Equipment for detecting substances

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for detecting a substance (102), comprising: a light source device (114) adapted to emit a first set of light beams (116) and a second set of light beams (118) toward a first detection region (104), through which the substance (102) is supplied. A spectroscopic system (120) is adapted to receive and analyze light (122) reflected and / or scattered by the substance (102) in the first detection region. A laser triangulation system (124) includes a laser device (126) adapted to emit a laser line (130) toward a second detection region (106). A camera-based sensor device (128) is configured to receive and analyze light (132) reflected and / or scattered by the substance (102) in the second detection region (106). The light (122) received by the spectroscopic system (120) intersects completely or partially with the light (132) and / or the laser line (130) received by the camera-based sensor device (128).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for detecting substances, and more specifically to such a device comprising a spectral system and a laser triangulation system. Background Technology

[0002] Across a wide range of industries, there is a frequent need and expectation for the identification, detection, classification, and sorting of various objects.

[0003] In its simplest form, manual object identification by a person can be advantageously employed when identifying, sorting, and classifying a limited number of objects. The person can then identify and classify the objects involved based on their knowledge. However, this type of manual identification is monotonous and error-prone. Furthermore, the operator's level of experience will significantly affect the outcome of the operation performed by the operator. Additionally, the aforementioned type of manual identification suffers from low identification speed.

[0004] Therefore, in industry, the identification, sorting, and classification of bulk goods are typically performed by machines, where bulk goods are supplied as a continuous flow of goods. These machines are generally faster than operators and can operate for longer periods, thus providing enhanced overall throughput. Examples of this type of machine are used in agriculture for fruits and vegetables, and in recycling for identifying and sorting objects and materials to be recycled.

[0005] Machines of these types typically incorporate some form of sensor for identifying objects of interest. For example, optical sensors in the form of spectral sensors can be used to determine the quality of harvested fruits and vegetables. Similarly, spectral sensors can be used to determine the material of objects to be recycled.

[0006] However, to determine more properties of an object, multiple sensors are typically required. Using more than one sensor usually means that the machine must be manufactured larger to accommodate the additional sensors and the necessary associated physical components. This increases the machine's footprint. The increased footprint necessitates valuable industrial space for installing the machine, potentially for other purposes. Furthermore, using additional sensors can lead to interference if the sensors are not positioned sufficiently far apart from each other.

[0007] DE 196 50 705 A1 discloses a method and arrangement for implementing a more compact and inexpensive multi-sensor camera, wherein different image sensors sensitive to different properties are vertically stacked on top of each other in a common beam path. The stacked image sensors are aligned such that corresponding pixels of the respective image sensors observe the same portion of the object being observed.

[0008] WO 01 / 07950 A1 discloses a sorting device having an inspection unit for inspecting the acceptability of products to be sorted.

[0009] US 2016 / 0263624 A1 discloses an apparatus for detecting a substance, wherein multiple objects are supplied to a detection area. The objects are illuminated in the detection area, and light that has passed through the objects is detected.

[0010] US 2004 / 0027574 A1 discloses an apparatus and method for sensing the presence of bright white paper on a conveyor of a paper sorting system by utilizing fluorescence triggered by ultraviolet light. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a device for detecting substances that is compact and therefore requires less installation space.

[0012] Another objective is to provide a device that enables the efficient detection of substances using a spectral system and a laser triangulation system.

[0013] Another objective is to provide a device that enables enhanced substance detection.

[0014] More specifically, according to the present invention, an apparatus for detecting a substance is provided, the apparatus comprising: a light source device adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams toward a first detection region, through which the substance is supplied; a spectroscopic system including a spectrometer, wherein the spectroscopic system is adapted to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by the substance in the first detection region, wherein the light received by the spectroscopic system originates from the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams; and a laser triangulation system including a laser device and a camera-based sensor device, the laser device being adapted to emit a laser line toward a second detection region, through which the substance is supplied, the camera-based sensor device being configured to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by the substance in the second detection region, wherein the light received by the camera-based sensor device originates from the laser line, and wherein the light received by the spectroscopic system intersects entirely or partially with the light and / or laser line received by the camera-based sensor device.

[0015] The device includes a light source adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams toward a first detection area through which material is supplied. Therefore, the light source is adapted to emit two different, separate sets of light beams. Both the first and second sets of light beams emitted by the light source are directed toward the first detection area.

[0016] It should be noted that, within the context of this application, the term "beam group" can refer to any type of light, visible or invisible, such as near-infrared, IR, or UV light, with an extension beyond an infinitesimal number of beams or rays. In other words, a beam group can refer to any beam or beam sweeping across its direction of propagation that has a physical extension in space. Thus, a beam group can, for example, form a parallel beam, a non-parallel beam (e.g., a diverging or converging beam), or a band of light, to give several non-limiting examples.

[0017] Therefore, the first and second beams will reach the first detection area, through which the substance is provided. The provision of substance through the first detection area signifies a transfer or delivery of substance through it. The substance can be provided continuously or intermittently through the first detection area. The substance can be provided sequentially or in parallel through the first detection area. Therefore, a single substance or multiple substances can be present simultaneously in the first detection area. Preferably, multiple substances are present simultaneously in the first detection area.

[0018] The apparatus includes a spectral system adapted to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in a first detection region. The light received by the spectral system originates primarily from a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams. Therefore, a limited amount of ambient light can reach the spectral system. Thus, the spectral system is adapted to observe the first detection region in order to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in the first detection region. Optical elements may be provided between the incident window of the spectral system and the first detection region to alter the beam path of the light reflected and / or scattered by the substance in the first detection region.

[0019] The equipment includes a laser triangulation system. The laser triangulation system includes a laser device adapted to emit a laser line toward a second detection area, through which material is provided. The laser device typically includes one or more laser sources and optional optical elements for shaping the emitted laser light into a laser line.

[0020] It should be noted that, within the context of this application, the term laser line can refer to any type of visible or invisible laser with an elongated extension, such that when it strikes a surface, it forms a line or linear profile.

[0021] The substance is provided through a second detection area, corresponding to the description above regarding the first detection area. The substance may be provided subsequently or in parallel through the second detection area.

[0022] A laser triangulation system includes a camera-based sensor device configured to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by matter in a second detection area. The light received by the camera-based sensor device originates from or is primarily derived from a laser line. Therefore, a limited amount of ambient light can still reach the camera-based sensor device. The camera-based sensor device is thus adapted to observe the second detection area in order to receive and analyze the light reflected and / or scattered by matter in the second detection area. As in any laser triangulation system, the reflected light from the laser line will move across the sensor element of the camera-based sensor device in response to changes in the height of the matter in the second detection area. The sensor element of the camera-based sensor device is typically an imaging sensor element comprising an array of photosensitive sensor pixels.

[0023] The light received by the spectral system intersects, wholly or partially, with the light and / or laser line received by the camera-based sensor device. The specific features of the spectral system compared to the camera-based sensor device and / or laser device allow for a compact system requiring significantly less space.

[0024] In fact, the light received by the spectral system, i.e., the light originating from the first set of beams and the second set of beams and which has been reflected and / or scattered by the material in the first detection area, will intersect or cross with the light received by the camera-based sensor device, i.e., the light originating from the laser line and which has been reflected and / or scattered by the material in the second detection area.

[0025] Alternatively, the light received by the spectral system will completely or partially intersect or cross the laser line. Therefore, both the spectral system (and the light source device) and the laser triangulation system can be located in the same area of ​​the device, meaning that both systems can be housed in the space typically required for a single system. This implies that the present invention provides a compact device with enhanced detection capabilities.

