JP2009116381A - Program creation device for image processing controller - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a program creation device capable of suppressing that no wire connection of a processing unit or erroneous wire connection between processing units occurs when creating a flow chart. <P>SOLUTION: This program creation device comprises: a unit list display part 202 for displaying the processing units inside a processing unit storage part 201 as a unit list; a flow chart display part 206 for displaying the flow chart 47 comprising the processing unit on an execution flow; a processing unit insertion part 211 for inserting the processing unit selected on the unit list into a position on the execution flow indicated by operation input; a program generation part 207 for generating a control program of an image processing controller based on the flow chart; and a transfer part 208 for transferring the control program to the image processing controller 11. The processing unit insertion part 211 inserts a branch unit 62a and a confluence unit 62b in a pair when inserting a bypass unit into the flow chart 47. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a program creation device for an image processing controller, and more particularly, to improve a program creation device that creates a control program for an image processing controller that outputs a determination signal based on a camera image obtained by photographing a subject. About.

  The image processing controller that performs image processing on a camera image obtained by photographing the inspection object and outputs a determination signal indicating the determination result based on the shape, position, and camera image of the inspection object as a processing result includes a series of processes. A method that can change the procedure is known (for example, Patent Document 1). Usually, a control program for causing such an image processing controller to execute a series of processing procedures is created using an editor (software) operating on an information processing terminal such as a personal computer. The user can perform a desired inspection on the inspection object by transferring the created control program to the image processing controller.

When creating a control program for an image processing controller using an editor, first, a flowchart is generated by arranging a plurality of processing blocks indicating predetermined image processing on the screen. And a control program is created by converting this flowchart into an execution form. When processing blocks are arranged on the screen, a desired execution flow is formed by the user connecting the processing blocks. In such a conventional program creation device, a flow chart is created by the user connecting the processing blocks, so that if the user forgets to connect or if the connection is incorrect, a control program that does not operate normally is created. There was a problem. For example, when a branch block that branches an execution flow into a plurality of branch flows is arranged, it may be considered that the branch flow is forgotten to be connected to another processing block. Alternatively, it is possible that a processing block on the execution flow is deleted by mistake and the execution flow is cut off.
JP-A-9-288568

  As described above, in a conventional program creation device for an image processing controller, a flowchart is created by a user connecting between processing blocks. Therefore, a control program that does not operate normally if a connection is forgotten or an incorrect connection is made. There was a problem that would be created.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and for creating an image processing controller control program, it is possible to suppress the creation of a control program that does not operate normally. An object is to provide a program creation device. In particular, to provide a program creation device capable of suppressing the occurrence of unconnected wiring of processing units or erroneous connection between processing units when creating a flowchart by arranging a plurality of processing units on an execution flow. With the goal.

  It is another object of the present invention to provide a program creation device with improved operability when editing a flowchart generated by arranging a plurality of processing units on an execution flow. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a program creation device capable of editing a flowchart without causing unconnection of processing units or erroneous connection between processing units.

  A program creation device for an image processing controller according to a first aspect of the present invention is a program creation device that creates a control program for an image processing controller that outputs a determination signal based on a camera image obtained by photographing a subject, and includes a parameter 2 or more image processing units that can change image processing, and a bypass unit that includes a branch unit that divides an execution flow into two branch flows and a merge unit that merges branch flows branched by the branch units Processing unit storage means held as a unit, unit list display means for displaying the processing units held in the processing unit storage means as a unit list, and the above on the execution flow starting at a start symbol and ending at an end symbol By processing unit A flowchart display means for displaying the flowchart configured as described above, and a processing unit insertion means for rewriting the flowchart by inserting the processing unit selected on the unit list at a position on the execution flow in the flowchart indicated by the operation input. And a program generation means for generating a control program for the image processing controller based on the flowchart, and a transfer means for transferring the control program to the image processing controller. The processing unit insertion means is a flowchart for the bypass unit. When inserting into the inside, it is comprised so that the said branch unit and the said merge unit may be inserted in a pair.

  In this program creation device, the flowchart is rewritten by inserting the processing unit selected on the unit list at a position on the execution flow in the flowchart instructed by the operation input. At that time, when the bypass unit is inserted into the flowchart, the branch unit and the merge unit are inserted in pairs. According to such a configuration, when the bypass unit is inserted into the flowchart, the branch unit and the merge unit that merges the branch flow branched by the branch unit are inserted into the execution flow as a pair. It is possible to prevent the branch flow from being forgotten to be connected to another processing unit or erroneously connected.

