Processes for managing the tobacco supply chain

Abstract

The process for managing the tobacco supply chain includes harvesting and curing tobacco leaves; selecting tobacco by sorting and grouping the tobacco leaves into tobacco bales and automatically analyzing the tobacco in the tobacco bales through imaging and processing the acquired images; processing the tobacco; and packing the tobacco by filling boxes with tobacco, feeding the boxes sequentially along a packing line, compressing the tobacco in the boxes, and automatically analyzing the tobacco in the boxes through imaging and processing the acquired images.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to processes for managing the tobacco supply chain, including tobacco leaf processing, quality sorting, and storage prior to the manufacture of tobacco products. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to automated analysis of tobacco through imaging and processing of acquired images within the tobacco supply chain. The present disclosure also relates to methods for selecting tobacco, tobacco analysis lines, methods for packing tobacco, and tobacco packing lines. [Background technology]

[0002] Tobacco is primarily used for smoking, for example, in cigarettes and cigars, but also in pipes. Traditional smoking articles, such as cigars and cigarettes, as well as tobacco-containing aerosol-generating articles or heat-and-burn cigarettes, are known in the art. Traditional smoking articles are lit at one end and burned without a flame, and the resulting smoke is orally inhaled through the other end. In aerosol-generating articles, the tobacco aerosol-generating substrate is heated rather than burned. Tobacco can also be consumed as snuff, chewing tobacco, dipping tobacco, and snus.

[0003] Tobacco leaves are grown and harvested by farmers, then cured. Curing plays a major role in defining the final quality and characteristics of the leaf. Each tobacco type is cured differently. When the leaves are cured, tobacco farmers sort the leaves according to the position and quality of the stem and pack them separately into bales for delivery to the point of sale. At the point of sale, the leaves are graded by expert leaf buyers who evaluate the quality of the leaves by carefully checking for differences in color, texture, and aroma. Once the tobacco is purchased, it is shipped to a regional processing plant, where the leaves are further processed and dried for homogeneity. After the curing process, the tobacco is pressed into cases for shipment around the world.

[0004] Current known methods of grading / sorting tobacco leaf at the point of sale are based on human knowledge and experience and are common in the production of tobacco blends for cigarette manufacturing.

[0005] It is also known to employ hyperspectral imaging techniques for tobacco leaf classification.

[0006] For example, document U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2012250025 discloses a method and system for grading agricultural products such as tobacco bales using hyperspectral imaging and analysis. The system includes a light source for providing a beam of light, an interferometer or prism array for dispersing electromagnetic radiation emitted from the agricultural product into a corresponding spectral image, a light measurement device for detecting component wavelengths in the corresponding spectral image, and a processor operable to compare the detected component wavelengths with a database of pre-graded agricultural products to identify and select a grade of the agricultural product.

[0007] Document WO2014078862 discloses a method and system for blending agricultural products, such as tobacco, using hyperspectral imaging and analysis. At least one region along a sample of the agricultural product is scanned using at least one light source of a different wavelength. A hyperspectral image is generated from the at least one region. A spectral fingerprint for the agricultural product sample is formed from the hyperspectral image. Multiple samples of the agricultural product are blended based on the spectral fingerprints of the samples according to parameters determined by executing a blending algorithm.

[0008] Document US Patent Application Publication No. 2022 / 369687 discloses a method for producing cut rag tobacco for cigarettes and other products from green tobacco leaves, including pre-industrial and industrial phase steps, in a threshing plant that receives green tobacco leaves from farmers.

[0009] In this field, it would be desirable to improve the integration of imaging technologies along the tobacco supply chain to improve control and precision over chemical composition (e.g., total alkaloids, reducing sugars, and humidity) and quality attributes of tobacco leaves, blends, and products, particularly, but not exclusively, the manufacturing of aerosol-generating articles. Summary of the Invention

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a process for managing a tobacco supply chain. The process includes harvesting and curing tobacco leaves, selecting tobacco through sorting the tobacco leaves, optionally through human visual inspection, and grouping the tobacco leaves into tobacco bales, and automatically analyzing the tobacco within the tobacco bales through imaging and processing of acquired images. The process may further include unbaling, processing the tobacco, and packing the tobacco. After selection and before unbaling, the tobacco bales may be transported to a processing plant. Tobacco packing may be performed through the following steps: filling boxes with tobacco, sequentially feeding the tobacco-filled, open-topped boxes along a packing line, compressing the tobacco within the boxes, and automatically analyzing the tobacco within the boxes through imaging and processing of acquired images. Processing the tobacco may include blending and drying the tobacco. Processing the tobacco may include conditioning the tobacco. After grouping the tobacco leaves into tobacco bales, and before automatically analyzing the tobacco within the tobacco bales, the tobacco bales may be visually inspected by a leaf expert at the point of sale.

[0011] The inventors have found that automated analysis of tobacco in boxes during packing and through imaging and processing of captured images allows for increased control and precision over the chemical composition and quality attributes of tobacco blends. Human interference is minimized, or, where a prior visual inspection by a leaf expert is performed, these two sources of information are compared and complemented.

[0012] The inventors have found that automated analysis of the tobacco within the box during packing and through imaging and processing of captured images allows for the assignment of grade qualities to the blends within the box.

[0013] The inventors have found that the disclosed methodology makes it possible to improve the homogeneity of tobacco blends according to their chemical composition and quality characteristics, and therefore improve the quality of final products (e.g., conventional smoking articles and aerosol-generating articles).

[0014] The inventors have found that the disclosed methodology makes it possible to achieve the above objectives without reducing speed and productivity, and with only a small increase in equipment costs that may be completely offset by quality improvements.

[0015] Imaging and processing of the acquired images may be performed through hyperspectral imaging techniques, which the inventors have found to increase chemical control of the tobacco.

[0016] Selecting tobacco may further include reviewing characteristics of the tobacco bales provided by the automated analysis and grouping the tobacco bales into a set of blends according to the reviewed characteristics. The set of blends may then be transported to a processing plant. The characteristics of the tobacco within the bales may also be transmitted to the processing plant for blending. The inventors have found that a set of blends thus defined and provided to the processing plant makes it easier to construct blends.

[0017] Packing the cigarettes may further include weighing the box, after which the cigarette box may be shipped to a cigarette manufacturer.

[0018] According to some embodiments, automatically analyzing tobacco within a tobacco bale includes: feeding tobacco bales sequentially one after the other along an analysis line, detecting a height of the tobacco bale positioned within the analysis line via a sensor, adjusting the height of the tobacco bale as a function of the height of an imaging scanner located within the analysis line and / or the detected height of the tobacco bale being scanned, moving the tobacco bale under the imaging scanner, acquiring an image through the imaging scanner, and processing the acquired image to provide characteristics of the tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale. The inventors have found that adjusting the height of the imaging scanner and / or the bale ensures a proper scanning distance according to the bale dimensions and correct acquisition of the image.

