JP2006234519A - Inspection method of particulate body and inspection device using it - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inspection method of a particulate body capable of accurately counting the number of the particulate bodies even in a case that the particulate bodies to be inspected are overlapped with each other or erected, and an inspection device using it. <P>SOLUTION: An image processing part 3 is constituted so that the lump region corresponding to the particulate bodies 10a and 10b is extracted from a binary image stored in an image memory part 2, a plurality of reference points are dispersed and arranged inside the lump region along a contour line, reference points are extracted from the respective reference points, the reference points which are the reference points capable of seeing through only the standard points through the inside of the lump region and present on the side opposite to the standard points so as to hold the central part of the lump region, are extracted as shape judging points with respect to individual standard points, two standard points are judged to belong to the different particulate bodies in a case that at least a part of a connection segment, which connects the shape judging point corresponding to either one of the standard points and the shape judging point corresponding to the other standard point, passes through the outside of the lump region and the number of particulate bodies is discriminated, based on the number of the standard points belonging to the different particulate bodies. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a granular object inspection method for inspecting a granular object such as a solid medicine and an inspection apparatus using the same.

  In general, when multiple medicines are administered to a patient in a medical facility such as a hospital, the patient is in a state where the medicines to be taken at a time are packaged together with a packaging material so that the patient does not mistake the type and number of medicines to be taken. Has been made available to. Here, some drugs may cause side effects if the dose is wrong or if they are swallowed. Therefore, it is obliged to manually sort and package the drugs manually. However, there is a possibility that mistakes may occur even if manual sorting and packaging operations are performed. Therefore, the medicine packed in the packaging bag is imaged with a CCD camera, and the image data is processed and imaged. 2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a granular object inspection apparatus that inspects the type and quantity of packaged medicine by recognizing the boundary of an object inside has been provided (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Here, in the granular object inspection apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, image data obtained by performing data processing such as binarization on an image of a medicine imaged by an imaging unit such as a CCD camera is subjected to image processing. Then, the area, perimeter, and complexity of the object in the image are obtained, and the number of medicines is obtained by determining whether or not the medicine is based on the area and the complexity. The complexity is a value obtained by dividing the square of the circumference by the area.
Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-17665 (right column, page 3, lines 4 to 37, and FIG. 1)

  By the way, when a plurality of medicines are packaged, some of the medicines may be imaged in a partially overlapped state, but the above-described granular object inspection apparatus is based on the area and complexity of the object. Since it is determined whether or not it is a medicine, the area and circumference can be correctly detected when the two medicines 10a and 10b are separated as shown in FIG. 6A, but the two medicines 10a and 10b are detected. If they are in contact with each other or overlapped, the area and circumference cannot be detected correctly, so that there is a problem that the determination of the medicine cannot be performed accurately and the count value of the number becomes inaccurate.

  Further, when there are cross grooves on one side of the medicines 10a and 10b as shown in FIG. 6A, if such medicines 10a and 10b stand up as shown in FIG. Since the dent appeared, the circumference could not be recognized correctly, and the number could not be counted correctly.

  Therefore, in order to accurately measure the area and circumference of the drug even when the drugs are partially overlapped or in contact with each other, it is also conceivable to image the drug not only from the top but also from multiple directions. However, there is a problem in that a plurality of image pickup means or a mechanism for moving the image pickup means to a plurality of shooting positions is required, resulting in an increase in cost.