  A program creation device for an image processing controller according to a second aspect of the present invention adds the above branch flow based on an operation input in addition to the above configuration, and the branch flow between the branch unit and the merge unit constituting the same bypass unit. A branch flow adding means for increasing is provided. According to such a configuration, a branch flow can be added by an operation input, so that the branch flow of the bypass unit can be increased as necessary.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program creation device for an image processing controller, wherein the processing unit storage means includes a repetition start unit indicating a start point and a repetition end unit indicating an end point when the execution flow is repeated. The unit is held as a processing unit, and the processing unit insertion means is configured to insert the repetition start unit and the repetition end unit in pairs when the repetition unit is inserted into the flowchart. According to such a configuration, when a repeating unit that repeats the execution flow is inserted in the flowchart, the start unit and the end unit are inserted into the execution flow as a pair. It is possible to prevent forgetting.

  A program creation device for an image processing controller according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a processing unit moving means for moving the processing unit selected on the flowchart in the execution flow and rewriting the flowchart in addition to the above-described configuration. When the unit moving means moves the bypass unit, the other processing units between the branch unit and the merging unit are also moved at the same time. According to such a configuration, when the bypass unit is moved, other processing units between the branch unit and the merging unit are also moved at the same time, so that the processing unit is not connected or an incorrect connection is generated between the processing units. The flowchart can be edited.

  A program creation device for an image processing controller according to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the above configuration, copies a processing unit selected on the flowchart to a position on the execution flow in the flowchart instructed by an operation input, A processing unit copy means for rewriting the flowchart is provided, and when the processing unit copy means copies the bypass unit, the other processing units between the branch unit and the merge unit are also copied at the same time. According to such a configuration, when the bypass unit is copied, other processing units between the branch unit and the merging unit are also copied at the same time, so that the processing unit is not connected or an incorrect connection is generated between the processing units. The flowchart can be edited.

  A program creation device for an image processing controller according to a sixth aspect of the present invention displays, in the above flowchart, a folding icon for folding and displaying an execution flow between processing units adjacent to the branch unit in addition to the above configuration. An execution flow folding means for displaying a flowchart while omitting the execution flow between the branch unit and the merging unit based on the operation of the folding icon is configured. According to such a configuration, by operating the folding icon, the execution flow between the branch unit and the merging unit is omitted and the flowchart is displayed, so that it is easy to view the flowchart when editing the flowchart. Can do.

  According to the program creation device for an image processing controller according to the present invention, when a bypass unit is inserted in a flowchart, an execution flow is made by pairing a branch unit with a merge unit that merges branch flows branched by the branch unit. Since it is inserted above, it is possible to prevent the branch flow from being forgotten to be connected to another processing unit or from being erroneously connected. Therefore, when creating a flowchart by arranging a plurality of processing units on the execution flow, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of unconnected wiring of processing units or erroneous connection between processing units. When creating a program, it is possible to suppress the creation of a control program that does not operate normally.

  In addition, when the bypass unit is moved, other processing units between the branch unit and the merging unit are also moved at the same time, so that the flowchart can be edited without causing unconnected connection of the processing units or erroneous connection between the processing units. be able to. In addition, when copying the bypass unit, other processing units between the branch unit and the merge unit are also copied at the same time, so the flowchart can be edited without causing unconnected connection of processing units or erroneous connection between processing units. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to improve the operability when editing the flowchart generated by arranging a plurality of processing units on the execution flow.

<Inspection system>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration example of an inspection system including a program creation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This inspection system includes an image processing apparatus 1 arranged on a conveyance line of an inspection object and a PC (personal computer) 2 that generates a control program for the image processing apparatus 1.

  The image processing device 1 is a sensor device that includes an image processing controller 11, a camera 12, a display 13a, and an operation unit 13b, and outputs a determination signal based on a camera image obtained from an inspection object. This determination signal is input to a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) not shown, and the image processing apparatus 1 is used as an FA (Factory Automation) sensor.

  The camera 12 is an imaging device that shoots a subject, generates image data, and outputs it as a camera image, and is detachably connected to the image processing controller 11. For example, the camera 12 is disposed on a transport line on which the inspection object is transported.

  The display 13a is an output device for displaying a camera image obtained by photographing an inspection object and an image processing result based on the camera image. The operation unit 13b is an input device for moving a focus position on the display 13a and selecting a menu item.

