Apparatus for illuminating a substance

Abstract

The key is to reduce downtime. [Solution] The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for detecting a substance (102), comprising an illumination device (114) adapted to illuminate one of a first and a second set of illumination beams (116, 118) towards a first detection zone (104) through which the substance (102) is supplied, a detection system (120) adapted to receive and analyze light (122) reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the substance (102) in the first detection zone, a carrier (205) movable between a first position in which only a first illumination device is in an active illumination position and a second position in which only a second illumination device is in an active illumination position, the illumination device being configured to illuminate an illumination beam from only one of the first and second illumination devices arranged in the active illumination position, and a switching device (200) comprising an actuator for physically moving the carrier from the first position to the second position based on a state of the first illumination device and / or in response to a user-initiated input.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting substances, and more particularly to such an apparatus with a spectroscopic and / or laser triangulation system and adjustable illumination. [Background technology]

[0002] Across a wide range of industries, the identification, detection, classification and sorting of various objects is often required and desirable.

[0003] In its simplest form, when identifying, sorting and classifying a limited number of objects, manual identification of objects by humans may be advantageously used. In this case, humans may identify and classify objects based on their own knowledge. However, this kind of manual identification is tedious and prone to errors. In addition, the experience level of the operator will have a large impact on the results of the operations performed by the operator. Furthermore, the above kind of manual identification suffers from a low identification speed.

[0004] Thus, in industry, the identification, sorting and classification of large volumes of objects is often performed by machines where the large volumes are fed as a continuous stream of objects. Such machines can generally run faster and for longer periods of time than operators, thus increasing overall throughput. Machines of this kind are used in agriculture, for example fruits and vegetables, and in recycling to identify and separate objects and materials to be recycled.

[0005] Machines of the above types generally have some form of sensor that is used to identify the object of interest. For example, optical sensors in the form of spectroscopic sensors may be used to determine the quality of harvested fruits and vegetables. Similarly, spectroscopic sensors may be used to determine the material of the object to be recycled.

[0006] In systems of this type, it is important to minimize downtime, i.e., the time the machine is not in use due to maintenance, modifications, etc.

[0007] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 362382A1 discloses an apparatus for detecting a substance, the apparatus comprising first and second light sources, the light sources configured to irradiate respective beams, the apparatus configured such that the first and second light beams are focused towards the substance to be detected, the light beams completely overlapping when they strike the substance to be detected.

[0008] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-225992 discloses a laser device including a plurality of laser light source units and a drive unit for moving any one of the plurality of light source units to a predetermined position. A light source control unit causes the light source unit moved to the predetermined position to emit light.

[0009] Gudupalli,SP et al: "A review on automated sorting of source-separated municipal waste for recycling", Waste Management, Vol.60(2017):56-74 is a review of the physical processes, sensors, actuators, and control and autonomy issues used in the field of automated sorting and recycling of separated municipal solid waste. Summary of the Invention

[0010] In view of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for detecting a substance having a configuration that provides an illumination system with less downtime.

[0011] Another object is to provide a device that allows for a more flexible lighting system that can be tailored to different tasks.

[0012] In order to achieve at least one of the above objects, as well as other objects that will become apparent from the following description, an apparatus is provided according to the invention having the characteristics defined in claim 1. Preferred variants of the apparatus become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0013] More specifically, according to a first aspect, there is provided an apparatus for detecting a substance according to the invention, comprising: an illumination apparatus comprising a first illumination device adapted to emit a first set of illumination beams and a second illumination device adapted to emit a second set of illumination beams; A scanning element; an optical arrangement adapted to receive and direct at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams to the scanning element; a scanning element configured to redirect only one of the first and second sets of illumination beams to a first detection zone through which the substance is delivered; and a detector system comprising at least one sensor device adapted to receive and analyze optical radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by material in the first detection zone in response to the material being illuminated by one of the first and second sets of illumination beams. The illumination device further comprises an active illumination position and at least one inactive illumination position, and an automatic or semi-automatic switching device is provided for switching between the active illumination position and the at least one inactive illumination position. - a carrier having a first receiving portion for receiving and holding a first lighting device and a second receiving portion for receiving and holding a second lighting device, the carrier being movable between a first position in which the first receiving portion holds the first lighting device in an active lighting position and the second receiving portion holds the second lighting device in one of at least one inactive lighting positions, and a second position in which the first receiving portion holds the first lighting device in one of the at least one inactive lighting positions and the second receiving portion holds the second lighting device in an active lighting position, the illumination device being configured to illuminate an illumination beam from only one of the first and second lighting devices arranged in the active lighting position; a guide element configured to guide the movement of the carrier from the first position to the second position; an actuator for physically moving the carrier from a first position to a second position based on a state of the first lighting device and / or in response to a user-initiated input; Equipped with.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating an apparatus for detecting a substance (102), the apparatus comprising: an illumination apparatus comprising a first illumination device adapted to emit a first set of illumination beams and a second illumination device adapted to emit a second set of illumination beams; A scanning element; an optical arrangement adapted to receive and direct at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams to the scanning element; a scanning element configured to redirect at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams to a first detection zone through which the substance is delivered; a detector system comprising at least one sensor device adapted to receive and analyze optical radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by material in a first detection zone in response to the material being illuminated by at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams; a reference device having a white reference element, the reference device being adapted to receive optical radiation from at least one of the first illumination device and the second illumination device and to direct the received optical radiation to the detector system via the white reference element, the reference device being arranged upstream of the scanning element; Equipped with placing a first lighting device in an active lighting position and a second lighting device in a non-active lighting position; directing a first set of illumination beams from a first illumination device toward a first scanning element; and initiating an automatic or semi-automatic switching event based on a state of the first lighting device and / or in response to a user initiated input, in which the first lighting device is moved to an inactive lighting position and the second lighting device is moved to an active lighting position, wherein the first and second lighting devices are preferably moved to each one of the inactive and active lighting positions simultaneously; The method relates to a method in which the illumination arrangement is configured to illuminate with an illumination beam from only one of a first and a second illumination device arranged in an active illumination position.

[0015] Further details regarding the first and second aspects of the invention are given below and in the dependent claims, it being pointed out that details presented in relation to one aspect may also be applied to the other aspects.

[0016] According to one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises two or more automatic or semi-automatic switching devices, each switching device: - a carrier having a first receiving portion for receiving and holding one lighting device and a second receiving portion for receiving and holding another lighting device, the carrier being movable between a first position in which the first receiving portion holds the one lighting device in an active lighting position and the second receiving portion holds the other lighting device in one of at least one inactive lighting positions, and a second position in which the first receiving portion holds the one lighting device in one of at least one inactive lighting positions and the second receiving portion holds the other lighting device in an active lighting position, the illumination device being configured to illuminate an illumination beam from only one of the one and the other lighting device arranged in the active lighting position; a guide element configured to guide the movement of the carrier from the first position to the second position; an actuator for physically moving at least one, two or all of the carriers of the apparatus from a first position to a second position based on a state of one of the lighting devices and / or in response to a user-initiated input; Equipped with.

[0017] According to one exemplary embodiment, the carrier follows a substantially linear, stepped, curvilinear, and / or circular path from the first position to the second position. According to one exemplary embodiment, the actuator causes the carrier to perform one or more of a linear, curvilinear, or rotational movement from the first position to the second position. According to one example, the circular path is at least a semicircular path, or at most a semicircular path, and / or at most a quarter circular path.

[0018] According to one exemplary embodiment, the user-initiated input is provided during setup of the detection system and includes information regarding the lighting device to be used for this particular detection session, the second lighting device preferably emitting a different spectrum compared to the first lighting device. Additionally or alternatively, the user-initiated input is provided when the user wants to switch lighting devices based on the condition of the lighting source, for example due to aging, the second lighting device preferably being a spare lighting device.

[0019] The apparatus comprises an illumination device adapted to direct only one of the first set of illumination beams and the second set of illumination beams at a time towards a first detection zone through which the substance is delivered, only illumination beams of an illumination device disposed in an active illumination position are directed, and both the first set of illumination beams and the second set of illumination beams directed by the illumination device are directed towards the first detection zone.

[0020] The device optionally comprises a reference device with a white reference element adapted to receive optical radiation from at least one of the first and second illumination devices and direct the received optical radiation to the detector system via the white reference element. The white reference element is a reference that reflects or transmits a substantially uniform spectrum within one or more predetermined wavelength intervals of interest. For example, if all wavelengths in the visible spectrum are of interest, the white reference element will reflect or transmit light that is perceived as white when illuminated by a light source that emits a uniform spectrum across the entire visible wavelength range. On the other hand, if only wavelengths in the NIR spectrum are of interest or wavelengths in the NIR spectrum are of interest in addition, the white reference element will reflect or transmit optical radiation of substantially uniform intensity when illuminated by a light source that emits a uniform spectrum across the NIR wavelength range of interest.

[0021] A status of the lighting devices in the active lighting position may be determined by analyzing the optical radiation transmitted and / or reflected to the sensor device via the reference element. A switching event where the first lighting device exits and the second lighting device enters the active lighting position may be initiated based on the determined status of the first lighting device, e.g. the first lighting device is faulty or the spectrum of the first lighting device does not reach a predefined requirement, e.g. regarding the emission spectrum. According to an example, the sensor device and the processing unit may be used to analyze the optical radiation to determine the status of the lighting devices.

