts (blocks or suppresses) light having at least the wavelength (about 400 nm) of the excitation light, and has a wavelength close to the wavelength of the excitation light including the wavelength of the fluorescence L22 of the pack P1. It also has a function to cut (block or suppress) light. Thereby, the fluorescence L22 is not incident on the imaging unit 7, and the fluorescence L3 is incident.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 is an optical filter disposed between the imaging unit 7 and the egg E packed in the pack P1. For this reason, complicated image processing after imaging becomes unnecessary.
  • the egg inspection apparatus 1 includes an imaging device 2 and a determination unit 9.
  • the imaging device 2 captures an image of the packed egg E (packed egg P) packed in the pack P1.
  • the determination unit 9 determines the state of the egg E (packed egg P) packed in the pack P1 based on the image captured by the imaging unit 7.
  • the egg inspection apparatus 1 includes the irradiation unit 6, the imaging unit 7, the light adjustment unit 8, and the determination unit 9.
  • the irradiating unit 6 irradiates the egg E passing through the translucent pack P1 with the ultraviolet light L1.
  • the imaging unit 7 images the egg E that is excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emits the fluorescence L3.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 suppresses the pack related light L2 including the reflected light L21 from the pack P1 from entering the imaging unit 7.
  • the determination unit 9 determines the state of the packed eggs E (packed eggs P) packed based on the captured image. This makes it possible to inspect the internal state of the pack P1 more preferably (sharply) as compared with the conventional egg inspection apparatus using reflected light. In addition, it is possible to automate the work that the inspector has conventionally confirmed visually while turning over the pack P1 packed with eggs E one by one.
  • the irradiating unit 6 irradiates light having a wavelength of 360 nm to 410 nm. With light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 500 nm, it is possible to observe fluorescence L3 caused by protoporphyrin in the eggshell. The inventor has found that the wavelength of 360 nm to 410 nm is a wavelength at which fluorescence L3 due to protoporphyrin in the eggshell can be easily observed even at a wavelength within that range. Further, with light having a wavelength shorter than 360 nm, when the pack P1 is irradiated with the ultraviolet light L1, the influence of the light (the fluorescence L22 of the pack P1) emitted by the PET that is the pack material is increased. Therefore, in order to irradiate the egg E through the pack P1, light having a peak (intensity) at a wavelength of 360 nm or more is preferable.
  • the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
  • the imaging device 2 for an egg is not limited to one used together with the determination unit 9.
  • the imaging device 2 for the packed eggs P1 may not include the light adjustment unit 8.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 only needs to be able to distinguish between the fluorescence emitted by the egg at least by excitation light and the light of the wavelength of the excitation light.
  • the light adjustment unit 8 is not limited to the light filter provided adjacent to the imaging unit 7.
  • a color camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, or the like is used as the imaging unit 7, as the light adjustment unit, one that processes an image once captured by the imaging unit is preferable.
  • a light adjustment unit as described above, create an image in which light having a wavelength other than the wavelength (for example, the wavelength of fluorescence) different from the excitation light is cut (blocked or suppressed).
  • the present invention is not limited to the above-described optical conditions, and the arrangement position of the optical filter can be variously changed.
  • the irradiation unit 6 is not limited to the above-described ultraviolet LED as long as it can emit light having a wavelength capable of exciting the eggshell.
  • the location where the irradiation unit is disposed and the direction of the irradiation are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1, and can be appropriately changed depending on the arrangement, configuration, and the like of each unit.
  • the optical filter 61 for blocking or suppressing light having a wavelength in this range is also disposed on the irradiation unit 6 side, but if an irradiation unit that does not emit light having a wavelength in this range is used, the optical filter No need to place.
  • the inspection is usually performed in a state where the lid P3 of the pack P1 is opened, but the inspection may be performed after the lid P3 of the pack P1 is closed. In addition, after the lid P3 of the pack P1 is closed, the inspection may be performed from the upper side of the pack P1. At that time, in addition to the above-mentioned dirty eggs, broken eggs, foreign matter contamination, or egg drop, for example, whether or not the label is properly arranged in the pack P1 is included in the "state of pack eggs P" to be inspected. Or, whether or not the bean seal is properly applied to the egg E is included. Furthermore, imaging may be performed from the side of the pack egg P. The inspection accuracy can be improved by imaging the pack egg P from a plurality of directions.
  • Labels may be arranged inside the pack P1.
  • a bean seal may be attached to the egg E.
  • the pack P1 is not limited to the colorless and transparent pack P1 shown in FIG. 1, and if the pack egg P can be inspected, its color or shape can also be changed. Further, the number of egg seats P5 in the pack P1 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, although the top surface of the lid P3 showed the flat "flat pack" as the pack P1, the "regular pack” may be sufficient.
  • the regular pack is a pack in which a recess is formed in the lid along the shape of an egg, and the recess is provided with a number of asperities.
  • the present invention can be used in an inspection apparatus for inspecting the condition of packed eggs.
  • 1 egg inspection apparatus 2 egg imaging apparatus, 6 irradiation units, 7 imaging units, 8 light adjustment units, 9 judgment units, 61 light filters, L1 ultraviolet light, L2 pack related light, L3 fluorescence, L21 reflected light, L22 fluorescence , P pack egg, P1 pack, P2 body, P3 lid, P4 hinge, P5 egg seat, E egg.

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Abstract

An imaging device (2) for eggs comprises an irradiating unit (6) and an imaging unit (7). The irradiating unit (6) irradiates ultraviolet light (L1) onto eggs (E) through a package (P1) that is translucent. The imaging unit (7) images the eggs (E) through a package (P) by capturing fluorescent light (L3) emitted from the eggs due to excitation by the ultraviolet light (L1). An inspecting device (1) for eggs comprises the imaging device (2) and an evaluating unit (9). The evaluating unit (9) evaluates the state of the eggs (E) contained in the package (P1) on the basis of the image captured by the imaging unit (7) of the imaging device (2).