  The image processing controller 11 is a main unit of the image processing apparatus 1 that captures and processes a camera image from the camera 12 and outputs a determination signal indicating a determination result made based on the camera image as a processing result.

  Up to four cameras 12 are connected to the image processing controller 11, and image processing is performed based on camera images acquired from these cameras 12. The determination signal output from the image processing controller 11 is generated as a signal indicating a determination result such as product quality.

  Further, the display 13a and the operation unit 13b are connected to the image processing controller 11, and the operation unit 13b can be operated as an input device and the display 13a can be operated as an output device without being connected to the PC 2.

  The PC 2 is a program creation device that creates a control program for the image processing controller 11, and a control program is generated by an editor (software) operating on the PC 2. When creating a control program for the image processing controller 11, a simulation can be performed on the PC 2 to confirm the operation.

  The PC 2 and the image processing controller 11 of the image processing apparatus 1 are connected via a communication network such as Ethernet (registered trademark). A plurality of image processing controllers 11 are detachably connected to the PC 2. By transferring the control program created on the PC 2 to the image processing controller 11, the control program in the image processing controller 11 can be rewritten. It is also possible to take in a control program in the image processing controller 11 and edit it on the PC 2.

<System configuration>
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the system configuration of the inspection system of FIG. The inspection system 100 includes a single PC 2 and a plurality of image processing apparatuses 1 connected to the PC 2 via the communication network 3. The control program created on the PC 2 is stored in the memory 21 as inspection setting data 22.

  The examination setting data 22 created on the PC 2 is transferred to the image processing controller 11 via the communication network 3. At this time, by specifying the transfer destination and transferring the inspection setting data 22, the inspection setting data 15 in the memory 14 is updated for the desired image processing controller 11, or new inspection setting data is stored in the memory 14. Can be added.

  In the image processing controller 11, a plurality of examination setting data 15 is held in a memory 14 such as a flash memory. Each inspection setting data 15 is a control program having a different processing procedure and inspection content, and can change the inspection setting data 15 to be executed as an execution target based on a user operation.

  In the PC 2, an operation for acquiring and editing the examination setting data 15 from the image processing controller 11 connected by the communication network 3 is performed.

<Editor screen>
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows an editor screen 40 for creating the inspection setting data 22. The editor screen 40 is an editing screen for newly creating inspection setting data on the PC 2 or editing inspection setting data acquired from the image processing controller 11, and is displayed on the PC 2.

  The editor screen 40 includes a plurality of window screens whose display positions and display ranges can be changed. Specifically, it consists of a system view window 41, a parts list window 42, a unit property window 43, a vision view window 44, and a result view window 45.

  The system view window 41 is a window screen for displaying a list of system configuration and examination setting data to be edited, and includes a controller list screen 41a and a workspace list screen 41b.

  The controller list screen 41 a is a screen for displaying a list of the image processing controllers 11 connected to the PC 2. The controller list screen 41 a displays icons indicating the image processing controller 11 and inspection setting data 15 held in the image processing controller 11. An icon is displayed.

  The icons indicating the image processing controller 11 and the inspection setting data 15 are displayed in a tree format. That is, it is possible to identify which image processing controller 11 holds the inspection setting data 15 with the image processing controller 11 as the upper layer and the inspection setting data 15 held in the image processing controller 11 as the lower layer. It is displayed as follows.

  The workspace list screen 41b is a screen for displaying a list of inspection setting data to be edited. An icon indicating a work area on the memory 21 provided for each image processing controller 11 or an icon indicating inspection setting data. It is displayed. A work area on the memory 21 provided for each image processing controller 11 is associated with the corresponding image processing controller 11 and displayed as a work space. That is, inspection setting data is held for each image processing controller 11 on the PC 2, and editing is performed in a work space for each image processing controller 11.

  Such icons indicating work areas and icons indicating inspection setting data are displayed in a tree format. That is, the workspace corresponding to the image processing controller 11 is set as the upper hierarchy, and the examination setting data in this workspace is set as the lower hierarchy, so that the workspace in which the examination setting data exists can be identified. .

  When an update button (icon) arranged in the heading column of the controller list screen 41a is operated, new inspection setting data is acquired from the image processing controller 11, and the inspection setting data and system configuration held on the PC 2 are changed. Updated to the latest. If the registration button is operated, the examination setting data created on the PC 2 is transferred to the image processing controller 11.

  When the update button (icon) arranged in the heading column of the workspace list screen 41b is operated, the examination setting data to be edited is updated with the examination setting data acquired from the image processing controller 11. When the add button is operated, a new work area is provided, and an icon indicating inspection setting data is added.