[0019] Detecting the height of the tobacco bale may be performed while the tobacco bale moves along the analysis line or while each tobacco bale stops in front of a sensor.

[0020] According to some embodiments, adjusting the height of the imaging scanner includes moving the imaging scanner between a plurality of preset heights. Adjusting the height of the imaging scanner may also include identifying a bale type from a plurality of classified different size types from the detected height, and adjusting the height of the imaging scanner according to the identified type. Typically, the size of tobacco bales depends on the country of origin from which they originate, so the inventors have found that each preset height may be associated with one of the countries of origin.

[0021] The imaging scanner may acquire images while the tobacco bale moves in front of said imaging scanner or while each tobacco bale stops in front of the imaging scanner.

[0022] Optionally, fine adjustment of the position of the imaging scanner is performed continuously while acquiring images to keep the imaging scanner at a constant distance from the tobacco bale. The inventors have found that fine adjustment ensures proper scanning distance even when the bale surface is uneven.

[0023] The imaging scanner may be a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera. The characteristics of tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale may include chemical characteristics of the tobacco. The chemical characteristics of tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale may include moisture and / or total alkaloids and / or reducing sugars. The imaging scanner may comprise an optical camera. The characteristics of tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale may include optical properties of the tobacco. Optionally, the optical camera is an RGB camera. The optical property of the tobacco may be color. The imaging scanner may comprise the aforementioned hyperspectral camera and the aforementioned optical camera.

[0024] The reviewed characteristics used to group the tobacco bales into sets of blends may be chemical characteristics of the tobacco and / or optical properties of the tobacco, which may be correlated with tobacco grade quality.

[0025] According to some embodiments, a machine-readable optical label on each bale containing identification data for the bale is optionally read through an optical camera, and the identification data may be transmitted along with tobacco characteristics to a processing plant for blending.

[0026] According to some embodiments, automatically analyzing the tobacco in the box includes detecting the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco in a box placed in the packing line through a sensor, adjusting the height of the box as a function of the height of an imaging scanner located in the packing line and / or the detected height of the top surface of the tobacco in the box, moving the box under the imaging scanner, acquiring images through the imaging scanner, and processing the acquired images to provide characteristics of the tobacco in the box. Detecting the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco may be performed while the box moves along the packing line or while each box stops in front of the sensor. The inventors have found that adjusting the height of the imaging scanner and / or the box ensures a proper scanning distance depending on the box dimensions and the level of tobacco in the box, and therefore enables correct image acquisition.

[0027] The box may include a flap configured to close the open top of the box. The height of the flap of the box may be detected, and the position of the imaging scanner may be adjusted as a function of the detected height of the flap. Detecting the flap height may be performed while the boxes move along the packing line or while each box stops in front of a sensor. The inventors have found that detecting the flap allows for prevention of interference between the flap and the imaging scanner.

[0028] According to some embodiments, detecting the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco and / or detecting the height of the flap is performed prior to acquiring the image through the imaging scanner.

[0029] According to some embodiments, adjusting the height of the imaging scanner includes moving the imaging scanner between a plurality of preset heights, and the inventors have found that each preset height may be associated with a box dimension.

[0030] The height of the imaging scanner may be adjusted to achieve a preset distance from the top surface of the compressed tobacco, which may be between 10 cm and 30 cm, optionally between 15 cm and 25 cm, optionally 20 cm.

[0031] The imaging scanner may be a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera. The characteristics of the tobacco in the cigarette box may include chemical characteristics of the tobacco. The chemical characteristics of the tobacco in the cigarette box may include moisture and / or total alkaloids and / or reducing sugars. The imaging scanner may comprise an optical camera. The characteristics of the tobacco in the cigarette box may include optical characteristics of the tobacco. Optionally, the optical camera is an RGB camera. The optical characteristic of the tobacco may be color. The imaging scanner may comprise the aforementioned hyperspectral camera and the aforementioned optical camera.

[0032] According to some embodiments, the cigarettes in the box are classified according to one of a plurality of classes according to a calibration model, and a quality rating is then provided. Classification may be performed according to chemical signatures and / or optical properties. The optical properties of the cigarettes may be correlated with the grade quality of the cigarettes.

[0033] While the box is being weighed, tobacco may be added to or removed from the box to adjust the weight of the box. Adding or removing tobacco may be a manual operation performed by an operator.

[0034] The characteristics of the tobacco in the box and / or a quality assessment of the tobacco in the box may be sent to a tobacco manufacturer for final blending.

[0035] The present disclosure also relates to a method for selecting tobacco, which includes sorting tobacco leaves, grouping them into bales, and automatically analyzing the tobacco within the tobacco bales through imaging and processing of the acquired images.

[0036] Automatically analyzing tobacco within a tobacco bale may include: feeding tobacco bales in sequence along an analysis line; detecting a height of the tobacco bale positioned within the analysis line via a sensor; adjusting the height of the tobacco bale as a function of a height of an imaging scanner located within the analysis line and / or the detected height of the tobacco bale being scanned; moving the tobacco bale under the imaging scanner; acquiring an image through the imaging scanner; and processing the acquired image to provide characteristics of the tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale.

[0037] In some embodiments, adjusting the height of the imaging scanner includes moving the imaging scanner between a plurality of preset heights. Adjusting the height of the imaging scanner may also include identifying a type of bale from a plurality of classified different size types from the detected height, and adjusting the height of the imaging scanner according to the identified type.

[0038] The imaging scanner may acquire images while the tobacco bale moves in front of said imaging scanner or while each tobacco bale stops in front of the imaging scanner.

[0039] Optionally, fine adjustment of the position of the imaging scanner is performed continuously while acquiring images to keep the imaging scanner at a constant distance from the tobacco bale.

[0040] The imaging scanner may be a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera. The characteristics of tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale may include chemical characteristics of the tobacco. The chemical characteristics of tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale may include moisture and / or total alkaloids and / or reducing sugars. The imaging scanner may comprise an optical camera. The characteristics of tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale may include optical properties of the tobacco. Optionally, the optical camera is an RGB camera. The optical property of the tobacco may be color. The imaging scanner may comprise the aforementioned hyperspectral camera and the aforementioned optical camera.

[0041] The reviewed characteristics used to group the tobacco bales into sets of blends may be chemical characteristics of the tobacco and / or optical properties of the tobacco, which may be correlated with tobacco grade quality.

[0042] According to some embodiments, a machine-readable optical label on each bale containing identification data for the bale is optionally read through an optical camera, and the identification data may be transmitted along with tobacco characteristics to a processing plant for blending.

[0043] The present disclosure also relates to a method for packing tobacco, the method for packing tobacco comprising: feeding tobacco-filled, open-topped boxes sequentially along a packing line, compressing the tobacco within the boxes, and automatically analyzing the tobacco within the boxes through imaging and processing of the acquired images. The method for packing tobacco may also include weighing the boxes.