[0026] Furthermore, substances can typically be provided through the second detection region after being provided through the first detection region or in parallel. This allows a specific substance provided in the first detection region to be subsequently or in parallel associated with the same substance provided when passing through the second detection region. This practically means that the same substance will typically be analyzed sequentially or in parallel by a spectroscopic system and a laser triangulation system. Therefore, the present invention provides a compact device with enhanced detection capabilities.

[0027] The device may further include a focusing device adapted to guide and focus a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams onto a scanning element, wherein the scanning element is adapted to redirect the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams toward a first detection region, thereby converging the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams at the first detection region. This arrangement provides the advantage that the first detection region can be irradiated by different sets of light beams entering the first detection region at different angles. Therefore, the material provided through the first detection region can be effectively irradiated by the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams converged at the first detection region.

[0028] The scanning element can scan the first set of beams and the second set of beams at the first detection area.

[0029] The scanning element can be either a rotating polyhedron or a tilting mirror.

[0030] The light source device may include a first light source adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second light source adapted to emit a second set of light beams. This arrangement provides stronger illumination in the first detection area. Furthermore, by using different types of light sources with characteristics different from the first and second light sources, the illumination of the first detection area can be easily adjusted. Additionally, a more robust device can be achieved. If one of the first and second light sources fails, the device does not need to stop operating and can therefore continue to operate while one of the light sources is being replaced.

[0031] The focusing device may include a first focusing element adapted to guide and focus a first set of light beams onto a scanning element and a second focusing element adapted to guide and focus a second set of light beams onto the scanning element. This is advantageous because the first and second sets of light beams can be guided and focused onto the scanning element independently. The focusing element can be any optical element capable of focusing and guiding the first and / or second sets of light beams. The focusing element can be a combination of multiple acting optical elements. The focusing element can guide the first and / or second sets of light beams along the direction of incident light. The first focusing element can be a lens or a mirror. The first focusing element can be a combination of a lens and a mirror. The second focusing element can be a lens or a mirror. The second focusing element can be a combination of a lens and a mirror.

[0032] The light source device can include a single light source suitable for emitting a first set of beams and a second set of beams, which is advantageous because the light source device can be manufactured to be more energy efficient. Furthermore, since space can be allocated only to a single light source, the light source device can be made more compact.

[0033] The focusing device may include a first focusing element adapted to guide and focus a first set of light beams onto a scanning element, and a second focusing element adapted to guide and focus a second set of light beams onto the scanning element. This is advantageous because the first and second sets of light beams can be guided and focused onto the scanning element independently. The focusing element can be any optical element capable of focusing and guiding the first and / or second sets of light beams. The focusing element can be a combination of multiple co-operating optical elements. The focusing element can guide the first and / or second sets of light beams along the direction of incident light. The first focusing element can be a lens or a mirror. The first focusing element can be a parabolic mirror. The first focusing element can be an elliptical mirror or a mirror with an optimized shape to focus light onto a first detection area. The first focusing element can be an off-axis parabolic mirror. The first focusing element can be a combination of a lens and a mirror. The first focusing element can be a combination of a lens and a plane mirror. The second focusing element can be a lens or a mirror. The second focusing element can be a parabolic mirror. The second focusing element can be an elliptical mirror or a mirror with an optimized shape to focus light onto a first detection area. The second focusing element can be an off-axis parabolic mirror. The second focusing element can be a combination of a lens and a reflector. Alternatively, it can be a combination of a lens and a plane mirror.

[0034] The spectroscopic system may include a first spectrometer system suitable for analyzing light at a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system suitable for analyzing light at a second wavelength interval. This is advantageous because a spectrometer system suitable for analyzing a particular wavelength interval can be used. This arrangement allows for more sensitive and accurate analysis. The first and second wavelength intervals may overlap or partially overlap. Alternatively, the first and second wavelength intervals may be separate intervals.

[0035] The spectroscopic system may include a first spectrometer system suitable for analyzing light at a first wavelength interval, a second spectrometer system suitable for analyzing light at a second wavelength interval, and a third spectrometer system suitable for analyzing light at a third wavelength interval.

[0036] A spectroscopic system may include multiple spectrometer systems, which are suitable for analyzing light at multiple wavelength intervals.

[0037] The spectroscopic system can be a scanning spectroscopic system, which is advantageous because it allows for precise analysis of the substance in the first detection region over a range of wavelength intervals. Furthermore, an image of the substance in the first detection region can be acquired, including information derived from the analysis of light received by the scanning spectroscopic system.

[0038] The first and second detection areas can overlap, which is advantageous because it makes it easier to associate substances in the first detection area with corresponding substances in the second detection area. In other words, it makes it easier to determine when a specific block of substance that has passed through the first detection area passes through the second detection area. This setup is advantageous when substances travel through the first and / or second detection areas in a random manner, as is typically the case when substances freely fall or slide through the first and / or second detection areas.

[0039] The first detection area and the second detection area may partially overlap. The first detection area and the second detection area may completely overlap. Therefore, the first detection area and the second detection area may be located in the same physical location.

[0040] The device may also include a first optical filter disposed between the light source device and the first detection area, the first optical filter preventing light originating from the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams from reaching the camera-based sensor device. This arrangement of the first optical filter can block unwanted light that would otherwise risk interfering with the camera-based sensor system. The provision of the first optical filter is particularly relevant and therefore advantageous when the first and second detection areas overlap.

[0041] The device may also include a second optical filter disposed between the second detection area and the camera-based sensor device. This second optical filter blocks the passage of light originating from the first set of beams, the second set of beams, and ambient light, while allowing the passage of light originating from the laser line. This arrangement of the second optical filter blocks unwanted light that would otherwise risk interfering with the camera-based sensor device. The provision of the second optical filter is particularly relevant and therefore advantageous when the first and second detection areas overlap.

[0042] The laser device can also be adapted to emit another laser line toward the second detection area, and the camera-based sensor device can also be configured to receive and analyze light from the other laser line reflected and / or scattered by matter in the second detection area.

[0043] The wavelength of the light from the other laser line can be different from the wavelength of the light from the laser line.

[0044] The device may also include a third optical filter disposed between the second detection area and the camera-based sensor system, the second optical filter blocking the passage of light originating from the first set of beams, the second set of beams, the laser, and ambient light, while allowing the passage of light originating from another laser line.

[0045] By providing a combination of another laser line with a wavelength different from that of the laser line and a third optical filter, the camera-based system can be configured to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by matter in the second detection region based on different wavelengths. Advantageously, the received light originating from the laser line and from the other laser line can be directed to different regions of the imaging sensor element of the camera-based sensor system, or to different imaging sensor elements of the camera-based sensor system. The possibility of analyzing the light reflected and / or scattered by matter in the second detection region based on different wavelengths allows for the acquisition of more information about the matter in the second detection region.

[0046] The device may further include a processing unit coupled to the spectral system and the camera-based sensor device, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a first set of attributes related to a substance in a first detection region based on the output signal of the spectral system, and wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a second set of attributes related to a substance in a second detection region based on the output signal of the camera-based sensor device. Providing a processing unit coupled to the spectral system and the camera-based sensor device enables the processing unit to determine one or more attributes of the substance in the respective first and second detection regions. The processing unit can therefore receive signals from the spectral system and the camera-based sensor device, respectively. The received signals can be based on the analysis of light received by the spectral system and the camera-based sensor device, respectively.