[0022] The illumination device comprises an active illumination position and at least one inactive illumination position, and the automatic or semi-automatic switching device comprises a carrier having a first receiver for receiving and holding a first illumination device and a second receiver for receiving and holding a second illumination device. The carrier is movable between a first position and a second position. When the carrier is in the first position, the first receiver holds the first illumination device in the active illumination position and the second receiver holds the second illumination device in one of the at least one inactive illumination positions. When the carrier is in the second position, the first receiver holds the first illumination device in one of the at least one inactive illumination positions and the second receiver holds the second illumination device in the active illumination position. The illumination device is configured to illuminate an illumination beam from only one of the first and second illumination devices arranged in the active illumination position. The switching device also comprises a guide element configured to guide movement of the carrier from the first position to the second position, and an actuator for physically moving the carrier from the first position to the second position based on a state of the first lighting device and / or in response to a user-initiated input. Optionally, the actuator is also configured to move the carrier from the second position to the first position, for example based on the user-initiated input and / or a signal from the processing unit.

[0023] According to one exemplary embodiment, the illumination device comprises a first inactive illumination position and a second inactive illumination position, the second illumination device being disposed in the first inactive illumination position when the carrier is disposed in the first position, the first illumination device being disposed in the second inactive illumination position when the carrier is disposed in the second position, and the active illumination position being disposed between the first and second inactive illumination positions in a direction along the guide element.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the guide element is configured to guide the carrier from the first position to the second position, preferably along a substantially rotational or linear path.

[0025] Additionally or alternatively, the guide element preferably comprises one, two or more guide rails and at least one connector, which connects the carrier to the at least one guide rail. According to one example, if there are two guide rails, these are arranged on either side of a center line of the carrier, and each guide rail extends in the direction of a substantially straight path.

[0026] According to one exemplary embodiment, the switching device further comprises a positioning element for preventing the actuator from moving the carrier beyond the second position. Additionally or alternatively, the switching device further comprises a positioning element for preventing the actuator from moving the carrier beyond the first position.

[0027] According to one exemplary embodiment, the first receiving portion is configured to hold a first lighting device in electrical contact (e.g., by direct electrical contact or by induction) with terminals for supplying power to the first lighting device, and the second receiving portion is configured to hold a second lighting device in electrical contact (e.g., by direct electrical contact or by induction) with terminals for supplying power to the second first lighting device. The first and second receiving portions are preferably configured to hold corresponding lighting devices in electrical contact with corresponding terminals in both the first and second positions, although the lighting devices are only powered in the active lighting position.

[0028] According to one exemplary embodiment, the optical device further comprises a focusing device adapted to direct and focus one of the first set of illumination beams and the second set of illumination beams arranged at the active illumination position and configured to focus the set of illumination beams towards the scanning element, preferably to focus one of the first set of illumination beams and the second set of illumination beams in the vicinity of the first detection zone.

[0029] According to one exemplary embodiment, the detector system comprises a first spectrometer system adapted to analyze optical radiation in a first wavelength interval and optionally a second spectrometer system adapted to analyze optical radiation in a second wavelength interval. Additionally or alternatively, the detector system comprises a camera-based detector system.

[0030] According to one exemplary embodiment, the camera-based detector system includes: a laser device (126) adapted to project a line of laser light (130) toward either the first or second detection zone (106) through which the substance (102) is delivered; a camera-based sensor device (128) configured to receive and analyze light (132) reflected, emitted and / or scattered by a substance (102) in the first or second detection zone (106), the light (132) received by the camera-based sensor device (128) arising from a line (130) of laser light; The laser triangulation system (124) includes:

[0031] It should be noted that the term set of illumination beams in the context of this application can be any kind of optical radiation, visible or non-visible, such as NIR, IR or UV, having a spread other than an infinitesimal beam or ray. In other words, a set of illumination beams can refer to any bundle or beam of optical radiation that has a physical spread in space perpendicular to its propagation direction. Thus, a set of illumination beams can form, for example, a parallel light beam, a non-parallel light beam, such as a diverging or converging light beam, or a band of light, to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0032] Thus, the first set of illumination beams and the second set of illumination beams will arrive at the first detection zone through which the substance is dispensed. The substance is dispensed through the first detection zone in the sense that the substance is transported or conveyed through the first detection zone. The substance may be dispensed continuously or intermittently through the first detection zone. The substance may be dispensed sequentially or in parallel through the first detection zone. Thus, a single substance or multiple substances may be in the first detection zone at the same time. Preferably multiple substances are present in the first detection zone at the same time.

[0033] The device comprises a sensor system adapted to receive and analyze light radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by substances in the first detection zone, for example by fluorescence or phosphorescence events. The light radiation received by the spectroscopic system originates or mainly originates from the first or second set of illumination beams depending on which illumination device is in the active illumination position. Thus, a limited amount of ambient light radiation may reach the spectroscopic system. The sensor system is therefore adapted to look at the first detection zone in order to receive and analyze light radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by substances in the first detection zone. An optical element may be provided between the entrance window of the sensor system and the first detection zone in order to change the beam path of the light radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by substances in the first detection zone.

[0034] The apparatus optionally comprises a laser triangulation system. The laser triangulation system comprises a laser device adapted to project a line of laser light towards a second detection zone through which the substance is dispensed. The laser device typically comprises one or more lasers and optionally optics for shaping the projected laser light into a line of laser light.

[0035] It should be noted that in the context of this application, the term line of laser light may be light radiation emitted by any type of laser, either visible or invisible, that has an elongated extent and forms a line or a line-like profile when it strikes a surface.

[0036] The substance is optionally fed through the second detection zone in a manner corresponding to that described above in relation to the first detection zone, the substance may be fed subsequently or in parallel through the second detection zone.

[0037] The laser triangulation system comprises a camera-based sensor device configured to receive and analyze optical radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by material in the first or second detection zone. The received optical radiation of the camera-based sensor device originates or mainly originates from a line of laser light. Thus, a limited amount of ambient light radiation may still reach the camera-based sensor device. The camera-based sensor device is therefore adapted to observe the detection zone in order to receive and analyze optical radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by material in the second detection zone. As in any laser triangulation system, the reflected optical radiation of the line of laser light will move over a sensor element of the camera-based sensor device in response to a change in height of the material in the second detection zone. The sensor element of the camera-based sensor device is typically an imaging sensor element comprising an array or matrix of sensor pixels sensitive to the optical radiation of interest.

[0038] The received optical radiation of the spectroscopic system may completely or partially intersect with the received optical radiation of the camera-based sensor device and / or the line of the laser light. The special provision of the spectroscopic system in association with the camera-based sensor device and / or the laser device allows for a compact system that requires significantly less space.

[0039] In practice, the optical radiation received by the spectroscopic system and emitted and / or scattered by substances in the first detection zone will completely or partially intersect or cross with the optical radiation received by the camera-based sensor device, i.e. the optical radiation originating from the line of laser light and reflected, emitted and / or scattered by substances in the second detection zone.

[0040] Alternatively, the optical radiation received by the spectroscopic system will be completely or partially intersected or crossed by the line of laser light. Thus, both the spectroscopic system (and illumination device) and the laser triangulation system may be provided in the same area of ​​the device, i.e. both systems may be provided in the space normally required for a single system. This means that the invention provides a compact device with improved detection capabilities.

[0041] Furthermore, a substance may typically be fed through a second detection zone after or in parallel with being fed through a first detection zone. This allows a particular substance fed into the first detection zone to be subsequently or in parallel correlated with the same substance when fed through the second detection zone. In practice this means that the same substance will typically be analysed by both the spectroscopy system and the laser triangulation system, either in sequence or in parallel. Thus, the present invention provides a compact device with improved detection capabilities.

[0042] The apparatus further comprises a focusing device adapted to focus the first set of illumination beams or the second set of illumination beams towards the scanning element, and the scanning element adapted to redirect the first and second sets of illumination beams towards the first detection zone, whereby the first and second sets of illumination beams are focused in the vicinity of the first detection zone. Thus, material delivered through the first detection zone may be efficiently illuminated by the first set of illumination beams or the second set of illumination beams focused on the first detection zone.

[0043] The scanning element may scan the first and second sets of illumination beams over the first detection zone.

[0044] The scanning element may be either a rotating polygon mirror or a tilting mirror.

[0045] The illumination device may comprise, in addition to the first and second illumination devices, an additional illumination device, which is adapted to illuminate an additional set of illumination beams. This configuration may provide a stronger illumination at the first detection zone. Furthermore, the illumination of the first detection zone may be easily adjusted by using different types of illumination devices having different characteristics from the first, second and additional illumination devices. Furthermore, a more robust device may be obtained. The device does not have to stop operation if one of the first and second illumination devices fails, and may therefore operate while replacing one of the illumination devices.

[0046] The focusing device may comprise a first focusing element adapted to direct and focus the first and second sets of illumination beams towards the scanning element and an additional focusing element adapted to direct and focus the additional set of illumination beams towards the scanning element, which is advantageous in that the first and additional sets of illumination beams may be individually directed and focused towards the scanning element. The focusing element may be any optical element capable of focusing and directing the first and / or additional set of illumination beams. The focusing element may be a combination of multiple optical elements acting together. The focusing element may direct the first, second and / or additional set of illumination beams along a direction of incident light radiation of the first, second and / or additional set of illumination beams. The first focusing element may be a lens or a mirror. The first focusing element may be a combination of a lens and a mirror. The additional focusing element may be a lens or a mirror. The second focusing element may be a combination of a lens and a mirror.

[0047] The illumination arrangement may comprise a single illumination device adapted to emit the first set of illumination beams and the additional set of illumination beams, which may be advantageous in that it may make the illumination arrangement more energy efficient and furthermore may make the illumination arrangement more compact, since space only needs to be allocated to the single illumination device.

[0048] The first and / or additional focusing elements may be lenses or mirrors. The first and / or additional focusing elements may be full parabolic mirrors or one or more partial parabolic mirrors. The first and / or additional focusing elements may be full elliptical mirrors or one or more partial parabolic mirrors, or mirrors whose shape is optimized to focus the optical radiation onto the first detection zone. The first and / or additional focusing elements may be off-axis full or partial parabolic mirrors. The first and / or additional focusing elements may be a combination of lenses and mirrors. The first and / or additional focusing elements may be a combination of lenses and flat mirrors.