[0044] Automatically analyzing the tobacco in the box may include detecting a height of a top surface of compressed tobacco in a box placed in the packing line through a sensor, adjusting the height of the box as a function of the height of an imaging scanner located in the packing line and / or the detected height of the top surface of tobacco in the box, moving the box under the imaging scanner, acquiring images through the imaging scanner, and processing the acquired images to provide characteristics of the tobacco in the box. Detecting the height of the top surface of compressed tobacco may be performed while the boxes move along the packing line or while each box stops in front of the sensor.

[0045] The boxes may include flaps configured to close the open tops of the boxes. The height of the box flaps may be detected, and the position of the imaging scanner may be adjusted as a function of the detected height of the flaps. Detecting the flap height may be performed while the boxes move along the packing line or while each box stops in front of a sensor.

[0046] According to some embodiments, detecting the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco and / or detecting the height of the flap is performed prior to acquiring the image through the imaging scanner.

[0047] According to some embodiments, adjusting the height of the imaging scanner comprises moving the imaging scanner between a plurality of pre-set heights.

[0048] The height of the imaging scanner may be adjusted to achieve a preset distance from the top surface of the compressed tobacco, which may be between 10 cm and 30 cm, optionally between 15 cm and 25 cm, optionally 20 cm.

[0049] The imaging scanner may be a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera. The characteristics of the tobacco in the cigarette box may include chemical characteristics of the tobacco. The chemical characteristics of the tobacco in the cigarette box may include moisture and / or total alkaloids and / or reducing sugars. The imaging scanner may comprise an optical camera. The characteristics of the tobacco in the cigarette box may include optical characteristics of the tobacco. Optionally, the optical camera is an RGB camera. The optical characteristic of the tobacco may be color. The imaging scanner may comprise the aforementioned hyperspectral camera and the aforementioned optical camera.

[0050] According to some embodiments, the cigarettes in the box are classified according to one of a plurality of classes according to a calibration model, and a quality rating is then provided. Classification may be performed according to chemical signatures and / or optical properties. The optical properties of the cigarettes may be correlated with the grade quality of the cigarettes.

[0051] While the box is being weighed, tobacco may be added to or removed from the box to adjust the weight of the box. Adding or removing tobacco may be a manual operation performed by an operator.

[0052] The characteristics of the tobacco in the box and / or a quality assessment of the tobacco in the box may be sent to a tobacco manufacturer for final blending.

[0053] The present disclosure also relates to a tobacco analysis line configured to automatically analyze tobacco, and may be configured to automatically analyze tobacco in the method for selecting tobacco disclosed above.

[0054] Tobacco analysis line an analysis conveyor configured to sequentially deliver the tobacco bales one after the other; a sensor located along the analysis conveyor and configured to detect the height of a tobacco bale placed on the analysis conveyor; an imaging scanner located along the analysis conveyor and configured to capture images of the tobacco bale; a movement mechanism configured to support the imaging scanner and adjust the height of the imaging scanner; and a control unit operably connected to the analysis conveyor, to the sensor, to the movement mechanism, and to the imaging scanner.

[0055] The control unit may be configured to or programmed to control the analysis conveyor for moving said analysis conveyor and the tobacco bales.

[0056] The control unit may be configured or programmed to perform the following steps: receiving a signal from the sensor that correlates to the height of the tobacco bale; Controlling the movement mechanism to adjust the height of the imaging scanner as a function of the detected height of the tobacco bale.

[0057] The control unit may be configured or programmed to perform the following steps: moving the tobacco bale under an imaging scanner; controlling an imaging scanner to acquire an image; receiving an image acquired by the imaging scanner and processing the acquired image to provide a characteristic of the tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale;

[0058] According to some embodiments, the tobacco analysis line comprises a frame mounted above the analysis conveyor, and the movement mechanism is mounted on said frame.

[0059] The movement mechanism may be configured to position the imaging scanner between a plurality of preset heights, and may include a device for fine adjustment of the position of the imaging scanner near each of the preset heights.

[0060] According to some embodiments, the sensor for detecting the height of the tobacco bale is an optical sensor.

[0061] The imaging scanner may be a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera. The imaging scanner may comprise an optical camera. Optionally, the optical camera is an RGB camera. The imaging scanner may comprise the aforementioned hyperspectral camera and the aforementioned optical camera.

[0062] Processing the acquired images may include determining chemical characteristics of the tobacco, such as moisture, total alkaloids, and reducing sugars, and / or optical properties of the tobacco, such as color. Processing the acquired images may also include classifying the tobacco from the chemical characteristics and / or optical properties. The control unit may be configured or programmed to correlate the optical properties for the tobacco to a grade quality of the tobacco.

[0063] The present disclosure also relates to a cigarette packing line, which may be configured to carry out the method for packing cigarettes disclosed above.

[0064] The cigarette packing line may comprise: a filling machine configured to fill the boxes with tobacco; a packing conveyor configured to feed the boxes one after the other in a sequential order; a press located above the packing conveyor and downstream of the filling machine and configured to press the tobacco in the boxes; an imaging scanner located downstream of the press along the packing conveyor and configured to capture an image of the top surface of the compressed tobacco within the box; A control unit operatively connected to the filling machine, to the packing conveyor, and to the imaging scanner.

[0065] The tobacco packing line may also include a sensor located along the packing conveyor downstream from the press and configured to detect the top surface of the compressed tobacco in the box.

[0066] The cigarette packing line may also include a movement mechanism configured to support the imaging scanner and adjust the height of the imaging scanner.

[0067] The cigarette packing line may also include a weighing unit positioned downstream of the imaging scanner and configured to weigh the boxes on the packing conveyor.

[0068] The control unit may also be operatively connected to an optional sensor, to an optional movement mechanism, and to an optional weighing unit.

[0069] The control unit may be configured to perform the following steps: controlling a packing conveyor to move said packing conveyor and boxes; controlling the press to press the tobacco in the box; moving the box under the imaging scanner; controlling an imaging scanner to acquire an image; receiving an image acquired by the imaging scanner and processing the acquired image to provide a characteristic of the cigarettes in the box;

[0070] The control unit may also be configured to perform the following steps: receiving a signal from the sensor that correlates to the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco within the box; Controlling the movement mechanism to adjust the height of the imaging scanner as a function of the detected height of the upper surface.

[0071] The control unit may also be configured to control the weighing unit to weigh the box.

[0072] According to some embodiments, the cigarette packing line comprises a frame mounted above the packing conveyor, and the movement mechanism is mounted on said frame.

[0073] The movement mechanism may be configured to position the imaging scanner between a plurality of pre-set heights.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the tobacco packing line may also comprise a further press located downstream of the weighing unit, and the control unit may be operatively connected to the further press and configured to control said further press to press the tobacco in the boxes after weighing.