[0047] It should be noted that, in the context of this application, the term "processing unit" can refer to any unit, system, or apparatus capable of receiving one or more signals or data from other entities and processing the received signals or data. This processing may include, for example, calculating one or more attributes based on the received signals or data, forwarding the received signals or data, and modifying the received signals or data. The processing unit can be a single unit or distributed across multiple devices, such as multiple PCs, each with processing capabilities. The processing unit can be implemented using hardware or software.

[0048] It should be noted that, within the context of this application, the term "attribute set" can refer to any dataset that includes any type of data. An attribute set can include any number of attributes, including zero. Therefore, an attribute set can be an empty set, which, for example, can indicate the absence of a substance.

[0049] The first set of attributes can indicate at least one of the following: spectral response of a substance, material type of a substance, color of a substance, fluorescence of a substance, maturity of a substance, dry matter content of a substance, water content of a substance, fat content of a substance, oil content of a substance, calorific value of a substance, presence of skeleton or fish bone of a substance, presence of pests of a substance, mineral type of a substance, ore type of a substance, defect level of a substance, detection of harmful biological material of a substance, presence of a substance, absence of a substance, detection of multilayer material of a substance, detection of fluorescent labeling of a substance, quality grade of a substance, physical structure of the surface of a substance, and molecular structure of a substance.

[0050] An example of a potentially hazardous biological material that can be detected is mycotoxins.

[0051] The features of the first set of attributes can be determined in specific combinations, which can be used to detect substances in the first detection region. Examples of useful applications of such combinations include sorting pet food, detecting fish bones in fish fillets, sorting paper using visible and near-infrared spectroscopy, removing foreign matter and shells from pistachios, and polymer recycling, to give a few non-limiting examples.

[0052] The second set of attributes may indicate at least one of the following: the height of the substance, the height profile of the substance, the 3D map of the substance, the intensity profile of reflected and / or scattered light, the center of volume of the substance, the estimated center of mass of the substance, the estimated weight of the substance, the estimated material of the substance, the presence of the substance, the absence of the substance, the detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of the substance, the structure and quality of wood, the surface roughness and texture of the substance, and an indication of the presence of fluid in the substance.

[0053] Examples of relevant fluids are oil and water in food.

[0054] The above features of the second set of attributes can be determined in specific combinations, which can be used to detect substances in the second detection region. Examples of useful applications of such combinations are glass sorting and quartz sorting, to give a few non-limiting examples.

[0055] The processing unit can also be configured to receive input indicating the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device relative to the second detection area, and to compensate for the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device when determining the second set of attributes. This is advantageous because it enables more accurate subsequent sorting or ejection of the material. In fact, the height of the material in the second detection area can be compensated when determining its position. By doing so, subsequent sorting or ejection operations may influence or dominate the material at that position, thus resisting erroneous sorting or ejection. For example, the sorter or ejector can impact the material at its estimated center of mass, thereby reducing the risk of, for example, material slippage or tumbling. The ejector can be configured with a valve image processing step to reduce or minimize compressed air and energy consumption while maintaining optimal sorting yield and sorting loss.

[0056] The processing unit can be configured to receive inputs from the indicator laser device and the camera-based sensor device relative to the geometry of the second detection area.

[0057] The processing unit can be configured to compensate for the geometry of the laser device and the camera-based sensor device relative to the second detection area when determining the second attribute set.

[0058] The device may also include a spraying device coupled to the processing unit, wherein the spraying device is adapted to spray and sort the material into multiple parts in response to receiving a signal from the processing unit based on a determined first set of attributes and / or a determined second set of attributes, and the spraying device is adapted to spray and sort the material by at least one of a compressed air jet, a pressurized water jet, a mechanical finger, a compressed air jet bar, a pressurized water jet bar, a mechanical finger bar, a mechanical arm, and a mechanical steering device.

[0059] By providing a jetting device coupled to the processing unit, the device can jet matter based on a determined first set of properties and / or a determined second set of properties, thereby sorting the matter into multiple fractions. Therefore, the matter can be sorted based on analysis performed by a spectroscopic system and / or a laser triangulation system.

[0060] These multiple sections can be based on any of the determined properties. A section can be based, for example, on material or color. A section can correspond to a substance to be discarded or disposed of.

[0061] Spraying and sorting can be performed using compressed air jets, pressurized water jets, mechanical fingers, compressed air jet bars, pressurized water jet bars, mechanical finger bars, robotic arms, or mechanical steering mechanisms.

[0062] Alternatively, for spraying and sorting, the material can be analyzed online, for example, via cloud services. The analyzed material can then be classified, for example, based on purity, defect level, average color, etc.

[0063] The device may also include a conveyor for conveying material through a first detection area and a second detection area, or a chute, optionally including a vibrating feeder, for allowing material to slide or fall freely through the first detection area and / or the second detection area.

[0064] By providing a conveyor, substances can be conveyed in a controlled manner through a first detection area and a second detection area. Substances conveyed through and analyzed in the first detection area can then be conveyed through and analyzed in the second detection area. Through the controlled conveyance of substances through the first and second detection areas, substances can be tracked. Therefore, substances in the first detection area can be related to or identified as the same substances in the second detection area.

[0065] By providing a chute that optionally includes a vibrating feeder, material can be allowed to slide or fall freely through a first detection area and / or a second detection area. Material can slide through the first and second detection areas. Material can fall freely through the first and second detection areas. Material can slide through the first detection area and fall freely through the second detection area. Providing a chute that optionally includes a vibrating feeder is advantageous for small bulk objects (e.g., different kinds of grains).

[0066] Further applications of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, it should be understood that while the detailed description and specific examples indicate preferred variations of the inventive concept, they are given by way of example only, as various changes and modifications within the scope of the inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0067] Therefore, it should be understood that the inventive concept is not limited to the specific components of the described device, as such a device can vary. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular variations only and is not intended to be limiting. It must be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are intended to indicate the presence of one or more elements, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “unit” or “the unit” can include several devices, etc. Furthermore, the words “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and similar wording do not exclude other elements. Attached Figure Description

[0068] Various aspects of the inventive concept, including its specific features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to illustrate the general structure of the inventive concept. The same reference numerals throughout denote the same elements.

[0069] Figure 1This is a perspective diagram of a device used to detect substances.

[0070] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective detailed view of the equipment.

[0071] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first variation of the light source device and related focusing device.

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a second variation of the light source device and related focusing device.

[0073] Figure 5 It can be used Figure 1 Schematic perspective detailed view of different settings in the device.

[0074] Figure 6 It is a schematic perspective detailed view of the different settings of the overlap of the first detection area and the second detection area. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The inventive concept will now be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which presently preferred variations of the inventive concept are shown. However, the inventive concept can be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the variations set forth herein; rather, these variations are provided for thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of the inventive concept to those skilled in the art.

[0076] Figure 1 An apparatus 100 for detecting a substance is schematically shown. The substance 102 is provided through a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106.

[0077] exist Figure 1 In the depicted device 100, the substance 102 is conveyed by a conveyor 108 through a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106. However, the substance 102 can be conveyed through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 manually by any suitable device or without any technical means. Furthermore, the substance 102 can be conveyed through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 by sliding or free fall. Therefore, Figure 1 The transmitter is optional.

[0078] Figure 1 The depicted device 100 also includes a housing 110 disposed above the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. In other words, the housing 110 is disposed above the transmitter 108.

[0079] Still referencing Figure 2It schematically discloses the selection of components arranged in the housing 110.