  In addition, the area and circumference of the medicine can be obtained by removing the overlap and contact between the medicines by applying vibrations to the examination table, or by shaking the lying medicine and laying it down, then imaging the medicine and performing image processing. However, there is a problem that a mechanism for giving vibration to the inspection table is required, resulting in an increase in cost.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and the object of the present invention is to provide a granular object that can accurately count the number of granular objects even when the granular objects to be inspected overlap or stand. An object is to provide an inspection method and an inspection apparatus using the inspection method.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 includes an imaging unit that captures an imaging region including a granular object to be inspected, and a digital image obtained by digitizing pixel values of each pixel of the image of the imaging unit. An image processing unit having a function of separating individual object areas from the mass area when a plurality of object areas corresponding to the granular object are in contact with each other to form one mass area. An inspection method for a granular object for inspecting an existing granular object, wherein the image processing unit extracts a block area from the digital image as a target area for image processing, and creates an outline of the block area inside the block area. A target area after performing a process of distributing and arranging a plurality of reference points along the line and a counting process of counting the number of other reference points that can be seen from the reference point through the area of the lump area for each reference point Present A process for extracting a reference point having a minimum count value from a plurality of reference points as a reference point, and selecting all reference points that can be seen through the target area from the reference point, and selecting the selected reference point and reference After repeatedly executing the process of extracting the area formed by connecting the points as an object area and the process of excluding the object area from the target area as a new target area, the image processing unit For each of the points, only the reference point can be seen through the region of the target region, and a reference point on the opposite side of the reference point across the central portion of the lump region is extracted as a shape determination point. When at least a part of the connecting line segment connecting the shape determination point corresponding to the reference point and the shape determination point corresponding to the other reference point passes outside the mass region, the two reference points are Different grains It was determined to belong to the object, wherein the identifying number of the granular objects based on the number of reference points belonging to different particulate matter.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, in the image processing unit, when at least a part of the connecting line segment connecting the shape determination points corresponding to the two reference points passes through the outer region of the lump region, the two Judging that the reference points belong to different granular objects, the number of granular objects is identified from the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects, and if a granular object with a groove on one side stands, shape determination Since points cannot be extracted, the number of granular objects is not erroneously identified as two, and the number of granular objects can be accurately identified.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an imaging unit for imaging an imaging region including a granular object to be inspected, and an object region corresponding to the granular object in a digital image obtained by digitizing pixel values of each pixel of the image of the imaging unit. For inspecting a granular object existing in an imaging region by an inspection apparatus comprising: an image processing unit having a function of separating individual object regions from a lump region when a plurality of contacts form a lump region In this object inspection method, the image processing unit extracts a block area from a digital image as a target area for image processing, and distributes a plurality of reference points along the outline of the block area inside the block area. And a counting process for counting the number of other reference points that can be seen from the reference point through the region of the lump region for each reference point, and then from a plurality of reference points existing in the target region. Counting The process of extracting the reference point with the smallest count value as a reference point, and selecting all reference points that can be seen through the target area from the reference point, and connecting the selected reference point and the reference point to each other After repeatedly executing the process of extracting an area as an object area and the process of excluding the object area from the target area as a new target area, the image processing unit performs the reference point for each of the plurality of reference points. A reference point that can be seen through the area of the target area and is located on the opposite side of the reference area across the center of the mass area is extracted as a shape determination point. Surrounded by a first area surrounded by a first connecting line segment and an outline connecting between the reference points and a second connecting line segment and an outline connecting between the shape determination points corresponding to the two reference points The area difference from the second region If less than the quasi-area is determined to belong to the granular object in which the two reference points are different, and wherein the identifying number of the granular objects based on the number of reference points belonging to different particulate matter.

  According to the invention of claim 2, the image processing unit determines that the two reference points belong to different granular objects when the area difference between the first region and the second region is smaller than a predetermined reference area. Thus, the number of granular objects is identified from the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects, and when a granular object having a groove on one side is standing, shape determination points cannot be extracted and the second region is not formed. Therefore, it is possible to accurately identify the number of granular objects without erroneously identifying the number of granular objects as two.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the second aspect of the invention, in the image processing unit, instead of calculating the area difference between the first region and the second region, the points on the contour line surrounding the first region and the first connecting line segment are obtained. And the maximum distance between the point on the contour line surrounding the second region and the second connecting line segment is obtained, and if this distance difference is shorter than a predetermined reference distance, 2 It is determined that two reference points belong to different granular objects.

  According to the invention of claim 3, since the maximum distance between the first connecting line segment and the second connecting line segment and the contour line is obtained, and the determination process is performed based on the distance difference, the first region and the second connecting line segment are determined. Compared with the case where the area of the two regions is directly obtained, the time required for the arithmetic processing can be shortened.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the second or third aspect of the invention, when a plurality of shape determination points are extracted for each reference point in the image processing unit, the distance from the corresponding reference point among the plurality of shape determination points The longest shape determination point is selected, and the second connecting line segment is formed using the selected shape determination point.

  According to the invention of claim 4, compared to the case where the second connection line segments are formed using all the shape determination points and the determination process of claim 2 or 3 is performed on each second connection line segment. The calculation time required for the determination process can be shortened.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for inspecting a granular object, the imaging means for imaging an imaging area including the granular object to be inspected, and a digital image obtained by digitizing pixel values of each pixel of the image of the imaging means. An image processing unit having a function of separating individual object areas from the mass area when a plurality of object areas corresponding to the granular object are in contact with each other to form one mass area. A function for extracting a lump area as a target area for image processing, a function for distributing a plurality of reference points along the outline of the lump area inside the lump area, and a reference point for each reference point A function that counts the number of other reference points that can be seen through the area of the lump area, and a process that extracts the reference point with the smallest count value by the counting function from a plurality of reference points existing in the target area as a reference point To target area Select all the reference points that can be seen through the area, extract the area formed by connecting the selected reference points and reference points to each other as an object area, and create a new target area by removing the object area from the target area For each of a plurality of reference points, only the reference point can be seen through the region of the target region, and on the opposite side of the reference point across the central portion of the lump region A function for extracting a reference point as a shape determination point and at least a part of a connecting line segment connecting a shape determination point corresponding to one of the reference points and a shape determination point corresponding to another reference point is a lump. A function for determining that the two reference points belong to different granular objects when passing outside the region, and means for identifying the number of granular objects based on the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects. Characterized in that was.