[0075] According to some embodiments, if the box is provided with a flap configured to close the open top of the box, the sensor for detecting the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco and / or the height of the flap of the box is an optical sensor.

[0076] The imaging scanner may be a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera. The imaging scanner may comprise an optical camera. Optionally, the optical camera is an RGB camera. The imaging scanner may comprise the aforementioned hyperspectral camera and the aforementioned optical camera.

[0077] Processing the acquired images may include determining chemical characteristics of the tobacco, such as moisture, total alkaloids, and reducing sugars, and / or optical properties of the tobacco, such as color. Processing the acquired images may also include providing a quality assessment of the tobacco from the chemical characteristics and / or optical properties. The control unit may be configured or programmed to correlate the optical properties for the tobacco to a tobacco grade quality.

[0078] As used herein, a hyperspectral imaging scanner is a hyperspectral imaging system that collects and processes information across the electromagnetic spectrum to obtain a spectrum for each pixel in an image of a scene for the purpose of identifying the chemical composition of the material. Hyperspectral imaging technology is a non-destructive, non-contact technology that can be used without damaging the object / material being analyzed. The hyperspectral imaging scanners described herein may be known per se and may be commercially available. A hyperspectral imaging scanner typically includes a hyperspectral camera and a light source to provide a beam of light to illuminate the surface to be scanned. The hyperspectral imaging scanner analyzes how the leaf surface reflects or absorbs light. The light source "floods" light onto the tobacco leaf, and the hyperspectral camera then scans the reflected light over a wide range of wavelengths, generating a spectrum that can be related to chemical content.

[0079] As used herein, optical properties of tobacco, such as color, acquired through an optical camera, such as an RGB camera, may be used through a calibration model to measure the quality of a given tobacco grade.

[0080] As used herein, the term "automatically" specifically refers to the adaptation of modern digital electronic computers programmed to perform a sequence of arithmetic or logical operations configured to process acquired images.

[0081] The present invention is defined in the claims. However, below is provided a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples. Any one or more of the features of these examples may be combined with any one or more features described above, for example, with any one or more features of other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0082] EX1. A process for managing the tobacco supply chain, comprising: Harvesting and curing tobacco leaves; below: Sorting and grouping the tobacco leaves into tobacco bales; A process comprising automatically analyzing tobacco within a tobacco bale through imaging and processing of acquired images, optionally through hyperspectral imaging techniques; and selecting tobacco through the imaging and processing of acquired images.

[0083] EX2. Unveiling the veil and processing the tobacco, optionally processing the tobacco including blending and drying the tobacco; below: filling the boxes with tobacco; feeding the tobacco-filled, open-topped boxes sequentially along a packing line; compressing the tobacco in the box; A process according to EX1 further comprising automatically analyzing the cigarettes in the box through imaging and processing of the acquired images, optionally through hyperspectral imaging techniques, and packing the cigarettes through.

[0084] EX3. The process according to EX1 or EX2, wherein sorting of tobacco leaves is performed through human visual inspection and / or automatic analysis of the tobacco in the tobacco bales, and said tobacco bales are visually inspected by at least one leaf expert.

[0085] EX4. The process according to any of EX1-EX3, wherein selecting tobacco further comprises reviewing characteristics of the tobacco bales provided by the automated analysis, and grouping the tobacco bales into sets of blends according to the reviewed characteristics.

[0086] EX5. The process according to EX4, wherein selecting tobacco further comprises transporting the set of blends to a processing plant.

[0087] EX6. After selection and before unbaling, the tobacco bales are transported to a processing plant, either by EX2 or, if by EX2, by any of EX3-EX5.

[0088] EX7. The process according to EX2 or EX6, or according to any of EX3 to EX5 when according to EX2, wherein packing the cigarettes further comprises weighing the boxes.

[0089] EX8. After weighing, the cigarette boxes are sent to the cigarette manufacturer, a process according to EX7.

[0090] EX9. A method for selecting tobacco, comprising: Sorting and grouping the tobacco leaves into bales; and automatically analyzing the tobacco within the tobacco bale through imaging and processing the acquired images.

[0091] EX10. Automatically analyzing tobacco within a tobacco bale The tobacco bales are sent sequentially along the analysis line, detecting the height of the tobacco bale placed in the analysis line through a sensor; adjusting the height of the tobacco bale as a function of the height of the imaging scanner located within the analysis line and / or the detected height of the tobacco bale being scanned; moving the tobacco bale under an imaging scanner; The process according to any of EX1 to EX8 or the method according to EX9, comprising acquiring an image through an imaging scanner and processing the acquired image to provide characteristics of the tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale.

[0092] EX11. A process or method according to EX10, wherein detecting the height of the tobacco bale is performed while the tobacco bale moves along the tobacco analysis line or while each box stops in front of a sensor.

[0093] EX12. The process or method according to EX10 or EX11, wherein adjusting the height of the imaging scanner comprises moving the imaging scanner between a plurality of preset heights.

[0094] EX13. The process or method according to any of EX10-EX12, wherein adjusting the height of the imaging scanner includes identifying a type of bale from a plurality of classified types of different sizes from the detected height, and adjusting the height of the imaging scanner according to the identified type.

[0095] EX14. A process or method according to any of EX10 to EX13, wherein an imaging scanner acquires images of the tobacco bale while it moves in front of said imaging scanner.

[0096] EX15. A process or method according to any of EX10-EX14, wherein fine adjustment of the position of the imaging scanner is performed continuously while acquiring images to keep the imaging scanner at a constant distance from the tobacco bale.

[0097] EX16. The process or method according to any of EX10-EX15, wherein the imaging scanner is a hyperspectral imaging scanner including a hyperspectral camera, and wherein the characteristics of tobacco in the scanned tobacco bale include chemical characteristics of the tobacco, and optionally the hyperspectral imaging scanner further includes a light source for providing a beam of light for illuminating the tobacco being scanned.

[0098] EX17. A process or method according to EX16, wherein the chemical characteristics of tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale include moisture, total alkaloids, and reducing sugars.

[0099] EX18. The process or method according to any of EX10 to EX17, wherein the imaging scanner comprises an optical camera, and the characteristics of the tobacco in the scanned tobacco bale comprise optical properties of the tobacco.

[0100] EX19. A process or method according to EX18, wherein the optical camera is an RGB camera and the optical property of the tobacco is color.

[0101] EX20. A process or method according to EX18 or EX19, where the reviewed characteristics used for grouping tobacco bales in sets of blends are chemical characteristics of tobacco and / or optical properties of tobacco, according to EX16 or EX17, and / or where EX10 is according to EX4 or EX5.

[0102] EX21. The process or method according to any of EX10-EX20, further comprising sending the characteristics to a processing plant for blending.

[0103] EX22. A process or method according to any of EX10-EX21, further comprising reading a machine-readable optical label on each bale containing identification data for the bale.