[0080] A light source device 114 is provided inside the housing 110, which is adapted to emit a first set of light beams 116 and a second set of light beams 118 toward the first detection area 104.

[0081] A spectral system 120 is provided inside the housing 110, which is adapted to receive and analyze light 122 reflected and / or scattered by the substance 102 in the first detection area 104.

[0082] A laser triangulation system 124 is disposed inside the housing 110. The laser triangulation system 124 includes a laser device 126 adapted to emit a laser line 130 toward a second detection area 106. The laser triangulation system 124 includes a camera-based sensor device 128 configured to receive and analyze light 132 reflected and / or scattered by the substance 102 in the second detection area 106.

[0083] Figure 1 The depicted device 100 also includes a spraying device 112 disposed downstream of the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. The spraying device 112 is adapted to spray the substance 102 and sort it into multiple portions. However, Figure 1 The spray device 112 is optional.

[0084] Figure 1 The depicted device 100 also includes a control cabinet 111 disposed above the conveyor 108. The control cabinet 111 includes equipment for controlling the device 100. This equipment typically includes a processing unit 113 or control unit for controlling the conveyor 108, the injection device 112, and the equipment within the housing 110. The processing unit 113 is typically used to determine one or more properties of the substance 102 based on measurements performed by the equipment within the housing 110.

[0085] Now for special reference Figure 2 This is a conceptual description. Figure 1 The components inside the housing 110. Figure 2 A portion of a transmitter 108, including a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106, is also shown.

[0086] If available Figure 2 As seen in the image, the light 122 received by the spectral system 120 intersects with the light 132 received by the camera-based sensor device 128.

[0087] The substance 102 is supplied via conveyor 108 through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. In other words, in Figure 1 and Figure 2In the depicted device 100, substance 102 is conveyed through a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106. Substance 102 is typically conveyed continuously through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. Substance 102 may be conveyed intermittently through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. Substance 102 may be conveyed first through the first detection area 104 and then through the second detection area 106. Substance 102 may be conveyed first through the second detection area 106 and then through the first detection area 104.

[0088] Laser device 126 includes a line laser that emits a laser line 130. The laser can be of any suitable type. The laser preferably has a peak wavelength of 660 nm or 640 nm. An example of a suitable laser is the Z100M18S3-F-660-LP60-PR manufactured by Z-Laser, which emits a laser line with a wavelength of 660 nm. Laser device 126 may be equipped with thermoelectric cooling and insulation to withstand a typical ambient temperature of 60°C. The laser line 130 strikes a substance 102 in a second detection region 106, where the light is reflected and / or scattered by the substance 102. Figure 2 As schematically shown, a portion of the reflected and / or scattered light 132 typically reaches the camera-based sensor device 128. Therefore, the camera-based sensor device 128 will observe and thus image the substance 102 in the second detection area 106 when the laser line 130 strikes it. The camera-based sensor device 128 may, for example, include a C5 type camera manufactured by AT (Automation Technologies, Inc.). Thus, as in any laser triangulation system 124, a change in height or presence of the substance 102 in the second detection area 106 will cause a positional shift in the image of the laser line on the sensor element of the camera of the camera-based sensor device 128. This shift forms an angular difference between the field of view of the camera of the camera-based sensor device 128 and the laser line 130. Various properties of the substance 102 in the second detection area 106 can be determined based on measurements performed by the camera-based sensor device 128.

[0089] Furthermore, in conjunction with the depicted light source device 114, a focusing device 134 is provided. The focusing device 134 is adapted to guide and focus the first set of light beams 116 and the second set of light beams 118 onto the scanning element 136. The scanning element 136 is adapted to redirect the first set of light beams 116 and the second set of light beams 118 back to the first detection area 104. Through the arrangement of the scanning element 136, the first set of light beams 116 and the second set of light beams 118 converge at the first detection area 104, as... Figure 2 As shown. Figure 2The scanning element 136 depicted is in the form of a rotating polygon mirror. Therefore, by rotating the polygon mirror, a first set of beams 116 and a second set of beams 118 will scan in the first detection area 104. The first set of beams 116 and the second set of beams 118 will thus scan on the first detection area 104, and therefore on the transmitter 108.

[0090] Other types of scanning elements can be used advantageously. For example, a scanning mirror hinged around a pivot axis can be used.

[0091] As described above, the spectroscopic system 120 is adapted to receive and analyze light 122 reflected and / or scattered by the substance 102 in the first detection region 104. The light 122 reflected and / or scattered by the substance 102 in the first detection region 104 strikes the scanning element 136 (i.e., the faceted mirror) before entering the spectroscopic system 120, and is then guided from there by a fixed folding mirror to the entrance window of the spectroscopic system 120. The fixed folding mirror may be located between the positions where the first set of beams 116 and the second set of beams 118 exit the focusing device 134.

[0092] The spectroscopic system 120 may include a spectrometer manufactured by Tomra, capable of handling the required repetition rate. The spectrometer can be configured to analyze light with wavelength intervals of 400-1000 nm. The spectrometer can be configured to analyze light with wavelength intervals of 500-1000 nm. The spectrometer can be configured to analyze light with wavelength intervals of 1000-1900 nm. The spectrometer can be configured to analyze light with wavelengths above 900 nm. The spectrometer can be configured to analyze light with wavelength intervals of 1900-2500 nm. The spectrometer can be configured to analyze light with wavelength intervals of 2700-5300 nm. The spectrometer can be configured to analyze light with wavelength intervals of 900-1700 nm. The spectrometer can be configured to analyze light with wavelength intervals of 700-1400 nm. The spectrometer can analyze visible light. The spectrometer can analyze near-infrared light. The spectrometer can analyze infrared light. Different types of spectrometers can be used depending on the characteristics of the substance 102 to be detected.

[0093] More than one spectroscopic system 120 can be used in device 100. Therefore, more than one spectrometer can be used in device 100. For example, spectroscopic system 120 may include a first spectrometer system 120 adapted to analyze light at a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system 120 adapted to analyze light at a second wavelength interval. As an example, the first spectroscopic system 120 can analyze light within a wavelength interval of 450-800 nm, and the second spectroscopic system 120 can analyze light within a wavelength interval of 1500-1900 nm. For example, a visible light spectrometer can be used in conjunction with a near-infrared spectrometer.

[0094] Similarly, three or more spectroscopic systems 120 may be included in the spectroscopic system 120. Therefore, three or more spectrometers can be used. For example, a visible light spectrometer can be used in combination with two near-infrared spectrometers.

[0095] The spectral system 120 can be a scanning spectral system 120. An example of a suitable scanning spectrometer is manufactured by TOMRA.

[0096] Various properties of the substance 102 in the first detection region 104 can be determined based on measurements performed by the spectral system 120.

[0097] As mentioned above, Figure 1 and Figure 2 The depicted device 100 includes a processing unit 113. The processing unit 113 is located in a control cabinet 111 within the depicted device 100. The processing unit 113 is coupled to a spectral system 120 and a camera-based sensor device 128. The connection between the processing unit 113, the spectral system 120, and the camera-based sensor device 128 is... Figure 2 The diagram is schematically shown in dashed lines. The processing unit 113 can be coupled to the spectral system 120 and the camera-based sensor device 128 via any suitable connection, including wired and wireless connections. Any connection capable of transmitting data in any format (digital or analog) can be advantageously used.