  The parts list window 42 is a window screen for displaying processing units that can be selected when creating inspection setting data as a unit list. The processing unit is a symbol indicating processing whose parameters can be changed, and includes an image processing unit indicating image processing, an imaging unit indicating imaging processing, a control unit indicating flow control processing, and an output unit indicating output processing. By arranging such processing units on a flowchart in a flow view window described later, inspection setting data including a desired flow sequence is created.

  A plurality of processing units are displayed in the parts list window 42. In this example, the processing units are divided into eight categories depending on the type of processing, and icons indicating each category are displayed. Specifically, it is divided into categories of “image input”, “measurement”, “control”, “calculation”, “timing”, “display”, “output”, and “command output”.

  “Image input” is a category to which a processing unit related to imaging belongs, and an imaging unit that captures a camera image belongs to it. Parameters for designating the shutter speed, camera sensitivity, flash delay time, flash on time, imaging target camera, flash terminal, and trigger terminal are associated with the imaging unit as properties.

  “Measurement” is a category to which a processing unit related to measurement belongs, and includes an image processing unit such as a pattern search unit, an edge position detection unit, a blob detection unit, and a color inspection unit.

  The pattern search is a process for detecting a position that matches a previously registered pattern image by scanning the search area on the camera image. Edge position detection is a process of obtaining an average density in a direction perpendicular to the detection direction for a measurement region on a camera image and detecting the edge position from the density change in the detection direction.

  The blob detection is a process of binarizing the camera image, extracting a block of pixels having the same density as a blob, and detecting the number, area, and barycentric position of the blob existing in the measurement region. The color inspection is a process of measuring the color in the inspection area, and a numerical value corresponding to the color is extracted as a measurement result.

  “Control” is a category to which processing units related to control belong, and control units such as a repeat unit, a bypass unit, and an end symbol belong to it. The repeat unit is a processing unit composed of a repeat start unit indicating the start point when repeating the execution flow and a repeat end unit indicating the end point, and the execution flow between the start unit and the end unit is repeated until a predetermined condition is satisfied. Shows the processing to be performed.

  The bypass unit is a processing unit that includes a branch unit that branches the execution flow into two branch flows and a merge unit that joins the branch flows branched by the branch unit. The bypass unit is a process that branches the execution flow under a predetermined condition. Indicates. The end symbol is a display object for ending one flow sequence.

  “Calculation” is a category to which a processing unit related to calculation belongs, and an image processing unit such as a numerical calculation unit belongs to it. “Timing” is a category to which a processing unit related to a flow transition stop operation belongs, and a control unit such as a wait unit or an event waiting unit belongs to it. The weight unit indicates a process of stopping the flow transition for a predetermined time. The event waiting unit indicates a process of stopping the flow transition until the terminal input or the variable value is in a predetermined state.

  “Display” is a category to which a processing unit relating to display belongs, and to which an image processing unit such as a graphic display unit belongs. The graphic display unit indicates a process of drawing a graphic with reference to a variable.

  “Output” is a category to which a processing unit related to output belongs, and output units such as a terminal output unit, a result output unit, and an image output unit belong to this category. The terminal output unit is associated with a reference destination unit, a determination result, and a parameter for specifying an output destination terminal of the determination result as properties. In the result output unit, the reference destination unit, numeric data indicating the processing result, the data format (text format or binary format) for outputting the numeric data, and parameters for specifying the output destination of the numeric data are the properties. Associated. The image output unit is associated with a reference destination unit, a camera image, a data format for outputting image data, and parameters for designating the output destination of the image data as properties.

  “Command output” is a category to which a processing unit related to command output belongs, and an output unit such as a command issuing unit belongs to it.

  The unit property window 43 is a window screen for displaying the properties of the processing unit selected on the controller list screen 41a, the work space list screen 41b or the flow view window.

  The vision view window 44 is a window screen for displaying a camera image associated with the processing unit selected on the controller list screen 41a, the work space list screen 41b, or the flow view window.

  The result view window 45 is a window screen for displaying the parameters of the processing unit selected on the controller list screen 41a, the work space list screen 41b or the flow view window, and the simulation result.

  On this editor screen 40, if a flow view button 41c arranged at the bottom of the system view window 41 is operated, a flow view window can be displayed instead of the system view window 41 described above. The flow view window is a window screen that displays a processing procedure to be executed by the image processing controller 11 as a flowchart, and displays examination setting data selected on the work space list screen 41b.

