A device for detecting substances

Abstract

To provide a device for detecting a substance, which is small in size and therefore requires a small installation space. [Solution] The present invention relates to an apparatus (100) for detecting a substance (102), comprising: a light source device (114) adapted to emit first and second sets of light beams (116, 118) toward a first detection area (104) through which the substance (102) is provided; a spectroscopic system (120) adapted to receive and analyze light (122) reflected and / or scattered by the substance (102) in the first detection area; and a laser triangulation system (124) comprising a laser device (126) adapted to emit a line of laser light (130) toward a second detection area (106), and a camera-based sensor device (128) configured to receive and analyze light (132) reflected and / or scattered by the substance (102) in the second detection area (106). The light receiving portion (122) of the spectroscopic system (120) completely or partially intersects the light receiving portion (132) of the camera-based sensor device (128) and / or the line of laser light (130).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting substances, and more particularly to an apparatus equipped with a spectroscopic system and a laser triangulation measurement system.

Background Art

[0002] Throughout a wide range of industries, the identification, detection, classification, and sorting of various objects are often required and desired.

[0003] In its simplest form, when identifying, sorting, and classifying a limited number of objects, manual identification of the objects by a human may be advantageously used in some cases. At this time, the person may identify and classify the objects based on their own knowledge. However, this type of manual identification is monotonous and prone to errors. Also, the operator's experience level will have a significant impact on the results of the operations performed by the operator. Furthermore, the above types of manual identification are troubled by a low identification speed.

[0004] Therefore, in the industry, the sorting and classification of a large number of objects are often performed by a machine when a large number of objects are supplied as a continuous flow of objects. Such a machine can generally operate faster and for a longer time than an operator, thus improving the overall throughput. This type of machine is used, for example, in agriculture such as fruits and vegetables, and in recycling for identifying and sorting objects and materials to be recycled.

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

[0006] However, multiple sensors are generally required to determine more attributes of an object. The use of two or more sensors generally necessitates a larger machine to accommodate additional sensors and associated entities. Consequently, the machine's footprint increases. This increased footprint means that valuable industrial space that could be used for other purposes is required to install the machine. Furthermore, the use of additional sensors can lead to interference with each other if the sensors are not placed far enough apart.

[0007] DE19650705A1 discloses a method and apparatus for implementing a smaller, less expensive multisensory camera in which various image sensors sensitive to different properties are stacked vertically on a common beam path. Each stacked image sensor is aligned so that the corresponding pixels of each image sensor view the same part of the object being viewed.

[0008] WO01 / 07950A1 discloses a sorting device equipped with an inspection unit for testing the acceptability of products to be sorted.

[0009] US2016 / 0263624A1 discloses an apparatus for detecting matter in which multiple objects are introduced into a detection area. The objects are illuminated in the detection area, and the light that passes through the objects is detected.

[0010] US2004 / 0027574A1 discloses an apparatus and method for detecting the presence of bright white paper on a conveyor in a paper sorting system by utilizing fluorescence triggered by ultraviolet light. [Overview of the Initiative]

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

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

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

[0014] To achieve at least one of the above-mentioned objectives and other objectives that may become apparent from the following description, an apparatus having the features defined in claim 1 is provided according to the present invention. Preferred modifications of the apparatus will become apparent from the dependent claims.

[0015] More specifically, the present invention provides a device for detecting a substance, comprising: a light source device adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams toward a first detection area through which a substance is provided; a spectrometer adapted to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in the first detection area, wherein the light received by the spectrometer is from the first and second sets of light beams; a laser device adapted to emit a line of laser light toward a second detection area through which a substance is provided; and a camera-based sensor device configured to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in the second detection area, wherein the light received by the camera-based sensor device is from the line of laser light, wherein the light received by the spectrometer is from the line of laser light, and the device is a laser triangulation system including a camera-based sensor device, wherein the light received by the spectrometer is from the line of laser light, and light received by the camera-based sensor device, and / or the line of laser light is from the camera-based sensor device, and the device is a laser triangulation system including a camera-based sensor device, wherein the light received by the spectrometer is from the line of laser light, and the light received by the spectrometer is from the line of laser light, and the light received by the spectrometer is from the line of laser light, and the light received by the spectrometer is from the line of laser light, and the light received by the spectrometer is from the line of laser light, and the light received by the spectrometer is from the line of