Description

卵の撮像装置および卵の検査装置Egg imaging apparatus and egg inspection apparatus

　本発明は、卵の撮像装置および卵の検査装置に関し、特に、パックに卵が詰められた状態のパック卵を撮像する卵の撮像装置と、そのようなパック卵を検査する卵の検査装置とに関する。 The present invention relates to an imaging device for eggs and an inspection device for eggs, and in particular, an imaging device for imaging eggs that pack eggs in a pack-packed state, and an inspection device for eggs that inspects such eggs. About.

　卵を選別して包装するＧＰ（Grading　and　Packing）センターでは、卵が所定方向に搬送され、方向整列、洗卵、乾燥および計量等の所定の処理が卵に施された後、計量結果に基づいて、選別および包装処理が行われる。そして、所定のパックに詰められた卵は、市場に出荷されることとなる。 In the GP (Grading and Packing) center, which sorts and packages eggs, the eggs are transported in a predetermined direction, and after the eggs are subjected to predetermined treatments such as orientation alignment, washing, drying and weighing, the weighing results are used. Sorting and packaging takes place. And the eggs packed in a predetermined pack will be shipped to the market.

　上述したＧＰセンターでは、搬送されながら卵が受ける種々の検査により、殻に割れのある卵（破卵）、または、糞尿や卵の内容物などの異物が付着した卵など、商品化に不向きな卵について、パックに詰める前の段階で取り除かれている。しかしながら、このような作業で見過ごされたり、前述した検査後の工程において、卵に割れが生じたり、卵に異物が付着する可能性も否定できない。そのため、卵をパック詰めした後に、検査員が、再度、目視による検査を行っている。その際に、パックの上方から目視し、さらに、パックを裏返して目視する必要がある。このため、検査には多大な労力が必要となり、たとえば、特許文献１および特許文献２のそれぞれに記載された卵の検査装置では、機械化が進められている。 The above-mentioned GP center is not suitable for commercialization, such as broken eggs in the shell (broken eggs) or eggs to which foreign substances such as feces and urine contents have been attached, by various tests that the eggs receive while being transported Eggs have been removed before packing. However, there is no denying possibility that the egg may be broken or the foreign matter may adhere to the egg in the process after the inspection or the above-described inspection. Therefore, after packing the eggs, the inspector again performs a visual inspection. At that time, it is necessary to visually observe from above the pack, and further, to turn the pack over and visually observe. For this reason, a lot of labor is required for the inspection, and for example, the egg inspection apparatus described in each of Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 is mechanized.

　特許文献１に記載の検査装置では、パックの下部側に向けて近赤外線を照射し、卵殻の割れから卵白または卵黄がパック内に流出した中身漏れを撮像したり、卵殻に穴が開いた状態を近赤外線の反射を利用して撮像している。 In the inspection apparatus described in Patent Document 1, near infrared rays are irradiated toward the lower side of the pack, and a state in which an egg white or an egg yolk has leaked into the pack from a broken eggshell, or a hole is opened in the eggshell The image is taken using near infrared reflection.

特開２０１４－４７号公報JP, 2014-47, A 特許第５８９９５５３号明細書Patent No. 5899 553

　通常、卵が収容されるパックは、卵の形に沿うように卵座が形成されている。この卵座には、パックが薄い素材から作られても強度が低下しないように、多数の凹凸が設けられている。このようなパックに向かって光を照射すると、パックで反射した反射光によって、ぎらつきが生じてしまう。そのため、パックの内部の様子が、反射光に遮られてしまい、正確な検査結果が得られないという問題があった。 Usually, the pack in which the egg is contained has an egg seat formed to conform to the shape of the egg. The egg seat is provided with a number of asperities so that the pack is made of a thin material so that its strength does not decrease. When light is irradiated toward such a pack, glare is caused by the reflected light reflected by the pack. Therefore, there is a problem that the inside of the pack is blocked by the reflected light, and accurate inspection results can not be obtained.

　本発明は、このような不具合に着目したものであり、一つの目的は、パックに卵が詰められた状態のパック卵を容易に撮像することができる卵の撮像装置を提供することであり、他の目的は、そのようなパック卵を容易に検査することができる卵の検査装置を提供することである。 The present invention focuses on such a defect, and one object is to provide an egg imaging apparatus capable of easily imaging a packed egg in a state in which the pack is packed with eggs, Another object is to provide an egg inspection apparatus which can easily inspect such packed eggs.

　本発明に係る卵の撮像装置は、透光性を有するパックに卵が詰められた状態のパック卵を、パック越しに撮像する卵の撮像装置であって、照射部と撮像部とを備えている。照射部は、パック卵に向けて、パック越しに第１波長を有する励起光を照射する。撮像部は、励起光が照射されたパック卵を、パック越しに撮像することによって、パック卵の画像を取得する。 The imaging device for eggs according to the present invention is an imaging device for eggs that picks up an image of a packed egg in a state in which the egg is packed in a translucent pack, and includes an irradiation unit and an imaging unit. There is. The irradiation unit irradiates the pack egg with excitation light having a first wavelength through the pack. The imaging unit acquires an image of the pack egg by imaging the pack egg irradiated with the excitation light through the pack.

　「透光性を有するパック」とは、パックを通して、パックの向こう側（内側）の卵の形状等をある程度認識できるようなパックであればよく、たとえば、光の透過率が極めて高い透明の容器の他に、着色された透明（有色透明）の容器であってもよい。 The “translucent pack” may be any pack that can recognize to some extent the shape of the egg on the other side (inner side) of the pack through the pack, for example, a transparent container having a very high light transmittance. Besides, it may be a colored transparent (colored transparent) container.

　卵の検査装置は、励起光をパック卵に照射することによって、卵から発せられる、第１波長とは異なる第２波長を有する第１の光と、第１の光以外の励起光を含む第２の光とを区別する光調整部を備えていることが好ましい。 The egg inspection apparatus includes a first light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and an excitation light other than the first light, emitted from the egg by irradiating the pack with the excitation light. It is preferable to have a light adjustment unit that distinguishes the light of two.