  Further, by operating the extraction list button 45 a arranged at the lower part of the result view window 45, the extraction list window can be displayed instead of the result view window 45. The extraction list window is a window screen for extracting the parameters and processing results selected on the result view window 45 and displaying a list of extraction results for each processing unit.

<Flow view window>
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows an editor screen 40 on which a flow view window 46 is displayed. The flow view window 46 is a window screen that displays a flowchart 47 showing a processing procedure for newly creating examination setting data or editing examination setting data acquired from the image processing controller 11.

  In the flow view window 46, a flow chart 47 configured by arranging a plurality of processing units 48 is displayed. The flowchart 47 shows processing units that are executed in time series on the execution flow that starts at the start symbol “S” and ends at the end symbol “E”. The user can configure desired inspection setting data by arranging the processing unit 48 on such an execution flow.

  By operating a system view button 46 a arranged at the bottom of the flow view window 46, the system view window 41 can be displayed instead of the flow view window 46.

  The processing unit selected on the flow view window 46 is displayed in focus, and its properties are displayed in the unit property window 43. An edit button 43a is arranged in the unit property window 43. When the edit button 43a is operated, an edit dialog for editing the properties of the processing unit is displayed. The property editing dialog is a dialog screen for designating a parameter of a processing unit based on a user operation or changing an already designated parameter.

<Flowchart>
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and an example of the flowchart 47 in the flow view window 46 is shown. In the flowchart 47, a plurality of processing units are arranged on the execution flow starting with the start symbol 61a and ending with the end symbol 61b.

  When the flowchart 47 is created and edited on the flow view window 46, the part list window 42 is used for work. For example, when a processing unit is inserted into the flowchart 47, it is inserted by selecting a desired processing unit on the parts list window 42 and designating a position on the execution flow with a mouse pointer or the like.

  In this example, the flowchart 47 includes a branch unit 62a, an imaging unit, a color inspection unit, a numerical operation unit, a merge unit 62b, a blob detection unit, a repeat start unit 65a, an edge position detection unit, a pattern search unit, a repeat end unit 65b, and The graphic display units are arranged on the execution flow in this order.

  The branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b are control units that constitute a bypass unit. When the bypass unit is inserted into the execution flow, the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b are always inserted as a pair.

  In this example, the execution flow from the start symbol 61a is branched into two branch flows 63 by the branch unit 62a, and the branch flows branched by the branch unit 62a are merged in the merge unit 62b. At this time, one branch flow 63 reaches the merging unit 62b via the imaging unit, the color inspection unit, and the numerical operation unit, whereas the other branch flow 63 reaches the merging unit 62b via the imaging unit. It is a bypass route (bypass).

  The repeat start unit 65a and the repeat end unit 65b are control units that constitute the repeat unit. When the repeat unit is inserted into the execution flow, the repeat start unit 65a and the repeat end unit 65b are inserted as a pair. .

  In this example, the edge position detection unit and the pattern search unit are arranged between the repetition start unit 65a and the repetition end unit 65b, and the processing of the edge position detection unit and the pattern search unit is repeated at the time of execution.

  In the branch unit 62a and the repeat start unit 65a in the flowchart 47, a folding icon 64a is arranged. The folding icon 64a is an icon for folding the execution flow between the control units, and is displayed adjacent to the processing unit. For example, when the folding icon 64a displayed adjacent to the branch unit 62a is operated with a mouse pointer or the like, the execution flow between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b can be omitted and the flowchart 47 can be displayed.

  Further, the processing unit selected on the flowchart 47 is displayed as a focus 67, and the property of the processing unit can be displayed in the unit property window 43, or the property of the processing unit can be changed as an editing target. .

<Insert bypass unit>
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows a case where a bypass unit is inserted in the flowchart 47 of FIG. When the bypass unit is inserted on the execution flow in the flowchart 47, the branch unit 62a and the merging unit 62b are inserted as a pair. That is, the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b are simultaneously arranged by one insertion operation, and the branch flow is automatically generated.

  In this example, a bypass unit is inserted between the repeat end unit and the graphic display unit, and two branch flows 63 branched by the branch unit 62a are formed.

  As described above, when the bypass unit is inserted into the flowchart 47, the branch unit and the merge unit cannot be inserted alone, and the branch unit and the merge unit are always inserted at the same time. Note that the insertion of the repeat unit into the flowchart 47 is performed in the same manner as when the bypass unit is inserted, and the repeat start unit 65a and the repeat end unit 65b are always inserted at the same time.