  According to the invention of claim 5, in the image processing unit, when at least a part of the connecting line segment connecting the shape determination points corresponding to the two reference points passes through the outer region of the lump region, the two Judging that the reference points belong to different granular objects, the number of granular objects is identified from the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects, and if a granular object with a groove on one side stands, shape determination Since points cannot be extracted, the number of granular objects is not erroneously identified as two, and an inspection apparatus that can accurately identify the number of granular objects can be realized.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for inspecting a granular object, the imaging means for imaging an imaging area including the granular object to be inspected, and a digital image obtained by digitizing the pixel value of each pixel of the image of the imaging means. An image processing unit having a function of separating individual object areas from the mass area when a plurality of object areas corresponding to the granular object are in contact with each other to form one mass area. A function for extracting a lump area as a target area for image processing, a function for distributing a plurality of reference points along the outline of the lump area inside the lump area, and a reference point for each reference point A function that counts the number of other reference points that can be seen through the area of the lump area, and a process that extracts the reference point with the smallest count value by the counting function from a plurality of reference points existing in the target area as a reference point To target area Select all the reference points that can be seen through the area, extract the area formed by connecting the selected reference points and reference points to each other as an object area, and create a new target area by removing the object area from the target area For each of a plurality of reference points, only the reference point can be seen through the region of the target region, and on the opposite side of the reference point across the central portion of the lump region A function of extracting a reference point as a shape determination point, a first area surrounded by a first connecting line segment and an outline connecting one of the reference points and another reference point, and the two When the area difference between the second connection line segment connecting the shape determination points corresponding to the reference points and the second region surrounded by the contour line is smaller than a predetermined reference area, the two reference points are different granular objects. A function to determine that it belongs to Provided, characterized in that a means for identifying the number of the granular objects based on the number of reference points belonging to different particulate matter.

  According to the invention of claim 6, the image processing unit determines that the two reference points belong to different granular objects when the area difference between the first region and the second region is smaller than a predetermined reference area. Thus, the number of granular objects is identified from the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects, and when a granular object having a groove on one side is standing, shape determination points cannot be extracted and the second region is not formed. Therefore, it is possible to realize an inspection apparatus that can accurately identify the number of granular objects without erroneously identifying the number of granular objects as two.

  The invention according to claim 1 is a granular object inspection method, and in the image processing unit, at least a part of the connecting line segment connecting between the shape determination points corresponding to the two reference points passes through the outer region of the lump region. In this case, it is determined that the two reference points belong to different granular objects, the number of granular objects is identified from the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects, and a granular object with a groove on one side stands. In this case, since the shape determination point cannot be extracted, the number of granular objects is not erroneously identified as two, and the number of granular objects can be accurately identified.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for inspecting a granular object. In the image processing unit, when the area difference between the first area and the second area is smaller than a predetermined reference area, the granular object is different in two reference points. The number of granular objects is identified from the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects, and when a granular object with a groove on one side stands, the shape determination point cannot be extracted, Since the second region is not formed, the number of granular objects is not erroneously identified as two, and the number of granular objects can be accurately identified.

  The invention according to claim 5 is an inspection apparatus for granular objects, and in the image processing unit, at least a part of the connecting line segment connecting between the shape determination points corresponding to the two reference points passes through the outer area of the lump area. In this case, it is determined that the two reference points belong to different granular objects, the number of granular objects is identified from the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects, and a granular object with a groove on one side stands. In this case, since the shape determination point cannot be extracted, the number of granular objects is not erroneously identified as two, and an inspection apparatus that can accurately identify the number of granular objects can be realized.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the granular object inspection apparatus, wherein the image processing unit has a granular object having two different reference points when the area difference between the first region and the second region is smaller than a predetermined reference area. The number of granular objects is identified from the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects, and when a granular object with a groove on one side stands, the shape determination point cannot be extracted, Since the second region is not formed, an inspection apparatus capable of accurately identifying the number of granular objects can be realized without erroneously identifying the number of granular objects as two.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiments of an inspection apparatus using a granular object inspection method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an inspection apparatus, which captures granular objects 10a and 10b such as medicines to be inspected that have been conveyed to an inspection table 6 like a CCD camera installed above the inspection table 6. After the image is picked up using the device 1, the signal value related to the grayscale information of the image signal picked up by the image pickup device 1 is binarized with an appropriate threshold value by a binarization processing unit (not shown) and a binary image is generated. The image data of the binary image is stored in the image storage unit 2. In the image processing unit 3, the binary image stored in the image storage unit 2 is subjected to image processing to be separated into object regions corresponding to individual granular objects, and the inspection determination unit 4 counts the number of object regions. The number of granular objects is obtained. Note that a grayscale image may be generated and stored in the image storage unit 2 by binarizing the image signal picked up by the imaging device 1 by A / D conversion instead of being binarized. Since it is possible to apply differential processing or the like, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy.

