WO2021117544A1 - 光学式選別機 - Google Patents
光学式選別機 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2021117544A1 WO2021117544A1 PCT/JP2020/044635 JP2020044635W WO2021117544A1 WO 2021117544 A1 WO2021117544 A1 WO 2021117544A1 JP 2020044635 W JP2020044635 W JP 2020044635W WO 2021117544 A1 WO2021117544 A1 WO 2021117544A1
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- Prior art keywords
- light
- light source
- intermittent
- scanning period
- intermittent light
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
- B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
- B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
- B07C5/342—Sorting according to other particular properties according to optical properties, e.g. colour
- B07C5/3425—Sorting according to other particular properties according to optical properties, e.g. colour of granular material, e.g. ore particles, grain
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
- B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
- B07C5/36—Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
- B07C5/363—Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution by means of air
- B07C5/365—Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution by means of air using a single separation means
- B07C5/366—Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution by means of air using a single separation means during free fall of the articles
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- 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
- G01N21/85—Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
- B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
- B07C2501/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material to be sorted
- B07C2501/0018—Sorting the articles during free fall
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- 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
- G01N21/85—Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
- G01N2021/8592—Grain or other flowing solid samples
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N2201/00—Features of devices classified in G01N21/00
- G01N2201/06—Illumination; Optics
- G01N2201/061—Sources
Definitions
- the present invention relates to an optical sorter.
- an optical sorting device uses optical information obtained by an optical sensor when the sorting target is irradiated with light to discriminate and remove foreign substances and defective products contained in the sorting target ().
- Patent Document 1 the following Patent Document 1.
- the optical sorter described in Patent Document 1 can improve the discriminating accuracy of split grains for rice grains, but other types of defective grains for brown rice or polished rice (for example, chickpea, blue immature).
- brown rice or polished rice for example, chickpea, blue immature.
- the discrimination accuracy of grains, colored grains, etc. or to improve the discrimination accuracy of grains other than brown rice and polished rice (for example, paddy, other types of grains (wheat grains, etc.), beans (soybeans, chickpeas, green soybeans, etc.), etc. ), Resin (pellets, etc.), rubber pieces, etc.), there is room for improvement in order to improve the discrimination accuracy.
- the present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and can be realized as the following forms, for example.
- an optical sorter is provided.
- This optical sorter was associated with an intermittent light source that intermittently emits light towards a plurality of sorting objects in transit and one of the plurality of sorting objects in transit.
- An optical sensor that detects light in a plurality of intermittent light scanning periods, a determination unit that determines a foreign substance and / or a defective product for one sorting object based on the signal acquired by the optical sensor, and an intermittent determination unit.
- It includes a light source control unit that controls the light source. When the light source control unit lights the intermittent light source in at least one intermittent light scanning period among the plurality of intermittent light scanning periods, the light source control unit uses the intermittent light source in each of the at least one intermittent light scanning period.
- the intermittent light source is set so that there is a lighting period in which the light is turned on and a lighting period in which the intermittent light source is turned off, and the lighting period starts at a timing delayed from the start of at least one scanning period for intermittent light. Configured to control.
- the intermittent light source is turned off at the start timing of at least one intermittent light scanning period. Therefore, the light emitted from the intermittent light source in a certain intermittent light scanning period is not detected in the immediately preceding intermittent light scanning period. For example, assuming a first intermittent light scanning period and a second intermittent light scanning period following the first intermittent light scanning period, the start of the second intermittent light scanning period (in other words). Then, when the intermittent light source is switched from off to on at the same time as the end of the first intermittent light scanning period), the light emitted at the same time as the start of the second intermittent light scanning period is used for the first intermittent light. There is a possibility that it will be mixed as noise in the detection result during the scanning period. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, since such an event does not occur, the determination accuracy by the determination unit can be improved.
- the light source control unit controls the intermittent light source so that the lighting period ends earlier than the end of at least one intermittent light scanning period. It is configured as follows. According to this embodiment, the intermittent light source is turned off at the end timing of at least one intermittent light scanning period. Therefore, the light emitted from the intermittent light source in a certain intermittent light scanning period is not detected in the subsequent intermittent light scanning period. For example, assuming a first intermittent light scanning period and a second intermittent light scanning period following the first intermittent light scanning period, the end of the first intermittent light scanning period (in other words).
- the determination accuracy by the determination unit can be improved.
- the intermittent light source is arranged on the first side with respect to the transfer path of the plurality of sorting objects and emits the first light. It comprises one intermittent light source and a second intermittent light source that is located on the second side opposite to the first side and emits a second light having the same wavelength as the first light.
- the optical sensor includes a first optical sensor arranged on the first side and a second optical sensor arranged on the second side.
- the plurality of intermittent light scanning periods include a first intermittent light scanning period and a second intermittent light scanning period.
- the first intermittent light source is turned on during the first intermittent light scanning period, the second intermittent light source is not turned on, and the first intermittent light source is turned on during the second intermittent light scanning period. It is configured to control the first intermittent light source and the second intermittent light source so that the target light source is not turned on and the second intermittent light source is turned on.
- the first optical sensor on the first side detects the reflected light based on the first light (light reflected by the object to be sorted).
- the second optical sensor on the second side detects transmitted light (light transmitted through the object to be sorted) based on the first light.
- the determination unit is used to display transmitted images (images represented by transmitted light) and reflected images (images represented by reflected light) on both sides (that is, the first side and the second side) of the object to be sorted. Based on this, foreign matter and / or defective products can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy by the determination unit as compared with the case based on the transmission image and the reflection image on one side of the sorting object. For example, even when a defective portion exists only on one side (that is, one of the first side and the second side) of the object to be sorted, the foreign matter and / or the defective product can be accurately determined. ..
- the first light and the second light are red light. According to this form, foreign matter and / or defective products can be accurately determined based on the red transmitted light and reflected light. For example, when the object to be sorted is rice, the shirata can be accurately discriminated.
- the intermittent light source is arranged on the first side and emits a third light having a wavelength different from that of the first light. It includes a third intermittent light source and a fourth intermittent light source that is located on the second side and emits a fourth light having the same wavelength as the third light.
- the light source control unit is configured to control a third intermittent light source and a fourth intermittent light source so as to light during both the first intermittent light scanning period and the second intermittent light scanning period. ..
- the first optical sensor is based on the reflected light based on the third light and the fourth light.
- the transmitted light is detected together, and the second optical sensor detects the transmitted light based on the third light and the reflected light based on the fourth light together. Therefore, the determination unit determines the foreign matter and the foreign matter based on the reflected transmission image based on the third light and the fourth light (the image represented by the light in which the reflected light and the transmitted light are combined) on both sides of the sorting object. / Or a defective product can be determined. Therefore, it is possible to increase the types of foreign matter and / or defective products that can be discriminated by the discriminating unit. Moreover, since each of the third intermittent light source and the fourth intermittent light source is lit during both the first intermittent light scanning period and the second intermittent light scanning period, the resolution of the reflected transmission image is also reduced. do not.
- each of the third light and the fourth light includes green light and blue light.
- foreign matter and / or defective products can be determined based on the green and blue reflection and transmission images. For example, when the object to be sorted is rice, the colored grains can be accurately discriminated.
- the intermittent light source emits invisible light having a wavelength within the invisible wavelength region as light.
- the optical sensor is configured as an optical sensor for invisible light that detects invisible light.
- the optical sorter further emits visible light having a wavelength in the visible wavelength region toward a plurality of sorting objects in transit, and a plurality of visible lights associated with one sorting object. It is equipped with an optical sensor for visible light that detects during the scanning period for visible light.
- the determination unit is configured to determine foreign matter and / or defective products based on the signal acquired by the invisible light optical sensor and the signal acquired by the visible light optical sensor.