<Movement of bypass unit>
7 and 8 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and the case where the bypass unit in the flowchart 47 of FIG. 5 is moved is shown. FIG. 7 shows a plurality of processing units selected as the movement target 68. When either the branch unit 62a or the merge unit 62b constituting the bypass unit is selected, other processing units between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b are also selected at the same time.

  Specifically, if one of the branching unit 62a and the merging unit 62b is selected as the movement target, these processing units and other processing units arranged between these processing units, that is, one branch flow. The upper imaging unit, the color inspection unit, the numerical operation unit, and the imaging unit on the other branch flow are simultaneously selected as the movement target 68.

  FIG. 8 shows a case where the processing unit selected as the movement target 68 in FIG. 7 is moved on the execution flow. In this example, the processing unit selected as the movement target 68 is moved on the execution flow between the edge position detection unit and the pattern search unit.

  To move a processing unit selected as a movement target, first cut the processing unit to be moved from the execution flow, and insert the cut processing unit at a position on the execution flow indicated by the mouse pointer or the like. Done.

  As described above, when the bypass unit is moved in the flowchart 47, the other processing units arranged between the branch unit 62a and the merging unit 62b are simultaneously selected as moving targets, and these processing units are moved together. The

  Note that copying the bypass unit to another position on the execution flow is performed in the same manner as in the case of movement. Further, when the bypass unit is deleted from the flowchart 47, the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b cannot be deleted alone, and the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b are always deleted at the same time. At this time, if other processing units exist between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b, these processing units are also deleted at the same time.

<Add branch flow>
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows a case where the branch flow of the bypass unit in the flowchart 47 is increased. The branch flow between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b constituting the same bypass unit can be increased as necessary.

  The branch flow between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b is added by operating the branch unit 62a on the flowchart 47, for example. In this example, a new branch flow 69 is formed separately from the branch flow from the branch unit 62a to the color inspection unit and the branch flow to the pattern search unit.

  In this way, the branch unit 62a can also branch the execution flow into three or more branch flows. All branch flows branched by the same branch unit 62a are merged by a merge unit 62b constituting the same bypass unit as the branch unit.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows a case where the end symbol 61 b is inserted in the branch flow in the flowchart 47. When the end symbol 61b is inserted into the branch flow branched by the branch unit 62a, the branch flow downstream of the end symbol 61b is changed from the solid line display to the broken line display 70.

  In this example, an end symbol 61b is inserted between the edge position detection unit and the merge unit 62b in the branch flow that reaches the merge unit 62b from the branch unit 62a through the edge position detection unit. In this way, by displaying the branch flow after the end symbol 61b in a broken line 70, it can be visually recognized that the flow sequence is cut.

<Folded display of execution flow>
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and the execution flow between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b is folded by operating the folding icon 64a in the flowchart 47 of FIG. The case is shown. When the folding icon 64a displayed adjacent to the branch unit 62a is operated, the execution flow between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b is omitted, and the flowchart 47 is displayed.

  In this example, the processing units from the imaging unit downstream of the branch unit 62a to the merging unit 62b are not displayed, and the execution flow between them is omitted. That is, the blob detection unit is displayed next to the branch unit 62a.

  In this way, the expanded icon 64b is arranged in the folded branch unit 62a. The expansion icon 64b is an icon for expanding the execution flow between the control units, and is displayed adjacent to the processing unit. If the expansion icon 64b displayed adjacent to the branch unit 62a is operated with a mouse pointer or the like, the non-display of the processing unit is canceled and the execution flow between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b can be displayed without omission. it can.

<Group execution flow>
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows a case where the execution flows in the flowchart 47 are grouped. The execution flow in the flowchart 47 can be grouped as necessary in order to integrally handle it as an editing target. This grouping is performed by designating a range on the execution flow, and a plurality of consecutive processing units can be displayed as belonging to the same group.

  A plurality of processing units belonging to the same group can be moved together in the execution flow, copied, or deleted.

  In this example, a range including an edge position detection unit, a pattern search unit, and a color detection unit is designated, and these processing units are grouped. In the first processing unit, that is, the edge position detection unit, a grouping symbol 71 for displaying group identification information is arranged adjacent to the processing unit. Further, a lead line 73 indicating the same group is displayed from the grouping symbol 71 to the last processing unit, that is, the color inspection unit.