[0016] The apparatus comprises a light source device adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams toward a first detection area through which matter is provided. Thus, the light source device is adapted to emit two different separate sets of light beams. Both the first set of light beams and the second set of light beams emitted by the light source device are emitted toward the first detection area.

[0017] It should be noted that in the context of this application, the term "light beamset" can refer to any type of light, visible or invisible such as NIR, IR, or UV, that has a spread other than an infinite fractional beam or ray. In other words, a light beamset can mean any beam or light that has a physical spread in space perpendicular to its direction of propagation. Therefore, a light beamset may form, to give some non-limiting examples, a parallel light beam, a non-parallel light beam such as a divergent light beam or a focused light beam, or a band of light.

[0018] Therefore, the first and second sets of light beams will reach a first detection area through which the substance is supplied. The substance is supplied through the first detection area in the sense that the substance is transported or carried through the first detection area. The substance may be supplied through the first detection area continuously or intermittently. The substance may be supplied through the first detection area sequentially or in parallel. Therefore, a single substance or multiple substances may be in the first detection area at the same time. Preferably, multiple substances are present in the first detection area at the same time.

[0019] The apparatus comprises a spectroscopic system adapted to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in a first detection area. The light received by the spectroscopic system originates from, or primarily from, first and second sets of light beams. Therefore, a limited amount of ambient light may reach the spectroscopic system. Thus, the spectroscopic system is adapted to view the first detection area in order to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by the substance in the first detection area. Optical elements may be provided between the incident window of the spectroscopic system and the first detection area to alter the beam path of the light reflected and / or scattered by the substance in the first detection area.

[0020] The apparatus comprises a laser triangulation system. The laser triangulation system comprises a laser apparatus adapted to radiate a line of laser light toward a second detection area through which a substance is provided. The laser apparatus typically comprises one or more laser light sources and optical elements for selectively shaping the emitted laser light into a line of laser light.

[0021] In the context of this application, it should be noted that the term "line of laser light" can refer to any type of visible or invisible laser light that has an elongated spread such that it forms a line or linear profile when the light strikes a surface.

[0022] The substance is provided through the second detection area, corresponding to what has been described above in relation to the first detection area. The substance may be provided through the second detection area later or in parallel.

[0023] A laser triangulation system comprises a camera-based sensor device configured to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by material in a second detection area. The light received by the camera-based sensor device originates from, or primarily originates from, the line of laser light. Therefore, a limited amount of ambient light may also reach the camera-based sensor device. Thus, the camera-based sensor device is adapted to view the second detection area in order to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by material in the second detection area. As with any laser triangulation system, the reflected light from the line of laser light will move on the sensor element of the camera-based sensor device in accordance with the height variation of the material in the second detection area. The sensor element of the camera-based sensor device is typically an imaging sensor element containing a photosensitive sensor pixel array.

[0024] The light received by the spectroscopic system completely or partially intersects with the light received by the camera-based sensor device and / or the laser beam line. Providing the spectroscopic system in conjunction with the camera-based sensor device and / or laser device, in particular, enables a compact system that requires very little space.

[0025] In fact, the light received by the spectroscopic system, i.e., the light originating from the first and second sets of light beams and reflected and / or scattered by the material in the first detection area, will completely or partially intersect with the light received by the camera-based sensor device, i.e., the laser beam line and reflected and / or scattered by the material in the second detection area.

[0026] Alternatively, the light received by the spectroscopic system will intersect or intersect the laser beam line completely or partially. Therefore, the spectroscopic system (and light source device) and the laser triangulation system may both be located in the same area of ​​the device; that is, these systems may both be located in the space typically required for a single system. This means that the present invention provides a compact device with enhanced detection capabilities.