- the scanning period for intermittent light and the scanning period for visible light are defined by different lengths of time.
- the scanning period suitable for the detection of invisible light and the detection of visible light respectively.
- the invisible light is near-infrared light
- the light receiving sensitivity of near-infrared light by the optical sensor is generally smaller than the light receiving sensitivity of visible light, so that the scanning period for intermittent light is the scanning period for visible light. May be set longer than. In this way, near red so that sufficient signal strength can be obtained for the judgment by the judgment unit without lowering the resolution of the optical sensor for visible light (in other words, without lowering the judgment accuracy based on visible light). External light can be detected.
- the scanning period for intermittent light is set to be N times (N is an integer of 2 or more) the scanning period for visible light.
- N is an integer of 2 or more
- the start timing of the first intermittent light scanning period and the start timing of the first visible light scanning period for one sorting object are set to be simultaneous, one is used.
- the timing of the end of the last intermittent light scanning period for the object to be sorted and the timing of the end of the last visible light scanning period are simultaneous. Therefore, in the determination unit, it is possible to easily associate the image based on the signal acquired by the first optical sensor with the image based on the signal acquired by the second optical sensor for the same sorting object. it can. Therefore, the arithmetic processing in the determination unit can be simplified.
- the invisible light is near infrared light.
- near-infrared light can be detected so that sufficient signal intensity can be obtained for determination by the determination unit without lowering the resolution of the optical sensor for visible light.
- the optical sensor is a CMOS sensor.
- the lighting period ends at the same time as the start of charge reading in the CMOS sensor, or ends later than the start of reading and earlier than the completion of charge reading.
- the charge reading period is set as the extinguishing period, it is possible to prevent the intermittent light source from being unnecessarily turned on during the charge reading period in which the charge is not accumulated. ..
- the intermittent light source emits a first intermittent light having a first wavelength within the first wavelength range. It includes a light source and a second intermittent light source that emits a second light having a second wavelength within the first wavelength range, which is different from the first wavelength.
- the optical sorter further provides an additional light source that emits a third light having a third wavelength within a second wavelength range outside the first wavelength range towards a plurality of sorting objects in transit. I have.
- the optical sensor uses a first light receiving element having a sensitivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value within the first wavelength range, a second light receiving element having a sensitivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value within the second wavelength range, and incident light.
- the plurality of intermittent light scanning periods include a first intermittent light scanning period and a second intermittent light scanning period.
- the light source control unit sets the intermittent light source and the additional light source so that the first intermittent light source is turned on, the second intermittent light source is not turned on, and the additional light source is turned on during the first intermittent light scanning period. While controlling the light source, the intermittent light source and the additional light source are added so that the first intermittent light source is not turned on, the second intermittent light source is turned on, and the additional light source is turned on during the second intermittent light scanning period. It is configured to control the target light source.
- three types of light having different wavelengths that is, the first light, the second light, and the third light described above
- the cost of the optical sorter can be reduced.
- the third light is emitted during both the first intermittent light scanning period and the second intermittent light scanning period, sufficient detection intensity for the third light can be ensured. ..
- an optical sorter is provided.
- This optical sorter is a first light source that emits a first light toward a plurality of sorting objects being transferred, and is arranged on the first side of the transfer path of the sorting objects.
- a second light source that emits a second light having the same wavelength as the first light toward a plurality of objects to be sorted, which is opposite to the first side.
- a second light source located on the side of the first light and a first light or a second light associated with one sorting object of a plurality of sorting objects placed on the first side and being transferred.
- a first optical sensor that detects in a plurality of scanning periods including one scanning period and a second scanning period, and a first light or a first light or a first light arranged on the second side and associated with one sorting object. Foreign matter and / or non-existence of one sorting object based on the signals acquired by the second optical sensor that detects the two lights in a plurality of scanning periods and the first optical sensor and the second optical sensor.
- a determination unit that determines a non-defective product, the first light source is lit during the first scanning period, the second light source is not lit, and the first light source is not lit during the second scanning period.
- a light source control unit that controls a first light source and a second light source so that the second light source is turned on is provided. According to such a form, the same effect as that of the third form can be obtained.
- the first light and the second light are red light. According to such a form, the same effect as that of the fourth form can be obtained.
- the optical sorter is arranged on the first side and emits a third light having a wavelength different from that of the first light.
- a third light source is provided, and a fourth light source arranged on the second side and emitting a fourth light having the same wavelength as the third light is provided.
- the light source control unit is configured to control the third light source and the fourth light source so as to be lit during both the first scanning period and the second scanning period. According to such a form, the same effect as that of the fifth form can be obtained.
- each of the third light and the fourth light includes green light and blue light. According to such a form, the same effect as that of the sixth form can be obtained.
- an optical sorter is provided. This optical sorter is directed at a plurality of sorting objects in transit, a first light source that emits a first light having a wavelength in the invisible wavelength region, and a plurality of sorting objects in transit. A second light source that emits a second light having a wavelength in the visible wavelength region and a plurality of first lights associated with one of the plurality of sorting objects being transferred are used. A first optical sensor that detects in the first scanning period, a second optical sensor that detects the second light associated with one sorting object in a plurality of second scanning periods, and a first optics.
- a determination unit that determines foreign matter and / or defective product for one sorting object is provided.
- the first scan period and the second scan period are defined by different lengths of time, respectively. According to such a form, the same effect as that of the seventh form can be obtained.
- the first scanning period is set to be N times the second scanning period (N is an integer of 2 or more). According to such a form, the same effect as that of the eighth form can be obtained.
- the first light is near-infrared light. According to such a form, the same effect as that of the ninth form can be obtained.
- an optical sorter emits a light source that intermittently emits light toward a plurality of sorting objects in transit, and a light associated with one of the plurality of sorting objects in transit.
- a CMOS sensor that detects in a plurality of scanning periods
- a determination unit that determines foreign matter and / or defective products for one sorting object based on signals acquired by the CMOS sensor
- a light source control unit that controls a light source. And have.
- the light source control unit turns on the light source in at least one of a plurality of scanning periods, the light source is turned on and the light source is turned off in each of the at least one scanning periods.
- an optical sorter includes a first light source that intermittently emits a first light having a first wavelength within the first wavelength range toward a plurality of sorting objects in transit, and a first light source.
- a second light source that intermittently emits a second light having a second wavelength within the wavelength range toward a plurality of sorting objects in transit, and a second light source outside the first wavelength range and within the second wavelength range.
- It includes a third light source that emits a third light having a third wavelength of the above toward a plurality of sorting objects in transit, and an optical sensor.
- the optical sensor uses a first light receiving element having a sensitivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value within the first wavelength range, a second light receiving element having a sensitivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value within the second wavelength range, and incident light. It integrally has a spectroscope that disperses light in the first wavelength range and light in the second wavelength range.
- the optical sensor comprises one of a first light and a second light associated with one of the plurality of sorting objects being transferred and a third light associated with the one sorting object. And are detected in a plurality of scanning periods including the first scanning period and the second scanning period.
- the optical sorter further includes a determination unit that determines foreign matter and / or defective products for one sorting object based on the signal acquired by the optical sensor, and a first light source in the first scanning period. Is lit, the second light source is not lit, the third light source is lit, the first light source is not lit during the second scanning period, the second light source is lit, and the third light source is lit. It includes a first light source, a second light source, and a light source control unit that controls a third light source so as to light up. According to such a form, the same effect as that of the eleventh form is obtained.
- an optical sorter has a first light source that emits first light having a first wavelength within the first wavelength range toward a plurality of sorting objects in transit, and within the first wavelength range.
