Bean pod and seed testing device

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of soybean seed testing, in particular to a bean pod and seed testing device which comprises a bean pod discharging opening, a bean pod shell discharging opening and a soybean discharging opening which are formed in the outer portion of a device body, and a bean pod feeding unit, a bean pod imaging unit, a soybean shelling unit and a soybean imaging unit which are arranged in the device body. Bean pod conveying, bean pod image acquisition, hulling separation and soybean image acquisition are realized; the device is also provided with a control button and a display for operation and data display. According to the technical scheme, the full-automatic process from pod feeding, image acquisition, shelling to soybean seed detection is achieved, manual intervention is reduced, the seed testing time is remarkably shortened, and the seed testing efficiency is improved; the problems that a traditional test method is low in efficiency and prone to being interfered by subjective factors, and accuracy and consistency of data are difficult to guarantee are solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the technical field of soybean seed testing, and in particular relates to a seed testing device for bean pods and seeds. Background Art

[0002] Soybeans are a vital component of my country's grain production. Soybean traits, such as growth and yield potential, are not only key indicators for evaluating soybean quality but also crucial for identifying new varieties. However, soybean seed testing in my country has long relied on traditional manual methods, requiring testers to individually test and record data on various soybean traits. This process is not only inefficient but also difficult to ensure data accuracy and consistency due to the subjectivity of manual labor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a device for testing seed pods and grains to solve the problems that traditional testing methods are inefficient and easily interfered by subjective factors, making it difficult to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data.

[0004] To achieve the above object, the technical solution created by the present invention is implemented as follows: A device for testing pods and seeds, comprising The device body has an accommodating cavity formed therein; a pod discharge port, a pod shell discharge port and a soybean discharge port connected to the accommodating cavity are provided on the outside of the device body, and a pod feeding unit, a pod imaging unit, a soybean shelling unit and a soybean imaging unit are provided inside the device body; the pod feeding unit is used to transport the pods from the pod discharge port to the pod imaging unit, and after the pod imaging unit performs image acquisition on the pods, the pods enter the soybean shelling unit and are separated into pod shells and soybeans, the pod shells are discharged from the pod shell discharge port, and the soybeans are discharged from the soybean discharge port after secondary image acquisition by the soybean imaging unit; the device body also includes a control button and a display, the control button is used to control the operation of the device, and the display is used to display the acquired image data and analysis results; The soybean imaging unit includes a second imaging device, a second conveyor belt, a tray, and a pressure sensor. The second imaging device includes at least one of a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a thermal infrared camera, a lidar, and an X-ray detector. The tray is disposed on the second conveyor belt, and the pressure sensor is disposed below the tray for measuring the weight of the soybeans. The second conveyor belt is driven by a second servo motor and spreads the soybeans flat on the bottom of the tray through high-frequency vibration. The second imaging device cooperates with a second light source to collect data and images of the number and shape of the soybeans, while the pressure sensor reads the weight of the soybeans. The bottom surface of the tray is provided with diamond patterns to make the soybeans more stable during high-frequency vibration and flattening.

[0005] Furthermore, the pod feeding unit includes a feed port and a trough, and the feed port is connected to the pod discharge port and the trough respectively.

[0006] Furthermore, the pod imaging unit includes a first conveyor belt and a first imaging device. The surface of the first conveyor belt is provided with equidistant protrusions for dividing the pod into independent areas. The first imaging device includes at least one of a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a thermal infrared camera, a lidar, and an X-ray detector, and cooperates with the first light source to realize image capture of the pod.

[0007] Furthermore, the first conveyor belt is equipped with a micro-vibration component and a rolling pause module. The micro-vibration component is used to prevent pods from piling up, and the rolling pause module is used to ensure a stable imaging posture.

[0008] Furthermore, the top of the protrusion is arc-shaped or streamlined.

[0009] Furthermore, the protrusion is integrally formed with the first conveyor belt or is detachably connected thereto, and the connection between the protrusion and the first conveyor belt is flush with each other.