　光調整部としては、撮像部とパック卵との間に配置された光フィルタを含んでいることが好ましい。また、光調整部としては、第１の光を含む、撮像部によって撮像された画像を処理する機能を含んでいることが好ましい。 It is preferable that the light adjusting unit includes a light filter disposed between the imaging unit and the puck egg. The light adjustment unit preferably includes a function of processing an image captured by the imaging unit, which includes the first light.

　本発明に係る卵の検査装置は、上述した撮像装置を備えた卵の検査装置であって、撮像部によって撮像された画像に基づいて、パック卵の状態を判定する判定部を備えている。 An egg inspection apparatus according to the present invention is an egg inspection apparatus including the above-described imaging device, and includes a determination unit that determines the state of a pack egg based on an image captured by the imaging unit.

　「パック卵の状態」とは、卵殻へ異物が付着した汚卵または破卵など、卵殻の状態に関するもの以外にも、パック内へ異物が混入した状態、または、卵が収容されるべきパック内の卵座に卵が収容されていない卵抜けの状態も含まれる。本発明に係る検査装置は、これらの状態のうち少なくとも一つの状態を検査するものであればよい。 The “packed egg state” refers to a state in which foreign matter is mixed in the pack other than those relating to eggshell state such as a stained egg or broken egg in which foreign matter has adhered to the eggshell, or inside the pack in which the egg is to be stored. Also included is the condition of egg loss when the egg is not accommodated in the egg seat of. The inspection apparatus according to the present invention only needs to inspect at least one of these states.

　本発明によれば、パック詰めされた卵の状態を容易に撮像することができる撮像装置と、パック詰めされた卵の状態を容易に検査することができる検査装置とを提供できる。 According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an imaging device capable of easily imaging the state of packed eggs, and an inspection device capable of easily inspecting the state of packed eggs.

　この発明の上記および他の目的、特徴、局面および利点は、添付の図面と関連して理解されるこの発明に関する次の詳細な説明から明らかとなるであろう。 The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

本発明の一実施形態に係るパック詰めされた卵の検査装置と、パック詰めされた卵の撮像装置とを概略的に示す側面図である。FIG. 1 is a side view schematically illustrating a packed egg inspection device and a packed egg imaging device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

　以下、本発明の一実施形態について、図１を用いて説明する。
　本実施形態に係る卵の撮像装置２は、透光性のあるパックＰ１に卵Ｅが収容された状態である「パック卵Ｐ」を撮像する。また、卵の撮像装置２を含む本実施形態に係る卵の検査装置１は、パック卵Ｐを検査する。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
The egg imaging device 2 according to the present embodiment images “packed eggs P” in a state in which the eggs E are accommodated in the translucent pack P1. Moreover, the inspection apparatus 1 of eggs which concerns on this embodiment containing the imaging device 2 of eggs test | inspects the pack egg P. As shown in FIG.

　パック卵Ｐとは、パックＰ１に所定個数の卵Ｅが詰められた状態の、その卵ＥとパックＰ１のことをいい、卵ＥとパックＰ１とを含む概念である。パックＰ１は、卵Ｅの下部側を収容する本体Ｐ２と、本体Ｐ２の上方に配置される蓋Ｐ３とを備える。本体Ｐ２と蓋Ｐ３とは、ヒンジＰ４を介して連結されている。パックＰ１は、たとえば、よく知られているＰＥＴ（ポリエチレンテレフタレート）等の無色透明の合成樹脂により一体成形されたものである。本体Ｐ２は、複数個の卵座Ｐ５を備えている。各卵座Ｐ５は、卵Ｅの形に沿うように形成されたくぼみである。卵座Ｐ５には、パックが、薄い素材で作られても強度が低下しないように、多数の凹凸（図示せず）が設けられている。 The pack egg P refers to the egg E and the pack P1 in a state in which the pack P1 is packed with a predetermined number of eggs E, and is a concept including the egg E and the pack P1. The pack P1 includes a main body P2 accommodating the lower side of the egg E, and a lid P3 disposed above the main body P2. The main body P2 and the lid P3 are connected via a hinge P4. The pack P1 is integrally formed of, for example, a colorless and transparent synthetic resin such as well-known PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The main body P2 is provided with a plurality of egg seats P5. Each egg seat P5 is a recess formed to follow the shape of the egg E. The egg seat P5 is provided with a large number of asperities (not shown) so that the pack is made of a thin material so that its strength does not decrease.

　卵の検査装置１は、この分野でよく知られた卵の包装装置（図示せず）の下流側に配置され、所定の検査位置に配置されたパック卵Ｐを検査する。卵の検査装置１は、照射部６と撮像部７と光調整部８と判定部９とを備えている。すなわち、卵の検査装置１は、パック卵Ｐを撮像する卵の撮像装置２と、判定部９とを備えている。 The egg inspection apparatus 1 is disposed downstream of an egg packaging apparatus (not shown) well known in the art, and inspects the packed eggs P arranged at a predetermined inspection position. The egg inspection apparatus 1 includes an irradiation unit 6, an imaging unit 7, a light adjustment unit 8, and a determination unit 9. That is, the egg inspection apparatus 1 includes an egg imaging apparatus 2 for imaging a pack egg P, and a determination unit 9.