- a second light source that emits a second light having a second wavelength of the above toward a plurality of objects to be sorted in transit, and a third wavelength within a second wavelength range outside the first wavelength range.
- a third light source that emits a third light having a third light toward a plurality of sorting objects in transit, and a plurality of sorting objects in which a fourth light having a fourth wavelength within a second wavelength range is being transferred. It includes a fourth light source that emits light toward an object and an optical sensor.
- the optical sensor uses a first light receiving element having a sensitivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value within the first wavelength range, a second light receiving element having a sensitivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value within the second wavelength range, and incident light. It integrally has a spectroscope that disperses light in the first wavelength range and light in the second wavelength range.
- the optical sensor emits three of the first light, the second light, the third light, and the fourth light associated with one of the plurality of sorting objects in transit. , The detection is performed in a plurality of scanning periods including the first scanning period and the second scanning period.
- the optical sorter further includes a determination unit that determines foreign matter and / or defective products for one sorting object based on the signal acquired by the optical sensor, and a first mode and a second mode. It includes a first light source, a second light source, a third light source, and a light source control unit that controls a fourth light source in the selected mode.
- a determination unit that determines foreign matter and / or defective products for one sorting object based on the signal acquired by the optical sensor, and a first mode and a second mode. It includes a first light source, a second light source, a third light source, and a light source control unit that controls a fourth light source in the selected mode.
- the first mode during the first scanning period, the first light source is turned on, the second light source is not turned on, one of the third light source and the fourth light source is turned on, and the first light source is turned on.
- the other light source of the third light source and the fourth light source is not lit, and in the second scanning period, the first light source is
- the other light source does not light.
- the second mode during the first scanning period, one of the first light source and the second light source is turned on, and the other light source of the first light source and the second light source is turned on.
- the third light source is turned on, the fourth light source is not turned on, and in the second scanning period, one of the first light source and the second light source is turned on, and the first light source and the first light source are turned on.
- the other light source of the second light source does not light, the third light source does not light, and the fourth light source lights. According to such a form, the same effect as that of the eleventh form is obtained.
- the wavelength of light to be used depends on the type of the object to be sorted or the type of foreign matter and / or defective product to be sorted. Can be changed.
- the first embodiment is a conventional one having a continuous light source that continuously emits light toward a plurality of sorting objects in transit, and an optical sensor that detects the light emitted from the continuous light source. It may be combined with the configuration of an optical sorter.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of an optical sorter (hereinafter, simply referred to as a sorter) 10 as a first embodiment of the present invention.
- the sorting machine 10 is a sorting object (hereinafter, simply referred to as an object) 90 from rice as a foreign substance (for example, pebbles, mud, glass pieces, etc.) and a defective product (for example, immature grains, colored grains). Etc.) are used to sort out.
- the object 90 is not limited to rice, and may be any granular material (for example, grains other than rice, plastic, etc.).
- the sorting machine 10 includes an optical detection unit 20, a storage tank 71, a feeder 72, a chute 73, a non-defective product discharge gutter 74, a defective product discharge gutter 75, an ejector 76, and a control device. It has 80 and.
- the control device 80 controls the overall operation of the sorter 10.
- the control device 80 also functions as a light source control unit 81 and a determination unit 82.
- the function of the control device 80 may be realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program, or may be realized by a dedicated circuit.
- the light source control unit 81 and the determination unit 82 may be realized by one integrated device.
- the light source control unit 81 and the determination unit 82 may have two functions realized by one CPU.
- the light source control unit 81 and the determination unit 82 may be realized as separate devices. The details of the function of the control device 80 will be described later.
- the storage tank 71 temporarily stores the object 90.
- the feeder 72 supplies the object 90 stored in the storage tank 71 onto the chute 73.
- the optical detection unit 20 irradiates the object 90 that has slipped off the chute 73 with light, and the light associated with the object 90 (specifically, the transmitted light transmitted through the object 90 and / or). The reflected light reflected by the object 90) is detected.
- the output from the optical detection unit 20, that is, the analog signal representing the detected light intensity is converted into a digital signal by an AC / DC converter (not shown). This digital signal is input to the control device 80.
- the control device 80 determines whether the object 90 is a non-defective product (that is, a rice grain having a relatively high quality) or a foreign substance as a process of the determination unit 82. It is determined whether the product is (that is, not a grain of rice) or a defective product (that is, a grain of rice having a relatively low quality). This determination is made for each of the objects 90.
- a non-defective product that is, a rice grain having a relatively high quality
- a foreign substance as a process of the determination unit 82. It is determined whether the product is (that is, not a grain of rice) or a defective product (that is, a grain of rice having a relatively low quality). This determination is made for each of the objects 90.
- the ejector 76 injects air 77 toward the object 90. As a result, the object 90 is blown off, deviates from the drop trajectory from the chute 73, and is guided to the defective product discharge gutter 75. On the other hand, when the object 90 is determined to be a non-defective product, the air 77 is not injected. Therefore, the object 90 determined to be a non-defective product is guided to the non-defective product discharge gutter 74 without changing the fall trajectory.
- the optical detection unit 20 includes a first light source 30a, a second light source 30b, a third light source 40a, 50a, a fourth light source 40b, 50b, and a first optical sensor. It includes a 60a and a second optical sensor 60b.
- the first light source 30a emits the first light 31a toward a plurality of objects 90 being transferred (that is, falling from the chute 73).
- the second light source 30b emits a second light 31b toward the plurality of objects 90 in transit.
- the first light 31a is red light.
- the second light 31b has the same wavelength as the first light 31a. That is, the second light 31b is also red light. Therefore, the first light source 30a and the second light source 30b are also referred to as red light sources 30a and 30b. Further, the first light 31a and the second light 31b are also referred to as red lights 31a and 31b.
- the third light sources 40a and 50a emit the third lights 41a and 51a toward the plurality of objects 90 being transferred, respectively.
- the fourth light sources 40b and 50b emit the fourth light 41b and 51b toward the plurality of objects 90 being transferred, respectively.
- the third light 41a, 51a has a wavelength different from that of the first light 31a.
- the third light 41a is green light and the third light 51a is blue light.
- the fourth light 41b, 51b has the same wavelength as the third light 41a, 51a, respectively. That is, the fourth light 41b is green light, and the fourth light 51b is blue light. Therefore, the third light source 40a and the fourth light source 40b are also referred to as green light sources 40a and 40b.
- the third light 41a and the fourth light 41b are also referred to as green light 41a and 41b, respectively.
- the third light source 50a and the fourth light source 50b are also referred to as blue light sources 50a and 50b
- the third light 51a and the fourth light 51b are also referred to as blue light 51a and 51b.
- the first light source 30a, the second light source 30b, the third light sources 40a and 50a, and the fourth light sources 40b and 50b are LEDs.
- the numbers of the first light source 30a, the second light source 30b, the third light sources 40a and 50a, and the fourth light sources 40b and 50b are shown as one, respectively.
- the number of at least a part of the light sources may be plural.
- the first optical sensor 60a and the second optical sensor 60b detect the light associated with one of the plurality of objects 90 being transferred.
- the first optical sensor 60a and the second optical sensor 60b are color CCD sensors in the present embodiment, and can detect red light, green light, and blue light individually.
- the first optical sensor 60a and the second optical sensor 60b may be other types of color sensors such as a color CMOS sensor.
- the first optical sensor 60a and the second optical sensor 60b are line sensors in this embodiment, but may be area sensors.
- the first light source 30a, the third light sources 40a, 50a, and the first optical sensor 60a are on one side (also referred to as the front side) with respect to the transfer path (in other words, the fall locus from the chute 73) of the object 90. ) Is located.