[0010] Furthermore, the soybean imaging unit includes a second imaging device, a second conveyor belt, a grid structure, a pressure sensor and a baffle, and the second imaging device includes at least one of a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a thermal infrared camera, a lidar, and an X-ray detector; the grid structure is arranged on the second conveyor belt, and the pressure sensor is arranged under the grid structure for measuring the weight of soybeans; the grid structure includes a plurality of soybean troughs arranged in an array, each of the soybean troughs is adapted to a single soybean; the baffle is arranged at the front end position of the grid structure close to the soybean shelling unit, for cleaning up accumulated soybeans and realizing single-grain positioning; the second imaging device cooperates with the second light source to collect data and images of the quantity and shape of soybeans, and at the same time the pressure sensor reads the weight of soybeans.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the present invention can achieve the following beneficial effects: Through the linear linkage of the pod feeding unit, pod imaging unit, soybean shelling unit and soybean imaging unit, a fully automated process from pod feeding, image acquisition, shelling to soybean seed detection is realized, which reduces manual intervention, significantly shortens the seed testing time and improves the seed testing efficiency; through the imaging unit, multi-dimensional trait data such as pod type, shape, color, etc. can be accurately collected to realize quantitative detection of soybean seed traits and ensure the accuracy and consistency of data; at the same time, multiple functional units are integrated in the device, making the device compact and space utilization high; it solves the problem that traditional seed testing methods are inefficient and easily interfered by subjective factors, making it difficult to ensure the accuracy and consistency of data. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of the present invention, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of a device for detecting pods and seeds provided by an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a pod feeding unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of a pod imaging unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the protrusion provided in the embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 Another structural schematic diagram of a protrusion provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 A schematic structural diagram of a soybean imaging unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 Another structural schematic diagram of a soybean imaging unit provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Description of reference numerals: 1. Device body; 2. Bean pod shell outlet; 3. Soybean outlet; 4. Bean pod feeding unit; 401. Feed inlet; 402. Material trough; 5. Bean pod imaging unit; 501. First conveyor belt; 502. First imaging device; 503. Protrusion; 6. Soybean shelling unit; 7. Soybean imaging unit; 701. Second conveyor belt; 702. Tray; 703. Pressure sensor; 704. Grid structure; 705. Baffle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the present invention is further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present invention and do not constitute a limitation to the present invention. Similar elements in different embodiments use associated similar element numbers. In the following embodiments, many detailed descriptions are intended to enable the present invention to be better understood. However, those skilled in the art can easily recognize that some of the features can be omitted in different situations, or can be replaced by other elements, materials, or methods. In some cases, some operations related to the present invention are not shown or described in the specification. This is to avoid the core part of the present invention being overwhelmed by too much description. For those skilled in the art, it is not necessary to describe these related operations in detail. They can fully understand the related operations based on the description in the specification and the general technical knowledge in the art.

[0015] It should be noted that, in the absence of conflict, the embodiments and features of the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other to form various implementation methods. At the same time, the steps or actions in the method description can also be interchanged or adjusted in a manner that is obvious to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the various orders in the description and the drawings are only for the purpose of clearly describing a certain embodiment and are not intended to be a required order, unless otherwise specified that a certain order must be followed.

[0016] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate positions or positional relationships based on the positions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are only used for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, features defined as "first", "second", etc. may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of the present invention, unless otherwise specified, "multiple" means two or more.

[0017] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0018] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and in combination with embodiments.

[0019] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, this embodiment provides a pod and seed testing device, including a device body 1, which is a box-shaped structure and has a receiving chamber defined therein. The device body 1 is externally provided with a pod discharge port, a pod shell discharge port 2, and a soybean discharge port 3, which are connected to the receiving chamber. The pod discharge port is provided on the front of the device body 1 and is located near the top of the device body 1; the pod shell discharge port 2 and the soybean discharge port 3 are provided on the side of the device body 1, including but not limited to the lower left position.

[0020] The interior of the device body 1 includes a pod feeding unit 4, a pod imaging unit 5, a soybean shelling unit 6 and a soybean imaging unit 7 which are installed and connected in sequence from top to bottom. The pod feeding unit 4 is used to transport the pods from the pod discharge port to the pod imaging unit 5. After the pod imaging unit 5 captures the image of the pods, the pods are transported into the soybean shelling unit 6 to be separated into pod shells and soybeans. The pod shells are discharged through the pod shell discharge port 2, and the soybeans are discharged from the soybean discharge port 3 after the image is captured by the soybean imaging unit 7.