　照射部６は、透光性を有するパックＰ１越しに卵Ｅ（パック卵Ｐ）に向けて励起光を照射する。励起光は、卵殻色素（プロトポルフィリン）の中の電子を励起させることができる波長を有する光を含む。本実施形態では、照射部６は、励起光として紫外線Ｌ１を照射する。照射部６は、たとえば、４００ｎｍ付近の波長に強度のピークを有する光を発する紫外線ＬＥＤ（Light　Emitting　Diode）である。図１では、紫外線Ｌ１は、一点鎖線で示されている。照射部６は、パック卵Ｐの下面側に向かって斜めから励起光を照射する。なお、本明細書では、「紫外線（励起光）」には、紫外線に隣接する、４００ｎｍ付近の波長の短い可視光線も含まれる。 The irradiation part 6 irradiates excitation light toward the egg E (packed egg P) through the translucent pack P1. Excitation light includes light having a wavelength that can excite electrons in eggshell dye (protoporphyrin). In the present embodiment, the irradiation unit 6 irradiates the ultraviolet light L1 as excitation light. The irradiating unit 6 is, for example, an ultraviolet light emitting diode (LED) that emits light having a peak of intensity at a wavelength of around 400 nm. In FIG. 1, the ultraviolet light L1 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line. The irradiating unit 6 obliquely irradiates the excitation light toward the lower surface side of the pack egg P. In the present specification, "ultraviolet light (excitation light)" also includes short visible light having a wavelength near 400 nm, which is adjacent to ultraviolet light.

　本実施形態では、照射部６から照射される光（励起光）のうち、後述する卵殻の蛍光Ｌ３の波長に近い波長を有する光を遮断または抑制するために、照射部６側にも、５２０ｎｍ以上の波長の光をカットする光フィルタ６１が配置されている。これにより、照射部６からは、５２０ｎｍより短い波長を有する光のみが、パックＰ１越しの卵Ｅ（パック卵Ｐ）に向けて照射されるように調整されている。 In the present embodiment, 520 nm is also provided to the irradiation unit 6 side in order to block or suppress light having a wavelength close to the wavelength of the fluorescence L3 of eggshell described later among the light (excitation light) irradiated from the irradiation unit 6. An optical filter 61 for cutting light of the above wavelength is disposed. Accordingly, only light having a wavelength shorter than 520 nm is adjusted from the irradiation unit 6 so as to be emitted toward the egg E (packed egg P) passing through the pack P1.

　撮像部７は、パックＰ１越しに紫外線Ｌ１が照射された卵Ｅを、パックＰ１越しに撮像する。紫外線Ｌ１が照射された卵Ｅでは、紫外線Ｌ１により励起されて、紫外線Ｌ１の波長とは異なる波長を有する蛍光を発する。紫外線Ｌ１に励起された卵殻は、６００ｎｍ～７００ｎｍの波長、具体的には、６１０ｎｍ付近の波長と６７０ｎｍ付近の波長とのそれぞれに発光ピーク（強度）を有する赤色の蛍光Ｌ３を発する。すなわち、本実施形態では、「励起光とは異なる波長の光」とは、この蛍光Ｌ３を指す。図１では、蛍光Ｌ３は、実線で示されている。撮像部７は、赤色の蛍光Ｌ３を検出可能なものであればよく、本実施形態では、撮像部７として、たとえば、モノクロカメラが用いられている。撮像部７は、パックＰ１の直下に配置されており、カメラのレンズが直上に向くように設定されている。 The imaging unit 7 images the egg E irradiated with the ultraviolet light L1 through the pack P1 through the pack P1. The egg E irradiated with the ultraviolet light L1 is excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emits fluorescence having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the ultraviolet light L1. The eggshell excited by the ultraviolet light L1 emits red fluorescence L3 having emission peaks (intensity) at wavelengths of 600 nm to 700 nm, specifically, wavelengths near 610 nm and 670 nm. That is, in the present embodiment, the “light of a wavelength different from excitation light” refers to this fluorescence L3. In FIG. 1, the fluorescence L3 is indicated by a solid line. The imaging unit 7 only needs to be capable of detecting the red fluorescence L3. In the present embodiment, for example, a monochrome camera is used as the imaging unit 7. The imaging unit 7 is disposed immediately below the pack P1, and is set so that the lens of the camera is directed upward.

　光調整部８は、撮像部７に向かって入射しようとする光のうち、励起光の波長を有する光を遮断または抑制する機能を有する。光調整部８は、実質的に卵殻の蛍光Ｌ３のみを撮像部７へ入射させる機能を有する。撮像部７では、蛍光Ｌ３以外の光が遮断された画像が撮像される。反射光Ｌ２１の波長は、入射光（紫外線Ｌ１）の波長と同じである。図１では、反射光Ｌ２１は、一点鎖線で示されている。光調整部８は、赤色の蛍光Ｌ３を透過させ、かつ、６００ｎｍより短い波長を有するパック関連光Ｌ２を減光する機能を有する。パック関連光Ｌ２とは、パックＰ１に関係する反射光Ｌ２１および蛍光Ｌ２２である。光調整部８は、たとえば、６００ｎｍ以下の波長を有する光を遮断または抑制する光フィルタである。光調整部８は、卵Ｅと撮像部７との間、具体的には、撮像部７のレンズ（図示せず）に隣接して設けられている。 The light adjusting unit 8 has a function of blocking or suppressing the light having the wavelength of the excitation light among the light to be incident toward the imaging unit 7. The light adjustment unit 8 has a function of causing only the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell to substantially enter the imaging unit 7. The imaging unit 7 captures an image in which light other than the fluorescence L3 is blocked. The wavelength of the reflected light L21 is the same as the wavelength of the incident light (ultraviolet light L1). In FIG. 1, the reflected light L21 is indicated by an alternate long and short dash line. The light adjustment unit 8 has a function of transmitting the red fluorescence L3 and reducing the pack related light L2 having a wavelength shorter than 600 nm. The pack related light L2 is the reflected light L21 and the fluorescence L22 related to the pack P1. The light adjustment unit 8 is, for example, an optical filter that blocks or suppresses light having a wavelength of 600 nm or less. The light adjustment unit 8 is provided between the egg E and the imaging unit 7, specifically, adjacent to a lens (not shown) of the imaging unit 7.