  In order to irradiate the granular objects 10 a and 10 b placed on the inspection table 6 with light, an illumination device 7 is arranged on the same side as the imaging device 1 with respect to the inspection table 6. In order that the medicines 10a and 10b can be easily separated from the background of the binary image picked up in 1, the light corresponding to the medicine 10a and 10b and the background part are irradiated with light that increases the luminance difference. The surface of the examination table 6 has a low light reflectance, and when the illumination device 7 irradiates the examination table 6 with light, the images taken by the imaging device 1 have bright portions of the medicines 10a and 10b. The portion of (the surface of the inspection table 6) is darkened, and the luminance difference between the two is increased. Therefore, a relatively large luminance difference is generated between the outline of the medicines 10a and 10b and the background, and the signal values relating to the grayscale information of the image signal output from the imaging device 1 are binarized, whereby the medicines 10a and 10b are binarized. It becomes possible to separate the outline from the background. Here, since the binary image obtained by binarizing the image signal picked up by the image pickup apparatus 1 is a digital image having only binary values of pixel values 0 and 1, this digital image is an image made up of RAM. Stored in the storage unit 2. The image storage unit 2 is not only used as a storage area for binary images, but also used as a storage area for work in various image processing described later. The binary image stored in the image storage unit 2 is input to the image processing unit 3, and the shapes of the medicines 10a and 10b are recognized by performing image processing described in the following embodiments, and the recognition is performed. Based on the result, the examination determination unit 4 identifies the number of the medicines 10a and 10b. The image processing unit 3 is connected to a monitor device (not shown) composed of a CRT or a liquid crystal display. The monitor device is connected to an image captured by the imaging device 1 or binarized by the binarization processing unit. The binary image thus obtained, the recognition result by the image processing unit 3 and the like can be displayed. Here, the image storage unit 2, the image processing unit 3 and the inspection determination unit 4 constitute an image processing / inspection determination unit 5.

  In the embodiment described below, for example, a plurality of medicines 10a and 10b to be packaged in one sachet is placed on the examination table 6 and a plurality of medicines 10a imaged by the imaging device 1 is used. 10b, it is determined whether or not the number of the medicines 10a and 10b placed on the examination table 6 is the correct number. The medicines 10a and 10b are finally packaged in one package by a packaging material. Is done. Here, when the packaging material is transparent or translucent and when the medicines 10a and 10b are imaged by the imaging apparatus 1, an image similar to the case where packaging with the packaging material is not performed can be obtained in advance. The medicines 10a and 10b wrapped with the packaging material may be placed on the examination table 6 and imaged.

  Next, the image processing method of the image processing unit 3 in the embodiment of the present invention will be described based on a specific example. Here, as shown in FIG. 2A, the case where two circular tablets are placed on the examination table 6 as the medicines 10a and 10b will be described as an example. In the illustrated example, since the drugs 10a and 10b partially overlap each other, in the binary image, one continuous area corresponding to the two drugs 10a and 10b (this area is referred to as a lump area) A1 is formed. 10a and 10b cannot be individually identified. Thus, in order to count the number of the drugs 10a and 10b, it is necessary to separate the areas corresponding to the individual drugs 10a and 10b from the mass area A1 in the binary image.

  Therefore, in order to separate and recognize the individual drugs 10a and 10b from the mass region A1 generated in the binary image when the plurality of drugs 10a and 10b partially overlap or contact each other, In the embodiment, the image processing unit 3 performs the following processing. That is, the image processing unit 3 first sets an appropriate pixel in the vicinity of the outline of the lump area A1 as a reference point for the binary image stored in the image storage unit 2. The reference point is inside the lump area A1 and is located at a position on the outline of the lump area A1 or a few pixels inside the outline at a substantially constant interval along the outline of the lump area A1. Distributed and set.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), when other drugs are not in contact with or overlapped with the drug 10a, that is, when the lump region A2 is formed of only one drug 10a, For all the reference points P1, P2, P3, P4, P5... Set along the outline of the lump area A2, a connecting line segment S (1-20) that is a line segment connecting the reference points P1. , S (2-10), S (3-15), S (5-30)... All pass through the inner area of the lump area A2. Here, the connecting line segment S (mn) means a line segment connecting the reference point Pm and the reference point Pn.

  When the connecting line segment S (mn) passes through the area of the block area A2, the pixel values of the pixels on the connecting line segment S (mn) are all the same value (0 or 1). By comparing the pixel values of each pixel on the line segment, it can be determined whether or not the block region A2 passes only within the region. In the case of a multi-value image, if the pixel value of a pixel on a connecting line segment is a density value within a certain setting range, it can be determined that only the inner region of the same block region A2 has passed.