  Further, the grouping symbol 71 is adjacently displayed with a folding icon 72a for folding the execution flow in the group. By operating the folding icon 72a with a mouse pointer or the like, the processing units belonging to the same group can be hidden, the execution flow in the group can be omitted, and the flowchart 47 can be displayed.

  The processing units in the group are provided with an accent color display area 74, and the processing units belonging to the same group can be visually identified by the color of the display area 74.

  FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows a case where execution flows are grouped by overlapping. When a part of the execution flow is overlapped and grouped, if the number of overlaps increases, the number of lead lines 73 may increase, making it difficult to identify.

  In the present embodiment, when the number to be overlapped at the time of grouping exceeds a predetermined number, the lead lines 73 are made common to a plurality of grouped symbols 71. For example, when six groups are formed by designating the same range including the edge position detection unit, the pattern search unit, and the color detection unit, separate lead lines 73 are provided from the first group to the fifth group. In the sixth group, the fifth group and the lead line 73 are shared.

<Functional structure of editor>
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and illustrates an example of a functional configuration of an editor that creates a control program for the image processing controller 11. The PC 2 includes a processing unit storage unit 201, a unit list display unit 202, an operation input unit 203, a flowchart editing unit 204, a flowchart storage unit 205, a flowchart display unit 206, a program generation unit 207, a memory 21, a transfer unit 208, and an execution flow. The folding unit 209 is configured.

  The unit list display unit 202 performs an operation of displaying the processing units held in the processing unit storage unit 201 in the parts list window 42 as a unit list. The operation input unit 203 performs an operation of generating an input signal based on a user operation and outputting it to the flowchart editing unit 204.

  The flowchart display unit 206 performs an operation of displaying the flowchart stored in the flowchart storage unit 205 in the flow view window 46.

  The program generation unit 207 performs an operation of generating a control program for the image processing controller 11, that is, inspection setting data, by converting the flowchart held in the flowchart storage unit 205 into an execution format. The memory 21 holds inspection setting data generated by the program generation unit 207 and inspection setting data acquired from the image processing controller 11. The transfer unit 208 performs an operation of transferring the inspection setting data 22 in the memory 21 to the image processing controller 11.

  The flowchart editing unit 204 includes a processing unit insertion unit 211, a branch flow addition unit 212, a processing unit moving unit 213, and a processing unit copy unit 214, and edits a flowchart held in the flowchart storage unit 205 based on a user operation. It is operating.

  The processing unit insertion unit 211 inserts the processing unit selected on the unit list at a position on the execution flow in the flowchart 47 designated by the user, and performs an operation of rewriting the flowchart in the flowchart storage unit 205. In the processing unit insertion unit 211, when the bypass unit is inserted into the flowchart 47, the branch unit 62a and the merging unit 62b are inserted in pairs. When the repeat unit is inserted into the flowchart 47, the repeat start unit 65a and the repeat end unit 65b are inserted in pairs.

  The branch flow adding unit 212 performs an operation of adding the branch flow 63 based on a user operation and increasing the branch flow 63 between the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b configuring the same bypass unit.

  The processing unit moving unit 213 moves the processing unit selected on the flowchart 47 on the execution flow, and performs an operation of rewriting the flowchart in the flowchart storage unit 205. In the processing unit moving unit 213, when the bypass unit is moved, other processing units between the branch unit 62a and the merging unit 62b are also moved simultaneously.

  The processing unit copy unit 214 performs the operation of copying the processing unit selected on the flowchart 47 to the position on the execution flow in the flowchart 47 instructed by the user and rewriting the flowchart in the flowchart storage unit 205. In the processing unit copy unit 214, when the bypass unit is copied, other processing units between the branch unit 62a and the merging unit 62b are also copied at the same time.

  The execution flow folding unit 209 displays a folding icon 64a for folding and displaying the execution flow between the processing units in the flowchart 47 adjacent to the branch unit 62a. Based on the operation of the folding icon 64a, the branch unit 62a and The operation of displaying the flowchart 47 is performed by omitting the execution flow between the merging units 62b.

  According to the present embodiment, when the bypass unit is inserted into the flowchart 47, the branch unit 62a and the merge unit 62b that merges the branch flow 63 branched by the branch unit 62a are paired on the execution flow. Since it is inserted, it is possible to prevent the branch flow from being forgotten to be connected to another processing unit or from being erroneously connected.