　上記のように、光調整部８は、パック関連光Ｌ２が撮像部７へ入射するのを抑制する機能を有する。パック関連光Ｌ２のうち、蛍光Ｌ２２は、紫外線Ｌ１によって励起されてパックＰ１表面において発光する緑色光である。光調整部８では、卵殻の蛍光Ｌ３が透過し、パックＰ１の蛍光Ｌ２２と反射光Ｌ２１とは、透過が抑制される。図１では、蛍光Ｌ２２は、破線で示されている。 As described above, the light adjustment unit 8 has a function of suppressing the pack related light L2 from entering the imaging unit 7. Of the pack related light L2, the fluorescent light L22 is green light which is excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emits light on the surface of the pack P1. In the light adjustment unit 8, the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell is transmitted, and the transmission of the fluorescence L22 of the pack P1 and the reflected light L21 is suppressed. In FIG. 1, the fluorescence L22 is indicated by a broken line.

　判定部９は、ＣＰＵ（Central　Processing　Unit）、内部メモリ、入出力インターフェース、ＡＤ変換部等の専用または汎用のコンピュータにより構成されている。内部メモリに格納されたプログラムにしたがって、ＣＰＵ、その他の周辺機器が協働することによって、判定部９としての機能が発揮される。判定部９では、撮像部７によって撮像された画像に基づいて、パックＰ１詰めされた卵Ｅ（パック卵Ｐ）の状態が判定される。パック卵Ｐに向けて紫外線Ｌ１が照射されると、卵殻の蛍光Ｌ３、パックＰ１の蛍光Ｌ２２および反射光Ｌ２１が生じる。このとき、蛍光Ｌ３だけが光調整部８を透過して撮像部７に入射し、蛍光Ｌ２２と反射光Ｌ２１は、光調整部８において、遮断または抑制される。これにより、撮像された画像において、卵Ｅの画像は、まわりの部分の画像に比べて明るく表れることになる。 The determination unit 9 is configured by a dedicated or general-purpose computer such as a central processing unit (CPU), an internal memory, an input / output interface, an AD conversion unit, and the like. The cooperation of the CPU and other peripheral devices in accordance with the program stored in the internal memory causes the function as the determination unit 9 to be exhibited. In the determination unit 9, the state of the egg E (packed egg P) packed in the pack P <b> 1 is determined based on the image captured by the imaging unit 7. When the ultraviolet light L1 is irradiated toward the pack egg P, the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell, the fluorescence L22 of the pack P1, and the reflected light L21 are generated. At this time, only the fluorescence L3 passes through the light adjustment unit 8 and enters the imaging unit 7, and the fluorescence L22 and the reflected light L21 are blocked or suppressed in the light adjustment unit 8. As a result, in the captured image, the image of the egg E appears brighter than the image of the surrounding part.

　汚卵の場合、卵殻表面上の汚れによって、卵殻の蛍光Ｌ３が遮断または抑制されることになる。このため、汚れの部分の画像は、卵Ｅの全体の画像に比べて暗く表れる。破卵の場合、穴の開いた部分では発光する卵殻が存在しない。このため、穴があいた部分の画像は、卵Ｅ全体の画像に比べて暗く表れる。パックＰ１内へ異物が混入した場合、卵殻と撮像部７との間に異物が存在することで、卵殻の蛍光Ｌ３が遮断または抑制されることになる。このため、異物の存在する部分の画像がそれ以外の部分の画像に比べて暗く表れる。卵抜けの場合、発光する卵殻が全く存在しない。このため、卵抜けの部分の画像は、まわりの画像と同様に暗く表れる。 In the case of a stained egg, the stain on the surface of the eggshell blocks or suppresses the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell. For this reason, the image of the dirt part appears darker than the entire image of the egg E. In the case of a broken egg, there is no luminous eggshell at the open part of the hole. For this reason, the image of the holed part appears darker than the image of the whole egg E. When foreign matter is mixed into the pack P1, the presence of the foreign matter between the eggshell and the imaging unit 7 blocks or suppresses the fluorescence L3 of the eggshell. Therefore, the image of the portion where the foreign matter is present appears darker than the image of the other portion. In the case of egg loss, there is no luminous eggshell at all. Therefore, the image of the egg drop appears dark as the surrounding images.

　判定部９では、卵Ｅの画像の領域に暗く表れる部分が存在する場合には、パックＰ１詰めされた卵Ｅの状態が正常ではないと判定する。すなわち、パックＰ１詰めされた卵Ｅの状態が、汚卵、破卵、または、パックＰ１内への異物の混入があると判断されて、商品化に不向きなパック卵Ｐであると判定する。また、判定部９では、卵Ｅがあるべき領域の画像に明るく表れる部分が存在せず、卵Ｅの存在を検知できない場合には、卵抜けの状態であると判断されて、商品化に不向きなパック卵Ｐであると判定する。 When there is a portion appearing dark in the area of the image of the egg E, the determination unit 9 determines that the state of the egg E packed in the pack P1 is not normal. That is, it is determined that the state of the egg E packed in the pack P1 is tainted egg, broken egg, or the inclusion of foreign matter in the pack P1, and it is determined that the egg P is unsuitable for commercialization. In addition, in the determination section 9, when there is no part that appears bright in the image of the region where the egg E should be present, and the presence of the egg E can not be detected, it is determined that the egg is missing and unsuitable for commercialization. It is determined that the pack egg P is.