[0027] Furthermore, substances may typically be provided through a second detection area after or concurrently with being provided through a first detection area. This allows a particular substance provided through the first detection area to subsequently or concurrently be associated with the same substance provided through the second detection area. This effectively means that the same substance will typically be analyzed sequentially or concurrently by both a spectroscopic system and a laser triangulation system. Thus, the present invention provides a compact device with enhanced detection capabilities.

[0028] The device may further comprise a focusing device, which is adapted to focus the first light beam set and the second light beam set towards the scanning element, and the scanning element is adapted to redirect the first and second light beam sets towards the first detection area so that the first and second light beam sets are focused on the first detection area. This device provides the advantage that the first detection area can be illuminated by different light beam sets incident on the first detection area at different angles. Thus, the substance provided through the first detection area may be efficiently illuminated by the first light beam set and the second light beam set focused on the first detection area.

[0029] The scanning element may scan the first and second light beam sets in the first detection area.

[0030] The scanning element may be one of a rotating polygon mirror and a tilt mirror.

[0031] The light source device may include a first light source adapted to emit the first light beam set and a second light source adapted to emit the second light beam set. With this device, stronger illumination may be provided to the first detection area. Further, the illumination of the first detection area may be easily adjusted by using different types of light sources having different characteristics from the first and second light sources. Further, a more robust device may be obtained. The device may not need to stop operating when one of the first and second light sources fails, and as a result, it may operate even during the replacement of one of the light sources.

[0032] The focusing device may include a first focusing element adapted to focus a first set of light beams toward a scanning element, and a second focusing element adapted to focus a second set of light beams toward a scanning element, which is advantageous in that the first and second sets of light beams can be focused toward the scanning element individually. The focusing element may be any optical element capable of focusing and directing the first and / or second set of light beams. The focusing element may be a combination of multiple optical elements working together. The focusing element may direct the first and / or second set of light beams toward the direction of the incoming light of the first and / or second set of light 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 second focusing element may be a lens or a mirror. The second focusing element may be a combination of a lens and a mirror.

[0033] The light source device may include a single light source adapted to emit a first and a second set of light beams, which is advantageous in that the light source device may be more energy-efficient. Furthermore, the light source device may be smaller because the space only needs to be allocated to the single light source.

[0034] The focusing device may include a first focusing element adapted to focus a first set of light beams toward a scanning element, and a second focusing element adapted to focus a second set of light beams toward a scanning element, which is advantageous in that the first and second sets of light beams can be focused toward the scanning element individually. The focusing element may be any optical element capable of focusing and directing the first and / or second set of light beams. The focusing element may be a combination of multiple optical elements working together. The focusing element may direct the first and / or second set of light beams toward the direction of the incoming light of the first and / or second set of light beams. The first focusing element may be a lens or a mirror. The first focusing element may be a parabolic mirror. The first focusing element may be an elliptical mirror or a mirror with a shape optimized for focusing light toward a first detection area. The first focusing element may be an off-axis parabolic mirror. The first focusing element may be a combination of a lens and a mirror. The first focusing element may be a combination of a lens and a plane mirror. The second focusing element may be a lens or a mirror. The second focusing element may be a parabolic mirror. The second focusing element may be an elliptical mirror, or a mirror with a shape optimized for focusing light into the first detection area. The second focusing element may be an off-axis parabolic mirror. The second focusing element may be a combination of a lens and a mirror. The second focusing element may be a combination of a lens and a plane mirror.

[0035] The spectroscopic system may include a first spectrometer system adapted to analyze light of a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system adapted to analyze light of a second wavelength interval, which is advantageous in that a spectrometer system adapted to the analysis of a specific wavelength interval can be used. This configuration may allow for more sensitive and accurate analysis. The first and second wavelength intervals may overlap or partially overlap. The first and second wavelength intervals may be separate intervals.