  Therefore, for each of the plurality of reference points P1,..., A connecting line segment connecting with other reference points is formed, and the number of connecting line segments in which the pixel values of all pixels on the connecting line segment are the same value. By counting (that is, the number of reference points), it is possible to count the number of other reference points that can be seen through the region of the lump area A2 from the reference point. In the case of FIG. All of the reference points P1... Have the same value (when the total number of reference points P1.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2B, when the lump area A1 is formed of two drugs 10a and 10b that partially overlap each other, a plurality of reference points P1 are formed along the outline of the lump area A1. Are arranged in a distributed manner, and for all the reference points P1..., Connecting line segments S (1-30), S (2-26), S (3-8), S connecting the reference points P1. When (9-25), S (10-21)... Are formed, some of the connecting line segments (for example, the line segment S (3-8)) pass outside the mass area A1. That is, the image processing unit 3 counts the number of other reference points that can be seen from the reference point through the region of the lump region A1 for each of the plurality of reference points P1... Existing in the region of the target region (lump region A1). Then, at reference points (for example, reference points P5, P6, P25, P26, etc.) in the vicinity of the overlapping part of the medicines 10a, 10b, it becomes a shadow of the part where the outline is bound and passes through the area of the lump area A1. Since there are reference points that cannot be seen, the count value is smaller than the reference points in other parts. Therefore, in the image processing unit 3, a plurality of points existing in the target region (lumb region 1) are present. For each of the reference points P1,..., A counting process is performed to count the number of other reference points that can be seen through the area of the lump area A1 from the reference point, and the count value obtained by the counting process is stored in the imaging storage unit 2 Let Table 1 below shows an example of count values obtained by performing count processing on individual reference points P1... Distributed as shown in FIG.

  When the image processing unit 3 performs the above-described counting process, the reference point having the smallest count value (see Table 1) by the counting process is selected as a reference point from a plurality of reference points in the area of the lump area A1, which is the target area. Set. In the example shown in FIG. 2B, since the count value of the reference point P3 is the smallest from Table 1, the image processing unit 3 sets the reference point P3 as a reference point. As a result of the counting process, when the counted value becomes the same value at all the reference points, the image processing unit 3 determines that the lump area A1 is one granular object, and ends the subsequent processes. The number of granular objects corresponding to A1 is one. Further, as a result of the counting process, there may be a case where there is a reference point where the count value is the minimum at both the reference point of the same medicine or the reference point of different medicines. Any one of the reference points with the smallest numerical value can be arbitrarily selected as a reference point, and the subsequent processing can be performed on the selected reference point, and the number of granular objects is counted using which point as the reference point. Even so, the counting results are the same.

  When the reference point is determined to be P3 as described above, as shown in FIG. 3A, the image processing unit 3 allows all the reference points P1, P2, P4, P5 that can be seen from the reference point P3 through the area of the target area A1. P15 to P40 are selected, a connecting line segment connecting the reference point P3 and the selected reference point is formed, and an area surrounded by these connecting line segments is extracted as an object area B1 corresponding to one granular object (See FIG. 3B).

  Then, in the image processing unit 3, a region A3 obtained by removing the object region B1 from the target region A1 is set as a new target region, and the above-described counting process is performed from a plurality of reference points P6, P7... Existing in the target region A3. A reference point P9 having the smallest count value (see Table 1) is selected, and this reference point P9 is set as a new reference point. When the reference point is determined to be P9, the image processing unit 3 selects all the reference points P6, P7, P8... That can be seen through the reference point P9 through the target area A3, and the selected reference points P6, P7, P8. ... and the reference point P9 are connected to each other to form a connecting line segment, and a region surrounded by these connecting line segments is extracted as an object region B2 corresponding to one object. At this time, the area obtained by combining the object areas B1 and B2 is substantially equal to the lump area A1, and there is no reference point in the area excluding the object areas B1 and B2 from the lump area A1. The extraction process ends. Here, when the medicines 10a and 10b in which a cross groove is formed on one side as shown in FIG. 6B are raised, a part of the contour line is recessed as shown in FIG. 4B. When the image processing unit 3 performs the above-described image processing, two reference points are extracted. Therefore, when the number of granular objects is identified only from the number of reference points, there is a possibility that two drugs are erroneously detected when the drug 10a is standing.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the image processing unit 3 finishes the extraction of the reference points, a tracking process is performed for each of the extracted reference points P3 and P9 from the reference points P1. . That is, in the image processing unit 3, for each of a plurality of reference points (P3 or P9), the reference point (P3 or P9) is passed through the region of the lump region A1 from the plurality of reference points P1. ) All the reference points that can only be seen are extracted, and among the extracted reference points, a reference point on the opposite side of the reference point across the central portion of the lump area A1 is extracted as a shape determination point. For example, with respect to the reference point P3, the reference point C3 of the reference points P1, P2, P4, P5 on the reference point P3 side and the opposite side across the central portion of the lump area A1 are used as reference points that allow only the reference point P3 to be seen. The reference point group C2 of the reference points P26, P27, and P28 is extracted, but the image processing unit 3 extracts the reference points P26, P27, and P28 belonging to the reference point group C2 as shape determination points. Similarly, for the reference point P9, as a reference point through which only the reference point P9 can be seen, the reference point group C3 of the reference points P6, P7, P8, and P10 on the reference point P3 side and the central portion of the lump area A1 are sandwiched. The reference point group C4 of the reference points P23, P24, and P25 on the opposite side is extracted, but the image processing unit 3 extracts the reference points P23, P24, and P25 belonging to the reference point group C4 as shape determination points.