- the second light source 30b, the fourth light sources 40b, 50b, and the second optical sensor 60b are arranged on the other side (also referred to as the rear side) with respect to the transfer path of the object 90.
- the first optical sensor 60a on the front side is a red light 31a (also referred to as a reflected red light 31a) emitted from the first light source 30a on the front side and reflected by the object 90, and a third light source on the front side.
- the green light 41a also called the reflected green light 41a
- the blue light 51a reflected blue
- Light 51a is emitted from the second light source 30b on the rear side
- red light 31b also referred to as transmitted red light 31b transmitted through the object 90 and emitted from the fourth light source 40b on the rear side.
- the green light 41b (also referred to as transmitted green light 41b) transmitted through the object 90 and the blue light 51b (also referred to as transmitted blue light 51b) emitted from the fourth light source 50b on the rear side and transmitted through the object 90. Can be detected.
- the second optical sensor 60b on the rear side is a red light 31b (also referred to as a reflected red light 31b) emitted from the second light source 30b on the rear side and reflected by the object 90, and a fourth light source on the rear side.
- the green light 41b also called the reflected green light 41b
- the blue light 51b reflected blue
- Light 51b is emitted from the first light source 30a on the front side, and is emitted from the red light 31a (also referred to as transmitted red light 31a) transmitted through the object 90 and from the third light source 40a on the front side.
- the green light 41a (also referred to as transmitted green light 41a) transmitted through the object 90 and the blue light 51a (also referred to as transmitted blue light 51a) emitted from the futon and the third light source 50a on the side and transmitted through the object 90. , Can be detected.
- the first optical sensor 60a and the second optical sensor 60b perform a plurality of scans on one object 90.
- the first optical sensor 60a and the second optical sensor 60b detect the light associated with one object 90 in each of the plurality of scanning periods.
- the scanning period is the time from the start to the end of one scan. By synthesizing the images obtained in each scan, the entire image of the one object 90 is acquired.
- the optical sensor is a CCD sensor
- the “scanning period” can be defined as the time from when the light receiving element starts accumulating charges to when the accumulating charges ends.
- the optical sensor is a CMOS sensor
- the “scanning period” can be defined as the time from when the light receiving element starts accumulating charges to when the accumulated charges are output.
- the optical detection unit 20 is controlled by the control device 80.
- the light source control unit 81 controls the first light source 30a, the second light source 30b, the third light sources 40a and 50a, the fourth light source 40b, and the fourth light source 50b according to a predetermined rule.
- FIG. 2 is a timing chart showing the relationship between the scanning period of the first optical sensors 60a and 60b and the lighting timing of these light sources.
- "R” represents a red light source 30a or a red light source 30b.
- "G” represents a green light source 40a or a green light source 40b
- “B” represents a blue light source 50a or a blue light source 50b.
- FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between one object 90 and the scan numbers (numbers indicating the number of scans) of the first optical sensor 60a and the second optical sensor 60b.
- image data is acquired by scanning one object 90 eight times (illustrated as a smaller number than the actual number for simplification of explanation). Will be done.
- the numbers 1 to 8 shown in FIG. 3 indicate the scanning numbers from which the image data of the corresponding area is acquired. For example, the area marked with "1" indicates that the image data is acquired by the first scan.
- the “scan No.” corresponds to the scan number shown in FIG.
- the red light source 30a on the front side is lit for a predetermined time (indicated as ON in the figure) only during the scanning period having an odd number of scanning numbers, and the scanning period having an even number of scanning numbers. Is not lit at all (indicated as OFF in the figure).
- the red light source 30b on the rear side is lit for a predetermined time only during the scanning period having an even number of scan numbers, and is not lit at all during the scan period having an odd number of scan numbers. In this way, the red light source 30a and the red light source 30b are alternately turned on so that only one of them is turned on within one scanning period. In other words, the red light source 30a and the red light source 30b are turned on exclusively with respect to each other.
- the green light source 40a and the blue light source 50a on the front side are turned on for a predetermined time in each of the entire scanning periods.
- the green light source 40b and the blue light source 50b on the rear side are turned on for a predetermined time in each of the entire scanning periods.
- the first optical sensor 60a on the front side combines the reflected red light 31a, the reflected green light 41a, and the transmitted green light 41b during the scanning period having an odd number of scan numbers.
- the light and the light in which the reflected blue light 51a and the transmitted blue light 51b are combined are detected individually.
- a red reflection image, a green reflection transmission image, and a blue reflection transmission image are obtained via the first optical sensor 60a.
- the reflected image means an image represented only by reflected light.
- a transmitted image is an image represented only by transmitted light.
- the reflected transmission image is an image represented by light in which reflected light and transmitted light are combined.
- the transmitted red light 31b, the reflected green light 41a and the transmitted green light 41b are combined, and the reflected blue light.
- the light obtained by combining the 51a and the transmitted blue light 51b is detected individually.
- a red transmission image, a green reflection transmission image, and a blue reflection transmission image are obtained via the first optical sensor 60a.
- the transmitted red light 31a, the reflected green light 41b and the transmitted green light 41a are combined, and the reflected blue light.
- the light obtained by combining the 51b and the transmitted blue light 51a is detected individually.
- a red transmission image, a green reflection transmission image, and a blue reflection transmission image are obtained via the second optical sensor 60b.
- the reflected red light 31b, the reflected green light 41b and the transmitted green light 41a are combined, and the reflected blue light.
- the light obtained by combining the 51b and the transmitted blue light 51a is detected individually.
- a red reflection image, a green reflection transmission image, and a blue reflection transmission image are obtained via the second optical sensor 60b.
- the determination unit 82 determines foreign matter and / or defective products by using the red reflection image and transmission image, the green reflection transmission image, and the blue reflection transmission image obtained in this way. Specifically, in FIG. 3, a front-side red reflection image composed of regions with odd scan numbers, a front-side red transmission image composed of regions with even scan numbers, and an odd scan number.
- the determination unit 82 sets all or a part of these images and a predetermined threshold value. , And / or defective products are determined by comparing. Any known determination method can be adopted as this determination method.
- the determination unit 82 can determine the foreign matter and / or the defective product based on the red transmitted image and the reflected image on the front side and the red transmitted image and the reflected image on the rear side. Therefore, the determination accuracy can be improved as compared with the case based on the red transmission image and the reflection image on either the front side or the rear side.
- the red transparent image and the reflected image are suitable for discriminating, for example, shirata when the object 90 is rice.
- the shirata is often cloudy over the entire grain, but may have a partially cloudy portion.
- a shirata that is, an object 90
- the cloudy portion is either the front side or the rear side depending on the orientation of the object 90. May appear only in transparent or reflective images of. According to the above-mentioned sorter 10, even in such a case, the cloudy portion can be detected and the object 90 can be determined to be a shirata.
- the sorter 10 since it is possible to acquire both the green reflection / transmission image on the front side and the rear side and the blue reflection / transmission image on both the front side and the rear side, it can be discriminated by the determination unit 82.
- the types of foreign matter and / or defective products can be increased.
- the green reflection / transmission image and the blue reflection / transmission image are suitable for discriminating colored grains, for example, when the object 90 is rice.
- the green light source 40a and the green light source 40b are lit during the entire scanning period, the resolution of the green reflection / transmission image is not reduced. This point is the same for the blue reflection transmission image.
- the light source control unit 81 turns on any of the light sources within at least one scanning period (for example, when the red light source 30a on the front side is turned on during the scanning period having an odd scanning number. ),
- the light source is controlled so that there is a lighting period in which the light source is turned on and an extinguishing period in which the light source is turned off within the scanning period.
- the period from the start time T0 to the time point T1 of the scanning period is the extinguishing period
- the period from the time point T1 to the time point T2 is the lighting period.