[0104] EX23. A process or method according to EX22 when according to EX18 or EX19, wherein the machine-readable optical label is red through an optical camera.

[0105] EX24. A process or method according to EX23 when according to EX21, including transmitting the identification data to a processing plant for blending together with tobacco characteristics.

[0106] EX25. A method for packing tobacco, comprising: feeding the tobacco-filled, open-topped boxes sequentially along a packing line; compressing the tobacco in the box; automatically analyzing the cigarettes in the box through imaging and processing of the acquired images; Optionally, weighing the box.

[0107] EX26. Automatic analysis of cigarettes in boxes detecting via a sensor the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco in a box placed in the packing line; adjusting the height of the box as a function of the height of an imaging scanner located in the packing line and / or the detected height of the top surface of the cigarettes in the box; moving the box under an imaging scanner; A process according to EX2, or if according to EX2, according to any of EX3 to EX8, or if according to EX2, according to any of EX10 to EX24, or a method according to EX25, comprising acquiring an image via an imaging scanner and processing the acquired image to provide a characteristic of the cigarettes in the box.

[0108] EX27. A process or method according to EX26, in which detecting the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco is performed while the boxes are moving along the packing line or while each box is stopped in front of a sensor.

[0109] EX28. The process or method according to EX26 or EX27, further comprising detecting a height of a flap of the box and adjusting the position of the imaging scanner as a function of the detected height of the flap, the flap being configured to close the open top of the box.

[0110] EX29. A process or method according to EX28, in which detecting the height of the flap is performed while the boxes are moving along the packing line or while each box is stopped in front of a sensor.

[0111] EX30. A process or method according to any of EX26 to EX29, wherein detecting the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco is performed before acquiring the image through the imaging scanner.

[0112] EX31. A process or method according to EX30 when according to EX28 or EX29, or according to EX28 or EX29, wherein detecting the height of the flap is performed before acquiring an image through an imaging scanner.

[0113] EX32. The process or method according to any of EX26 to EX31, wherein adjusting the height of the imaging scanner comprises moving the imaging scanner between a plurality of pre-set heights.

[0114] EX33. A process or method according to any of EX26 to EX32, wherein the height of the imaging scanner is adjusted to achieve a preset distance from the top surface of the compressed tobacco.

[0115] EX34. The process or method according to EX33, wherein said preset distance is between 10 cm and 30 cm, optionally between 15 cm and 25 cm, optionally 20 cm.

[0116] EX35. A process or method according to any of EX26 to EX34, wherein the imaging scanner is a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera, and wherein the characteristics of the cigarettes in the box comprise chemical characteristics, and optionally the hyperspectral imaging scanner further comprises a light source for providing a beam of light to illuminate the cigarettes to be scanned.

[0117] EX36. A process or method according to EX35, wherein the chemical characteristics of the tobacco in the box include moisture and / or total alkaloids and / or reducing sugars.

[0118] EX37. A process or method according to any of EX26 to EX36, wherein the imaging scanner comprises an optical camera and the characteristics of the cigarettes in the box include optical properties of the cigarettes.

[0119] EX38. A process or method according to EX37, in which the optical camera is an RGB camera and the optical property of the tobacco is color.

[0120] EX39. A process or method according to EX35 or EX36 and / or according to EX37 or EX38, further comprising classifying the cigarettes in the box according to one of a plurality of classes according to a calibration model and providing a quality assessment, the classification being carried out according to chemical and / or optical characteristics.

[0121] EX40. A process or method according to any of EX26 to EX39, further comprising adding or removing tobacco to / from the box during weighing to adjust the weight of the box.

[0122] EX41. A process or method according to any of EX26 to EX40, including further compressing the tobacco after weighing.

[0123] EX42. The process or method according to any of EX26 to EX41, further comprising transmitting the characteristics of the tobacco in the box to a tobacco manufacturer for final blending.

[0124] EX43. A process or method according to EX42, when according to EX39, for transmitting an assessment of the quality of the cigarettes in the box to the cigarette manufacturer.

[0125] EX44. A tobacco analysis line configured to automatically analyze tobacco with the method for selecting tobacco according to EX9 to EX24.

[0126] EX45. an analysis conveyor configured to sequentially deliver the tobacco bales one after the other; a sensor located along the analysis conveyor and configured to detect the height of a tobacco bale placed on the analysis conveyor; an imaging scanner located along the analysis conveyor and configured to capture images of the tobacco bale; a movement mechanism configured to support the imaging scanner and adjust the height of the imaging scanner; a control unit operatively connected to the analysis conveyor, to the sensor, to the movement mechanism, and to the imaging scanner, the control unit performing the following steps: controlling an analysis conveyor to move said analysis conveyor and tobacco bales; receiving a signal from the sensor that correlates to the height of the tobacco bale; controlling the movement mechanism to adjust the height of the imaging scanner as a function of the detected height of the tobacco bale; moving the tobacco bale under an imaging scanner; controlling an imaging scanner to acquire an image; and a control unit configured or programmed to receive images acquired by the imaging scanner and process the acquired images to provide characteristics of tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale.

[0127] EX46. A tobacco analysis line as in EX45, comprising a frame mounted above the analysis conveyor, the movement mechanism being mounted on said frame.

[0128] EX47. A tobacco analysis line according to EX45 or EX46, wherein the movement mechanism is configured to position the imaging scanner between a plurality of pre-set heights.

[0129] EX48. A tobacco analysis line according to any of EX45 to EX47, wherein the movement mechanism comprises a device for fine adjustment of the position of the imaging scanner near each of the preset heights.

[0130] EX49. A tobacco analysis line using any of EX45 to EX48, in which the sensor for detecting the height of the tobacco bale is an optical sensor.

[0131] EX50. A tobacco analysis line according to any of EX45 to EX49, wherein the imaging scanner is a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera, and optionally the hyperspectral imaging scanner further comprises a light source for providing a beam of light to illuminate the tobacco to be scanned.

[0132] EX51. A tobacco analysis line according to any of EX45 to EX50, in which the imaging scanner comprises an optical camera, optionally an RGB camera.

[0133] EX52. A tobacco analysis line according to any of EX45 to EX51, wherein processing the acquired images includes determining chemical characteristics of the tobacco, such as moisture, total alkaloids, and reducing sugars, and / or optical properties of the tobacco, such as color.

[0134] EX53. A tobacco analysis line according to EX52, wherein processing the acquired images includes classifying tobacco based on chemical and / or optical characteristics.

[0135] EX54. A cigarette packing line configured to carry out the method for packing cigarettes according to EX25 to EX43.