　なお、撮像された画像において、「明るく表れる箇所」と「暗く表れる箇所」との切り分け（区別）は、内部メモリに予め設定しておいた閾値を使って２値化処理を行うなど、この分野でよく知られた種々の方法を用いて行うことができる。 Note that, in this field, in the captured image, the “brightly appearing part” and the “dark appearing part” are separated (differentiated) by performing binarization processing using a threshold set in advance in the internal memory, etc. This can be done using various methods well known in

　上述したように、本実施形態に係る卵の撮像装置２は、照射部６と撮像部７とを備えている。照射部６は、透光性のあるパックＰ１越しの卵Ｅ（パック卵Ｐ）に励起光（紫外線Ｌ１）を照射する。撮像部７は、励起光（紫外線Ｌ１）により励起され、紫外線Ｌ１とは異なる波長の光（蛍光Ｌ３）を発する卵ＥをパックＰ１越しに撮像する。これにより、従来の反射光を使った場合に比べて、より好ましく（鮮明に）パックＰ１の内部の様子を撮像することができる。なお、卵殻色によらずに好適に撮像することが可能である。 As described above, the egg imaging device 2 according to the present embodiment includes the irradiation unit 6 and the imaging unit 7. The irradiating unit 6 irradiates excitation light (ultraviolet light L1) to the egg E (packed egg P) passing through the translucent pack P1. The imaging unit 7 images an egg E which is excited by the excitation light (ultraviolet light L1) and emits light (fluorescent light L3) having a wavelength different from that of the ultraviolet light L1 through the pack P1. As a result, it is possible to capture an image of the inside of the pack P1 more preferably (sharply) as compared to the case where conventional reflected light is used. In addition, it is possible to image suitably irrespective of eggshell color.

　また、撮像部７のレンズに隣接するように光調整部８が設けられている。光調整部８は、蛍光Ｌ３と蛍光Ｌ２２と反射光Ｌ２１とを区別する機能を有する。これにより、多数の凹凸が設けられているパックＰ１に向かって紫外線Ｌ１を照射したときに生じるぎらつきを抑制しながら、パックＰ１の内部の様子を撮像することができる。 In addition, a light adjustment unit 8 is provided adjacent to the lens of the imaging unit 7. The light adjustment unit 8 has a function of distinguishing the fluorescence L3, the fluorescence L22, and the reflected light L21. Thus, it is possible to capture an image of the inside of the pack P1 while suppressing glare that occurs when the ultraviolet light L1 is irradiated toward the pack P1 in which a large number of irregularities are provided.

　特に、光調整部８では、励起光（紫外線Ｌ１）とは異なる波長の光（蛍光Ｌ３）以外の光がカット（遮断または抑制）される。すなわち、光調整部８は、紫外線Ｌ１により励起されて卵殻表面において発光する６００ｎｍ～７００ｎｍの波長に発光ピーク（強度）を有する赤色光を透過させ、かつ、６００ｎｍより短い波長を有するパック関連光Ｌ２を減光する機能を有する。 In particular, in the light adjustment unit 8, light other than light (fluorescent light L3) having a wavelength different from that of the excitation light (ultraviolet light L1) is cut (blocked or suppressed). That is, the light adjusting unit 8 transmits red light having an emission peak (intensity) at a wavelength of 600 nm to 700 nm, which is excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emits light on the surface of the eggshell, and pack related light L2 having a wavelength shorter than 600 nm. Have the ability to dim light.

　さらに、光調整部８では、紫外線Ｌ１により励起されてパックＰ１の表面において発光する緑色光を含むパック関連光Ｌ２の透過が抑制されて、パック関連光Ｌ２が撮像部７へ入射するのを抑制することができる。すなわち、光調整部８は、少なくとも励起光の波長（４００ｎｍ付近）を有する光をカット（遮断または抑制）するとともに、パックＰ１の蛍光Ｌ２２の波長を含む、励起光の波長に接近した波長を有する光もカット（遮断または抑制）する機能を有する。これにより、撮像部７には、蛍光Ｌ２２は入射せず、蛍光Ｌ３が入射することになる。 Furthermore, in the light adjustment unit 8, the transmission of the pack related light L2 including the green light excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emitted on the surface of the pack P1 is suppressed, and the pack related light L2 is suppressed from entering the imaging unit 7. can do. That is, the light adjusting unit 8 cuts (blocks or suppresses) light having at least the wavelength (about 400 nm) of the excitation light, and has a wavelength close to the wavelength of the excitation light including the wavelength of the fluorescence L22 of the pack P1. It also has a function to cut (block or suppress) light. Thereby, the fluorescence L22 is not incident on the imaging unit 7, and the fluorescence L3 is incident.

　光調整部８は、撮像部７とパックＰ１詰めされた卵Ｅとの間に配置される光フィルタである。このため、撮像後の複雑な画像処理などが不要となる。 The light adjustment unit 8 is an optical filter disposed between the imaging unit 7 and the egg E packed in the pack P1. For this reason, complicated image processing after imaging becomes unnecessary.

　本実施形態に係る卵の検査装置１は、撮像装置２と判定部９とを備えている。撮像装置２は、パックＰ１詰めされた卵Ｅ（パック卵Ｐ）の画像を撮像する。判定部９は、撮像部７により撮像された画像に基づいて、パックＰ１詰めされた卵Ｅ（パック卵Ｐ）の状態を判定する。具体的には、卵の検査装置１は、照射部６と撮像部７と光調整部８と判定部９とを備えている。照射部６は、透光性のあるパックＰ１越しの卵Ｅに紫外線Ｌ１を照射する。撮像部７は、紫外線Ｌ１により励起されて蛍光Ｌ３を発する卵Ｅを撮像する。光調整部８は、パックＰ１からの反射光Ｌ２１を含むパック関連光Ｌ２が撮像部７へ入射するのを抑制する。判定部９は、撮像された画像に基づいて、パックＰ１詰めされた卵Ｅ（パック卵Ｐ）の状態を判定する。これにより、従来の反射光を使った卵の検査装置の場合に比べて、より好ましく（鮮明に）パックＰ１の内部の状態を検査することができる。また、従来、検査員が、卵Ｅが詰められたパックＰ１を１個ずつ裏返しながら目視で確認していた作業を、自動化させることができる。 The egg inspection apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an imaging device 2 and a determination unit 9. The imaging device 2 captures an image of the packed egg E (packed egg P) packed in the pack P1. The determination unit 9 determines the state of the egg E (packed egg P) packed in the pack P1 based on the image captured by the imaging unit 7. Specifically, the egg inspection apparatus 1 includes the irradiation unit 6, the imaging unit 7, the light adjustment unit 8, and the determination unit 9. The irradiating unit 6 irradiates the egg E passing through the translucent pack P1 with the ultraviolet light L1. The imaging unit 7 images the egg E that is excited by the ultraviolet light L1 and emits the fluorescence L3. The light adjustment unit 8 suppresses the pack related light L2 including the reflected light L21 from the pack P1 from entering the imaging unit 7. The determination unit 9 determines the state of the packed eggs E (packed eggs P) packed based on the captured image. This makes it possible to inspect the internal state of the pack P1 more preferably (sharply) as compared with the conventional egg inspection apparatus using reflected light. In addition, it is possible to automate the work that the inspector has conventionally confirmed visually while turning over the pack P1 packed with eggs E one by one.