- the light source control unit 81 controls the light source so that the lighting period starts at a timing delayed from the start of the scanning period.
- the red light source 30a on the front side is lit so that the lighting period starts at a timing delayed from the start time T0 of the scanning period (that is, the time point T1).
- the red light source 30a is turned off. Therefore, the red light 31a emitted from the red light source 30a on the front side in the third scanning period is the first optical sensor 60a or the first optical sensor 60a in the previous scanning period (that is, the second scanning period).
- the optical sensor 60b of 2 It is not detected by the optical sensor 60b of 2. Specifically, if the red light source 30a on the front side lights up at the start time point T0 (which is also the end time point of the second scanning period) in the third scanning period, the third scanning period starts.
- the red light 31a emitted at the same time may be mixed as noise in the detection result by the first optical sensor 60a or the second optical sensor 60b during the second scanning period.
- the determination accuracy by the determination unit 82 can be improved.
- the red light source 30a on the front side has been described as an example, but this point is common to all light sources, not limited to the red light source 30a on the front side.
- the light source control unit 81 controls the light source so that the lighting period ends earlier than the end of the scanning period.
- the red light source 30a on the front side is switched from lighting to extinguishing at a time point T2 earlier than the end time point T3 of the scanning period. Therefore, the red light 31a emitted from the red light source 30a on the front side in the third scanning period is the first optical sensor 60a or the first optical sensor 60a in the subsequent scanning period (that is, the fourth scanning period). It is not detected by the optical sensor 60b of 2. Therefore, the determination accuracy by the determination unit 82 can be improved.
- the red light source 30a on the front side has been described as an example, but this point is common to all light sources, not limited to the red light source 30a on the front side.
- red light sources 30a and 30b instead of the red light sources 30a and 30b, light sources that emit light having an arbitrary wavelength that does not interfere with the wavelengths of the light emitted from other light sources are provided on the front side and the rear side, and the front side and the rear side are provided. It may be lit alternately with.
- the green light sources 40a and 40b may be turned on alternately, or the blue light sources 50a and 50b may be turned on alternately.
- all the light sources emit light intermittently, but the green light sources 40a and 40b and / or the blue light sources 50a and 50b may be continuously lit for the entire scanning period.
- the red light sources 30a and 30b when the red light sources 30a and 30b are turned on during at least one scanning period, the red light sources 30a and 30b may be continuously turned on from the start time point T0 to the end time point T3 of the at least one scanning period.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of the sorter 100.
- the optical detection unit 120 includes the first light sources 130a and 130b, the second light sources 140a and 140b, the first optical sensor 150a, and the second optical sensors 160a and 160b. I have.
- the first light sources 130a and 130b emit the first light 131a and 131b having wavelengths in the invisible wavelength region toward the object 90 being transferred, respectively.
- the first light 131a and 131b have a wavelength within the near-infrared wavelength region (for example, 1550 nm). Therefore, the first light sources 130a and 130b are also referred to as near-infrared light sources 130a and 130b, and the first light 131a and 131b are also referred to as near-infrared light 131a and 131b.
- the second light sources 140a and 140b emit the second lights 141a and 141b having wavelengths in the visible wavelength region toward the object 90 being transferred, respectively.
- the second light 141a, 141b is white light including wavelengths of red, green, and blue. Therefore, the second light sources 140a and 140b are also referred to as visible light sources 140a and 140b, and the second light 141a and 141b are also referred to as visible light 141a and 141b.
- the first light sources 130a and 131b and the second light sources 140a and 140b are LEDs.
- the numbers of the first light sources 130a and 131b and the numbers of the second light sources 140a and 140b are shown as one, respectively, but the number of at least a part of these light sources is There may be more than one.
- the first optical sensor 150a detects near-infrared light 131a, 131b associated with one of a plurality of objects 90 being transferred. Therefore, the first optical sensor 150a is also referred to as an optical sensor 150a for near-infrared light.
- the near-infrared optical sensor 150a is configured to detect near-infrared light 131a and / or near-infrared light 131b in each of the plurality of first scanning periods.
- the second optical sensors 160a, 160b detect visible light 141a, 141b associated with one of the plurality of objects 90 being transferred. Therefore, the second optical sensors 160a and 160b are also referred to as visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b.
- the visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b are configured to detect visible light 141a and / or visible light 141b in each of the plurality of second scanning periods.
- the near-infrared optical sensor 150a is a CMOS sensor.
- the visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b are color CCD sensors in the present embodiment, and can detect red light, green light, and blue light individually. CMOS sensors may be used as the visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b.
- the near-infrared light source 130a, the visible light source 140a, the near-infrared light optical sensor 150a, and the visible light optical sensor 160a are arranged on the front side.
- the near-infrared light source 130b, the visible light source 140b, and the visible light optical sensor 160b are arranged on the rear side.
- the front-side optical sensor 150a for near-infrared light is emitted from the front-side near-infrared light source 130a, and is emitted from the near-infrared light 131a reflected by the object 90 and the rear-side near-infrared light source 130b. , Near-infrared light 131b transmitted through the object 90 can be detected.
- the visible light optical sensor 160a on the front side is visible light emitted from the visible light source 140a on the front side and reflected by the object 90, and visible light emitted from the visible light source 140b on the rear side and transmitted through the object 90.
- Light 141b and the like can be detected.
- the visible light optical sensor 160b on the rear side is visible light 141a emitted from the visible light source 140a on the front side and transmitted through the object 90, and visible light emitted from the visible light source 140b on the rear side and reflected by the object 90.
- Light 141b and the like can be detected.
- the optical detection unit 120 is controlled by the control device 180.
- the light source control unit 181 controls the first light sources 130a and 130b and the second light sources 140a and 140b according to a predetermined rule.
- FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the lighting timing of these light sources.
- “White” represents a visible light source 140a or a visible light source 140b
- “NIR” represents a near-infrared light source 130a or a near-infrared light source 130b.
- the “RGB scanning No.” represents the scanning numbers of the optical sensors 160a and 160b for visible light.
- the "NIR scanning No.” represents the scanning number of the near-infrared optical sensor 150a.
- FIG. 5 is a timing chart showing the lighting timing of these light sources.
- “White” represents a visible light source 140a or a visible light source 140b
- “NIR” represents a near-infrared light source 130a or a near-infrared light source 130b.
- image data based on visible light 141a and 141b is acquired by 16 scans of one object 90, and near by 4 scans of one object 90.
- the lighting timing of each light source is shown on the premise that image data based on the infrared lights 131a and 131b is acquired.
- the first scanning period for the near-infrared optical sensor 150a and the second scanning period for the visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b have different lengths of time. Each is defined by. Therefore, the first scanning period suitable for detecting the near-infrared light 131a and 131b and the second scanning period suitable for detecting the visible light 141a and 141b can be set individually. In the present embodiment, the first scanning period is set as a longer time than the second scanning period. In general, the sensitivity of an optical sensor for near-infrared light to near-infrared light is smaller than the sensitivity of an optical sensor for visible light to visible light.
- the first scanning period is set to be longer than the second scanning period, the near-infrared lights 131a and 131b are detected so that sufficient signal strength can be obtained for the determination by the determination unit 82. Can be done.
- the second scanning period is not set long due to the detection of the near-infrared lights 131a and 131b, the resolution of the visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b does not deteriorate.
- the first scanning period is set to N times the second scanning period (N is an integer of 2 or more).
- N 4
- the timing of the start of the first first scanning period for one object 90 that is, the NIR scanning No. of FIG. 5. If the start timing of 1) and the start timing of the first second scanning period (that is, the start timing of RGB scanning No. 1 in FIG. 5) are set to be simultaneous, one object is displayed.