[0049] The sensor system may be a spectroscopic system that may comprise a first spectrometer system adapted to analyze optical radiation in a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system adapted to analyze optical radiation in a second wavelength interval, with the advantage that a spectrometer system adapted to analyze a specific wavelength interval may be used. This configuration may result in a more sensitive and accurate analysis. The first wavelength interval and the second wavelength interval may overlap or partially overlap. The first wavelength interval and the second wavelength interval may be separate intervals.

[0050] The spectroscopic system may comprise a first spectrometer system adapted to analyze optical radiation in a first wavelength interval, a second spectrometer system adapted to analyze optical radiation in a second wavelength interval, and a third spectrometer system adapted to analyze optical radiation in a third wavelength interval.

[0051] The spectroscopic system may comprise a number of spectrometer systems adapted to analyze optical radiation at a number of wavelength intervals.

[0052] The spectroscopic system may be a scanning spectroscopic system, which has the advantage that it may provide accurate analysis of the material in the first detection zone over a wavelength interval, and may obtain an image of the material in the first detection zone, the image including information from the analysis of the optical radiation received by the scanning spectroscopic system.

[0053] The first and second detection zones may overlap, which is advantageous in that it may be easier to associate a substance in the first detection zone with a corresponding substance in the second detection zone. In other words, it may be easier to determine when a particular substance that has passed through the first detection zone passes through the second detection zone. This setup is advantageous when substances are passing through the first and / or second detection zone randomly, which is typically the case when substances are freely falling or sliding through the first and / or second detection zone.

[0054] The first and second detection zones may partially overlap. The first and second detection zones may substantially completely overlap. Thus, the first and second detection zones may be partially located in the same physical location.

[0055] The device further comprises a first optical filter arranged between the illumination device and the first detection zone, the first optical filter preventing optical radiation originating from the first set of illumination beams and the second set of illumination beams from reaching the camera-based sensor device. This configuration of the first optical filter may prevent undesired optical radiation from reaching the camera-based sensor system, which would otherwise run the risk of interfering with the camera-based sensor system. Providing a first optical filter is particularly important and therefore advantageous when the first and second detection zones overlap.

[0056] The device may further comprise a second optical filter arranged between the second detection zone and the camera-based sensor device, the second optical filter preventing the passage of optical radiation resulting from the first set of illumination beams, the second set of illumination beams and ambient optical radiation, while allowing the passage of optical radiation resulting from the line of laser light. This configuration of the second optical filter may prevent undesired optical radiation from reaching the camera-based sensor system, which would otherwise run the risk of interfering with the camera-based sensor device. Providing a second optical filter is particularly important and therefore advantageous when the first and second detection zones overlap.

[0057] The laser device may be further adapted to emit an additional line of laser light toward the first or second detection zone, and the camera-based sensor device may be further configured to receive and analyze optical radiation resulting from the additional line of laser light reflected, emitted and / or scattered by material in the first or second detection zone.

[0058] The wavelength of the optical radiation of the additional line of laser light may differ from the wavelength of the optical radiation of the line of laser light.

[0059] The apparatus may further comprise a third optical filter positioned between the second detection zone and the camera-based sensor system, the second optical filter blocking the passage of optical radiation resulting from the first set of illumination beams, the second set of illumination beams, the laser light and ambient optical radiation while allowing the passage of optical radiation resulting from the additional line of laser light.

[0060] By providing an additional line of laser light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser line in combination with a third optical filter, the camera base may be configured to receive and analyze optical radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by substances in the second detection zone based on different wavelengths. The received optical radiation resulting from the line of laser light and the additional line of laser light may advantageously be directed to different areas 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 optical radiation reflected, emitted and / or scattered by substances in the second detection zone based on different wavelengths results in that more information about the substances in the second detection zone may be obtained.

[0061] The device may further comprise a processing unit coupled to a sensor system, such as a spectroscopic system and / or a camera-based sensor device, the processing unit may be configured to determine a first set of properties for the substance in the first detection zone based on the output signal of the spectroscopic system, and the processing unit may be configured to determine a second set of properties for the substance in the first or second detection zone based on the output signal of the camera-based sensor device. Providing a processing unit coupled to the spectroscopic system and / or the camera-based sensor device results in that the processing unit may determine one or more properties of the substance in each of the first and / or second detection zones. Thus, the processing unit may receive signals from the spectroscopic system and the camera-based sensor device, respectively. The received signals may be based on an analysis of the optical radiation received by the spectroscopic system and / or the camera-based sensor device, respectively.

[0062] It should be noted that in the context of this application, the term processing unit may be any unit, system or device that can receive one or more signals or data from other entities and process the received signals or data. Processing may include, for example, calculating one or more characteristics based on the received signals or data, forwarding the received signals or data, and modifying the received signals or data. The processing unit may be a single unit or may be distributed across multiple devices, such as multiple PCs, each with processing capabilities. The processing unit may be implemented in hardware or software.

[0063] It should be noted that in the context of this application, the term property set can be any data set including any data type. A property set may include any number of properties including zero. Thus, a property set may be an empty set, which may indicate, for example, that no substance is present.

[0064] The first set of characteristics may be indicative of at least one of a spectral response of the material, a material type of the material, a color of the material, a fluorescence of the material, a maturity of the material, a dry matter content of the material, a moisture content of the material, a fat content of the material, an oil content of the material, a calorific value of the material, a presence of bones or fish bones in the material, a presence of pests, a mineral type of the material, an ore type of the material, a defect level of the material, detection of harmful biological material in the material, a presence of the material, an absence of the material, detection of multi-layered materials in the material, detection of fluorescent markers in the material, detection of phosphorescent markers in the material 102, a quality grade of the material, a physical structure of a surface of the material, and a molecular structure of the material.

[0065] An example of a relevant harmful biomaterial that may be detected is mycotoxin.

[0066] The above characteristics of the first property set may be determined in specific combinations that may be useful for detecting material in the first detection zone. Examples of applications in which such combinations are useful include pet food sorting, fish bone detection in fillets, paper sorting using visible and NIR spectroscopy, pistachio foreign body and shell removal, and polymer recycling, to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0067] The second set of characteristics may be indicative of at least one of the height of the material, the height profile of the material, a 3D map of the material, an intensity profile of reflected, emitted and / or scattered optical radiation, the volumetric centre of the material, the estimated centre of mass of the material, the estimated weight of the material, the estimated material of the material, the presence of the material, the absence of the material, detection of isotropic and anisotropic optical radiation scattering of the material, wood structure and quality, surface roughness and properties of the material, and an indication of the presence of fluid within the material.

[0068] Examples of relevant fluids include oil and water in food products.

[0069] The above characteristics of the second property set may be determined in particular combinations that may be useful for detecting materials in the second detection zone. Examples of applications in which such combinations are useful include glass sorting and quartz sorting, to name a few non-limiting examples.

[0070] The processing unit may further be configured to receive an input indicative of a viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device relative to the first or second detection zone and to correct the viewing angle of the camera-based sensor device when determining the second set of characteristics, which is advantageous in that a more accurate subsequent sorting or ejection of the material may be achieved. Indeed, the height of the material in the first or second detection zone may be corrected when determining the position of the material in the first or second detection zone. This may allow a subsequent sorting or ejection operation to affect or impart the material in a position that prevents incorrect sorting or ejection. For example, the sorter or ejector may impact the material at its estimated center of mass, thereby reducing the risk of, for example, slipping or tipping of the material. The ejector may be configured with a valve image processing step to reduce or minimize compressed air and energy consumption while maintaining optimal sorting yields and sorting losses.

[0071] The processing unit may be configured to receive an input indicative of a geometry for the first or second detection zone of the laser device and the camera based sensor device.

[0072] The processing unit may be configured to compensate for a geometry of the laser device and the camera based sensor device relative to the first or second detection zone when determining the second set of characteristics.

[0073] The apparatus may further comprise an ejection device coupled to the processing unit, the ejection device adapted to eject and sort the material into a plurality of portions in response to receiving a signal from the processing unit based on the determined first set of characteristics and / or the determined second set of characteristics, the ejection device adapted to eject and sort the material by at least one of compressed air jets, pressurized water jets, mechanical fingers, compressed air jet bars, pressurized water jet bars, mechanical finger bars, robotic arms, and mechanical diverters.

[0074] By providing an ejection device coupled to the processing unit, the device may eject, and thus sort, the material into a plurality of portions based on the determined first set of properties and / or the determined second set of properties. Thus, the material may be sorted based on the analysis performed by the spectroscopy system and / or the laser triangulation system.

[0075] The multiple portions may be based on any of the determined characteristics. The portions may be based on material or color, for example. One portion may correspond to material that is to be discarded or scrapped.

[0076] The ejection and sorting may be performed by compressed air jets, pressurized water jets, mechanical fingers, compressed air jet bars, pressurized water jet bars, mechanical finger bars, robotic arms or mechanical diverters.

[0077] Alternatively, the rejected and sorted materials may be analyzed online, for example by a cloud service, and the materials thus analyzed may be classified, for example, by purity, defect level, average color, etc.

[0078] The apparatus may further comprise a conveyor for transporting the material through the first and second detection zones, or a chute optionally including a vibration feeder for sliding or free-falling the material through the first and / or second detection zones.

[0079] By providing a conveyor, the substance may be transported in a controlled manner through the first and second detection zones. The substance transported and analysed through the first detection zone may then be transported through the second detection zone and analysed. By controlled transport of the substance through the first and second detection zones, the substance may be tracked. Thus, a substance in the first detection zone may be associated or identified with the same substance in the second detection zone.