[0021] In actual use, the operator places the pods to be tested into the pod discharge port. The pods are then fed into the pod imaging unit 5 by the pod feeding unit 4. The pod imaging unit 5 captures images, and the pods then enter the soybean shelling unit 6. The shelled pod shells are discharged through the pod shell discharge port 2, and the soybeans enter the soybean imaging unit 7 for image capture before being discharged through the soybean discharge port 3.

[0022] Through the above technical solution, through the linear linkage of the pod feeding unit 4, the pod imaging unit 5, the soybean shelling unit 6 and the soybean imaging unit 7, a fully automated process from pod feeding, image acquisition, shelling to soybean seed detection is realized, which reduces manual intervention, significantly shortens the seed testing time, and improves the seed testing efficiency. Through the pod imaging unit 5 and the soybean imaging unit 7, multi-dimensional trait data such as pod type, shape, color, etc. can be accurately collected to achieve quantitative detection of soybean seed traits and ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data. At the same time, a variety of functional units are integrated in the device, making the device compact and space utilization high. It solves the problem that the traditional seed testing method is inefficient and easily interfered by subjective factors, making it difficult to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data.

[0023] Furthermore, a support leg is provided at each of the four corners of the bottom of the device body 1, so that the weight borne by the device can be evenly distributed, thereby enhancing the stability of the overall structure. In other embodiments, universal wheels or other structures can also be used, and the specific configuration can be based on actual needs and is not limited here.

[0024] In some embodiments, the pod feeding unit 4 includes a feed inlet 401 and a trough 402. The cross-section of the trough 402 gradually narrows from top to bottom, forming a funnel-shaped shape. This shape not only allows the pods to slide more smoothly under the action of gravity, but also provides a preliminary gathering effect, preventing the pods from accumulating and dispersing within the trough 402. The feed inlet 401 is located at the top of the trough 402, connecting the pod discharge port with the trough 402, ensuring that the pods can smoothly enter the trough 402 from the pod discharge port.

[0025] In some embodiments, the pod imaging unit 5 may include a first conveyor belt 501 and a first imaging device 502. The first conveyor belt 501 is driven by a first servo motor mounted on the inner wall of the apparatus body 1. When a pod enters the first conveyor belt 501, the first servo motor activates, ensuring the pod's uniform movement along the conveyor belt 501. This allows the first imaging device 502 to capture clear, complete images of the pod at an optimal pace and angle using continuous line scanning, avoiding image blur or missed scans caused by excessive or slow conveyor speeds. The images captured in this manner fully capture every detail of the pod, including surface texture and shape, providing comprehensive and reliable image data for subsequent, accurate analysis of the pod's properties.

[0026] The surface of the first conveyor belt 501 is provided with equidistant protrusions 503, which are used to divide the pods into independent areas. In this way, on the one hand, the equidistant protrusions 503 provide a natural segmentation basis for image analysis, which facilitates the relevant algorithms to process and analyze the collected images, improves the robustness of the algorithms, makes the analysis results more reliable, and provides more accurate data support for soybean seed testing. On the other hand, the protrusions 503 avoid occlusion caused by lateral rolling or stacking of the pods through physical limitation, ensures that each pod is evenly distributed in an independent area, and ensures that the image information of each pod can be clearly captured by the first imaging device 502, greatly improving the clarity and accuracy of the imaging, making the subsequent identification and differentiation of different types of pods such as deflated pods, one pod, two pods, three pods, and exploded pods more accurate.

[0027] The first imaging device 502 includes at least one of a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a thermal infrared camera, a lidar, or an X-ray detector, and works in conjunction with a first light source mounted on the inner wall of the device body 1 to capture images of the pods. Halogen lamps are ideal for this light source. Their high color rendering index allows them to accurately reproduce the true color of the pods, ensuring that the images captured by the first imaging device 502 are color-free. Halogen lamps are typically equipped with a parabolic reflector or an ellipsoidal reflector. Using geometric optics, they converge and align the divergent light emitted by the filament into a parallel beam or a fan-shaped beam at a specific angle. For example, the inner wall of the reflector can be treated with a micron-level coating (such as aluminum or silica) to achieve a reflectivity exceeding 95%, ensuring uniform light reflection onto the pod surface. Its stable luminous performance and uniform light distribution, when used in conjunction with the first imaging device 502, effectively prevent image brightness differences caused by uneven illumination, providing high-quality lighting conditions for the first imaging device 502, thereby ensuring the accuracy and completeness of pod image capture and improving the reliability of seed testing data. In other embodiments, LED lights can also be used as light sources. The choice can be based on actual conditions and is not limited here.