- the timing of the end of the last first scanning period for 90 that is, the timing of the end of NIR scanning No. 4 in FIG. 5
- the timing of the end of the last second scanning period that is, RGB in FIG. 5).
- the near-infrared optical sensor 150a is a CMOS sensor and the visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b are CCD sensors, but the near-infrared optical sensor 150a and the visible light optical sensor 160a, If a sensor of the same type is adopted for the 160b, the output timing of the signal obtained in the final scan of the same object 90 is set between the near-infrared optical sensor 150a and the visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b. Can be the same.
- the visible light source 140a on the front side and the visible light source 140b on the rear side are constantly lit for the entire scanning period.
- the near-infrared light source 130a on the front side is turned on for a predetermined period only in the first scanning period having an odd number of scan numbers, and is not turned on at all in the first scan period having an even number of scan numbers.
- the near-infrared light source 130b on the rear side is turned on for a predetermined time only in the first scanning period having an even number of scan numbers, and is not turned on at all in the first scan period having an odd number of scan numbers.
- the near-infrared light sources 130a and 130b are alternately turned on so that only one of them is turned on within one first scanning period. Therefore, the visible light optical sensors 160a and 160b acquire the reflected and transmitted images of red light, green light, and blue light in all the second scanning periods. Further, the near-infrared light optical sensor 150a acquires a reflected image based on the near-infrared light 131a in the first scanning period having an odd scanning number, and in the first scanning period having an even scanning number. , A transmitted image based on the near-infrared light 131b is acquired. The determination unit 82 determines foreign matter and / or defective products based on the image thus acquired.
- the lighting period is from the start time T0 to the time point T1 of the first scanning period, and the lighting period is from the time point T1 to the time point T2.
- the light extinguishing period is from the time point T2 to the end time point T3 of the first scanning period. This point is the same as the lighting mode of each light source in the first embodiment.
- the CMOS sensor sequentially performs an electric charge accumulating operation and an electric charge reading operation within one scanning period.
- the near-infrared light optical sensor 150a is a CMOS sensor, and in FIG. 5, the period during which the charge accumulation operation is performed in the near-infrared light optical sensor 150a is set as the period TE1, and the charge read operation is performed. The period to be performed is shown as the period TE2.
- the lighting timing of the near-infrared light sources 130a and 130b is determined based on the periods TE1 and TE2 of the near-infrared optical sensor 150a.
- the timing of switching from turning on to off (time point T2 shown in FIG. 5) is for near-infrared light. It is set at the same time as the start of reading out the charge in the optical sensor 150a (the start of the period TE2).
- the near-infrared optical sensor 150a is turned on only during the period TE1 that contributes to the accumulation of electric charges, and is turned off during the period TE2 that does not contribute to the accumulation of electric charges.
- the near-infrared light sources 130a and 130b are not turned on unnecessarily without contributing to the accumulation of electric charges.
- the timing of switching from lighting to extinguishing (time point T2) is later than the start of charge reading (start of period TE2) in the near-infrared optical sensor 150a, and the charge reading is completed (period TE2). It may be earlier than the end). Even in this way, the effect of suppressing unnecessary lighting of the near-infrared light sources 130a and 130b can be obtained to some extent.
- the above-mentioned second embodiment can be modified in various ways.
- a light source that emits light having an arbitrary wavelength in the invisible wavelength region and an optical sensor that detects the light are used. May be good.
- the visible light sources 140a and 140b may be turned on intermittently so that there is a lighting period and an extinguishing period in each of the second scanning periods.
- the visible light sources 140a and 140b may be provided on the front side and / or the rear side. ..
- a near-infrared light optical sensor may be provided on the rear side.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of the sorter 100.
- the same components as those in the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment.
- FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a schematic configuration of the sorter 100.
- the optical detection unit 220 uses the first light sources 230a and 230b, the second light sources 240a and 240b, the third light sources 250a and 250b, the fourth light sources 260a and 260b, and optics. It includes sensors 270a and 270b.
- the first light sources 230a and 230b direct the first light 231a and 231b having the first wavelength (750 nm in this embodiment) within the first wavelength range toward the plurality of objects 90 being transferred. Release each. In the present embodiment, the output peaks of the first light sources 230a and 230b are at 750 nm.
- the second light sources 240a and 240b direct the second light 241a and 241b having the second wavelength (870 nm in the present embodiment) within the first wavelength range toward the plurality of objects 90 being transferred. Release each. In this embodiment, the output peaks of the second light sources 240a and 240b are at 870 nm.
- the third light sources 250a and 250b transfer a plurality of third lights 251a and 251b having a third wavelength (1200 nm in this embodiment) within the second wavelength range outside the first wavelength range. Each is released toward the object 90.
- the output peaks of the third light sources 250a and 250b are at 1200 nm.
- the fourth light sources 260a and 260b direct the fourth light 261a and 261b having the fourth wavelength (1550 nm in this embodiment) within the second wavelength range toward the plurality of objects 90 being transferred. Release each.
- the output peaks of the fourth light sources 260a and 260b are at 1550 nm.
- the first to fourth light sources are LEDs. In FIG. 1, the number of each light source is shown as one, but the number of at least a part of these light sources may be plural.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a schematic configuration of the optical sensors 270a and 270b. Since the optical sensors 270a and 270b have the same configuration, in FIG. 7, the components of the optical sensor 270a and the components of 270b are shown together.
- the optical sensors 270a and 270b include spectroscopes 271a and 271b, first light receiving elements 272a and 272b, and second light receiving elements 273a and 273b, respectively.
- the spectroscopes 271a and 271b adjust the incident light L0 to the above-mentioned first wavelength range (wavelength region including 750 nm and 870 nm) and the above-mentioned second wavelength range (1200 nm and 1550 nm).
- the first light receiving elements 272a and 272b have a sensitivity equal to or higher than a predetermined value within the first wavelength range, and are arranged so as to receive light L1.
- the sensitivity equal to or higher than the predetermined value here is a sensitivity sufficient for the determination by the determination unit 82, and is also referred to as an effective sensitivity.
- the second light receiving elements 273a and 273b have effective sensitivity within the second wavelength range, and are arranged so as to receive light L2.
- the first light 231b or the second light 241b becomes the second light. It is detected by the light receiving element 272a of 1.
- the third light 251b or the fourth light 261b becomes a second light. It is detected by the light receiving element 273a.
- the first light source 230a, the second light source 240a, the third light source 250a, the fourth light source 260a, and the optical sensor 270a are arranged on the front side, and the first light source 230b, the second light source 240b, and the second light source 240b are arranged.
- the third light source 250b, the fourth light source 260b, and the optical sensor 270b are arranged on the rear side.
- the front-side optical sensor 270a is emitted from the first light source 230a on the front side and reflected by the object 90, and is emitted from the second light source 240a and reflected by the object 90.
- the rear optical sensor 270b is a second light emitted from the first light source 230a on the front side and transmitted through the object 90, and a second light emitted from the second light source 240a and transmitted through the object 90.
- 241a the third light 251a emitted from the third light source 250a and transmitted through the object 90
- the first light 231b emitted from the first light source 230b on the side and reflected by the object 90
- the second light 241b emitted from the second light source 240b on the rear side and reflected by the object 90 and the rear.
- the optical detection unit 220 is controlled by the control device 280.
- the light source control unit 281 controls the first to fourth light sources according to a predetermined rule.
- the light source control unit 281 controls the first to fourth light sources by the selected mode of the first mode 283 and the second mode 284.
- the mode is selected by the user via a user interface (not shown) included in the sorter 100.
- FIG. 8 is a timing chart showing the scanning period of the optical sensors 270a and 270b and the lighting timing of each light source in the first mode 283.