[0080] By providing a chute, optionally including a vibration feeder, the material may slide or free fall through the first and / or second detection zone. The material may be slid through the first and second detection zones. The material may be free fall through the first and second detection zones. The material may be slid through the first detection zone and free fall through the second detection zone. Providing a chute, optionally including a vibration feeder, is advantageous for small bulk objects such as various types of particles.

[0081] Further scope of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred versions of the inventive concepts, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the inventive concepts will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0082] Thus, it is to be understood that the inventive concept is not limited to the particular components of the device described, as such devices may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular variations only, and is not intended to be limiting. What has been described as part of a whole may also be used alone. It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of an element, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a unit" or "the unit" may include several devices, and so forth. Furthermore, the words "comprising," "including," "containing," and similar phrases do not exclude other elements. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0083] Aspects of the inventive concept, including certain features and advantages thereof, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, which are provided to illustrate the general structure of the inventive concept, with like reference numerals referring to like elements throughout.

[0084] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an apparatus for detecting a substance; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective detailed view of the device of FIG. 1. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a first variant of an illumination device and an associated focusing device; [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of a second variant of the illumination device and associated focusing device; [Diagram 5] 2A-2C are schematic perspective detail views of different configurations that can be used with the device of FIG. 1; [Figure 6] FIG. 2 shows a schematic perspective detail view of a different configuration in which the first and second detection zones overlap. [Figure 7a] 1 shows a front view of an automatic or semi-automatic switching device with a first lighting device disposed in an active lighting position and a second lighting device disposed in a non-active lighting position. [Figure 7b] 7b shows the automatic or semi-automatic switching device shown in FIG. 7a, with the second lighting device positioned in an active lighting position and the first lighting device positioned in a non-active lighting position. [Figure 8a] 1 shows a rear view of a lighting arrangement with a switching device, in which a first lighting device is arranged in an active lighting position and a second lighting device is arranged in a non-active lighting position. [Figure 8a] 8b shows the lighting arrangement shown in FIG. 8a, where the second lighting device is positioned in an active lighting position and the first lighting device is positioned in a non-active lighting position. [Figure 9] 1 shows a schematic representation of an illumination arrangement with only one illumination device and a scanning element; [Figure 10]Schematically shows a front view of the irradiation device shown in Fig. 8b.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0085] The concept of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the concept of the invention. However, the concept of this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the scope of the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0086] Fig. 1 schematically shows an apparatus 100 for detecting a substance. The substance 102 is supplied through a first detection zone 104 and a second detection zone 106.

[0087] In the apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1, the substance 102 is conveyed by a conveyor 108 through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106. However, the substance 102 may be supplied manually through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 by any suitable means or without using technical means. Further, the substance 102 may be supplied through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 by sliding or free fall. Therefore, the conveyor in Fig. 1 is optional.

[0088] The apparatus 100 shown in Fig. 1 further includes a housing 110 disposed above the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106. In other words, the housing 110 is disposed above the conveyor 108.

[0089] Also refer to Fig. 2, which schematically discloses the selection of components disposed within the housing 110 from here on.

[0090] Provided within the housing 110 is an illumination device 114 adapted to project a first set of illumination beams 116 and a second set of illumination beams 118 towards the first detection zone 104 .

[0091] Provided within the housing 110 is a spectroscopy system 120 adapted to receive and analyze optical radiation 122 reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material 102 in the first detection zone 104 .

[0092] A laser triangulation system 124 is provided within the housing 110. The laser triangulation system 124 comprises a laser device 126 adapted to project a line of laser light 130 towards the second detection zone 106. The laser triangulation system 124 comprises a camera-based sensor device 128 configured to receive and analyze optical radiation 132 reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material 102 in the second detection zone 106.

[0093] The illustrated device 100 in Figure 1 further comprises an ejector 112 disposed downstream of the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106. The ejector 112 is adapted to eject and separate the material 102 into a plurality of portions. However, the ejector 112 in Figure 1 is optional.

[0094] The apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 further comprises a control cabinet 111 located above the conveyor 108. The control cabinet 111 comprises equipment used to control the apparatus 100. The equipment typically comprises a processing unit 113 or control unit for controlling the conveyor 108, the discharge device 112 and the equipment in the housing 110. The processing unit 113 is typically used to determine one or more properties of the material 102 based on measurements performed by the equipment in the housing 110.

[0095] Reference is now made specifically to Figure 2, which illustrates conceptually the internal components of the housing 110 of Figure 1. Figure 2 also illustrates a portion of the conveyor 108 including the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106.

[0096] As can be seen in FIG. 2, optical radiation 122 received by the spectroscopic system 120 intersects with optical radiation 132 received by the camera-based sensor device 128 .

[0097] The substance 102 is fed by a conveyor 108 through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106. In other words, the substance 102 is transported through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 in the device 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2. The substance 102 is usually transported through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 continuously. The substance 102 may be transported through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 intermittently. The substance 102 may be transported first through the first detection zone 104 and then through the second detection zone 106. The substance 102 may be transported first through the second detection zone 106 and then through the first detection zone 104.

[0098] The laser device 126 includes a line laser that emits a line 130 of laser light. The laser may 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 Z-Laser's Z100M18S3-F-660-LP60-PR that emits a line of laser light having a wavelength of 660 nm. The laser device 126 may be equipped with a thermoelectric cooling device and insulation to withstand a typical ambient temperature of 60° C. The line 130 of laser light strikes the material 102 in the second detection zone 106, which causes the optical radiation to be reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material 102. A portion of the optical radiation 132 thus reflected, emitted and / or scattered typically reaches the camera-based sensor device 128, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2. The camera-based sensor device 128 therefore sees the line 130 of laser light and, as a result, images the material 102 in the second detection zone 106 as it strikes it. The camera based sensor arrangement 128 may comprise, for example, a type C5 camera manufactured by Automation Technology GmbH. Thus, as in the laser triangulation system 124, a height variation or the presence of the material 102 in the second detection zone 106 will cause a change in the position of the image of the line of laser light on the sensor elements of the camera of the camera based sensor arrangement 128. This change will thus form an angular difference between the field of view of the camera of the camera based sensor arrangement 128 and the line of laser light 130. Various properties of the material 102 in the second detection zone 106 may be determined based on the measurements performed by the camera based sensor arrangement 128.

[0099] Furthermore, in association with the illustrated illumination device 114, a focusing device 134 is provided. The focusing device 134 is adapted to focus the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 towards the scanning element 136. The scanning element 136 is adapted to redirect the first and second sets of illumination beams 116, 118 towards the first detection zone 104. Due to the configuration of the scanning element 136, the first and second sets of illumination beams 116, 118 are focused at the first detection zone 104 as shown in FIG. 2. The illustrated scanning element 136 in FIG. 2 takes the form of a rotating polygon mirror. Thus, by rotating the polygon mirror, the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 are scanned at the first detection zone 104. Thus, the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 are scanned across the first detection zone 104 and thus across the conveyor 108.

[0100] Other types of scanning elements may also be used to advantage, for example a scanning mirror hinged about a pivot axis.

[0101] As explained above, the spectroscopic system 120 is adapted to receive and analyze optical radiation 122 reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material 102 in the first detection zone 104. Before entering the spectroscopic system 120, the optical radiation 122 reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material 102 in the first detection zone 104 strikes a scanning element 136, i.e. a polygon mirror, from where the optical radiation 122 is directed by a fixed folding mirror to an entrance window of the spectroscopic system 120. The fixed folding mirror may be located between the positions where the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 exit the focusing device 134.

[0102] The spectroscopy system 120 may comprise a Tomra spectrometer capable of handling the required repetition rate. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze optical radiation in the wavelength interval 400-1000 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze optical radiation in the wavelength interval 500-1000 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze optical radiation in the wavelength interval 1000-1900 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze optical radiation having a wavelength longer than 900 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze optical radiation in the wavelength interval 1900-2500 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze optical radiation in the wavelength interval 2700-5300 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze optical radiation in the wavelength interval 900-1700 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze optical radiation in the wavelength interval 700-1400 nm. The spectrometer may analyze visible light. The spectrometer may analyze NIR optical radiation. The spectrometer may analyze IR optical radiation. Different types of spectrometers may be used depending on the properties of the substance 102 to be detected.

[0103] More than one spectroscopic system 120 may be used in the device 100. Thus, more than one spectrometer may be used in the device 100. For example, the spectroscopic system 120 may include a first spectrometer system 120 adapted to analyze optical radiation in a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system 120 adapted to analyze optical radiation in a second wavelength interval. By way of example, the first spectroscopic system 120 may analyze optical radiation in a wavelength interval of 450-800 nm and the second spectroscopic system 120 may analyze optical radiation in a wavelength interval of 1500-1900 nm. For example, one spectrometer for visible light may be used in combination with one NIR spectrometer.

[0104] Similarly, more than two spectroscopy systems 120 may be included in the spectroscopy system 120. Thus, more than two spectrometers may be used. For example, one spectrometer for visible light may be used in combination with two NIR spectrometers.

[0105] The spectroscopy system 120 may be a scanning spectroscopy system 120. One example of a suitable scanning spectrometer is manufactured by Tomra.

[0106] Various characteristics of the material 102 in the first detection zone 104 may be determined based on measurements performed by the spectroscopic system 120 .

[0107] As discussed above, the illustrated apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 2 comprises a processing unit 113, which in the illustrated apparatus 100 is located within a control cabinet 111. The processing unit 113 is coupled to a spectroscopy system 120 and a camera based sensor device 128. The coupling between the processing unit 113, the spectroscopy system 120 and the camera based sensor device 128 is shown diagrammatically by dashed lines in Figure 2. The processing unit 113 may be coupled to the spectroscopy system 120 and the camera based sensor device 128 by any suitable connection, including wired and wireless connections. Any connection capable of transmitting data in any format, digital or analog, may be advantageously used.