[0028] It is understood that the first imaging device 502 can flexibly combine visible light cameras, near-infrared cameras, multispectral cameras, hyperspectral cameras, thermal infrared cameras, lidars, X-ray detectors, and other devices according to actual testing needs, without any limitation here. Among them, visible light cameras capture the details of the pod's appearance at high resolution, intuitively presenting its shape, color, and damage status; near-infrared cameras can use their penetrating ability to obtain information about the pod's internal structure to assist in determining maturity; multispectral and hyperspectral cameras can accurately analyze chemical composition and nutritional content by analyzing the reflectivity of specific bands; thermal infrared cameras can monitor surface temperature distribution to reflect the physiological state of the pod; lidars can construct three-dimensional point cloud models to achieve millimeter-level dimensional measurements; and X-ray detectors can deeply penetrate the internal structure and observe seed development. Based on different testing needs, multiple devices can work together to comprehensively collect multimodal data on pods, from appearance to interior, from two-dimensional planes to three-dimensional space, providing a scientific basis for precise soybean testing.

[0029] In some embodiments, the first conveyor belt 501 is equipped with a micro-vibration component and a rolling pause module. The micro-vibration component is used to prevent pod accumulation, while the rolling pause module is used to ensure stable imaging posture. The micro-vibration component uses high-frequency, low-amplitude vibrations to break the tendency of pods to cluster on the first conveyor belt 501 in real time, keeping the pods dispersed during travel. The rolling pause module precisely controls the intermittent stopping of the first conveyor belt 501 according to the operating rhythm of the first imaging device 502. When the pods move into the imaging area, the first conveyor belt 501 stops briefly, and the equidistant protrusions 503 secure the pods in the optimal shooting position, preventing image blur caused by shaking or displacement. This ensures that the first imaging device 502 can clearly capture the details of the pods from all angles, significantly improving the quality and efficiency of image acquisition.

[0030] In practical applications, the micro-vibration component can achieve a micro-vibration effect through the forward and reverse motion of the first servo motor, thereby breaking the tendency of pods to accumulate on the first conveyor belt 501. By utilizing the precise steering control characteristics of the first servo motor and setting the frequency and duration of its alternating forward and reverse rotations, the first conveyor belt 501 is driven to produce regular intermittent vibrations. When the first servo motor rotates forward, the first conveyor belt 501 conveys the pods normally; at the moment the first servo motor reverses, the first conveyor belt 501 produces a brief reverse displacement, resulting in a tiny vibration. This method does not require the configuration of additional vibration components and directly uses the driving power source of the first conveyor belt 501, which not only simplifies the device structure and reduces costs, but also effectively prevents the accumulation of pods on the first conveyor belt 501. At the same time, by precisely controlling the state of the first servo motor at the moment of imaging, the pod posture is ensured to be stable, providing ideal conditions for image acquisition.

[0031] In addition, the rolling pause function of the rolling pause module can also be realized by the first servo motor. The first servo motor has precise position control and speed adjustment capabilities, and can accurately drive the first conveyor belt 501 to move or stop.

[0032] In some embodiments, as Figure 4 As shown, the top of the protrusion 503 can be arranged in an arc shape. Figure 5 As shown, the top of protrusion 503 can also be streamlined. A rounded or streamlined top avoids sharp edges, significantly reducing impact and friction between protrusion 503 and the pod surface. This is particularly useful for varieties with hairy or fragile pods, preventing surface abrasion or deformation, and protecting pod integrity for accurate collection of raw trait data. Alternatively, the top of protrusion 503 can be designed as a specifically shaped guide structure (such as a curved baffle or diversion groove) to guide the pods in a predetermined direction. For example, during pod transport, protrusion 503 can help maintain consistent head-to-tail alignment. Specifically, the specifically shaped top of protrusion 503 guides each pod in a uniform direction during transport, preventing accumulation of pods in different directions and improving subsequent shelling efficiency. For easily rolling pods (such as cowpeas), protrusion 503 can prevent them from rolling freely on the first conveyor belt 501, ensuring stable transport. At the same time, debris remains during the pod transportation process, and the surface of the smooth protrusion 503 is not easy to adhere to impurities, which facilitates the cleaning and maintenance of the pod imaging unit 5.