[0036] The spectroscopic system may include a first spectrometer system adapted to analyze light of a first wavelength interval, a second spectrometer system adapted to analyze light of a second wavelength interval, and a third spectrometer system adapted to analyze light of a third wavelength interval.

[0037] A spectroscopic system may include multiple spectrometer systems adapted to analyze light at multiple wavelength intervals.

[0038] The spectroscopic system may be a scanning spectroscopic system, which is advantageous because it allows for precise analysis across wavelength intervals on substances in the first detection area. Additionally, an image of the substance in the first detection area may be obtained, including information from the analysis of the light received by the scanning spectroscopic system.

[0039] 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 will pass through the second detection zone. This setting is advantageous when a substance is moving randomly through the first and / or second detection zones, such as when the substance is free-falling or sliding through the first and / or second detection zones.

[0040] The first detection area and the second detection area may partially overlap. The first detection area and the second detection area may completely overlap. Therefore, the first detection area and the second detection area may be located in the same physical location.

[0041] The device may further include a first optical filter positioned between the light source device and the first detection area, which prevents light from the first and second light beam sets from reaching the camera-based sensor device. This configuration of the first optical filter can prevent unwanted light, which would otherwise risk interfering with the camera-based sensor system, from reaching the camera-based sensor system. Providing the first optical filter is particularly important and therefore advantageous when the first and second detection areas overlap.

[0042] The device may further include a second optical filter positioned between the second detection area and the camera-based sensor device, which allows light from the laser beam line to pass through while blocking light from the first light beam set, the second light beam set, and ambient light. This configuration of the second optical filter can prevent undesirable light, which would otherwise risk interfering with the camera-based sensor device, from reaching the camera-based sensor device. Providing the second optical filter is particularly important and therefore advantageous when the first and second detection areas overlap.

[0043] The laser device may be further adapted to emit another line of laser light toward a second detection area, and the camera-based sensor device may be further configured to receive and analyze light resulting from the other line of laser light that is reflected and / or scattered by material in the second detection area.

[0044] The wavelength of light from another line of laser light may differ from the wavelength of light from the main line of laser light.

[0045] The device may further include a third optical filter positioned between the second detection area and the camera-based sensor system, the second optical filter allowing light from another line of laser light to pass through, while blocking the passage of light from the first light beamset, the second light beamset, the laser light, and ambient light.

[0046] By providing another line of laser light having a different wavelength from the laser line in combination with a third optical filter, the camera base may be configured to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by material in a second detection area based on the different wavelengths. The received light from the laser line and the other line of laser light may be advantageously directed to various areas of the imaging sensor elements of the camera-based sensor system, or to various imaging sensor elements of the camera-based sensor system. The ability to analyze light reflected and / or scattered by material in the second detection area based on different wavelengths results in the possibility of obtaining more information about the material in the second detection area.

[0047] The apparatus may further include a processing unit coupled to the spectroscopic system and the camera-based sensor device, the processing unit configured to determine a first set of characteristics related to a substance in a first detection area based on the output signal of the spectroscopic system, and the processing unit configured to determine a second set of characteristics related to a substance in a second detection area based on the output signal of the camera-based sensor device. Providing a processing unit coupled to the spectroscopic system and the camera-based sensor device means that the processing unit can determine one or more characteristics of substances in each of the first and second detection areas. Thus, the processing unit may receive signals from both the spectroscopic system and the camera-based sensor device. The received signals may be based on an analysis of the light received by the spectroscopic system and the camera-based sensor device, respectively.

[0048] It should be noted that in the context of this application, the term "processing unit" can refer to any unit, system, or device capable of receiving one or more signals or data from another entity and processing the received signals or data. Processing may include, for example, calculating one or more characteristics based on the received signals or data, transferring the received signals or data, and modifying the received signals or data. A processing unit may be a single unit or distributed across multiple devices, such as multiple PCs, each having processing capabilities. A processing unit may be implemented in hardware or software.