　照射部６は、３６０ｎｍ～４１０ｎｍの波長を有する光を照射する。３００ｎｍ～５００ｎｍの波長を有する光であれば、卵殻中のプロトポルフィリンに起因する蛍光Ｌ３を観察することが可能である。発明者は、その範囲内の波長でも、３６０ｎｍ～４１０ｎｍの波長が、卵殻中のプロトポルフィリンに起因する蛍光Ｌ３を観察しやすい波長であることを発見した。また、３６０ｎｍより短い波長を有する光では、紫外線Ｌ１をパックＰ１に照射した際に、パック素材原料であるＰＥＴが発する光（パックＰ１の蛍光Ｌ２２）の影響が大きくなる。このため、パックＰ１越しの卵Ｅに照射するには、３６０ｎｍ以上の波長にピーク（強度）を有する光が好ましい。 The irradiating unit 6 irradiates light having a wavelength of 360 nm to 410 nm. With light having a wavelength of 300 nm to 500 nm, it is possible to observe fluorescence L3 caused by protoporphyrin in the eggshell. The inventor has found that the wavelength of 360 nm to 410 nm is a wavelength at which fluorescence L3 due to protoporphyrin in the eggshell can be easily observed even at a wavelength within that range. Further, with light having a wavelength shorter than 360 nm, when the pack P1 is irradiated with the ultraviolet light L1, the influence of the light (the fluorescence L22 of the pack P1) emitted by the PET that is the pack material is increased. Therefore, in order to irradiate the egg E through the pack P1, light having a peak (intensity) at a wavelength of 360 nm or more is preferable.

　なお、本発明は、上述した実施形態に限られない。
　卵の撮像装置２は、判定部９と一緒に用いられるものには限られない。さらに、パックＰ１詰めされた卵の撮像装置２は、光調整部８を備えていないものであってもよい。光調整部８としては、少なくとも励起光により励起されて卵が発する蛍光と、励起光の波長の光とを区別することができればよい。 The present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above.
The imaging device 2 for an egg is not limited to one used together with the determination unit 9. Furthermore, the imaging device 2 for the packed eggs P1 may not include the light adjustment unit 8. The light adjustment unit 8 only needs to be able to distinguish between the fluorescence emitted by the egg at least by excitation light and the light of the wavelength of the excitation light.

　光調整部８としては、撮像部７に隣接させて設けられた光フィルタには限られない。たとえば、撮像部７として、カラーカメラ、マルチスペクトルカメラまたはハイパースペクトルカメラなどを用いた場合には、光調整部としては、いったん撮像部で撮像された画像を処理するものが好ましい。このような光調整部であっても、上述したのと同様に、励起光とは異なる波長（たとえば、蛍光の波長）以外の波長を有する光をカット（遮断または抑制）した画像を作成することができる。また、光フィルタの場合であっても、上述した光学条件には限られず、また、光フィルタの配置場所も種々変更することが可能である。 The light adjustment unit 8 is not limited to the light filter provided adjacent to the imaging unit 7. For example, when a color camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, or the like is used as the imaging unit 7, as the light adjustment unit, one that processes an image once captured by the imaging unit is preferable. Even in such a light adjustment unit, as described above, create an image in which light having a wavelength other than the wavelength (for example, the wavelength of fluorescence) different from the excitation light is cut (blocked or suppressed). Can. Further, even in the case of the optical filter, the present invention is not limited to the above-described optical conditions, and the arrangement position of the optical filter can be variously changed.

　照射部６としては、卵殻を励起することができる波長を有する光を照射することができれば、上述した紫外線ＬＥＤに限られない。また、照射部が配置される場所、照射する向きも、図１に示されたものには限られず、各部の配置および構成等によって、適宜変更することが可能である。 The irradiation unit 6 is not limited to the above-described ultraviolet LED as long as it can emit light having a wavelength capable of exciting the eggshell. In addition, the location where the irradiation unit is disposed and the direction of the irradiation are not limited to those illustrated in FIG. 1, and can be appropriately changed depending on the arrangement, configuration, and the like of each unit.

　また、上述した照射部６では、紫外線の他に、６００ｎｍ～７００ｎｍの波長を有する光も同時に照射する。このため、照射部６側にも、この範囲の波長を有する光を遮断または抑制する光フィルタ６１が配置されているが、この範囲の波長を有する光を出射しない照射部を用いれば、光フィルタを配置する必要ない。 In addition to the ultraviolet light, light having a wavelength of 600 nm to 700 nm is simultaneously irradiated by the above-described irradiation unit 6. For this reason, the optical filter 61 for blocking or suppressing light having a wavelength in this range is also disposed on the irradiation unit 6 side, but if an irradiation unit that does not emit light having a wavelength in this range is used, the optical filter No need to place.