[0033] In some embodiments, the protrusions 503 are integrally formed with the first conveyor belt 501 or detachably connected, and the connection between the protrusions 503 and the first conveyor belt 501 is flush. Flush means that when the protrusions 503 are connected to the first conveyor belt 501, the surfaces at the connection are completely flat and flush, without any height differences or misalignment. Specifically, the edge or bottom surface of the protrusions 503 that contacts the first conveyor belt 501 is flush with the surface of the first conveyor belt 501, and the protrusions do not protrude or recede from the conveyor belt surface. The integral molding process strengthens the connection between the protrusions 503 and the first conveyor belt 501, preventing them from falling off or loosening due to long-term vibration, thereby extending the service life of the device. The detachable connection facilitates maintenance and replacement of the protrusions 503, as well as flexible adjustment of the spacing and shape of the protrusions 503 to accommodate different pod varieties (e.g., differences in size and shape), enhancing the versatility and adaptability of the device. The flush arrangement avoids height differences or gaps between the protrusion 503 and the surface of the first conveyor belt 501, preventing surface damage to the pods due to jamming, squeezing, or snagging during transport. It also reduces the risk of impurity retention, ensuring smooth passage of the pods through the imaging area and improving detection efficiency. Furthermore, the flush arrangement of the protrusion 503 with the first conveyor belt 501, combined with the stable structure of the protrusion 503, ensures the precise positioning of the pods on the first conveyor belt 501. This prevents pod posture deviation during image capture due to wobbling of the protrusion 503 or uneven surfaces at the connection between the protrusion 503 and the first conveyor belt 501, thereby ensuring accurate image segmentation and trait recognition.

[0034] In some embodiments, the soybean shelling unit 6 may include a shelling chamber, a roller separation assembly, a fan, and a bean pod shell discharge channel, which is connected to the bean pod shell discharge port 2. The shelling chamber is provided with an inlet at the top that interfaces with the bean pod imaging unit 5, and a soybean discharge channel at the bottom that interfaces with the soybean imaging unit 7. The inner wall of the shelling chamber is covered with a cushioning rubber layer to reduce collision damage to the soybeans during the shelling process. The roller separation assembly may include two sets of rollers arranged transversely in the middle of the shelling chamber. The two sets of rollers include a primary squeeze roller and a secondary separation roller. The primary squeeze rollers consist of a pair of rubber rollers with fine serrations on their surfaces, which initially crush the bean pod shells using shear force and friction. The secondary separation rollers are located 10 cm below the primary rollers and have spiral grooves on their surfaces. They rotate in the opposite direction to further separate the adhered bean pod shells and soybeans. An inclined guide plate may also be provided between the primary squeeze rollers and the secondary separation rollers to guide the smooth descent of the bean pods passing through the primary squeeze rollers. A lateral air inlet is provided in the middle of the shelling chamber side wall, and a fan is arranged at the air inlet. A curved guide plate tilted upward is provided on the opposite side of the air inlet, so that the airflow forms a spiral upward path within the shelling chamber. An air outlet is provided at the top of the shelling chamber, and the tilted direction of the curved guide plate points toward the air outlet. The lightweight bean pod shells follow the air flow through the air outlet into the bean pod shell discharge channel and are finally discharged from the bean pod shell discharge port 2. In other embodiments, the soybean shelling unit 6 may also have other structural forms and can be designed according to actual needs, without any limitation here.

[0035] In some embodiments, the soybean imaging unit 7 includes a second imaging device, a second conveyor belt 701, a tray 702, and a pressure sensor 703. Tray 702 is fixedly mounted on second conveyor belt 701, and pressure sensor 703 is positioned beneath tray 702 to measure the weight of the soybeans. When soybeans fall into tray 702, pressure sensor 703 quickly senses pressure changes and reads real-time weight data, providing important weight parameters for comprehensive soybean evaluation.