[0098] The processing unit 113 of the depicted device 100 is configured to determine a first set of attributes related to the substance 102 in the first detection region 104. As described above, the first set of attributes can be any dataset including any type of data. The first set of attributes can include any number of attributes. The first set of attributes is determined based on the output signal S1 of the spectral system 120. The signal S1 can include any type of data (processed or raw). The processing unit 113 is therefore configured to receive and analyze data based on the output signal S1 of the spectral system 120, and to determine the first set of attributes based on the signal S1.

[0099] The first set of attributes can indicate at least one of the following: spectral response of substance 102, material type of substance 102, color of substance 102, fluorescence of substance 102, maturity of substance 102, dry matter content of substance 102, water content of substance 102, fat content of substance 102, oil content of substance 102, calorific value of substance 102, presence of bone or fish bone in substance 102, presence of pests in substance 102, mineral type of substance 102, ore type of substance 102, defect level of substance 102, detection of harmful biological material in substance 102, presence of substance 102, absence of substance 102, detection of multilayer material of substance 102, detection of fluorescent labeling of substance 102, quality grade of substance 102, physical structure of surface of substance 102, and molecular structure of substance 102.

[0100] Furthermore, the spectroscopic system 120 may include processing capabilities that could be used to process actual raw data from one or more spectrometers of the spectroscopic system 120. This means that the spectroscopic system 120 may be able to determine one or more attributes to be included in a first set of attributes set by the processing unit 113. In other words, the processing unit 113 may be configured to simply include the already processed data from the spectroscopic system 120 in the first set of attributes.

[0101] For different applications of device 100, the first attribute set typically includes different attributes. In other words, the first attribute set typically indicates different attributes for different applications of device 100.

[0102] In waste recycling applications, the first set of attributes typically indicates polymer materials, sleeve materials, and cap materials.

[0103] In applications for sorting fruits or vegetables, the first set of attributes typically indicates foreign substances such as polymers, stones, and shells.

[0104] In timber sorting applications, the first set of attributes typically indicates the timber type and the presence of foreign materials.

[0105] The processing unit 113 of the depicted device 100 is configured to determine a second set of attributes related to the substance 102 in the second detection area 106. As described above, the second set of attributes can be any dataset including any type of data. The second set of attributes can include any number of attributes. The second set of attributes is determined based on the output signal S2 of the camera-based sensor device 128. The signal S2 can include any type of data, processed data, or raw data. The processing unit 113 is therefore configured to receive and analyze data based on the output signal S2 of the camera-based sensor device 128, and determine the second set of attributes based on the signal S2.

[0106] The second set of attributes may indicate at least one of the following: the height of substance 102, the height profile of substance 102, a 3D map of substance 102, the intensity profile of reflected and / or scattered light 132, the center of volume of substance 102, the estimated centroid of substance 102, the estimated weight of substance 102, the estimated material of substance 102, the presence of substance 102, the absence of substance 102, the detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of substance 102, the structure and quality of wood, the surface roughness and texture of substance 102, and an indication of the presence of fluid in substance 102.

[0107] Furthermore, the camera-based sensor device 128 may include processing capabilities that could be used to process actual raw data from one or more cameras. This means that the camera-based sensor device 128 may be able to determine one or more attributes to be included in the second attribute set set by the processing unit 113. In other words, the processing unit 113 may be configured to simply include already processed data from the camera-based sensor device 128 in the second attribute set.

[0108] For different applications of device 100, the second attribute set typically includes different attributes, as already described in conjunction with the first attribute set above. In other words, the second attribute set typically indicates different attributes for different applications of device 100.

[0109] The processing unit 113 of the depicted device 100 can be configured to compensate for the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection area 106 and therefore relative to the transmitter 108. In order to compensate for the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection area 106, the processing unit 113 is configured to receive input indicating the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection area 106 (i.e., relative to the second detection area 106 on the transmitter 108). Based on the received input related to the viewing angle, the processing unit 113 can therefore compensate for the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection area 106 when determining the second attribute set based on the received signal S2.

[0110] The received input relating to the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device 128 with respect to the second detection area 106 can be a static variable indicating the viewing angle. The received input relating to the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device 128 with respect to the second detection area 106 can be a dynamic input based on a measurement of the viewing angle. In the latter case, dynamic changes in, for example, the transmitter 108 can be considered.

[0111] In practice, when determining the position of the substance in the second detection area 106, the height or changes in height of the substance 102 can be taken into account and compensated for. Furthermore, when determining the position of the substance in the second detection area 106, the geometry of the laser device 126 and the camera-based sensor device 128 can be taken into account.

[0112] If the height of material 102 is not compensated when determining its position in the second detection area 106, subsequent spraying and sorting of material 102 may become less accurate because the actual position of material 102 may differ from the determined position. Incorrect spraying and sorting, or even no spraying and sorting, may also occur. For example, the spraying device 112 may strike the material at an unfavorable location in the edge region of the material 102, resulting in incorrect spraying and sorting of the material 102. In other words, the spraying device 112 may strike the material at a location far from its center of mass, which could cause the material to tumble rather than be displaced, i.e., sprayed and sorted.

[0113] The processing unit 113 can be configured to receive inputs from the indicator laser device 126 and the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the geometry of the second detection area 106.

[0114] The processing unit 113 of the depicted device 100 can be configured to compensate for the geometry of the laser device 126 and the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection area 106 and therefore relative to the transmitter 108 when determining the second set of attributes.

[0115] The spraying device 112 of the depicted apparatus 100 is connected to the processing unit 113. The spraying device 112 is adapted to spray the material 102 and thus sort it into multiple parts. For example, the material 102 can be sorted into a waste part and a part to be used. In the case of fruits and vegetables, the material 102, i.e., fruits and vegetables, can be sorted into multiple parts based on color, which in turn corresponds to the level of ripeness, defects, or the presence of foreign material.

[0116] The spraying and sorting performed by the spraying device 112 can be initiated in response to a signal received from the processing unit 113. The signal from the processing unit 113 is typically based on a determined first set of properties and / or a determined second set of properties. Therefore, substances can be sorted based on analysis performed by the spectral system 120 and / or the laser triangulation system 124.

[0117] The received signal can be a simple on / off signal, or it can be a complex signal, including, for example, the specific coordinates of the substance 102 as it approaches the spraying device 112. In the latter case, the spraying device 112 can thus impact or clamp a specific substance 102 that meets a specific criterion, and do so at a specific location, resulting in the substance 102 being sprayed and thus sorted.

[0118] To perform actual spraying and sorting, the spraying device 112 may include a compressed air jet, a pressurized water jet, a mechanical finger, a compressed air jet bar, a pressurized water jet bar, a mechanical finger bar, a robotic arm, and a mechanical steering mechanism. Therefore, the entities and principles used to perform spraying and sorting are known in the art.

[0119] Now for reference Figure 3 This conceptually describes what can be achieved. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The first variant of the light source device 114 and associated focusing device 134 used in the device 100.

[0120] Figure 3 The depicted light source device 114 includes a first light source 138 and a second light source 140. The first light source 138 is adapted to emit a first set of light beams 116, and the second light source 140 is adapted to emit a second set of light beams 118.

[0121] The first light source 138 and the second light source 140 can be of the same type. Alternatively, the first light source 138 and the second light source 140 can be of different types. The first light source 138 and the second light source 140 can be broadband spectral sources, such as halogen sources. A suitable halogen source for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140 can have a spectral distribution that starts at approximately 400 nm and decays significantly at approximately 2.5 μm. The maximum emission power can occur at approximately 1.3 μm. As an alternative, a xenon arc source can be used for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140. Shorter wavelengths, such as 200 nm and above, can be achieved by using a xenon arc source. As another alternative, an LED source or a heating element can be used for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140. For UV fluorescence spectroscopy, an LED source can be advantageously used. For mid-infrared spectroscopy, a heating element can be advantageously used. For spectral systems with high spatial and spectral resolution, a supercontinuum laser can be used for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140. For multispectral systems with high spatial and spectral resolution, lasers at multiple wavelengths can be combined for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140. For optimized multispectral systems with high spatial resolution, LEDs and pulsed LEDs can preferably be combined with a line scan camera for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140.