[0049] It should be noted that in the context of this application, the term "characteristic set" can refer to any dataset containing any type of data. A characteristic set may contain any number of characteristics, including zero. Therefore, a characteristic set may be an empty set, for example, which could indicate the absence of a substance.

[0050] The first set of characteristics may indicate at least one of the following: the spectral response of the substance, the material type of the substance, the color of the substance, the fluorescence of the substance, the maturity of the substance, the dry matter content of the substance, the water content of the substance, the fat content of the substance, the oil content of the substance, the calorific value of the substance, the presence of bones or fish bones in the substance, the presence of pests, the mineral type of the substance, the ore type of the substance, the defect level of the substance, the detection of harmful biomaterials in the substance, the presence or absence of the substance, the detection of multilayer materials in the substance, the detection of fluorescent markers in the substance, the quality grade of the substance, the physical structure of the surface of the substance, and the molecular structure of the substance.

[0051] Mycotoxins are an example of related harmful biomaterials that may be detected.

[0052] The above characteristics of the first set of properties may be determined by specific combinations that may be useful for detecting substances in the first detection area. Examples of applications where such combinations are useful, to name a few non-limiting examples, include sorting pet food, detecting fish bones in fillets, sorting paper using visible and NIR spectroscopy, removing foreign matter and shells from pistachios, and polymer recycling.

[0053] The second set of characteristics may indicate at least one of the following: the height of the material, the height profile of the material, a 3D map of the material, the intensity profile of reflected and / or scattered light, the volume center of the material, the estimated center of mass of the material, the estimated weight of the material, the estimated material of the material, the presence or absence of the material, the detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of the material, the structure and quality of the wood, the surface roughness and properties of the material, and indications of the presence of fluid within the material.

[0054] Examples of related fluids include oil and water in food.

[0055] The above characteristics of the second set of properties may be determined by specific combinations that can be useful for detecting substances in the second detection area. Some non-limiting examples of applications where such combinations are useful include glass sorting and quartz sorting.

[0056] The processing unit may further receive an input indicating the field of view of the camera-based sensor device relative to a second detection area and be configured to compensate for the field of view of the camera-based sensor device when determining a second set of characteristics, which is advantageous in that more accurate subsequent sorting or discharge of the material may be achieved. In fact, the height of the material in the second detection area may be compensated when determining the position of the material in the second detection area. This ensures that subsequent sorting or discharge operations affect or affect the material at a position that would prevent improper sorting or discharge. For example, a sorter or discharger may reduce the risk of the material slipping or tipping over, for example, by impacting the material at its estimated center of mass. The discharger may be configured to include a valve image processing step to reduce or minimize compressed air consumption and energy consumption while maintaining optimal sorting yield and sorting loss.

[0057] The processing unit may be configured to receive input indicating the placement of the laser device and the camera-based sensor device in relation to the second detection area.

[0058] The processing unit may be configured to compensate for the placement of the laser device and camera-based sensor device relative to the second detection area when determining the second set of characteristics.

[0059] The apparatus may further comprise a discharge device coupled to the processing unit, the discharge device being adapted to discharge and separate a substance into multiple parts in response to receiving a signal from the processing unit based on a determined first set of characteristics and / or a determined second set of characteristics, the discharge device being adapted to discharge and separate the substance 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.

[0060] By providing an discharge device coupled to the processing unit, the device may discharge, and thus separate, the substance into multiple parts based on a determined first set of characteristics and / or a determined second set of characteristics. Thus, the substance may be separated based on analysis performed by a spectroscopic system and / or a laser triangulation system.

[0061] Multiple parts may be based on any of the determined characteristics. Parts may be based, for example, on material or color. One part may correspond to material that is to be discarded or scrapped.

[0062] Discharge and sorting may be performed by compressed air injection, pressurized water injection, mechanical fingers, compressed air injection bars, pressurized water injection bars, mechanical finger bars, robotic arms, or mechanical diverters.

[0063] Alternatively, the materials to be emitted and sorted may be analyzed online, for example, by a cloud service. These analyzed materials may then be classified by criteria such as purity, defect level, and average color.