[0036] The second conveyor belt 701 is driven by a second servo motor, which is mounted on the inner wall of the apparatus body 1. High-frequency vibration is achieved by controlling the second servo motor to reciprocate the second conveyor belt 701 along a predetermined path at a relatively high speed. Once the soybeans fall onto the tray 702, the second conveyor belt 701 conveys the tray 702 to the bottom of the second imaging device. The second servo motor then drives the conveyor belt to a stop, stabilizing the soybeans within the imaging area. Through repeated reciprocating motions, the soybeans are quickly dispersed and evenly spread across the bottom of the tray 702, utilizing vibration and inertia to avoid overlap and accumulation. This ensures that each soybean is fully captured by the second imaging device, improving the accuracy and efficiency of image acquisition. After the soybeans are spread, the second imaging device begins capturing images. After this process is complete, the tray 702 moves along with the second conveyor belt 701, allowing the soybeans to be discharged into the soybean discharge port 3.

[0037] The second imaging device includes at least one of a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a thermal infrared camera, a lidar, and an X-ray detector. This second imaging device works in conjunction with a second light source mounted on the inner wall of the device body 1 to collect data and images of soybean quantity and shape. During operation, the second imaging device uses the second light source to comprehensively collect data and capture images of soybean quantity and shape, providing rich and accurate data support for soybean testing. Halogen lamps are particularly suitable as light sources. Their high color rendering index allows them to accurately reproduce the true color of soybeans, ensuring that the images captured by the second imaging device are color-free. Halogen lamps are typically equipped with a parabolic reflector or an ellipsoidal reflector. Using geometric optics, these reflectors converge and align the divergent light emitted by the filament into a parallel beam or a fan-shaped beam at a specific angle. For example, the inner wall of the reflector can be treated with a micron-level coating (such as aluminum or silica) to achieve a reflectivity exceeding 95%, ensuring uniform light reflection onto the soybean surface. Its stable luminous performance and uniform light distribution, when working with the second imaging device, can effectively avoid the difference in image brightness and darkness caused by uneven lighting, and provide high-quality lighting conditions for the second imaging device, thereby ensuring the accuracy and completeness of soybean image acquisition and improving the reliability of seed testing data.

[0038] It is understood that the second imaging device can be flexibly combined with visible light cameras, near-infrared cameras, multispectral cameras, hyperspectral cameras, thermal infrared cameras, lidar, and X-ray detectors, depending on actual seed testing needs, without any limitation. Visible light cameras capture detailed soybean appearance at high resolution, visually displaying their shape, color, and damage, providing intuitive image data for morphological analysis. Near-infrared cameras utilize the interaction of near-infrared light with soybean internal components to obtain information on moisture, protein, fat, and other content within the soybeans. Multispectral and hyperspectral cameras identify early signs of pest infestation and mold by using reflectivity differences in specific bands. Thermal infrared cameras determine seed viability based on temperature distribution. LiDAR constructs a 3D point cloud model to accurately measure soybean volume and morphological parameters. X-ray detectors penetrate internal structures to detect defects that are difficult to detect with the naked eye, such as empty kernels and insect infestations. Based on different seed testing needs, multiple devices can be used in concert to comprehensively collect multimodal soybean data, from appearance to interior, from two-dimensional planes to three-dimensional space, providing a scientific basis for precise soybean testing.

[0039] In some embodiments, the bottom surface inside the tray 702 is provided with diamond patterns to make the soybeans more stable during high-frequency vibration and tiling. During the high-frequency vibration and tiling process, the sliding and rolling tendency of the soybeans in the tray 702 is effectively suppressed, and even if the second conveyor belt 701 performs high-frequency motion, the soybeans will not be displaced significantly. The diamond patterns are equivalent to forming a plurality of tiny "positioning grooves" on the surface of the tray 702. The soybeans will naturally embed into these "positioning grooves" and be fixed under the action of vibration, further improving stability. When the soybeans are finished tiling, each soybean can maintain a relatively fixed position, and the soybeans are evenly distributed on the tray 702, providing a stable shooting object for the second imaging device, avoiding problems such as image blur and ghosting caused by the shaking of the soybeans, and greatly improving the clarity and accuracy of image acquisition, thereby laying a solid foundation for the accurate detection and analysis of soybeans.