[0108] The processing unit 113 of the illustrated apparatus 100 is configured to determine a first set of characteristics associated with the substance 102 in the first detection zone 106. As discussed above, the first set of characteristics may be any data set including any type of data. The first set of characteristics may include any number of characteristics. The first set of characteristics is determined based on the output signal S1 of the spectroscopy system 120. The signal S1 may include any type of data, proceeded or raw. Thus, the processing unit 113 is configured to receive and analyze data based on the output signal S1 of the spectroscopy system 120 and determine the first set of characteristics based on the signal S1.

[0109] The first set of characteristics may indicate at least one of a spectral response of the material 102, a material type of the material 102, a color of the material 102, a fluorescence of the material 102, a maturity of the material 102, a dry matter content of the material 102, a moisture content of the material 102, a fat content of the material 102, an oil content of the material 102, a calorific value of the material 102, a presence of bones or fish bones in the material 102, a presence of pests in the material 102, a mineral type of the material 102, an ore type of the material 102, a defect level of the material 102, detection of harmful biological material in the material 102, a presence of the material 102, an absence of the material 102, detection of multi-layered materials in the material 102, detection of fluorescent markers in the material 102, detection of phosphorescent markers in the material 102, a quality grade of the material 102, a physical structure of a surface of the material 102, and a molecular structure of the material 102.

[0110] Also, spectroscopy system 120 may optionally comprise processing capabilities that are used to process actual raw data from one or more spectrometers of spectroscopy system 120. This means that spectroscopy system 120 may be capable of determining one or more characteristics to be included in the first characteristic set by processing unit 113. In other words, processing unit 113 may be configured to simply include already processed data from spectroscopy system 120 in the first characteristic set.

[0111] Different properties are typically included in the first property set depending on the application of the device 100. In other words, the first property set typically exhibits different characteristics depending on the application of the device 100.

[0112] In waste recycling applications, the first set of properties typically refers to the polymer material, the sleeve material, and the cap material.

[0113] In fruit and vegetable sorting applications, the first set of characteristics typically indicates foreign objects such as polymers, stones and shells.

[0114] In wood sorting applications, the first set of characteristics typically indicates the wood type and the presence of foreign matter.

[0115] The processing unit 113 of the illustrated device 100 is configured to determine a second set of characteristics associated with the material 102 in the second detection zone 108. As discussed above, the second set of characteristics may be any data set including any type of data. The second set of characteristics may include any number of characteristics. The second set of characteristics is determined based on the output signal S2 of the camera based sensor device 128. The signal S2 may include any type of data, such as proceeded or raw data. Thus, the processing unit 113 is 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 characteristics based on the signal S2.

[0116] The second set of characteristics may indicate at least one of the height of the material 102, a height profile of the material 102, a 3D map of the material 102, an intensity profile of reflected, emitted and / or scattered optical radiation 132, a volumetric center of the material 102, an estimated center of mass of the material 102, an estimated weight of the material 102, an estimated material of the material 102, the presence of the material 102, the absence of the material 102, detection of isotropic and anisotropic optical radiation scattering of the material 102, wood structure and quality, surface roughness and properties of the material 102, and an indication of the presence of a fluid within the material 102.

[0117] Also, camera based sensor device 128 may optionally comprise processing capabilities that are used to process actual raw data from one or more cameras of camera based sensor device 128. This means that camera based sensor device 128 may be capable of determining one or more characteristics to be included in the second feature set by processing unit 113. In other words, processing unit 113 may be configured to simply include already processed data from camera based sensor device 128 in the second feature set.

[0118] As explained above with respect to the first set of properties, different properties are typically included in the second set of properties depending on the application of the device 100. In other words, the second set of properties typically exhibits different characteristics depending on the application of the device 100.

[0119] The processing unit 113 of the depicted apparatus 100 may be configured to correct a viewing angle of the camera based sensor apparatus 128 relative to the second detection zone 106, and thus relative to the conveyor 108. To be able to correct the viewing angle of the camera based sensor apparatus 128 relative to the second detection zone 106, the processing unit 113 is configured to receive an input indicative of a viewing angle of the camera based sensor apparatus 128 relative to the second detection zone 106, i.e. relative to the second detection zone 106 on the conveyor 108. Thus, based on the received input regarding the viewing angle, the processing unit 113 may correct the viewing angle of the camera based sensor apparatus 128 relative to the second detection zone 106 when determining the second set of characteristics based on the received signal S2.

[0120] The received input related to the viewing angle of the camera based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection zone 106 may be a static variable indicative of the viewing angle. The received input related to the viewing angle of the camera based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection zone 106 may be a dynamic input based on a measurement of the viewing angle. In the latter case, dynamic variations in, for example, the conveyor 108 may be taken into account.

[0121] Indeed, the height or changing height of the material 102 may be taken into account and compensated for when determining the location of the material in the second detection zone 106. Additionally, the geometry of the laser device 126 and the camera based sensor device 128 may be taken into account when determining the location of the material in the second detection zone 106.

[0122] If the height of the material 102 is not corrected when determining the position of the material 102 in the second detection zone 106, the subsequent ejection and sorting of the material 102 may run the risk of being inaccurate since the actual position of the material 102 may differ from the determined position. Incorrect ejection and sorting or no ejection and sorting may occur. For example, the ejector 112 may impact the material 102 in a less favorable position in the edge region, resulting in incorrect ejection and sorting of the material 102. In other words, the ejector 112 may impact the material 102 at a position away from the center of mass of the material 102, resulting in the material being displaced, i.e. tumbling, rather than being ejected and sorted.

[0123] The processing unit 113 may be configured to receive input indicative of the geometry of the laser arrangement 126 and the camera-based sensor arrangement 128 relative to the second detection zone 106 .

[0124] The processing unit 113 of the illustrated apparatus 100 may be configured to correct the geometry of the laser device 126 and the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection zone 106, and thus relative to the conveyor 108, when determining the second set of characteristics.

[0125] The ejector 112 of the depicted apparatus 100 is coupled to a processing unit 113. The ejector 112 is adapted to eject, and thus sort, the material 102 into a plurality of portions. For example, the material 102 may be sorted into one waste portion and one used portion. In case of fruits and vegetables, the material 102, i.e. the fruits and vegetables, may be sorted into a plurality of portions based on a color corresponding to a ripeness level, defects or the presence of foreign objects.

[0126] The ejection and sorting performed by the ejector 112 may be initiated in response to receiving a signal from the processing unit 113. The signal from the processing unit 113 is typically based on the determined first set of properties and / or the determined second set of properties. Thus, the materials may be sorted based on the analysis performed by the spectroscopy system 120 and / or the laser triangulation system 124.

[0127] Such received signals may be simple on / off signals or may be complex signals including, for example, the specific coordinates of the material 102 as it approaches the ejector 112. In the latter case, the ejector 112 may thus strike or grab a particular material 102 that meets certain criteria and may do so at a particular location, resulting in the material 102 being ejected and therefore sorted.

[0128] To perform the actual discharge and sorting, the discharge device 112 may comprise compressed air jets, pressurized water jets, mechanical fingers, compressed air jet bars, pressurized water jet bars, mechanical finger bars, robotic arms and mechanical diverters, so that the entities and principles used to perform the discharge and sorting are known per se in the art.

[0129] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown conceptually a first variation of an illumination arrangement 114 and associated focusing arrangement 134 that may be used in the apparatus 100 of FIGS.

[0130] The illustrated illumination arrangement 114 of Fig. 3 comprises a first illumination device 138 and a second illumination device 140. The first illumination device 138 is adapted to irradiate the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second illumination device 140 is adapted to irradiate the second set of illumination beams 118.

[0131] The first lighting device 138 and the second lighting device 140 may be of the same type. The first lighting device 138 and the second lighting device 140 may be of different types. The first lighting device 138 and the second lighting device 140 may be broadband spectrum light sources, such as halogen lighting devices. A suitable halogen lighting device for the first lighting device 138 and the second lighting device 140 may have a spectral distribution starting at about 400 nm and significantly attenuating at about 2.5 μm. The maximum radiant intensity may occur at about 1.3 μm. Alternatively, a xenon arc lighting device may be used for the first lighting device 138 and the second lighting device 140. Shorter wavelengths, such as 200 nm or longer, may be obtained by using a xenon arc lighting device. As a further alternative, an LED lighting device or a heating element may be used for the first lighting device 138 and the second lighting device 140. For UV fluorescence spectroscopy, an LED lighting device may be advantageously used. For mid-infrared spectroscopy, a heating element may be advantageously used. In a high spatial and spectral resolution spectroscopic system, a supercontinuum laser may be used for the first illumination device 138 and the second illumination device 140. In a high spatial and spectral resolution multispectral system, a combination of multiple wavelength lasers may be used for the first illumination device 138 and the second illumination device 140. In a high spatial resolution optimal multispectral system, LEDs and pulsed LEDs may be used for the first illumination device 138 and the second illumination device 140, preferably in conjunction with a line scan camera.

[0132] Furthermore, the illustrated focusing device 134 of Fig. 3 includes a first focusing element 142 in the form of a lens adapted to focus the first set of illumination beams 116 towards the scanning element 136, and a second focusing element 144 in the form of a lens adapted to focus the second set of illumination beams 118 towards the scanning element 136. The scanning element 136 is not shown in Fig. 3 for simplicity. 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.

[0133] Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown conceptually a second variation of the illumination system 114 and associated focusing system 134 that may be used in the system 100 of FIGS.

[0134] The illustrated illumination device 114 of Fig. 4 comprises a single source 146. The single source 146 is adapted to emit a first set of illumination beams 116 and a second set of illumination beams 118. In practice, the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 are typically illumination beams emitted in different directions by the single source 146.