  When the shape determination point corresponding to each reference point is extracted in this way, the image processing unit 3 uses the shape determination point (P26, P27 or P28) corresponding to the reference point P3 and the shape corresponding to the reference point P9. A connecting line segment connecting the determination points (P23, P24 or P25) is formed. Here, in the binary image, if the pixel value of the background portion is 0 (black) and the pixel value of the drug portion is 1 (white), the connecting line segment connecting the reference points P3 and P9 is surrounded by an outline. In order to pass through the portion, a part passes outside the block region A1, the pixel value of the connecting line segment is 1 at both ends (reference points P3, P9), and the pixel value is 0 in the middle There is. Similarly, when a connecting line segment (for example, line segment S (23, 28)) connecting between the shape determination points corresponding to the reference points P3 and P9 is formed, the two granular objects 10a and 10b overlap or contact each other. In this case, the connecting line segment S (23, 28) passes through the portion where the outline is bound, and a part of the connecting line segment S (23, 28) passes outside the block region A1, so the pixel value of the connecting line segment is 1 at both ends In the middle part, there is a part where the pixel value is zero. Therefore, in the image processing unit 3, a connecting line segment is formed by connecting between the shape determination points corresponding to the two reference points, and at least a part of the connecting line segment passes outside the block region A1. The two reference points are determined to belong to different granular objects.

  On the other hand, when one medicine 10a stands as shown in FIG. 4B, the image processing unit 3 can extract the two reference points P3 and P9 by performing the above-described image processing. Even if the shape determination point is searched for each of the reference points P3 and P9, both the reference points P3 and P9 are foreseen from the reference point on the opposite side of the reference points P3 and P9 across the central portion of the lump area A1. Since the shape determination point cannot be extracted and the determination condition that a part of the connecting line segment connecting the shape determination points passes through the outer region of the lump region A1 is not satisfied, two criteria It can be determined that the points P3 and P9 do not belong to different granular objects, that is, belong to the same object. Thus, the image processing unit 3 can extract the reference points belonging to different granular objects by performing the above processing for each of the plurality of reference points, and the inspection determining unit 4 can extract the reference points belonging to the different granular objects. The number of granular objects is identified based on the number of.

  Explaining the above operation, the image processing unit 3 can extract a reference point from a plurality of reference points, and for each of the extracted plurality of reference points, only the reference point can be seen through the region of the target area A1, In addition, a reference point on the opposite side to the reference point across the central portion of the lump area A1 is extracted as a shape determination point, and corresponds to a shape determination point corresponding to one of the reference points and another reference point If at least a part of the connecting line segment connecting the shape determination points to each other passes outside the mass area A1, it is determined that the two reference points belong to different granular objects, and the reference points belonging to different granular objects Since the number of granular objects is identified based on the number of particles, it is possible to correctly count the number of granular objects without erroneous detection that there are two granular objects when the granular object is standing. become.

(Embodiment 2)
Embodiments of an inspection apparatus using a granular object inspection method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Since the configuration of the inspection apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment, common constituent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, description thereof is omitted, and an image of the image processing unit 3 that is a characteristic part of the present embodiment is described below. The processing will be described with reference to FIG.

  The image processing method by the image processing unit 3 is substantially the same as the image processing method described in the first embodiment, and the method for determining whether or not the extracted reference point belongs to a different granular object is different from the first embodiment. Yes. When the two granular objects 10a and 10b overlap as shown in FIG. 5A, the first connecting line segment Sa connecting the two reference points P3 and P9 and the outline of the lump area A1. The second area Db surrounded by the area of the first area Da surrounded and the second connecting line segment Sb connecting the shape determination points P28 and P23 corresponding to the reference points P3 and P9, respectively, and the outline of the lump area A1. Is substantially equal to the area. On the other hand, when the granular object 10a in which the groove is formed on only one side as shown in FIG. 4B stands, the first region Da surrounded by the first connecting line segment Sa and the outline exists, The two regions Db no longer exist. Therefore, the image processing unit 3 compares the area of the first area Da and the area of the second area Db, and the two reference points belong to different granular objects depending on whether the difference between them is smaller than a predetermined reference area. It can be determined whether or not.

  That is, in the image processing unit 3, as described in the first embodiment, after extracting a reference point from a plurality of reference points and extracting a shape determination point for each reference point, any reference point and another A first area Da surrounded by a first connecting line segment Sa connecting with one reference point (reference points P3 and P9 in the example of FIG. 5A) and the outline of the lump area A1, and the 2 The second connection line segment Sb connecting between the shape determination points P28 and P23 corresponding to the two reference points P3 and P9 and the second region Db surrounded by the outline of the lump region A1 are obtained, and the first region Da and the first region When the area difference from the two regions Db is smaller than a predetermined reference area, it is determined that the two reference points P3 and P9 belong to different granular objects. Then, after determining whether or not any two reference points of the plurality of reference points belong to different granular objects, the inspection determination unit 4 determines the granularity based on the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects. Since the number of objects is obtained, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the number when a granular object is standing.