　パック卵Ｐを検査する卵の検査装置１では、通常、パックＰ１の蓋Ｐ３を開けた状態で検査が行われるが、パックＰ１の蓋Ｐ３を閉じた後に検査を行うようにしてもよい。また、パックＰ１の蓋Ｐ３を閉じた後に、パックＰ１の上側から検査を行うようにしてもよい。その際に、検査する「パック卵Ｐの状態」には、上述した汚卵、破卵、異物混入または卵抜けの他に、たとえば、ラベルが適切にパックＰ１内に配置されているか否か、または、豆シールが適切に卵Ｅに貼られているか否かも含まれる。さらに、パック卵Ｐの側面側から撮像を行ってもよい。複数の方向からパック卵Ｐを撮像することで、検査精度を向上させることができる。 In the egg inspection apparatus 1 for inspecting the pack eggs P, the inspection is usually performed in a state where the lid P3 of the pack P1 is opened, but the inspection may be performed after the lid P3 of the pack P1 is closed. In addition, after the lid P3 of the pack P1 is closed, the inspection may be performed from the upper side of the pack P1. At that time, in addition to the above-mentioned dirty eggs, broken eggs, foreign matter contamination, or egg drop, for example, whether or not the label is properly arranged in the pack P1 is included in the "state of pack eggs P" to be inspected. Or, whether or not the bean seal is properly applied to the egg E is included. Furthermore, imaging may be performed from the side of the pack egg P. The inspection accuracy can be improved by imaging the pack egg P from a plurality of directions.

　パックＰ１には、内部にラベルが配置されていてもよい。卵Ｅに、豆シールが貼り付けられていてもよい。パックＰ１としては、図１に示された無色透明なパックＰ１に限られず、パック卵Ｐを検査することができれば、その色または形状も変更することができる。また、パックＰ１における卵座Ｐ５の個数は、図１に示される個数に限られない。さらに、図１では、パックＰ１として、蓋Ｐ３の天面が平坦な「フラットパック」を示したが、「レギュラーパック」であってもよい。レギュラーパックとは、蓋にも卵の形状に沿ったくぼみが形成され、その窪みに多数の凹凸が設けられたパックである。 Labels may be arranged inside the pack P1. A bean seal may be attached to the egg E. The pack P1 is not limited to the colorless and transparent pack P1 shown in FIG. 1, and if the pack egg P can be inspected, its color or shape can also be changed. Further, the number of egg seats P5 in the pack P1 is not limited to the number shown in FIG. Furthermore, in FIG. 1, although the top surface of the lid P3 showed the flat "flat pack" as the pack P1, the "regular pack" may be sufficient. The regular pack is a pack in which a recess is formed in the lid along the shape of an egg, and the recess is provided with a number of asperities.

　今回開示された実施の形態は例示であってこれに制限されるものではない。本発明は上記で説明した範囲ではなく、請求の範囲によって示され、請求の範囲と均等の意味および範囲でのすべての変更が含まれることが意図される。 The embodiment disclosed this time is an example and is not limited thereto. The present invention is not the scope described above, is shown by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

　本発明は、パック詰めされた卵の状態を検査する検査装置に利用することができる。 The present invention can be used in an inspection apparatus for inspecting the condition of packed eggs.

　１　卵の検査装置、２　卵の撮像装置、６　照射部、７　撮像部、８　光調整部、９　判定部、６１　光フィルタ、Ｌ１　紫外線、Ｌ２　パック関連光、Ｌ３　蛍光、Ｌ２１　反射光、Ｌ２２　蛍光、Ｐ　パック卵、Ｐ１　パック、Ｐ２　本体、Ｐ３　蓋、Ｐ４　ヒンジ、Ｐ５　卵座、Ｅ　卵。 1 egg inspection apparatus, 2 egg imaging apparatus, 6 irradiation units, 7 imaging units, 8 light adjustment units, 9 judgment units, 61 light filters, L1 ultraviolet light, L2 pack related light, L3 fluorescence, L21 reflected light, L22 fluorescence , P pack egg, P1 pack, P2 body, P3 lid, P4 hinge, P5 egg seat, E egg.

Claims (5)

　透光性を有するパックに卵が詰められた状態のパック卵を、前記パック越しに撮像する卵の撮像装置であって、
　前記パック卵に向けて、前記パック越しに第１波長を有する励起光を照射する照射部と、
　前記励起光が照射された前記パック卵を、前記パック越しに撮像することによって、前記パック卵の画像を取得する撮像部と
を備えた、卵の撮像装置。 An egg imaging apparatus for imaging a packed egg in a state in which the egg is packed in a translucent pack, through the pack,
An irradiation unit configured to irradiate excitation light having a first wavelength through the pack toward the pack egg;
And an imaging unit configured to obtain an image of the pack egg by imaging the pack egg irradiated with the excitation light over the pack. 　前記励起光を前記パック卵に照射することによって、前記卵から発せられる、前記第１波長とは異なる第２波長を有する第１の光と、前記第１の光以外の前記励起光を含む第２の光とを区別する光調整部を備えた、請求項１記載の卵の撮像装置。 A first light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength and emitted from the egg by irradiating the pack egg with the excitation light; and the excitation light other than the first light The egg imaging device according to claim 1, further comprising a light adjustment unit that distinguishes the light from the second light. 　前記光調整部は、前記撮像部と前記パック卵との間に配置された光フィルタを含む、請求項２記載の卵の撮像装置。 The egg light imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light adjustment unit includes a light filter disposed between the imaging unit and the puck egg. 　前記光調整部は、前記第１の光を含む、前記撮像部によって撮像された前記画像を処理する機能を含む、請求項２記載の卵の撮像装置。 The egg light imaging apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the light adjustment unit includes a function of processing the image captured by the imaging unit including the first light. 　請求項１～４のいずれか１項に記載の撮像装置を備えた卵の検査装置であって、
　前記撮像部によって撮像された前記画像に基づいて、前記パック卵の状態を判定する判定部を備えた、卵の検査装置。 An egg inspection apparatus comprising the imaging device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:
An egg inspection apparatus comprising: a determination unit that determines a state of the pack egg based on the image captured by the imaging unit.
PCT/JP2018/044927 2017-12-14 2018-12-06 Imaging device for eggs and inspection device for eggs Ceased WO2019117009A1 (en)

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