[0122] also, Figure 3 The depicted focusing device 134 includes a first focusing element 142 in the form of a lens, adapted to guide and focus a first beam 116 onto the scanning element 136, and a second focusing element 144 in the form of a lens, adapted to guide and focus a second beam 118 onto the scanning element 136. For simplicity, Figure 3 Scanning element 136 is not depicted. The first focusing element 142 and / or the second focusing element 144 may alternatively include a mirror. The first focusing element 142 and / or the second focusing element 144 may alternatively be a combination of at least one lens and at least one mirror.

[0123] Now for reference Figure 4 This conceptually describes what can be achieved. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second variant of the light source device 114 and associated focusing device 134 used in the device 100.

[0124] Figure 4 The depicted light source device 114 includes a single light source 146. The single light source 146 is adapted to emit a first set of light beams 116 and a second set of light beams 118. In practice, the first set of light beams 116 and the second set of light beams 118 are typically light beams emitted by the single light source 146 in different directions.

[0125] A single light source 146 can be combined with the above. Figure 3 Any kind of light source described.

[0126] also, Figure 4 The depicted focusing device 134 includes a first focusing element 142 in the form of an off-axis parabolic mirror, adapted to guide and focus a first beam 116 onto the scanning element 136, and a second focusing element 144 in the form of an off-axis parabolic mirror, adapted to guide and focus a second beam 118 onto the scanning element 136. For simplicity, Figure 4 Scanning element 136 is not depicted. The first focusing element 142 and / or the second focusing element 144 may alternatively include a plane mirror combined with an associated lens.

[0127] Figure 4The depicted light source device 114, including a single light source 146, may include an automatic or semi-automatic light source switching device 115. Therefore, the light source switching device 115 may be configured to physically move a backup light source 147 and the single light source 146 in the event of a failure of the single light source 146. More specifically, in the event of a failure of the single light source 146, the light source switching device 115 may move the backup light source 147 to the position of the single light source 146 while removing the single light source 146. The light source switching device 115 may be configured to detect when the backup light source 147 reaches the correct position, i.e., the initial position of the single light source 146, and then turn on the backup light source 147. The light source switching device 115 may be automatic and switch the light source upon detecting a failure of the single light source 146. Alternatively, the light source switching device 115 may be automatic and switch the light source in response to user-initiated input.

[0128] Now for reference Figure 5 This is a conceptual description. Figure 1 Different arrangements of components inside the housing 110. Figure 5 A portion of a transmitter 108, including a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106, is also shown. Figure 5 The settings described in Figure 2 Similar to that in [the text]. Therefore, only [the text] will be discussed. Figure 5 and Figure 2 The relevant differences between them should be noted to avoid excessive repetition.

[0129] If available Figure 5 As can be seen, the light 122 received by the spectral system 120 intersects with the laser line 130. Furthermore, as can be seen... Figure 5 As seen in the image, the camera-based sensor device 128 observes the second detection area 106 on the transmitter 108 from above, i.e., in the direction normal to the surface of the transmitter 108, and the laser device 126 is tilted relative to the surface of the transmitter 108, i.e., not perpendicular to the surface of the transmitter 108. Therefore, the laser line 130 strikes the transmitter 108 at an angle.

[0130] As described above Figure 2 As discussed, when determining the position of substance 102 in the second detection area 106, the position of substance 102 in the second detection area 106 can be compensated by taking into account the height of substance 102 or changes in height. In other words, processing unit 113 can compensate for the viewing angle of camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection area 106 and therefore relative to transmitter 108. In fact, when determining the position of substance in the second detection area 106, the geometry of laser device 126 and camera-based sensor device 128 can be taken into account.

[0131] Now for reference Figure 6 This is a conceptual description of the relationship with Figure 1 The devices, mostly corresponding to 100 different settings, are described. More specifically, in Figure 6 The concept describes Figure 1 Different arrangements of components inside the housing 110. Figure 5 It also shows how the conveyor 108 is replaced by the chute 148. Figure 6 The setting described in the text is largely similar to Figure 2 The settings within [the framework / system]. Therefore, only the settings in [the framework / system] will be discussed. Figure 6 and Figure 2 The relevant differences between them should be noted to avoid excessive repetition.

[0132] The depicted chute 148 is inclined, allowing material 102 to fall freely from the chute 148 and pass through a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106. Alternatively, the material may slide on the chute 148 through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. Alternatively, the chute 148 may include a vibratory feeder for feeding material 102 onto the chute 148.

[0133] If available Figure 6 As seen in the diagram, the first detection region 104 and the second detection region 106 overlap. Therefore, the substance 102 provided by the first detection region 104 and the second detection region 106 will simultaneously exist in both regions. Through the overlap of the first detection region 104 and the second detection region 106, it can be determined that measurements performed by the spectral system 120 and the laser triangulation system 124 can be correlated with the same substance 102 in the corresponding detection regions. In other words, erroneous correlations with a specific piece of substance 102 can be prevented.

[0134] When the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 completely or partially overlap, there is a significant risk that light originating from the light source device 114 will reach the camera-based sensor device 128 and interfere with it. Similarly, there is a significant risk that ambient light may reach the camera-based sensor device 128 and interfere with it.

[0135] To reduce interference, especially when the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 completely or partially overlap, the device 100 may employ, for example... Figure 6 One or more optical filters 150, 152 are depicted in the image.

[0136] exist Figure 6 In this configuration, a first optical filter 150 is arranged between the light source device 114 and the first detection area 104. More specifically, Figure 6The first optical filter 150 depicted is located between the scanning element 136 and the first detection region 104, that is, in the position where the first set of light beams 116 and the second set of light beams 118 are scanned by the scanning element 136. Therefore, the first optical filter 150 may have an elongated shape along the scanning direction, such as a rectangular shape.

[0137] The first optical filter 150 can be advantageously positioned at the lens or exit window of the light source device 114 or the focusing device 134.

[0138] The first optical filter 150 has the optical property of preventing light originating from the first set of light beams 116 and the second set of light beams 118 from reaching the camera-based sensor device 128.

[0139] In practice, the first optical filter 150 can block certain wavelengths of light originating from the first beam 116 and the second beam 118, while allowing other wavelengths to pass through. Therefore, the first optical filter 150 can block light originating from the first beam 116 and the second beam 118 that would otherwise be detected by the camera-based sensor device 128. In fact, the first optical filter 150 can block any or most light with wavelengths below 900 nm. Therefore, the first optical filter 150 can allow wavelengths in the near-infrared and infrared ranges to pass through. These wavelengths are relevant to the spectral system 120 without interfering with the camera-based sensor device 128, or only to a limited extent.