[0135] The single source 146 may be any type of lighting device described above in connection with FIG.

[0136] Furthermore, the depicted focusing arrangement 134 in Figure 4 comprises a first focusing element 142 in the form of an off-axis parabolic mirror adapted to focus the first set of illumination beams 116 towards the scanning element 136, and a second focusing element 144 in the form of an off-axis parabolic mirror adapted to focus the second set of illumination beams 118 towards the scanning element 136. The scanning element 136 is not shown in Figure 4 for simplicity. The first focusing element 142 and / or the second focusing element 144 may alternatively comprise a plane mirror combined with an associated lens.

[0137] The illustrated lighting apparatus 114 of Fig. 4 with a single source 146 may be equipped with an automatic or semi-automatic lighting device switching device 115. Thus, the lighting device switching device 115 may be configured to physically move the backup lighting device 147 and the single lighting device 146 in case of failure of the single lighting device 146. More specifically, in case of failure of the single lighting device 146, the lighting device switching device 115 may remove the single lighting device 146 while moving the backup lighting device 147 to the position of the single lighting device 146. The lighting device switching device 115 may be configured to turn on the backup lighting device 147 after detecting that the backup lighting device 147 has reached the correct position, i.e., the initial position of the single lighting device 146. The lighting device switching device 115 may automatically switch lighting devices upon detecting a failure of the single lighting device 146. As an alternative, the lighting device switching device 115 may automatically switch lighting devices in response to a user-initiated input.

[0138] For purposes of illustration, FIG. 9 shows a schematic of an illumination apparatus 114 including only one illumination device, which is disposed between two partial parabolic mirrors configured to reflect optical radiation from the illumination device towards the scanning element 134.

[0139] Figure 10 shows a schematic of the illumination arrangement 114 shown in Figure 9, but with a first illumination device and a second illumination device, the first illumination device being disposed between two partial parabolic mirrors similar to the light source described in relation to Figure 9, and the first illumination device being disposed in an active illumination position. As shown in Figure 10, the second illumination device is disposed in a non-active position of the illumination arrangement.

[0140] 7a shows an automatic or semi-automatic switching device 200, where a first illumination device 201 is arranged in an active illumination position and a second illumination device 202 is arranged in a non-active illumination position. More specifically, the first illumination device is adapted to emit a first set of illumination beams and the second illumination device is adapted to emit a second set of illumination beams. The illumination beams emitted by one of the first and second illumination devices arranged in the active illumination position are received by an optical arrangement and directed towards the scanning element. The automatic or semi-automatic switching device 200 comprises a carrier 205 having a first receiving portion 206 for receiving a first lighting device 201 and holding it in electrical connection with a first terminal for supplying power to the first lighting device, and a second receiving portion 207 for receiving a second lighting device 202 and holding it in electrical connection with a second terminal 208 for supplying power to the second lighting device, the carrier being movable between a first position (shown in FIG. 7a) in which the first receiving portion holds the first lighting device in an active lighting position and the second receiving portion holds the second lighting device in one of at least one inactive lighting positions, and a second position (shown in FIG. 7b) in which the first receiving portion holds the first lighting device in one of the at least one inactive lighting positions and the second receiving portion holds the second lighting device in an active lighting position, and the illumination device is configured to illuminate an illumination beam from only one of the first and second lighting devices arranged in the active lighting position. The switching device also comprises a guide element (203) configured to guide movement of the carrier from a first position shown in FIG. 7a to a second position shown in FIG. 7b, and an actuator (not shown) for physically moving the carrier from the first position to the second position based on a state of the first lighting device and / or in response to a user-initiated input.

[0141] As shown in Figures 7a and 7b, the active illumination position is disposed between the first and second inactive illumination positions in a direction (A) along the guide element, and the guide element is configured to guide the carrier from the first position to the second position along a substantially straight path.

[0142] The guide element shown in Figure 7a comprises a pair of guide rails extending in a direction (A) and at least one connector, here in the form of a mating notch or ridge, which cooperate to connect the carrier to the guide rails.

[0143] The configuration shown in Figure 7b is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 7a, except that in Figure 7a the first lighting device is positioned in an active lighting position and the second lighting device is positioned in a first inactive lighting position, whereas in Figure 7b the second lighting device is positioned in an active lighting position and the first lighting device is positioned in a second inactive lighting position.

[0144] Figure 8a shows a lighting arrangement with a switching device arranged similarly to that shown in Figure 7a. However, while Figure 7a shows the front side of the carrier and the lighting device, Figure 8a shows the rear side of the carrier 205 and the first receiving part 206 and the second part 207 with an exemplary optical device. Figure 8a shows two supports 198 on which the mirror device of the optical device is mounted. One difference between the switching device shown in Figure 7a and the switching device shown in Figure 8a is that the guide element 205 in Figure 7a forms a frame that completely surrounds the carrier 205, two sides of the guide frame extending in the direction A and forming a pair of guide rails, while the remaining sides of the frame not extending in the direction A preferably form positioning elements to prevent the actuator from moving the carrier beyond the second and first positions, respectively. In Figure 8a the guide elements form a partial frame partially surrounding the carrier 205, one side of the guide frame extending in direction A forming a guide rail, whilst the remaining side of the frame not extending in direction A preferably forms a positioning element or stop to prevent the actuator from moving the carrier beyond the second and first positions respectively. Optionally adjustable positioning elements 204 (e.g. screws) may be provided to allow adjustment of the end positions of the carrier.

[0145] The configuration shown in Figure 8b is the same as the configuration shown in Figure 8a, except that in Figure 8a the first lighting device is positioned in an active lighting position and the second lighting device is positioned in a first inactive lighting position, whereas in Figure 8b the second lighting device is positioned in an active lighting position and the first lighting device is positioned in a second inactive lighting position.

[0146] Figure 10 shows a front view of the illumination device 114 shown in Figure 8b, which comprises a first partial parabolic mirror 199 and a second partial parabolic mirror, each partial parabolic mirror being positioned on opposite sides of the first and second lighting devices with respect to the centerline of the carrier.

[0147] Referring now to Figure 5, a different setup of the components inside the housing 110 of Figure 1 is conceptually shown. Figure 5 also shows a portion of the conveyor 108 including the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106. The setup shown in Figure 5 is similar to that of Figure 2. Therefore, to avoid excessive repetition, only the significant differences between Figure 5 and Figure 2 will be discussed.

[0148] As can be seen in Figure 5, the optical radiation 122 received by the spectroscopic system 120 intersects with the line of laser light 130. Also, as can be seen in Figure 5, the camera based sensor device 128 views the second detection zone 106 on the conveyor 108 from above, i.e., normal to the surface of the conveyor 108, and the laser device 126 is tilted relative to the surface of the conveyor 108, i.e., not perpendicular to the surface of the conveyor 108. Thus, the line of laser light 130 strikes the conveyor 108 at an angle.

[0149] 2, the position of the substance 102 in the second detection zone 106 may be corrected by taking into account the height or changing height of the substance 102 when determining the position of the substance in the second detection zone 106. In other words, the processing unit 113 may correct the viewing angle of the camera based sensor arrangement 128 relative to the second detection zone 106 and thus relative to the conveyor 108. In practice, the geometry of the laser arrangement 126 and the camera based sensor arrangement 128 may be taken into account when determining the position of the substance in the second detection zone 106.

[0150] Referring now to Figure 6, a different setup of an apparatus largely corresponding to the apparatus 100 of Figure 1 is conceptually shown. More specifically, Figure 6 conceptually shows a different setup of the components inside the housing 110 of Figure 1. Figure 5 also shows how the conveyor 108 has been replaced by a chute 148. The setup shown in Figure 6 is largely similar to that of Figure 2. Therefore, to avoid undue repetition, only the significant differences between Figure 6 and Figure 2 will be discussed.

[0151] The illustrated chute 148 is inclined such that the material 102 falls freely from the chute 148 and passes through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106. The material may alternatively be slid onto the chute 148 through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106. The chute 148 may optionally include a vibration feeder to feed the material 102 onto the chute 148.

[0152] 6, the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 overlap. Thus, a substance 102 delivered through the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 will be present in the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 simultaneously. The overlap of the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 may ensure that measurements made by the spectroscopy system 120 and the laser triangulation system 124 may be associated with the same substance 102 in each detection zone. In other words, incorrect association of a particular substance 102 may be prevented.

[0153] If the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 overlap completely or partially, there is an obvious risk that the light radiation originating from the illumination device 114 will reach and disturb the camera based sensor device 128. Similarly, there is an obvious risk that ambient light radiation may reach and disturb the camera based sensor device 128.

[0154] To reduce interference that may occur, particularly when the first detection zone 104 and the second detection zone 106 overlap completely or partially, the device 100 may employ one or more optical filters 150, 152 as shown in FIG. 6.

[0155] In Fig. 6, the first optical filter 150 is arranged between the illumination device 114 and the first detection zone 104. More specifically, the first optical filter 150 shown in Fig. 6 is located between the scanning element 136 and the first detection zone 104, i.e. at the location where the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 are scanned by the scanning element 136. The first optical filter 150 may for this purpose be elongated in shape along the scanning direction, for example rectangular.

[0156] The first optical filter 150 may be advantageously placed on a lens or an exit window of the illumination device 114 or the focusing device 134 .

[0157] The first optical filter 150 has optical properties that enable the filter 150 to block optical radiation resulting from the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 from reaching the camera-based sensor arrangement 128 .

[0158] In practice, the first optical filter 150 may block certain wavelengths of optical radiation originating from the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 while passing other wavelengths. Thus, the first optical filter 150 may block light originating from the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 that would otherwise be detected by the camera-based sensor device 128. In practice, the first optical filter 150 may block optical radiation with wavelengths shorter than 900 nm, or a large portion thereof. Thus, the first optical filter 150 may pass wavelengths in the NIR and IR ranges, which, while suitable for the spectroscopy system 120, do not interfere with the camera-based sensor device 128 or interfere with the camera-based sensor device 128 only to a limited extent.