[0040] In some embodiments, the tray 702 can be replaced with a grid structure 704. The grid structure 704 includes multiple soybean troughs arranged in an array, each trough being suitable for accommodating a single soybean, providing a dedicated "space" for each soybean and ensuring that the soybeans remain fixed in position during transport. A pressure sensor 703 is positioned below the grid structure 704 to measure the soybean weight. A baffle 705 or brush is also positioned at the front end of the grid structure 704, near the soybean shelling unit 6, to clear accumulated soybeans and locate individual soybeans. Specifically, the baffle 705 can be driven by a reciprocating linear motion mechanism, such as a screw-nut mechanism, to move the baffle 705 or brush back and forth along the direction of motion of the second conveyor belt 701, pushing the accumulated soybeans into the desired position. This method offers high transmission precision and smooth motion, enabling effective cleaning. Alternatively, the piston rod of a pneumatic / hydraulic cylinder can be connected to the baffle 705 or brush, with the piston rod in turn driving the movement of the baffle 705.

[0041] In order to prevent the baffle 705 from damaging the soybeans during the cleaning process, the surface of the baffle 705 can be covered with a rubber pad, or the material of the baffle 705 can be set to soft plastic, such as polypropylene or polyethylene, etc. The design can be made according to actual needs and is not limited here.

[0042] It is worth noting that the device for controlling the baffle 705 to perform linear reciprocating motion only needs to meet the requirements of being able to stably and accurately drive the baffle 705 to clean up the accumulated soybeans without causing physical damage to the soybeans, and at the same time being able to work efficiently with the grid structure 704, the second conveyor belt 701 and other equipment. It can be designed according to actual needs and no restrictions are made here.

[0043] In some embodiments, the device body 1 further includes control buttons and a display. Furthermore, an embedded control system (such as a computer and PLC controller) may be integrated within the device body 1, with the control buttons and display electrically connected to the control system. The control system processes and analyzes captured images; the control buttons control the device's operation, allowing the operator to start, pause, or adjust the device's operating status through the control buttons; and the display displays the captured image data and analysis results, allowing the operator to intuitively and clearly obtain relevant information.

[0044] During actual use, place the device in a stable, dry work area. After powering on, check that the control buttons, imaging devices, and sensors are functioning properly. Adjust the speed and vibration frequency of the first and second conveyor belts 501 and 701. Set the parameters (such as resolution and exposure time) of the first and second imaging devices 502 and 502, respectively, to ensure stable operation of all device functions.

[0045] The pods to be planted are poured into the trough 402 through the pod discharge port, allowing them to fall evenly onto the first conveyor belt 501 below. The pods move at a constant speed along the first conveyor belt 501, and the micro-vibration component is activated simultaneously. Through high-frequency, low-amplitude vibration, the pods' tendency to aggregate on the first conveyor belt 501 is broken down in real time. When the pods reach the imaging area, the scrolling pause module controls the power supply to the first servo motor to cut off, causing the first conveyor belt 501 to stop. At this point, the first imaging device 502 begins operating, capturing and identifying the pods, acquiring and recording data on their characteristics, such as type, shape, and color, and synchronizing this data to the display. After imaging is complete, the scrolling pause module controls the power supply to the first servo motor to resume operation, allowing the first conveyor belt 501 to resume operation. The imaged pods pass through the first conveyor belt 501 and enter the soybean shelling unit 6 for shelling. The pod shells and soybeans flow out through different outlets, with the pod shells discharged from the pod shell discharge port 2 and the soybeans entering the soybean imaging unit 7.

[0046] If the first soybean imaging unit 7 structure is used, the shelled soybeans fall into tray 702. The second conveyor belt 701 vibrates back and forth at high frequency, quickly dispersing and evenly spreading the soybeans across the bottom of tray 702. A second imaging device scans and collects soybean characteristics, such as quantity, while a pressure sensor 703 measures the soybean weight. After data collection is complete, the acquired data is synchronized to a display. The tray 702 then moves along with the second conveyor belt 701, and the soybeans enter the soybean discharge port 3 and are discharged.