[0140] exist Figure 6In this configuration, a second optical filter 152 is disposed between the second detection area 106 and the camera-based sensor device 128. The second optical filter 152 has the optical property of blocking the passage of light 122 originating from the first beam 116 and the second beam 118. Furthermore, the second optical filter 152 has the optical property of blocking ambient light. Therefore, most of the ambient light will be blocked by the second optical filter 152. Additionally, the second optical filter 152 has the optical property of allowing light originating from the laser line 130 to pass through. Therefore, the second optical filter 152 is typically a bandpass filter having a passband corresponding to the wavelength of the laser line 130. Thus, the arrangement of the second optical filter 152 can block unwanted light that would otherwise pose a risk of interfering with the camera-based sensor device 128. For example, if a red laser with a wavelength of 622 nm is used to provide the laser line 130, the second optical filter 152 can advantageously have a narrow passband of approximately 622 nm to effectively filter out almost all light that does not originate from the laser line 130. Therefore, the passband of the second optical filter 152 is advantageously tuned to correspond to one or more wavelengths of the laser line 130. Correlated bandpass filters used for the second optical filter 152 are known in the art.

[0141] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventive concept is by no means limited to the preferred variations described above. Rather, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0142] For example, device 100 may include multiple optical setups, each of which includes a light source device 114, a spectral system 120, and a laser triangulation system 124 as described above.

[0143] The optical setup can be arranged side-by-side across the width of the transmitter 108 or the chute 148, or a portion thereof. This effectively means that the width of the transmitter 108 or the chute 148 can be covered by a plurality of first detection areas 104 and a plurality of second detection areas 106 of the type described above.

[0144] The optical setup can be arranged one after another along the conveyor 108 or the chute 148. This actually means that the extension along the conveyor 108 or the chute 148 can be covered by a plurality of first detection areas 104 and a plurality of second detection areas 106 of the type described above.

[0145] The optical setups can be arranged side-by-side and one after another. This actually means that the extension along and across the conveyor 108 or chute 148 can be covered by a plurality of first detection areas 104 and a plurality of second detection areas 106 of the type described above.

[0146] The plurality of first detection regions 104 and second detection regions 106 may partially overlap each other, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the substance 102 provided through the first detection regions 104 and second detection regions 106.

[0147] The plurality of first detection regions 104 and second detection regions 106 may partially overlap each other, for example, in the direction of flow of the substance 102 provided through the first detection regions 104 and second detection regions 106.

[0148] The plurality of first detection regions 104 and second detection regions 106 may be arranged, for example, one after another, and simultaneously partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the substance 102 provided through the first detection regions 104 and second detection regions 106.

[0149] The plurality of first detection areas 104 and second detection areas 106 may not physically overlap each other, but still cover different portions of the width of the conveyor 108 or the chute 148.

[0150] The plurality of first detection regions 104 and second detection regions 106 may be arranged side by side, for example, and may also partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to and / or along the flow direction of the substance 102 provided through the first detection regions 104 and second detection regions 106.

[0151] Preferably, the plurality of optical settings are arranged in such a way that the upper or top surface of the material having a larger or maximum height can be detected over the entire conveyor 108 or chute 148.

[0152] If the plurality of second detection areas 106 overlap, the laser triangulation system 124 of each optical setup can be adapted so that the plurality of second detection areas 106 do not interfere or interfere only to a limited extent. This can be achieved, for example, by adapting the color of the laser line 130 of each optical setup so that each optical setup uses a different color laser line 130. Furthermore, the first optical filter 150 and the second optical filter of each optical setup can be adapted to the light source device 114, the spectral system 120 and the laser triangulation system 124 of each optical setup, thereby further reducing interference between the plurality of second detection areas 106.

[0153] If the plurality of first detection regions 104 overlap, the light source device 114 of each optical setup can be adapted so that the plurality of first detection regions 104 do not interfere or interfere only to a limited extent. This can be achieved, for example, by adapting the light source device 114 of each optical setup. For this purpose, the light source device 114 of each optical setup can be synchronized. This practically means that the first set of beams 116 and the second set of beams 118 of each optical setup can be synchronized to prevent interference between them. In other words, the first set of beams 116 and the second set of beams 118 of each optical setup may not arrive at the overlapping portion of the plurality of first detection regions 104 simultaneously.

[0154] Furthermore, those skilled in the art, when practicing the claimed invention, can understand and implement modifications to the disclosed variations by studying the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple elements. The fact that certain measures are described in mutually different dependent claims does not mean that a combination of these measures cannot be used advantageously.

[0155] Detailed list of exemplary implementations

[0156] IEE1. An apparatus for detecting a substance, the apparatus comprising:

[0157] A light source device is adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams toward a first detection area, through which material is supplied.

[0158] A spectroscopic system adapted to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in a first detection region, wherein the light received by the spectroscopic system originates from a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams, and

[0159] A laser triangulation system includes:

[0160] A laser device adapted to emit a laser line toward a second detection area, through which material is supplied.

[0161] A camera-based sensor device is configured to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by matter in a second detection region, wherein the light received by the camera-based sensor device originates from a laser line.

[0162] In this system, the light received by the spectral system intersects completely or partially with the light and / or laser lines received by the camera sensor device.

[0163] IEE2. The device according to IEE1, wherein the device further includes a focusing device.

[0164] The focusing device is adapted to guide and focus the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams onto the scanning element.

[0165] The scanning element is adapted to redirect the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams toward the first detection area, whereby the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams converge at the first detection area.

[0166] IEE3. The device according to IEE1 or IEE2, wherein the light source device includes a first light source adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second light source adapted to emit a second set of light beams.

[0167] IEE4. The device according to IEE2 or IEE3, wherein the focusing device includes a first focusing element adapted to guide and focus a first set of light beams onto a scanning element and a second focusing element adapted to guide and focus a second set of light beams onto a scanning element.

[0168] IEE5. The device according to IEE1 or IEE2, wherein the light source device includes a single light source adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams.

[0169] IEE6. The device according to IEE5, which is subordinate to IEE2, wherein the focusing device includes a first focusing element adapted to guide and focus a first set of light beams onto a scanning element and a second focusing element adapted to guide and focus a second set of light beams onto a scanning element.

[0170] IEE7. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding IEEs, wherein the spectral system comprises a first spectrometer system adapted to analyze light at a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system adapted to analyze light at a second wavelength interval.

[0171] IEE8. The device according to any one of the preceding IEEs, wherein the spectral system is a scanning spectral system.

[0172] IEE9. The device according to any one of the preceding IEEs, wherein the first detection area and the second detection area overlap.

[0173] IEE10. The device according to any one of the preceding IEEs, wherein the device further includes a first optical filter disposed between the light source device and the first detection area, the first optical filter preventing light originating from the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams from reaching the camera-based sensor device.

[0174] IEE11. The device according to any one of the preceding IEEs, wherein the device further comprises a second optical filter disposed between the second detection area and the camera-based sensor device, the second optical filter blocking light originating from the first set of beams, the second set of beams and ambient light from passing through, while allowing light originating from the laser line to pass through.

[0175] IEE12. The device according to any one of the preceding IEEs, further comprising a processing unit coupled to the spectral system and the camera-based sensor device,

[0176] The processing unit is configured to determine a first set of attributes related to the substance in the first detection region based on the output signal of the spectral system.

[0177] The processing unit is configured to determine a second set of attributes related to the substance in the second detection region based on the output signal of the camera-based sensor device.

[0178] IEE13. The apparatus according to IEE12, wherein the first set of attributes indicates at least one of the following: spectral response of the substance, material type of the substance, color of the substance, fluorescence of the substance, maturity of the substance, dry matter content of the substance, water content of the substance, fat content of the substance, oil content of the substance, calorific value of the substance, presence of bone or fish bone of the substance, presence of pests of the substance, mineral type of the substance, ore type of the substance, defect level of the substance, detection of harmful biological material of the substance, presence of the substance, absence of the substance, detection of multilayer material of the substance, detection of fluorescent labeling of the substance, quality grade of the substance, physical structure of the surface of the substance, and molecular structure of the substance.