[0159] In FIG. 6, a second optical filter 152 is arranged between the second detection zone 106 and the camera-based sensor arrangement 128. The second optical filter 152 has optical properties that prevent the passage of the optical radiation 122 originating from the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118. The second optical filter 152 also has optical properties that prevent the passage of ambient optical radiation. Thus, a large portion of the ambient optical radiation is blocked by the second optical filter 152. Furthermore, the second optical filter 152 has optical properties that allow the passage of the optical radiation originating from the line of laser light 130. Thus, the second optical filter 152 is typically a band-pass filter with a pass band that corresponds to the wavelength of the line of laser light 130. The configuration of the second optical filter 152 may therefore prevent undesired optical radiation from reaching the camera-based sensor arrangement 128, which would otherwise run the risk of interfering with the camera-based sensor arrangement 128. For example, when a red laser having a wavelength of 622 nm is utilized to provide the line of laser light 130, the second optical filter 152 may advantageously have a narrow passband around 622 nm to efficiently filter out almost all optical radiation that does not originate from the line of laser light 130. The passband of the second optical filter 152 is therefore advantageously adjusted to match one or more wavelengths of the line of laser light 130. Bandpass filters suitable for the second optical filter 152 are known per se in the art.

[0160] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the inventive concept is in no way limited to the preferred variations described above, but on the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0161] For example, the apparatus 100 may comprise multiple optical setups, each comprising an illumination device 114, a spectroscopic system 120 and a laser triangulation system 124 as described above.

[0162] The optical setup may be arranged side-by-side across the width or part of the width of the conveyor 108 or chute 148. This means that in practice the width of the conveyor 108 or chute 148 may be covered by a number of first detection zones 106 and a number of second detection zones 108 of the type described above.

[0163] The optical setups may be arranged sequentially along the conveyor 108 or chute 148. This means that in practice an extension along the conveyor 108 or chute 148 may be covered by a number of first detection zones 106 and a number of second detection zones 108 of the type described above.

[0164] The optical setups may be arranged side-by-side and sequentially, which means that in practice an extension along and across the conveyor 108 or the chute 148 may be covered by a number of first detection zones 106 and a number of second detection zones 108 of the type described above.

[0165] The multiple first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108 may partially overlap each other, for example, in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the substance 102 supplied through the first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108.

[0166] The multiple first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108 may partially overlap each other, for example, in a direction along the flow direction of the substance 102 being fed through the first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108.

[0167] The multiple first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108 may, for example, be arranged sequentially and partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the substance 102 being supplied through the first detection zone 106 and the second detection zone 108 at the same time.

[0168] The multiple first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108 do not physically overlap one another, but may still cover various portions of the width of the conveyor 108 or chute 148 .

[0169] The multiple first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108 may, for example, be arranged side by side and may partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to and / or along the flow direction of the substance 102 supplied through the first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108.

[0170] Preferably, multiple optical setups are positioned to detect the top surface or top surface of the material having the largest or greatest height across the conveyor 108 or chute 148 .

[0171] In the case where the multiple second detection zones 108 overlap, the laser triangulation system 124 of each optical setup may be adapted so that the multiple second detection zones 108 do not interfere or interfere only to a limited extent. This may be achieved, for example, by adapting the color of the line of laser light 130 of each optical setup such that each optical setup uses a different color of the line of laser light 130. Furthermore, the first optical filter 150 and the second optical filter of each optical setup may be adapted to adapt the illumination device 114, the spectroscopic system 120 and the laser triangulation system 124 of each optical setup, thereby further reducing interference between the multiple second detection zones 108.

[0172] In case of overlapping of the multiple first detection zones 106, the illumination device 114 of each optical setup may be adapted so that the multiple first detection zones 106 do not interfere or only interfere to a limited extent. This may be achieved for example by adapting the illumination device 114 of each optical setup. The illumination device 114 of each optical setup may be synchronized for this purpose. This means in practice that the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 of each optical setup may be synchronized to prevent mutual interference. In other words, the first set of illumination beams 116 and the second set of illumination beams 118 of each optical setup may not arrive at the overlapping portion of the multiple first detection zones 106 at the same time.

[0173] Moreover, variations to the disclosed variants may be understood and effected by those skilled in the art, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, in carrying out the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. What has been described as part of a whole may also be used alone.

[0174] Itemized List of Embodiments Item 1. A device (100) for detecting a substance (102), comprising: an illumination device (114) comprising a first illumination device (201) adapted to emit a first set of illumination beams and a second illumination device (202) adapted to emit a second set of illumination beams; A scanning element (136); an optical arrangement adapted to receive and direct at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams to the scanning element; a scanning element (136) configured to redirect only one of the first and second sets of illumination beams (116) to a first detection zone (104) through which the substance (102) is delivered; a detector system (120) comprising at least one sensor device adapted to receive and analyze optical radiation (122) reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material (102) in the first detection zone (104) in response to the material (102) being illuminated by one of the first and second sets of illumination beams (116); a reference device comprising a white reference element, the reference device adapted to receive optical radiation from at least one of the first illumination device and the second illumination device, and adapted to direct the received optical radiation via the white reference element to the detector system; the illumination device further comprises an active illumination position and at least one inactive illumination position; - a carrier (205) having a first receiving portion (206) for receiving and holding a first lighting device (201) and a second receiving portion (208) for receiving and holding a second lighting device (202), the carrier being movable between a first position in which the first receiving portion holds the first lighting device in an active lighting position and holds the second lighting device in one of at least one inactive lighting positions, and a second position in which the first receiving portion holds the first lighting device in one of at least one inactive lighting positions and holds the second lighting device in an active lighting position, the illumination device being configured to illuminate an illumination beam from only one of the first and second lighting devices arranged in the active lighting position; a guide element (203) configured to guide the movement of the carrier from the first position to the second position; an actuator for physically moving the carrier from a first position to a second position based on a state of the first lighting device and / or in response to a user-initiated input; An apparatus comprising: Item 2. The illumination device (114) comprises a first inactive illumination position and a second inactive illumination position, the second illumination device is disposed in the first inactive illumination position when the carrier is disposed in the first position, the first illumination device is disposed in the second inactive illumination position when the carrier is disposed in the second position, and the active illumination position is disposed between the first and second inactive illumination positions in the direction (A) along the guide element; and / or 2. The apparatus according to item 1, wherein the guide element (203) is configured to guide the carrier from the first position to the second position, preferably along a substantially straight path. Item 3. The switching device further comprises one or more guide elements (203) for guiding the carrier from the first position to the second position along a substantially straight path; 3. The apparatus according to item 2, wherein the guide element preferably comprises one or more guide rails and at least one connector, the at least one connector connecting the carrier to the one or more guide rails. Item 4. The apparatus of items 2 or 3, wherein the switching device further comprises a positioning element (204) for preventing the actuator from moving the carrier beyond the second position. Item 5. The optical device (100) further comprises a focusing device (134); 5. The apparatus (100) according to any one of items 1 to 4, wherein the focusing device (134) is adapted to focus one of the first set of illumination beams (116) and the second set of illumination beams (118) towards the scanning element (136), preferably to focus one of the first set of illumination beams (116) and the second set of illumination beams (118) in the vicinity of the first detection zone (104). Item 6. The detector system (120) comprises a first spectrometer system (120) adapted to analyze optical radiation in a first wavelength interval and optionally a second spectrometer system (120) adapted to analyze optical radiation in a second wavelength interval; and / or 6. The apparatus (100) of any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the detector system (120) comprises a camera-based detector system. Item 7. The detector system includes a camera-based detector system, the camera-based detector system comprising: a laser device (126) adapted to direct a line of laser light (130) toward either the first or second detection zone (106) through which the substance (102) is dispensed; a camera-based sensor device (128) configured to receive and analyze light (132) reflected, emitted and / or scattered by a substance (102) in the first or second detection zone (106), the light (132) received by the camera-based sensor device (128) arising from a line of laser light (130); 7. The apparatus (100) of claim 6, comprising a laser triangulation system (124) including: Item 8. The apparatus (100) further comprises a processing unit (113) coupled to the sensor system (120); An apparatus (100) according to any one of items 1 to 7, wherein the processing unit (113) is configured to determine a first set of characteristics associated with the substance (102) in the first detection zone (106) based on the output signal (S1) of the sensor system (120). Item 9. The first set of characteristics includes a spectral response of the material (102), a material type of the material (102), a color of the material (102), a fluorescence of the material (102), a maturity of the material (102), a dry matter content of the material (102), a moisture content of the material (102), a fat content of the material (102), an oil content of the material (102), a calorific value of the material (102), a presence of bones or fish bones in the material (102), a presence of pests in the material (102), a mineral type of the material (102), a mineral content ... 9. The apparatus (100) of claim 8, further comprising: an optical fiber (104) that indicates at least one of the following: ore type of the material (102), defect level of the material (102), detection of harmful biological material in the material (102), presence of the material (102), absence of the material (102), detection of multi-layer material in the material (102), detection of fluorescent markers in the material (102), detection of phosphorescent markers in the material (102), quality grade of the material (102), physical structure of the surface of the material (102), and molecular structure of the material (102). Item 10. The apparatus (100) of item 8 or 9, when dependent on at least item 7, wherein the second set of characteristics indicates at least one of the following: height of the material (102), a height profile of the material (102), a 3D map of the material (102), an intensity profile of reflected, emitted and / or scattered light (132), a volumetric center of the material (102), an estimated center of mass of the material (102), an estimated weight of the material (102), an estimated material of the material (102), the presence of the material (102), the absence of the material (102), detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of the material (102), wood structure and quality, surface roughness and properties of the material (102), and an indication of the presence of a fluid within the material (102). Item 11. The apparatus (100) further comprises an exhaust device (112) coupled to the processing unit (113); 11. The apparatus according to any one of items 8 to 10, wherein the ejector (112) is adapted to eject and separate the material (102) into a plurality of portions in response to receiving a signal from the processing unit (113) based on at least the determined first set of characteristics, and wherein the ejector (112) is adapted to eject and separate the material (102) by at least one of compressed air jets, pressurized water jets, mechanical fingers, compressed air jet bars, pressurized water jet bars, mechanical finger bars, robotic arms, and mechanical diverters. Item 12. The device (100) further comprises: a conveyor (108) for transporting the material through the first detection zone (104) and, if present, the second detection zone (106); or 12. The apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a chute (148) optionally comprising a vibrating feeder for sliding or free-falling the material through the first detection zone and / or the second detection zone, if present. Item 13. A method of operating an apparatus (100) for detecting a substance (102), comprising: an illumination device (114) comprising a first illumination device adapted to emit a first set of illumination beams (116a) and a second illumination device adapted to emit a second set of illumination beams (116b); A scanning element; an optical arrangement adapted to receive and direct at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams to the scanning element; a scanning element configured to redirect at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams to a first detection zone (104) through which the substance (102) is delivered; a detector system (120) comprising at least one sensor device adapted to receive and analyze optical radiation (122) reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material (102) in the first detection zone (104) in response to the material (102) being illuminated by at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams; a reference arrangement including a white reference element, the reference arrangement being adapted to receive optical radiation from at least one of the first illumination device and the second illumination device and to direct the received optical radiation to the detector system via the white reference element, the reference arrangement being arranged upstream of the scanning element; placing a first lighting device in an active lighting position and a second lighting device in a non-active lighting position; directing a first set of illumination beams from a first illumination device toward a first scanning element; based on a state of the first lighting device and / or in response to a user initiated input, initiating an automatic or semi-automatic switching event in which the first lighting device is moved to an inactive lighting position and the second lighting device is moved to an active lighting position, the first and second lighting devices preferably being moved to each one of the inactive and active lighting positions simultaneously; Including, The method, wherein the illumination apparatus is configured to illuminate with an illumination beam from only one of a first and a second illumination device arranged in an active illumination position.