- the first light source 230a on the front side and the first light source 230b on the rear side are lit for a predetermined period of time only during the scanning period having an odd number of scan numbers, and are even numbers. It is not lit at all during the scanning period with the scanning number.
- the second light source 240a on the front side and the second light source 240b on the rear side are lit for a predetermined period only during the scanning period having an even number of scan numbers, and are not lit at all during the scan period having an odd number of scan numbers.
- the third light source 250a on the front side and the third light source 250b on the rear side are constantly lit for the entire scanning period.
- the fourth light source 260a on the front side and the fourth light source 260b on the rear side are always turned off during the entire scanning period.
- the first mode 283 in both the optical sensors 270a and 270b, in the scanning period having an odd scanning number, a reflection transmission image based on the first light 231a and 231b is obtained, and an even scanning number is obtained. During the scanning period, reflection and transmission images based on the second light 241a and 241b are obtained. Further, in both the optical sensors 270a and 270b, a reflection transmission image based on the third light 251a and 251b is obtained in all scanning periods.
- the first mode 283 light having two kinds of wavelengths (first light 231a, 231b and second light 241a, 241b) within the effective sensitivity of the first light receiving elements 272a, 272b is emitted.
- first light 231a, 231b and second light 241a, 241b By alternately lighting the first light sources 230a and 230b and the second light sources 240a and 240b, one first light receiving element 272a and 272b can detect light of two kinds of wavelengths.
- the third light sources 250a and 250b that emit light of one type of wavelength (third light 251a and 251b) within the effective sensitivity of the second light receiving elements 273a and 273b the one type of light is turned on.
- Light of a wavelength can be detected by the second light receiving elements 273a and 273b. That is, each of the optical sensors 270a and 270b can detect light having three different wavelengths.
- FIG. 9 is a timing chart showing the scanning period of the optical sensors 270a and 270b and the lighting timing of each light source in the second mode 284.
- the first light sources 230a, 230b are constantly lit for the entire scanning period.
- the second light sources 240a and 240b are always turned off during the entire scanning period.
- the third light sources 250a and 250b are turned on for a predetermined period only during the scanning period having an odd number of scan numbers, and are not turned on at all during the scanning period having an even number of scan numbers.
- the fourth light sources 260a and 260b are turned on for a predetermined period only during the scanning period having an even number of scan numbers, and are not turned on at all during the scan period having an odd number of scan numbers.
- the second mode 284 in both the optical sensors 270a and 270b, in the scanning period having an odd scanning number, a reflection transmission image based on the third light 251a and 251b is obtained, and an even scanning number is obtained. During the scanning period, reflection and transmission images based on the fourth light 261a and 261b are obtained. Further, in both the optical sensors 270a and 270b, a reflection transmission image based on the second light 241a and 241b is obtained in all scanning periods. Similarly to the first mode 283, the second mode 284 can also detect light having three different wavelengths in each of the optical sensors 270a and 270b.
- the sorter 200 since light of three kinds of wavelengths can be detected by one optical sensor, the cost of the sorter 200 can be reduced. Moreover, since one of the three types of wavelength light is continuously emitted, sufficient detection intensity can be ensured. Moreover, by selecting one of the first mode 283 and the second mode 284, the light to be used depends on the type of the object 90 or the type of foreign matter and / or defective product to be sorted. The wavelength of can be changed.
- the fourth light sources 260a and 260b may be turned on instead of the third light sources 250a and 250b.
- the second light sources 240a and 240b may be turned on instead of the first light sources 230a and 230b.
- the third light sources 250a and 250b may be turned on intermittently so that there is a lighting period and an extinguishing period in each of the plurality of scanning periods. In this way as well, the resolution of the image obtained based on the third light sources 250a and 250b can be made larger than that of the image obtained based on the other light sources.
- the first light sources 230a and 230b may be turned on intermittently so that there is a lighting period and a lighting period in each of the plurality of scanning periods.
- the wavelength of the light emitted from the light sources having the first to fourth wavelengths can be arbitrarily set.
- the light source control unit 281 may control each light source in only one of the first mode 283 and the second mode 284. In this case, the light sources that do not light up (for example, the fourth light sources 260a and 260b in the first mode 283) can be omitted.
- the above-described embodiments of the present invention are for facilitating the understanding of the present invention and do not limit the present invention.
- the present invention can be modified and improved without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes equivalents thereof.
- the above-mentioned intermittently lit light source may be lit from the start of the scanning period of the optical sensor that receives the light emitted by the light source.
- a conveyor may be adopted instead of the chute 73 as a means for transferring the object 90.
- Optical sorter 20 Optical detector 30a ... First light source (red light source) 30b ... Second light source (red light source) 31a ... First light (red light) 31b ... Second light (red light) 40a ... Third light source (green light source) 40b ... Fourth light source (green light source) 41a ... Third light (green light) 41b ... Fourth light (green light) 50a ... Third light source (blue light source) 50b ... Fourth light source (blue light source) 51a ... Third light (blue light) 51b ... Fourth light (blue light) 60a ... 1st optical sensor 60b ... 2nd optical sensor 71 ... Storage tank 72 ... Feeder 73 ... Shoot 74 ...
- Optical sorting machine 120 Optical detection unit 130a, 130b ... First light source (near infrared light source) 131a, 131b ... First light (near infrared light) 140a, 140b ... Second light source (visible light source) 141a, 141b ... Second light (visible light) 150a ... First optical sensor (optical sensor for near-infrared light) 160a, 160b ... Second optical sensor (optical sensor for visible light) 180 ... Control device 181 ...