  In the present embodiment, the image processing unit 3 determines whether or not the two reference points belong to different granular objects from the area difference between the first area Da and the second area Db. It takes a relatively long time to calculate the area. Here, as shown in FIG. 5B, a perpendicular line is dropped from the point on the contour line surrounding the first region Da to the first connection line segment Sa, and the maximum distance between the first connection line segment Sa and the point on the contour line. When E1 is obtained and a perpendicular line is dropped from the point on the contour line surrounding the second region Db to the second connection line segment Sb, the maximum distance E2 between the second connection line segment Sb and the point on the contour line is obtained. When the granular objects 10a and 10b overlap, the maximum distances E1 and E2 are substantially equal. On the other hand, when the granular object 10a in which the groove is formed on only one side as shown in FIG. 4B stands, the first region Da surrounded by the first connecting line segment Sa and the outline exists, The two regions Db no longer exist. Therefore, the image processing unit 3 compares the maximum distances E1 and E2, and determines whether or not the two reference points belong to different granular objects based on whether or not the distance difference between them is shorter than a predetermined reference distance. be able to.

  That is, in the image processing unit 3, as described in the first embodiment, after extracting a reference point from a plurality of reference points and extracting a shape determination point for each reference point, any reference point and another A first area Da surrounded by a first connecting line segment Sa connecting with one reference point (reference points P3 and P9 in the example of FIG. 5B) and the outline of the lump area A1, and the 2 A second connection line segment Sb connecting between the shape determination points P28 and P23 corresponding to the two reference points P3 and P9 and a second area Db surrounded by the outline of the lump area A1 are obtained, and the first area Da is surrounded. The distance difference between the maximum distance E1 between the point on the contour line and the first connecting line segment Sa, and the maximum distance E2 between the point on the contour line surrounding the second region Db and the second connecting line segment Sb. If the distance difference is shorter than the predetermined reference distance, the two reference points P3 and P9 are different from each other. It is determined to belong to the object. Then, after determining whether or not any two reference points of the plurality of reference points belong to different granular objects, the inspection determination unit 4 determines the granularity based on the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects. Since the number of objects is obtained, it is possible to prevent erroneous detection of the number when a granular object is standing, and there is an advantage that the calculation time can be shortened compared with the case of obtaining the area value.

  In the present embodiment, a plurality of shape determination points are extracted for each of the reference points P3 and P9, the second connection line segment is formed using all the shape determination points, and the area value of the second region Db, The above-described determination process may be performed by obtaining the maximum distance E2 from the contour line, but the determination process is performed a plurality of times, so that the time required for the calculation process is increased. Therefore, the image processing unit 3 uses only the shape determination point having the maximum distance value to the reference points P3 and P9 among the plurality of shape determination points extracted for the reference points P3 and P9. And the subsequent determination process is preferably performed, and the calculation time required for the determination process can be shortened.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a granular object inspection apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. (A)-(c) is explanatory drawing of the image processing method same as the above. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing of the image processing method same as the above. (A) (b) is explanatory drawing of the image processing method same as the above. (A) and (b) are explanatory drawings of the image processing method by the granular object inspection apparatus of the second embodiment. (A) and (b) are examples of an image of a granular object to be inspected.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image pickup means 2 Image storage part 3 Image processing part 4 Inspection determination part 5 Image processing / inspection determination part 6 Inspection table 7 Illumination device 10a, 10b Granular object

Claims (6)