[0136] EX55. a filling machine configured to fill the boxes with tobacco; a packing conveyor configured to feed the boxes one after another in a sequential order; a press located above the packing conveyor and downstream of the filling machine and configured to press the tobacco in the boxes; an optional sensor located along the packing conveyor downstream of the press and configured to detect the top surface of the compressed tobacco in the box; an imaging scanner located along the packing conveyor downstream of the press and configured to capture an image of the top surface of the compressed tobacco within the box; an optional movement mechanism configured to support the imaging scanner and adjust the height of the imaging scanner; an optional weighing unit positioned downstream of the imaging scanner and configured to weigh boxes on the packing conveyor; a control unit operatively connected to the filling machine, to the packing conveyor, to the optional sensor, to the optional movement mechanism, to the optional weighing unit, and to the imaging scanner, the control unit performing the following steps: controlling a packing conveyor to move said packing conveyor and boxes; controlling the press to press the tobacco in the box; Optionally, receiving a signal from a sensor that correlates with the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco within the box; optionally controlling the movement mechanism to adjust the height of the imaging scanner as a function of the detected height of the upper surface; moving the box under the imaging scanner; controlling an imaging scanner to acquire an image; receiving an image acquired by the imaging scanner and processing the acquired image to provide a characteristic of the cigarettes in the box; Optionally, a control unit configured to control the weighing unit to weigh the boxes.

[0137] EX56. A tobacco packing line according to EX55, comprising a frame mounted above the packing conveyor, the transfer mechanism being mounted on said frame.

[0138] EX57. A cigarette packing line according to EX55 or EX56, wherein the movement mechanism is configured to position the imaging scanner between a plurality of preset heights.

[0139] EX58. A tobacco packing line according to any of EX55 to EX57, wherein the sensor for detecting the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco and / or the height of the box flap is an optical sensor.

[0140] EX59. A cigarette packing line according to any of EX55 to EX58, wherein the imaging scanner is a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera, and optionally the hyperspectral imaging scanner further comprises a light source for providing a beam of light to illuminate the cigarettes to be scanned.

[0141] EX60. A cigarette packing line according to any of EX55 to EX59, wherein the imaging scanner comprises an optical camera, optionally an RGB camera.

[0142] EX61. A tobacco packing line according to any of EX55 to EX60, wherein processing the acquired images includes determining chemical characteristics of the tobacco, such as moisture, total alkaloids, and reducing sugars, and / or optical properties of the tobacco, such as color.

[0143] EX62. A tobacco packing line according to EX61, wherein processing the acquired images includes providing a quality assessment of the tobacco from chemical and / or optical characteristics.

[0144] EX63. A tobacco packing line according to any of EX55 to EX62, comprising a further press located downstream of the weighing unit, wherein the control unit is operatively connected to the further press and configured to control said further press to press the tobacco in the boxes after weighing.

[0145] EX64. A process or method according to EX16 and EX18, or a process or method according to EX35 and EX37, or a tobacco analysis line according to EX52 or EX53, or a tobacco packing line according to EX61 or EX62, wherein the optical properties of the tobacco are correlated with the grading quality of the tobacco, or the control unit is configured or programmed to correlate the optical properties of the tobacco with the grading quality of the tobacco.

[0146] The embodiments will now be further described with reference to the figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0147] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a flow chart that shows a schematic overview of the tobacco supply chain. [Figure 2A] 2A and 2B are graphical illustrations of the flowchart of FIG. [Figure 2B] 2A and 2B are graphical illustrations of the flowchart of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a tobacco analysis line implemented within the tobacco supply chain of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a tobacco packing line implemented within the tobacco supply chain of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0148] Figures 1, 2A, and 2B show the tobacco supply chain. Tobacco plants are grown and harvested by farmers, and the tobacco leaves are then cured (Figures 1 and 2A, letter A). Each tobacco type may be cured differently. Once the tobacco leaves are cured, the tobacco farmers sort them through human visual inspection and according to the position and quality of the stem. The tobacco leaves are then grouped into bales 1 for delivery to sales points (Figures 1 and 2A, letter B).

[0149] At the point of sale, tobacco bales 1 are transported along a purchasing line and a selection line, where they are visually inspected by leaf specialists and then automatically analyzed using hyperspectral imaging technology through imaging and processing of the acquired images (Figures 1 and 2A, letter C). The automatic analysis provides characteristics of the tobacco in the scanned tobacco bales 1. The characteristics include tobacco chemical characteristics, i.e., moisture content, total alkaloids, and reducing sugars, as well as tobacco optical properties, i.e., color. These characteristics are reviewed by an operator or automatically through an algorithm, and the tobacco bales 1 are grouped into blend sets 2 according to the reviewed characteristics (Figures 1 and 2A, letter D).

[0150] Figure 3 shows details of a tobacco analysis line 3 configured to select tobacco at one of the purchasing and selection lines. The tobacco analysis line 3 includes an analysis conveyor 4 configured to feed the tobacco bales 1 sequentially along a feeding direction "FD." In the non-limiting example of Figure 3, the analysis conveyor 4 includes a series of conveyor belts positioned one after the other.

[0151] A frame 5 is installed near the analysis conveyor 4, and the top of said frame 5 is positioned above the analysis conveyor 4. The top supports an optical sensor 6 and an imaging scanner 7. The optical sensor 6 and the imaging scanner 7 are also represented schematically in Figure 2A.

[0152] An optical sensor 6, such as a laser sensor, is mounted and oriented to be directed towards the tobacco bale 1 moving along the analysis conveyor 4 and to detect the height of the tobacco bale 1 placed on the analysis conveyor 4. Detection of the height of the tobacco bale 1 may be performed while the tobacco bale 1 moves along the tobacco analysis line 3 or while each box stops in front of the optical sensor 6. The optical sensor 6 is operably connected to a control unit 8 and transmits a signal to the control unit 8 related to the distance from the optical sensor 6 to the tobacco bale 1. The control unit 8 is programmed or configured to determine the detected height of the bale 1 from such signal.

[0153] Typically, the dimensions of the bales 1 depend on the origin they come from, and all bales 1 from the same origin have similar dimensions. Example dimensions are listed in Table 1 below.

[0154] [Table 1]

[0155] The control unit 8 is therefore programmed or configured to identify the type of bale 1 from a plurality of classified types of different sizes from the detected height.

[0156] The imaging scanner 7 is mounted and oriented so as to be directed toward the tobacco bale 1 moving along the analysis conveyor 4, and is operably connected to the control unit 8. The imaging scanner 7 is a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera 9 and an optical camera 10. The imaging scanner 7 also comprises one or more light sources, not shown in the drawings, for illuminating the surface of the tobacco being scanned. The hyperspectral camera 9 collects and processes information across the electromagnetic spectrum to obtain a spectrum for each pixel in the image of the scene for the purpose of identifying the chemical characteristics of the tobacco within the tobacco bale 1, namely, moisture content, total alkaloids, and reducing sugars. The optical camera 10 is an RGB (red, green, blue) camera and also provides the color of the tobacco within the tobacco bale 1. The optical camera 10 is also configured to read machine-readable optical labels, such as barcodes or QR codes.