[0047] If the second soybean imaging unit 7 structure is used, the shelled soybeans fall into the grid structure 704. Baffles 705 or brushes clean the accumulated soybeans and align them neatly. The second imaging device scans and captures the soybean shape, quantity, and other characteristics. Pressure sensor 703 measures weight. After data collection is complete, the acquired data is synchronized to the display. The soybeans move along the conveyor belt into the soybean discharge port 3 and are discharged.

[0048] At this point, the seed testing of bean pods and soybean seeds is completed.

[0049] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art may make changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

[0050] The above specific embodiments of the present invention do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of the present invention. Any other corresponding changes and modifications made based on the technical concept of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for detecting bean pods and seeds, characterized by: include The device body has an accommodating cavity formed therein; a pod discharge port, a pod shell discharge port and a soybean discharge port connected to the accommodating cavity are provided on the outside of the device body, and a pod feeding unit, a pod imaging unit, a soybean shelling unit and a soybean imaging unit are provided inside the device body; the pod feeding unit is used to transport the pods from the pod discharge port to the pod imaging unit, and after the pod imaging unit performs image acquisition on the pods, the pods enter the soybean shelling unit and are separated into pod shells and soybeans, the pod shells are discharged from the pod shell discharge port, and the soybeans are discharged from the soybean discharge port after secondary image acquisition by the soybean imaging unit; the device body also includes a control button and a display, the control button is used to control the operation of the device, and the display is used to display the acquired image data and analysis results; The soybean imaging unit includes a second imaging device, a second conveyor belt, a tray, and a pressure sensor. The second imaging device includes at least one of a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a thermal infrared camera, a lidar, and an X-ray detector. The tray is disposed on the second conveyor belt, and the pressure sensor is disposed below the tray for measuring the weight of the soybeans. The second conveyor belt is driven by a second servo motor and spreads the soybeans flat on the bottom of the tray through high-frequency vibration. The second imaging device cooperates with a second light source to collect data and images of the number and shape of the soybeans, while the pressure sensor reads the weight of the soybeans. The bottom surface of the tray is provided with diamond patterns to make the soybeans more stable during high-frequency vibration and flattening.

2. The device for detecting pods and seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pod feeding unit comprises a feed port and a trough, and the feed port is communicated with the pod discharge port and the trough respectively.

3. The device for detecting pods and seeds according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pod imaging unit includes a first conveyor belt and a first imaging device. The surface of the first conveyor belt is provided with equidistant protrusions for dividing the pod into independent areas. The first imaging device includes at least one of a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a thermal infrared camera, a lidar, and an X-ray detector, and cooperates with a first light source to realize image capture of the pod.

4. The device for detecting pods and seeds according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first conveyor belt is equipped with a micro-vibration component and a rolling pause module. The micro-vibration component is used to prevent pods from piling up, and the rolling pause module is used to ensure the stability of the imaging posture.

5. The device for detecting pods and seeds according to claim 3, characterized in that: The top of the protrusion is arc-shaped or streamlined.

6. The device for detecting pods and seeds according to claim 3, characterized in that: The protrusion is integrally formed with the first conveyor belt or is detachably connected to the first conveyor belt, and the connection between the protrusion and the first conveyor belt is flush.

7. The device for detecting pods and seeds according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The soybean imaging unit includes a second imaging device, a second conveyor belt, a grid structure, a pressure sensor and a baffle, the second imaging device includes at least one of a visible light camera, a near-infrared camera, a multispectral camera, a hyperspectral camera, a thermal infrared camera, a lidar, and an X-ray detector; the grid structure is arranged on the second conveyor belt, and the pressure sensor is arranged under the grid structure for measuring the weight of soybeans; the grid structure includes a plurality of soybean troughs arranged in an array, each of which is suitable for a single soybean; the baffle is arranged at the front end position of the grid structure close to the soybean shelling unit, for cleaning up accumulated soybeans and realizing single-grain positioning; the second imaging device cooperates with the second light source to collect data and images of the quantity and shape of soybeans, and the pressure sensor reads the weight of soybeans.

Images