An imaging unit that captures an imaging region including a granular object to be inspected, and a digital image obtained by digitizing pixel values of each pixel of the image of the imaging unit. A granular object inspection method for inspecting a granular object existing in an imaging region by an inspection apparatus comprising: an image processing unit having a function of separating individual object regions from the mass region when forming a mass region There,
In the image processing unit, a process of extracting the chunk area from the digital image as a target area for image processing, and a plurality of reference points are distributed and arranged along the outline of the chunk area inside the chunk area. After performing processing and counting processing for counting the number of other reference points that can be seen from the reference point through the region of the block region for each reference point, the counting processing is performed from a plurality of reference points existing in the target region. The process of extracting the reference point with the smallest count value as a reference point, and selecting all the reference points that can be seen through the region of the target area from the reference point, and connecting the selected reference point and the reference point to each other After repeatedly performing a process of extracting a possible area as an object area and a process of removing the object area from the target area as a new target area,
For each of the plurality of reference points, the image processing unit can see only the reference point through the region of the target region, and the reference is on the opposite side of the reference point across the central portion of the mass region A point is extracted as a shape determination point, and at least a part of a connecting line segment connecting a shape determination point corresponding to one of the reference points and a shape determination point corresponding to another reference point is a part of the lump region. A granular object inspection characterized in that when passing outside the region, the two reference points belong to different granular objects, and the number of granular objects is identified based on the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects. Method. An imaging unit that captures an imaging region including a granular object to be inspected, and a digital image obtained by digitizing pixel values of each pixel of the image of the imaging unit. A granular object inspection method for inspecting a granular object existing in an imaging region by an inspection apparatus comprising: an image processing unit having a function of separating individual object regions from the mass region when forming a mass region There,
In the image processing unit, a process of extracting the chunk area from the digital image as a target area for image processing, and a plurality of reference points are distributed and arranged along the outline of the chunk area inside the chunk area. After performing processing and counting processing for counting the number of other reference points that can be seen from the reference point through the region of the block region for each reference point, the counting processing is performed from a plurality of reference points existing in the target region. The process of extracting the reference point with the smallest count value as a reference point, and selecting all the reference points that can be seen through the region of the target area from the reference point, and connecting the selected reference point and the reference point to each other After repeatedly performing a process of extracting a possible area as an object area and a process of removing the object area from the target area as a new target area,
For each of the plurality of reference points, the image processing unit can see only the reference point through the region of the target region, and the reference is on the opposite side of the reference point across the central portion of the mass region A point is extracted as a shape determination point, a first region surrounded by the first connecting line segment connecting the reference point and another reference point and the contour line, and the two reference points. When the area difference between the second connecting line segment connecting the corresponding shape determination points and the second region surrounded by the contour line is smaller than a predetermined reference area, the two reference points belong to different granular objects. And the number of granular objects is identified based on the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects.   In the image processing unit, instead of obtaining an area difference between the first region and the second region, a maximum distance between a point on a contour line surrounding the first region and the first connecting line segment, A distance difference between a point on the contour line surrounding the second region and the maximum distance between the second connecting line segment is obtained, and if the distance difference is shorter than a predetermined reference distance, the two reference points are different from each other. 3. The method for inspecting a granular object according to claim 2, wherein it is determined that the granular object belongs.   In the image processing unit, when a plurality of the shape determination points are extracted for each of the reference points, the shape determination point having the longest distance from the corresponding reference point is selected and selected from the plurality of shape determination points. 4. The granular object inspection method according to claim 2, wherein the second connecting line segment is formed using a shape determination point. An imaging unit that captures an imaging region including a granular object to be inspected, and a digital image obtained by digitizing pixel values of each pixel of the image of the imaging unit. An image processing unit having a function of separating individual object regions from the mass region when forming a mass region;
The image processing unit has a function of extracting the lump area from the digital image as a target area for image processing, and a function of distributing a plurality of reference points along the outline of the lump area inside the lump area. And a function for counting the number of other reference points that can be seen from the reference point through the region of the block region for each reference point, and the count value by the counting function is the smallest from a plurality of reference points existing in the target region. Processing for extracting reference points as reference points, selecting all reference points that can be seen through the target area from the reference points, and extracting an area formed by connecting the selected reference points and reference points as an object area And a function of repeatedly executing the process of removing the object area from the target area as a new target area, and for each of a plurality of reference points, A function that can be seen through the region and that extracts a reference point on the opposite side of the reference point across the center of the mass region as a shape determination point, and a shape corresponding to any reference point If at least a part of the connecting line segment connecting between the determination point and the shape determination point corresponding to another reference point passes outside the mass region, it is determined that the two reference points belong to different granular objects With the ability to
An inspection apparatus for granular objects, comprising means for identifying the number of granular objects based on the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects. An imaging unit that captures an imaging region including a granular object to be inspected, and a digital image obtained by digitizing pixel values of each pixel of the image of the imaging unit. An image processing unit having a function of separating individual object regions from the mass region when forming a mass region;
The image processing unit has a function of extracting the lump area from the digital image as a target area for image processing, and a function of distributing a plurality of reference points along the outline of the lump area inside the lump area. And a function for counting the number of other reference points that can be seen from the reference point through the region of the block region for each reference point, and the count value by the counting function is the smallest from a plurality of reference points existing in the target region. Processing for extracting reference points as reference points, selecting all reference points that can be seen through the target area from the reference points, and extracting an area formed by connecting the selected reference points and reference points as an object area And a function of repeatedly executing the process of removing the object area from the target area as a new target area, and for each of a plurality of reference points, A function of extracting a reference point that can be seen through the region and located on the opposite side of the reference point across the central portion of the mass region, and any reference point and another one A first region surrounded by the first connecting line segment connecting the two reference points and the contour line, and a second connecting line segment connecting the shape determination points corresponding to the two reference points and the contour line And a function of determining that the two reference points belong to different granular objects when the area difference from the second region surrounded by is smaller than a predetermined reference area,
An inspection apparatus for granular objects, comprising means for identifying the number of granular objects based on the number of reference points belonging to different granular objects.

Images