[0157] The imaging scanner 7 is mounted on the frame 5 via a movement mechanism 11, which is represented diagrammatically in Figure 3. The movement mechanism 11 supports the imaging scanner 7 and is configured to adjust the height of the imaging scanner 7, i.e., the distance of the imaging scanner 7 relative to the analysis conveyor 4 that supports the bale 1.

[0158] The control unit 8 is programmed or configured to control the movement mechanism 11 and to adjust the height of the imaging scanner 7 as a function of the detected height of the tobacco bale 1 to be scanned, so that the distance of the imaging scanner 7 from the surface of the bale 1 is kept within a certain range, even if the bale 1 to be scanned has different dimensions. According to an alternative embodiment not shown, instead of or in addition to adjusting the height of the imaging scanner 7, the height of the tobacco bale 1 on the analysis conveyor 4 and / or the height of the analysis conveyor 4 may be adjusted.

[0159] Because there are multiple classified bales 1 of different sizes, the moving mechanism 11 is configured to move the imaging scanner 7 between multiple preset heights, each corresponding to an identified type of bale 1. For example, the imaging scanner 7 moves to a lower position (origin 2 in Table 1) to scan small bales 1', represented by dashed lines in FIG. 3, and moves to an upper position (origin 1 in Table 1) to scan larger bales 1, represented by solid lines in FIG. 3.

[0160] The movement mechanism 11 is also provided with a device for fine adjustment of the position of the imaging scanner 7. Once the imaging scanner 7 is in the upper or lower position, the control unit 8 is programmed or configured to control the device for fine adjustment to move the imaging scanner 7 close to each of the preset heights.

[0161] As the tobacco bale 1 moves under the optical sensor 6, the control unit 8 determines the height of the detected bale 1 from the signal derived from the optical sensor 6, and controls the movement mechanism 11 to adjust the height of the imaging scanner 7. The control unit 8 is also operatively connected to the analysis conveyor 4 to move said analysis conveyor 4 and the tobacco bale 2.

[0162] Then, while the tobacco bale 1 moves or stops under the imaging scanner 7, the control unit 8 acquires images through the imaging scanner 7 and processes the acquired images to calculate the moisture content, total alkaloids, reducing sugars, and color of the tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale 1. In addition, an RGB camera reads a machine-readable optical label 12 (e.g., a QR code®) placed on each bale 1 and containing the bale's 1 identification data. The hyperspectral imaging scanner analyzes how the leaf surface reflects or absorbs light. A light source "floods" light onto the tobacco leaf, and the hyperspectral camera then scans the reflected light over a wide range of wavelengths, generating a spectrum that can then be related to chemical content.

[0163] The characteristics of each bale 1 (moisture, total alkaloids, reducing sugars, color) are associated with the same bale 1 identification data, and as disclosed above, the tobacco bales 1 are classified and grouped into blend sets 2. The control unit 8 may also be programmed or configured to correlate tobacco color to tobacco grade quality.

[0164] The characteristics, together with the identification data, are transmitted to the processing plant where blend set 2 is sent for blending (Figures 1 and 2A, letter E).

[0165] At the processing plant, as illustrated schematically in Figure 2B, the bale 1 is unwound and the tobacco is processed (Figures 1 and 2B, letter F). Processing includes blending, conditioning, and drying the tobacco.

[0166] After processing, the tobacco blend is packaged. Boxes 13 are filled with tobacco (Figures 1 and 2B, letter G) and weighed (Figures 1 and 2B, letter J). Boxes 13 are made of cardboard, have a parallelepiped shape, and are open at the top. Box 13 has flaps 14 protruding from the side walls of box 13 and configured to close the top of box 13.

[0167] 4 shows a packing line 15 configured to pack a tobacco blend. The packing line 15 includes a packing conveyor 16 configured to feed boxes one after the other along a conveying direction "CD." The illustrated and non-limiting embodiment of the packing conveyor 15 includes a plurality of conveyors positioned one after the other. The packing line 15 includes a filling machine 17 positioned above a first conveyor and configured to fill the boxes 13 with tobacco.

[0168] Downstream of the filling machine 17, a press 18 is located above the second of the packing conveyors 16, and said press 18 is configured to press the tobacco in the boxes 13 (Figures 1 and 2B, letter H). Figure 4 shows the press 18 in solid lines while it is pressing the tobacco in the boxes 13, and also shows the same press 18 in dashed lines in a rest position spaced apart from the boxes 13.

[0169] An optical sensor 19 is located along the packing conveyor 16 downstream of the press 18 in the conveying direction "CD". The optical sensor 19 is mounted on a frame 20 extending above the packing conveyor 16 and is configured to detect the top surface of the compressed tobacco filling the boxes 13. The optical sensor 20 is operably connected to a control unit 21 of the packing line 15. The control unit 21 is configured or programmed to receive signals from the optical sensor 19 and to detect the height or position of the top surface of the compressed tobacco within the boxes 13, and the height or position of the flaps 14. The control unit 21 is also configured to control and move the packing conveyor 16 and the boxes 13, and to control the filling machine 17 to fill the boxes 13.

[0170] Downstream of the optical sensor 19, the packing line 15 is equipped with a hyperspectral imaging scanner 22 mounted on a frame 20 above the packing conveyor 16. The hyperspectral imaging scanner 22 comprises a hyperspectral camera 23 and one or more light sources for providing a beam of light for illuminating the cigarettes during scanning. The hyperspectral imaging scanner 22 further comprises an optical RGB camera 24. The hyperspectral imaging scanner 22 of the packing line 15 may be known per se and / or may be of the same type as the hyperspectral imaging scanner 9 of the cigarette analysis line 3.

[0171] The hyperspectral camera 23 collects and processes information from across the electromagnetic spectrum to obtain a spectrum for each pixel in the image of the scene for the purpose of identifying the chemical characteristics of the tobacco in box 13, i.e., moisture, total alkaloids, and reducing sugars. The optical camera 10 is an RGB (red, green, blue) camera and also provides the color of the tobacco in box 13.

[0172] The hyperspectral imaging scanner 22 is mounted on the frame 20 via a movement mechanism 25, which is represented diagrammatically in Figure 4. The movement mechanism 25 supports the imaging scanner 22 and is configured to adjust the height of the imaging scanner 22, i.e., the distance of the imaging scanner 22 relative to the analysis conveyor 4 supporting the boxes 13 and relative to the top surface of the compressed tobacco in the boxes 13, as a function of the height of the top surface of the tobacco in the boxes detected through the optical sensor 19.

[0173] The control unit 21 is programmed or configured to control the movement mechanism 25 and to adjust the height of the imaging scanner 22 as a function of the detected height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco in the box 13 to be scanned, so that even if the tobacco level in the box 13 varies from box to box (e.g. when the tobacco type is changed), the distance of the imaging scanner 22 from the top surface is kept within a certain range. For example, the height of the imaging scanner 22 is adjusted to achieve a preset distance of 15 cm to 25 cm from the top surface of the compressed tobacco.