  In addition, when the bypass unit is moved, the other processing units between the branch unit 62a and the merging unit 62b are also moved at the same time. Can be edited. By operating the folding icon 64a, the execution flow between the branch unit 62a and the merging unit 62b is omitted and the flowchart 47 is displayed. Therefore, it is possible to improve the visibility of the flowchart when editing the flowchart 47.

It is the perspective view which showed one structural example of the test | inspection system containing the program creation apparatus by embodiment of this invention. It is the block diagram which showed an example of the system configuration | structure of the inspection system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows an editor screen 40 for creating inspection setting data 22. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2 and shows an editor screen 40 on which a flow view window 46 is displayed. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows an example of a flowchart 47 in the flow view window 46. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows a case where a bypass unit is inserted in the flowchart 47 of FIG. 5. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, in which a plurality of processing units selected as the movement target 68 are shown. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and shows a case where the processing unit of the movement target 68 is moved on the execution flow. It is the figure which showed an example of operation | movement of PC2 in the test | inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and the case where the branch flow of a bypass unit is increased is shown. It is the figure which showed an example of operation | movement of PC2 in the test | inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and the case where the end symbol 61b is inserted in the branch flow is shown. It is the figure which showed an example of operation | movement of PC2 in the test | inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and the case where the execution flow is folded is shown. It is the figure which showed an example of operation | movement of PC2 in the test | inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and the case where the execution flow in the flowchart 47 is grouped is shown. It is the figure which showed an example of operation | movement of PC2 in the test | inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, and the case where an execution flow is overlapped and grouped is shown. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a PC 2 in the inspection system 100 of FIG. 2, showing an example of a functional configuration of an editor.

Explanation of symbols

1 Image processing device 2 PC
3 communication network 11 image processing controller 12 camera 13a display 13b operation unit 14, 21 memory 15, 22 inspection setting data 40 editor screen 47 flowchart 48 processing unit 100 inspection system 201 processing unit storage unit 202 unit list display unit 203 operation input unit 204 Flowchart editing unit 205 Flowchart storage unit 206 Flowchart display unit 207 Program generation unit 208 Transfer unit 209 Execution flow folding unit

Claims (6)

In a program creation device for creating a control program for an image processing controller that outputs a determination signal based on a camera image obtained by photographing a subject,
A bypass unit comprising two or more image processing units indicating image processing whose parameters can be changed, a branch unit for branching the execution flow into two branch flows, and a merge unit for joining the branch flows branched by the branch units Processing unit storage means for holding as a processing unit;
Unit list display means for displaying the processing units held in the processing unit storage means as a unit list;
Flowchart display means for displaying a flowchart constituted by the processing unit on the execution flow starting at the start symbol and ending at the end symbol;
Processing unit insertion means for inserting the processing unit selected on the unit list at a position on the execution flow in the flowchart indicated by the operation input, and rewriting the flowchart;
Program generating means for generating a control program for the image processing controller based on the flowchart,
Transfer means for transferring the control program to the image processing controller,
A program creation device for an image processing controller, wherein the processing unit insertion means inserts the branch unit and the merging unit as a pair when the bypass unit is inserted in the flowchart.   The image according to claim 1, further comprising branch flow adding means for adding the branch flow based on an operation input and increasing a branch flow between a branch unit and a merging unit constituting the same bypass unit. Program creation device for processing controller. The processing unit storage means holds, as a processing unit, a repetition unit composed of a repetition start unit indicating a start point and a repetition end unit indicating an end point when the execution flow is repeated,
2. The image processing controller for an image processing controller according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit insertion means inserts the repetition start unit and the repetition end unit in pairs when the repetition unit is inserted in the flowchart. Program creation device. A processing unit moving means for moving the processing unit selected on the flowchart on the execution flow and rewriting the flowchart;
2. The program creation device for an image processing controller according to claim 1, wherein when the processing unit moving means moves the bypass unit, the other processing units between the branch unit and the merging unit are also moved simultaneously. . The processing unit selected on the flowchart is copied to a position on the execution flow in the flowchart instructed by the operation input, and includes a processing unit copy means for rewriting the flowchart.
2. The program creation apparatus for an image processing controller according to claim 1, wherein when the processing unit copying means copies the bypass unit, the other processing units between the branch unit and the merging unit are also copied simultaneously. .   A folding icon for displaying the execution flow between processing units in a folded state is displayed in the flowchart adjacent to the branch unit, and the execution flow between the branch unit and the merge unit is omitted based on the operation of the folding icon. The program creation apparatus for an image processing controller according to claim 1, further comprising execution flow folding means for displaying a flowchart.