[0179] IEE14. The apparatus according to IEE12 or IEE13, wherein the second set of attributes indicates at least one of the following: the height of the substance, the height profile of the substance, a 3D map of the substance, the intensity profile of reflected and / or scattered light, the center of volume of the substance, the estimated centroid of the substance, the estimated weight of the substance, the estimated material of the substance, the presence of the substance, the absence of the substance, the detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of the substance, the structure and quality of wood, the surface roughness and texture of the substance, and an indication of the presence of fluid in the substance.

[0180] IEE15. The device according to any one of IEE12 to IEE14, wherein the processing unit is further configured to receive input indicating the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device relative to the second detection area, and

[0181] The perspective of the camera-based sensor device is compensated when determining the second set of attributes.

[0182] IEE16. The apparatus according to any one of IEE12 to IEE15, further comprising a spraying device coupled to the processing unit.

[0183] The spraying device is adapted to spray and sort the material into multiple parts in response to receiving a signal from the processing unit based on a determined first set of attributes and / or a determined second set of attributes. The spraying device is adapted to spray and sort the material by at least one of compressed air jet, pressurized water jet, mechanical finger, compressed air jet bar, pressurized water jet bar, mechanical finger bar, mechanical arm and mechanical steering device.

[0184] IEE17. The device according to any one of the preceding IEEs, the device further comprising:

[0185] A conveyor for conveying material through a first detection area and a second detection area, or

[0186] The chute may optionally include a vibrating feeder for allowing material to slide or fall freely through a first detection area and / or a second detection area.

Claims

1. An apparatus (100) for detecting a substance (102), the apparatus (100) comprising: A light source device (114) is adapted to emit a first set of light beams (116) and a second set of light beams (118) toward a first detection area (104), through which a substance (102) is supplied. A spectroscopic system (120) includes a spectrometer, wherein the spectroscopic system (120) is adapted to receive and analyze light (122) reflected and / or scattered by a substance (102) in the first detection region (104), wherein the light (122) received by the spectroscopic system (120) originates from the first set of light beams (116) and the second set of light beams (118), and The laser triangulation system (124) includes: Laser device (126), adapted to emit laser line (130) toward second detection area (106), through which material (102) is supplied, and The camera sensor device (128) is configured to receive and analyze light (132) reflected and / or scattered by the substance (102) in the second detection area (106), wherein the light (132) received by the camera sensor device (128) originates from the laser line (130). In this process, the substance (102) is first conveyed through one of the first detection area (104) and the second detection area (106), and then through the other of the first detection area (104) and the second detection area (106). The light (122) received by the spectral system (120) intersects completely with the light (132) received by the camera sensor device (128) and / or the laser line (130).

2. The device (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The device (100) also includes a focusing device (134). The focusing device (134) is adapted to guide and focus the first set of light beams (116) and the second set of light beams (118) onto the scanning element (136). The scanning element (136) is adapted to redirect the first set of beams (116) and the second set of beams (118) toward the first detection area (104), thereby converging the first set of beams (116) and the second set of beams (118) at the first detection area (104).

3. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The light source device (114) includes a first light source (138) adapted to emit the first set of light beams (116) and a second light source (140) adapted to emit the second set of light beams (118).

4. The device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The focusing device (134) includes a first focusing element (142) adapted to guide and focus the first set of light beams (116) onto the scanning element (136), and a second focusing element (144) adapted to guide and focus the second set of light beams (118) onto the scanning element (136).

5. The device (100) according to claim 2, wherein, The light source device (114) includes a single light source (146) adapted to emit the first set of light beams (116) and the second set of light beams (118).

6. The device (100) according to claim 5, wherein, The focusing device (134) includes a first focusing element (142) adapted to guide and focus the first set of light beams (116) onto the scanning element (136), and a second focusing element (144) adapted to guide and focus the second set of light beams (118) onto the scanning element (136).

7. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spectral system (120) includes a first spectrometer system (120) adapted to analyze light at a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system (120) adapted to analyze light at a second wavelength interval.

8. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spectral system (120) is a scanning spectral system (120).

9. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first detection area (104) and the second detection area (106) overlap.

10. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The device (100) further includes a first optical filter (150) disposed between the light source device (114) and the first detection area (104), the first optical filter (150) blocking light originating from the first set of light beams (116) and the second set of light beams (118) from reaching the camera-based sensor device (128).

11. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The device (100) further includes a second optical filter (152) disposed between the second detection area (106) and the camera-based sensor device (128), the second optical filter (152) blocking light originating from the first set of beams (116), the second set of beams (118) and ambient light from passing through, while allowing light originating from the laser line (130) to pass through.

12. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, the device (100) further comprising a processing unit (113) coupled to the spectral system (120) and the camera sensor-based device (128). in, The processing unit (113) is configured to determine a first set of attributes related to the substance (102) in the first detection region (104) based on the output signal (S1) of the spectral system (120), and The processing unit (113) is configured to determine a second set of attributes related to the substance (102) in the second detection area (106) based on the output signal (S2) of the camera sensor device (128).

13. The device (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The first set of attributes indicates at least one of the following: the spectral response of the substance (102), the material type of the substance (102), the color of the substance (102), the fluorescence of the substance (102), the maturity of the substance (102), the dry matter content of the substance (102), the water content of the substance (102), the fat content of the substance (102), the oil content of the substance (102), the calorific value of the substance (102), the presence of bone or fish bone in the substance (102), and the substance (102). The presence of pests of substance (102), the mineral type of substance (102), the ore type of substance (102), the defect level of substance (102), the detection of harmful biological material of substance (102), the presence of substance (102), the absence of substance (102), the detection of multilayer material of substance (102), the detection of fluorescent labeling of substance (102), the quality grade of substance (102), the physical structure of the surface of substance (102), and the molecular structure of substance (102).

14. The device (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The second set of attributes indicates at least one of the following: the height of the substance (102), the height profile of the substance (102), a 3D map of the substance (102), the intensity profile of reflected and / or scattered light (132), the center of volume of the substance (102), the estimated centroid of the substance (102), the estimated weight of the substance (102), the estimated material of the substance (102), the presence of the substance (102), the absence of the substance (102), the detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of the substance (102), the structure and quality of wood, the surface roughness and texture of the substance (102), and an indication of the presence of fluid in the substance (102).

15. The device (100) according to claim 12, wherein, The processing unit (113) is further configured to: receive input indicating the viewing angle of the camera sensor device (128) relative to the second detection area (106), and When determining the second set of attributes, the viewpoint of the camera sensor device (128) is compensated.

16. The device (100) according to claim 12, the device (100) further comprising a spraying device (112) coupled to the processing unit (113). in, The spraying device (112) is adapted to spray and sort the substance (102) into multiple parts in response to a signal received from the processing unit (113) based on a determined first set of attributes and / or a determined second set of attributes. The spraying device (112) is adapted to spray and sort the substance (102) by at least one of a compressed air jet, a pressurized water jet, a mechanical finger, a compressed air jet bar, a pressurized water jet bar, a mechanical finger bar, a mechanical arm, and a mechanical steering device.

17. The device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device (100) further comprises: A conveyor (108) is used to convey material through the first detection area (104) and the second detection area (106), or The chute (148) may optionally include a vibrating feeder for allowing the material to slide or fall freely through the first detection area and / or the second detection area.

Images