Claims

1. A device (100) for detecting a substance (102), comprising: an illumination device (114) comprising a first illumination device (201) adapted to emit a first set of illumination beams and a second illumination device (202) adapted to emit a second set of illumination beams; a scanning element (136); an optical device adapted to receive and direct at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams toward the scanning element; the scanning element (136) is configured to redirect only one of the first and second sets of illumination beams (116) to a first detection zone (104) through which the substance (102) is delivered; The device (100) a detector system (120) comprising at least one sensor device adapted to receive and analyze optical radiation (122) reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material (102) in the first detection zone (104) in response to the material (102) being illuminated by one of the first and second sets of illumination beams (116); a reference device comprising a white reference element, the reference device adapted to receive optical radiation from at least one of the first illumination device and the second illumination device and to direct the received optical radiation to the detector system via the white reference element; the illumination device further comprising an active illumination position and at least one inactive illumination position; The apparatus (100) comprises an automatic or semi-automatic switching device (200), The automatic or semi-automatic switching device (200) a carrier (205) having a first receiving portion (206) for receiving and holding the first lighting device (201) and a second receiving portion (208) for receiving and holding the second lighting device (202), the carrier being movable between a first position in which the first receiving portion holds the first lighting device in the active lighting position and the second receiving portion holds the second lighting device in one of the at least one inactive lighting positions, and a second position in which the first receiving portion holds the first lighting device in one of the at least one inactive lighting positions and the second receiving portion holds the second lighting device in the active lighting position, the illumination device being configured to illuminate an illumination beam from only one of the first and second lighting devices placed in the active lighting position; a guide element (203) configured to guide the movement of the carrier from the first position to the second position; an actuator for physically moving the carrier from the first position to the second position based on a state of the first lighting device and / or in response to a user-initiated input.

2. the illumination device (114) comprises a first inactive illumination position and a second inactive illumination position, the second illumination device being arranged in the first inactive illumination position when the carrier is arranged in the first position, the first illumination device being arranged in the second inactive illumination position when the carrier is arranged in the second position, and the active illumination position being arranged between the first and second inactive illumination positions in the direction (A) along the guide element; and / or 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the guide element (203) is configured to guide the carrier from the first position to the second position, preferably along a substantially straight path.

3. the switching device further comprising one or more guide elements (203) for guiding the carrier from the first position to the second position along a substantially linear path; 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the guide element preferably comprises one or more guide rails and at least one connector, the at least one connector connecting the carrier to the one or more guide rails.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the switching device further comprises a positioning element (204) for preventing the actuator from moving the carrier beyond the second position.

5. the optical device (100) further comprises a focusing device (134); 2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the focusing device (134) is adapted to focus one of the first set of illumination beams (116) and the second set of illumination beams (118) toward the scanning element (136), preferably to focus the one of the first set of illumination beams (116) and the second set of illumination beams (118) in the vicinity of the first detection zone (104).

6. the detector system (120) comprises a first spectrometer system (120) adapted to analyze optical radiation in a first wavelength interval and optionally a second spectrometer system (120) adapted to analyze optical radiation in a second wavelength interval; and / or The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the detector system (120) comprises a camera-based detector system.

7. the detector system comprises a camera-based detector system, the camera-based detector system comprising: a laser device (126) adapted to project a line of laser light (130) toward the first or second detection zone (106) through which the substance (102) is dispensed; a camera-based sensor device (128) configured to receive and analyze light (132) reflected, emitted, and / or scattered by material (102) in the first or second detection zone (106), the received light (132) of the camera-based sensor device (128) originating from the line of laser light (130); The apparatus (100) of claim 6, comprising a laser triangulation system (124) including:

8. the device (100) further comprises a processing unit (113) coupled to the sensor system (120); 2. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, wherein the processing unit (113) is configured to determine a first set of characteristics associated with a substance (102) in the first detection zone (106) based on an output signal (S1) of the sensor system (120).

9. The first set of characteristics may include the spectral response of the material (102), the material type of the material (102), the color of the material (102), the fluorescence of the material (102), the maturity of the material (102), the dry matter content of the material (102), the moisture content of the material (102), the fat content of the material (102), the oil content of the material (102), the calorific value of the material (102), the presence of bones or fish bones in the material (102), the presence of pests in the material (102), the mineral type of the material (102), 10. The device (100) of claim 8, which indicates at least one of the mineral type of the material (102), the defect level of the material (102), the detection of harmful biological materials in the material (102), the presence of the material (102), the absence of the material (102), the detection of multi-layer materials in the material (102), the detection of fluorescent markers in the material (102), the detection of phosphorescent markers in the material (102), the quality grade of the material (102), the physical structure of the surface of the material (102), and the molecular structure of the material (102).

10. 9. The apparatus (100) of claim 8, wherein the second set of characteristics indicates at least one of the height of the material (102), a height profile of the material (102), a 3D map of the material (102), an intensity profile of reflected, emitted and / or scattered light (132), a center of volume of the material (102), an estimated center of mass of the material (102), an estimated weight of the material (102), an estimated material of the material (102), the presence of the material (102), the absence of the material (102), detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of the material (102), wood structure and quality, surface roughness and texture of the material (102), and an indication of the presence of a fluid within the material (102).

11. The apparatus (100) further comprises an exhaust device (112) coupled to the processing unit (113); 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the ejector (112) is adapted to eject and separate the material (102) into a plurality of portions in response to receiving a signal from the processing unit (113) based on at least the determined first set of characteristics, and the ejector (112) is adapted to eject and separate the material (102) by at least one of a jet of compressed air, a jet of pressurized water, a mechanical finger, a compressed air jet bar, a pressurized water jet bar, a mechanical finger bar, a robotic arm, and a mechanical diverter.

12. The device (100) further comprises: a conveyor (108) for conveying material through said first detection zone (104) and, if present, said second detection zone (106); or 12. The apparatus (100) of claim 1, comprising a chute (148) optionally comprising a vibration feeder for sliding or free-falling the substance through the first detection zone and / or the second detection zone, if present.

13. A method of operating an apparatus (100) for detecting a substance (102), the apparatus (100) comprising: an illumination device (114) comprising a first illumination device adapted to emit a first set of illumination beams (116a) and a second illumination device adapted to emit a second set of illumination beams (116b); a scanning element; an optical device adapted to receive and direct at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams toward the scanning element; the scanning element is configured to redirect the at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams to a first detection zone (104) through which the substance (102) is delivered; The device (100) a detector system (120) comprising at least one sensor device adapted to receive and analyze optical radiation (122) reflected, emitted and / or scattered by the material (102) in the first detection zone (104) in response to the material (102) being illuminated by at least one of the first and second sets of illumination beams; a reference device including a white reference element, the reference device being adapted to receive optical radiation from at least one of the first illumination device and the second illumination device and direct the received optical radiation to the detector system via the white reference element, the reference device being positioned upstream of the scanning element; The method comprises: placing the first lighting device in an active lighting position and the second lighting device in an inactive lighting position; directing a first set of illumination beams from the first illumination device toward the first scanning element; based on a state of the first lighting device and / or in response to a user-initiated input, initiating an automatic or semi-automatic switching event in which the first lighting device is moved to an inactive lighting position and the second lighting device is moved to the active lighting position, wherein the first and second lighting devices are preferably moved to each one of the inactive and active lighting positions simultaneously; Including, The method, wherein the illumination apparatus is configured to illuminate an illumination beam from only one of the first and second illumination devices positioned at the active illumination position.

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