- Light source control unit 200 ... Optical sorter 220 ... Optical detection unit 230a, 230b ... First light source 231a, 231b ... First light 240a, 240b ... Second light source 241a, 241b ... Second light 250a, 250b ... Third light source 251a, 251b ... Third light 260a, 260b ... Fourth light source 261a, 261b ... Fourth light 270a, 270b ... Optical sensor 271a, 271b ... Spectrometer 272a, 272b ... First light source element 273a, 273b ... Second light source element 280 ... Control device 281 ... Light source control unit 283 ... First mode 284 ... Second mode
Abstract
Description
図1は、本発明の第1実施形態としての光学式選別機(以下、単に選別機と呼ぶ)10の概略構成を示す模式図である。本実施形態では、選別機10は、選別対象物(以下、単に対象物と呼ぶ)90としての米から異物(例えば、小石、泥、ガラス片など)および不良品(例えば、未熟粒、着色粒など)を選別するために使用される。ただし、対象物90は、米に限られるものではなく、任意の粒状物(例えば、米以外の穀物、プラスチックなど)であってもよい。
本発明の第2実施形態による光学式選別機(以下、単に選別機と呼ぶ)100について以下に説明する。選別機100は、第1実施形態の光学検出部20に代えて光学検出部120を備えている点と、第1実施形態の制御装置80に代えて制御装置180を備えている点と、が第1実施形態と異なっている。以下、第2の実施形態について、第1実施形態と異なる点についてのみ説明する。図4は、選別機100の概略構成を示す模式図である。図4では、図示する構成要素のうち、第1実施形態(図1)と同一の構成要素については、第1実施形態に付した符号と同一の符号を付している。図4に示すように、光学検出部120は、第1の光源130a,130bと、第2の光源140a,140bと、第1の光学センサ150aと、第2の光学センサ160a,160bと、を備えている。
本発明の第3実施形態による光学式選別機(以下、単に選別機と呼ぶ)200について以下に説明する。選別機200は、第1実施形態の光学検出部20に代えて光学検出部220を備えている点と、第1実施形態の制御装置80に代えて制御装置280を備えている点と、が第1実施形態と異なっている。以下、第3の実施形態について、第1実施形態と異なる点についてのみ説明する。図6は、選別機100の概略構成を示す模式図である。図6では、図示する構成要素のうち、第1実施形態(図1)と同一の構成要素については、第1実施形態に付した符号と同一の符号を付している。図6に示すように、光学検出部220は、第1の光源230a,230bと、第2の光源240a,240bと、第3の光源250a,250bと、第4の光源260a,260bと、光学センサ270a,270bと、を備えている。
20...光学検出部
30a...第1の光源(赤色光源)
30b...第2の光源(赤色光源)
31a...第1の光(赤色光)
31b...第2の光(赤色光)
40a...第3の光源(緑色光源)
40b...第4の光源(緑色光源)
41a...第3の光(緑色光)
41b...第4の光(緑色光)
50a...第3の光源(青色光源)
50b...第4の光源(青色光源)
51a...第3の光(青色光)
51b...第4の光(青色光)
60a...第1の光学センサ
60b...第2の光学センサ
71...貯留タンク
72...フィーダ
73...シュート
74...良品排出樋
75...不良品排出樋
76...エジェクタ
77...エア
80...制御装置
81...光源制御部
82...判定部
90...選別対象物
100...光学式選別機
120...光学検出部
130a,130b...第1の光源(近赤外光源)
131a,131b...第1の光(近赤外光)
140a,140b...第2の光源(可視光源)
141a,141b...第2の光(可視光)
150a...第1の光学センサ(近赤外光用光学センサ)
160a,160b...第2の光学センサ(可視光用光学センサ)
180...制御装置
181...光源制御部
200...光学式選別機
220...光学検出部
230a,230b...第1の光源
231a,231b...第1の光
240a,240b...第2の光源
241a,241b...第2の光
250a,250b...第3の光源
251a,251b...第3の光
260a,260b...第4の光源
261a,261b...第4の光
270a,270b...光学センサ
271a,271b...分光器
272a,272b...第1の受光素子
273a,273b...第2の受光素子
280...制御装置
281...光源制御部
283...第1のモード
284...第2のモード
Claims (11)
- 光学式選別機であって、
移送中の複数の選別対象物に向けて間欠的に光を放出する間欠的光源と、
前記移送中の複数の選別対象物のうちの一つの選別対象物に関連付けられた前記光を複数の間欠光用走査期間で検出する光学センサと、
前記光学センサによって取得された信号に基づいて、前記一つの選別対象物についての異物および/または不良品の判定を行う判定部と、
前記間欠的光源を制御する光源制御部と
を備え、
前記光源制御部は、
前記複数の間欠光用走査期間のうちの少なくとも一つの間欠光用走査期間において前記間欠的光源を点灯させる場合には、前記少なくとも一つの間欠光用走査期間の各々において、
前記間欠的光源が点灯される点灯期間と、前記間欠的光源が消灯される消灯期間と、が存在し、かつ、
前記少なくとも一つの間欠光用走査期間の開始から遅れたタイミングで前記点灯期間が始まるように、
前記間欠的光源を制御するように構成された
光学式選別機。 - 請求項1に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記光源制御部は、前記少なくとも一つの間欠光用走査期間の終了よりも早いタイミングで前記点灯期間が終了するように前記間欠的光源を制御するように構成された
光学式選別機。 - 請求項1または請求項2に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記間欠的光源は、前記複数の選別対象物の移送経路に対する第1の側に配置され、第1の光を放出する第1の間欠的光源と、前記第1の側と反対の第2の側に配置され、前記第1の光と同一の波長を有する第2の光を放出する第2の間欠的光源と、を備え、
前記光学センサは、前記第1の側に配置される第1の光学センサと、前記第2の側に配置される第2の光学センサと、を備え、
前記複数の間欠光用走査期間は、第1の間欠光用走査期間と第2の間欠光用走査期間とを備え、
前記光源制御部は、前記第1の間欠光用走査期間において前記第1の間欠的光源が点灯し、かつ、前記第2の間欠的光源が点灯せず、前記第2の間欠光用走査期間において前記第1の間欠的光源が点灯せず、かつ、前記第2の間欠的光源が点灯するように前記第1の間欠的光源および前記第2の間欠的光源を制御するように構成された
光学式選別機。 - 請求項3に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記第1の光および前記第2の光は、赤色の光である
光学式選別機。 - 請求項3または請求項4に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記間欠的光源は、
前記第1の側に配置され、前記第1の光とは異なる波長を有する第3の光を放出する第3の間欠的光源と、
前記第2の側に配置され、前記第3の光と同一の波長を有する第4の光を放出する第4の間欠的光源と
を備え、
前記光源制御部は、前記第1の間欠光用走査期間および前記第2の間欠光用走査期間の両方において点灯するように前記第3の間欠的光源および前記第4の間欠的光源を制御するように構成された
光学式選別機。 - 請求項5に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記第3の光および前記第4の光の各々は、緑色の光と青色の光とを含む
光学式選別機。 - 請求項1または請求項2に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記間欠的光源は、前記光として、不可視波長領域内の波長を有する不可視光を放出し、
前記光学センサは、前記不可視光を検出する不可視光用光学センサとして構成され、
前記光学式選別機は、さらに、
前記移送中の複数の選別対象物に向けて可視波長領域内の波長を有する可視光を放出する可視光源と、
前記一つの選別対象物に関連付けられた前記可視光を複数の可視光用走査期間で検出する可視光用光学センサと、
を備え、
前記判定部は、前記不可視光用光学センサによって取得された信号と、前記可視光用光学センサによって取得された信号と、に基づいて前記異物および/または前記不良品の判定を行うように構成され、
前記間欠光用走査期間および前記可視光用走査期間は、互いに異なる長さの時間によってそれぞれ定義された
光学式選別機。 - 請求項7に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記間欠光用走査期間は、前記可視光用走査期間のN倍(Nは2以上の整数)となるように設定された
光学式選別機。 - 請求項7または請求項8に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記不可視光は近赤外光である
光学式選別機。 - 請求項1ないし請求項9のいずれか一項に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記光学センサはCMOSセンサであり、
前記点灯期間は、前記CMOSセンサにおける電荷の読み出しの開始と同時に終了するか、または、前記読み出しの開始よりも遅く、かつ、前記電荷の読み出しの完了よりも早いタイミングで終了する
光学式選別機。 - 請求項1または請求項2に記載の光学式選別機であって、
前記間欠的光源は、第1の波長範囲内の第1の波長を有する第1の光を放出する第1の間欠的光源と、前記第1の波長とは異なる、前記第1の波長範囲内の第2の波長を有する第2の光を放出する第2の間欠的光源と、を備え、
前記光学式選別機は、さらに、前記第1の波長範囲外の第2の波長範囲内の第3の波長を有する第3の光を前記移送中の複数の選別対象物に向けて放出する追加的光源を備え、
前記光学センサは、前記第1の波長範囲内に所定以上の感度を有する第1の受光素子と、前記第2の波長範囲内に所定以上の感度を有する第2の受光素子と、入射される光を、前記第1の波長範囲内の光と前記第2の波長範囲内の光とに分光する分光器と、を一体的に有し、
前記複数の間欠光用走査期間は、第1の間欠光用走査期間と第2の間欠光用走査期間とを備え、
前記光源制御部は、前記第1の間欠光用走査期間において、前記第1の間欠的光源が点灯し、前記第2の間欠的光源が点灯せず、前記追加的光源が点灯するように前記間欠的光源および前記追加的光源を制御するとともに、前記第2の間欠光用走査期間において、前記第1の間欠的光源が点灯せず、前記第2の間欠的光源が点灯し、前記追加的光源が点灯するように前記間欠的光源および前記追加的光源を制御するように構成された
光学式選別機。
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