[0174] If the boxes 13 may be sorted according to multiple standard sizes, or if the same box is filled with different standard levels of tobacco, the moving mechanism 25 is configured to move the imaging scanner 22 between multiple pre-set heights, each corresponding to an identified type of box 13 or level of tobacco.

[0175] When a cigarette box 13 moves under or stops in front of the optical sensor 19, the control unit 21 determines the height of the top surface of the cigarettes in the box 13 from the signal derived from the optical sensor 19 and controls the movement mechanism 25 to adjust the height of the imaging scanner 22. The control unit 21 is also operatively connected to the packing conveyor 16 for moving the packing conveyor 16 and the boxes 13 as described above.

[0176] The control unit 21 may also determine the height of the flap 14 of the box 13 and adjust the height of the imaging scanner 22 to avoid interference with the flap 14 .

[0177] Then, while box 13 moves or stops under imaging scanner 22, control unit 21 acquires images through imaging scanner 22 and processes the acquired images to calculate the moisture content, total alkaloids, reducing sugars and color of the tobacco in box 13 (Figures 1 and 2B, letter I).

[0178] These characteristics of the tobacco in each box 13 (moisture, total alkaloids, reducing sugars, color) are analyzed by control unit 21, and the tobacco in box 13 is classified according to one of a number of classes and through a calibration model. This is a digital grading used to give the tobacco box 13 a quality rating, which may then be used by a blender or tobacco manufacturer to optimize which tobaccos go into which final blend. Control unit 8 may also be programmed or configured to correlate tobacco color to tobacco grade quality.

[0179] Downstream of the imaging scanner 22, the packing line 15 comprises a weighing unit 26. In the illustrated embodiment, the weighing unit 26 is part of one of the conveyors and is configured to weigh the boxes 13 placed on said conveyor. The weight may be provided to an operator at the weighing unit 26, for example via a display, and the operator may add or remove tobacco to / from the boxes 13 in order to fine-tune the weight of the boxes 13.

[0180] After weighing and adjusting the weight, the boxes 13 are conveyed to a further press 27 (not shown in Figure 2B) located downstream of the weighing unit 26. The control unit 21 is operatively connected to the further press 27 and is configured to control said further press 27 to press the tobacco in the boxes 13 after weighing and before closing the boxes 13 by folding the flaps 14.

[0181] The box 13 is shipped to a tobacco manufacturer or tobacco product manufacturer (Figures 1 and 2B, letter K), and the characteristics of the tobacco in the box, along with a quality assessment of the tobacco, are communicated to the tobacco manufacturer or tobacco product manufacturer.

[0182] For purposes of this specification and the appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing amounts, quantities, percentages, and the like are understood to be modified in all instances by the term "about." Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein. Thus, in this context, the number A is understood as A ± 5 percent of A. Within this context, the number A may be considered to include values ​​that are within the typical standard error of measurement for the property that it modifies. In some cases, such as those used in the appended claims, the number A may deviate by the percentages recited above, provided that the amount by which A deviates does not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed invention. Also, all ranges include the disclosed maximum and minimum points, and include any intermediate ranges therein, which may or may not be specifically recited herein.

Claims

1. A process for managing the tobacco supply chain, comprising: Harvesting and curing tobacco leaves; below: Sorting and grouping the tobacco leaves into tobacco bales; automatically analyzing the tobacco within the tobacco bale through imaging and processing of acquired images; and selecting the tobacco through the imaging and processing of acquired images. unravelling the veil; processing the tobacco; below: filling a box with said tobacco; feeding the tobacco-filled, open-topped boxes sequentially along a packing line; compressing the tobacco within the box; automatically analyzing the cigarettes in the box through imaging and processing of acquired images; and packing the cigarettes through.

2. 10. The process of claim 1, wherein automatically analyzing the tobacco within the tobacco bale is performed through hyperspectral imaging technology.

3. 3. The process of claim 1 or 2, wherein automatically analyzing the cigarettes in the box is performed through hyperspectral imaging techniques.

4. automatically analyzing the tobacco within the tobacco bale; feeding the tobacco bales sequentially along an analysis line; detecting the height of the tobacco bale placed in the analysis line through a sensor; adjusting the height of the tobacco bale as a function of the height of an imaging scanner located within the analysis line and / or the detected height of the tobacco bale being scanned; moving the tobacco bale under the imaging scanner; acquiring an image through the imaging scanner, and processing the acquired image to provide characteristics of the tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale.

5. The process of claim 4 , wherein adjusting the height of the imaging scanner comprises moving the imaging scanner between a plurality of preset heights.

6. 6. The process of claim 4 or 5, wherein adjusting the height of the imaging scanner comprises identifying a type of bale from a plurality of classified types of different sizes from the detected height, and adjusting the height of the imaging scanner according to the identified type.

7. 7. The process of claim 4, wherein the fine adjustment of the position of the imaging scanner is performed continuously while acquiring images to keep the imaging scanner at a constant distance from the tobacco bale.

8. 8. The process of claim 4, wherein the imaging scanner is a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera, and the characteristics of the tobacco in the scanned tobacco bale include chemical characteristics of the tobacco.

9. The process of any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the imaging scanner comprises an optical camera, and the characteristics of the tobacco within the scanned tobacco bale include optical properties of the tobacco.

10. automatically analyzing the cigarettes in the box; detecting via a sensor the height of the top surface of the compressed tobacco in the box placed in the packing line; adjusting the height of the box as a function of the height of an imaging scanner located in the packing line and / or the detected height of the top surface of the cigarettes in the box; moving the box under the imaging scanner; 10. A process according to any preceding claim, comprising acquiring an image through said imaging scanner and processing said acquired image to provide a characteristic of the cigarettes in said box.

11. 11. The process of claim 10, wherein automatically analyzing the cigarettes in the box further comprises detecting a height of a flap of the box and adjusting the position of the imaging scanner as a function of the detected height of the flap, the flap being configured to close the open top of the box.

12. 12. The process of claim 10 or 11, wherein the height of the imaging scanner is adjusted to achieve a preset distance from the top surface of the compressed tobacco.

13. The process of any of claims 10 to 12, wherein the imaging scanner is a hyperspectral imaging scanner comprising a hyperspectral camera, and the characteristics of the cigarettes in the box include chemical characteristics.

14. A process according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the imaging scanner comprises an optical camera and the characteristics of the cigarettes in the box include optical properties of the cigarettes.

15. 15. The process of claim 13 and / or 14, wherein automatically analyzing the tobacco in the box further comprises classifying the tobacco in the box according to one of a plurality of classes according to a calibration model, determining a quality rating, and performing classification according to the chemical characteristics and / or the optical properties.

Images