[0064] The apparatus may further include a conveyor for transporting a substance through a first detection area and a second detection area, or a chute optionally including a vibration feeder for sliding or free-falling through the first detection area and / or the second detection area.

[0065] By providing a conveyor, substances may be transported in a controlled manner through a first detection area and a second detection area. Substances transported and analyzed through the first detection area may then be transported and analyzed through the second detection area. The controlled transport of substances through the first and second detection areas may allow for tracking and record-keeping of the substances. Thus, a substance in the first detection area may be associated with or identified as the same substance in the second detection area.

[0066] By optionally providing a chute that includes a vibration feeder, the material may slide or free-fall through a first detection area and / or a second detection area. The material may slide through the first and second detection areas. The material may free-fall through the first and second detection areas. The material may slide through the first detection area and free-fall through the second detection area. Optionally providing a chute that includes a vibration feeder is advantageous for large quantities of bulk material such as various types of particles.

[0067] Further scope of the applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description given below. However, since various changes and modifications within the scope of the inventive concept will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while illustrating preferred variations of the inventive concept, are provided only as examples.

[0068] Therefore, it should be understood that this inventive concept is not limited to specific components of the device described, and that such a device may vary. It should also be understood that the terms used herein are intended only to describe specific variations and are not intended to limit them. It should be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended to mean that one or more elements exist unless the context explicitly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a unit” or “the unit” may include several devices. Furthermore, the words “comprising,” “including,” and “containing,” and similar phrases, do not exclude other elements. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0069] Embodiments of the present invention, including specific features and advantages, will be readily apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. The drawings are provided to illustrate the general structure of the present invention. Similar reference numerals refer to similar elements throughout.

[0070] [Figure 1] This is a schematic perspective view of a device for detecting substances. [Figure 2] This is a schematic perspective view detail of the apparatus shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a first modified example of a light source device and an associated focusing device. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a second modified example of a light source device and an associated focusing device. [Figure 5] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective detail of different configurations that may be used with the apparatus. [Figure 6] This is a schematic perspective view detail of different settings where the first and second detection areas overlap. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0071] The concept of the present invention is described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which show more currently preferred modifications of the concept of the present invention. However, the concept of the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the modifications described herein; rather, these modifications are provided for thoroughness and completeness and to fully convey the concept of the present invention to those skilled in the art.

[0072] Figure 1 schematically shows an apparatus 100 for detecting a substance. The substance 102 is provided through a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106.

[0073] In the apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1, the substance 102 is transported by a conveyor 108 through a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106. However, the substance 102 may be provided through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 manually, either by appropriate means or without the use of technical means. Furthermore, the substance 102 may be provided through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 by sliding or free fall. Therefore, the conveyor in Figure 1 is arbitrary.

[0074] The apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 further comprises a housing 110 positioned above the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. In other words, the housing 110 is positioned above the conveyor 108.

[0075] See also Figure 2, which schematically discloses the selection of components placed within the housing 110.

[0076] Inside the housing 110 is a light source device 114 adapted to emit a first light beam set 116 and a second light beam set 118 toward the first detection area 104.

[0077] Inside the housing 110 is a spectroscopic system 120 adapted to receive and analyze light 122 reflected and / or scattered by a substance 102 in a first detection area 104.

[0078] A laser triangulation system 124 is provided inside the housing 110. The laser triangulation system 124 comprises a laser device 126 adapted to radiate a line of laser light 130 toward a second detection area 106. The laser triangulation system 124 comprises a camera-based sensor device 128 configured to receive and analyze light 132 reflected and / or scattered by material 102 in the second detection area 106.

[0079] The apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 further comprises a discharge device 112 located downstream of the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. The discharge device 112 is adapted to discharge the substance 102 and separate it into multiple parts. However, the discharge device 112 in Figure 1 is optional.

[0080] The apparatus 100 shown in Figure 1 further comprises a control cabinet 111 positioned above the conveyor 108. The control cabinet 111 contains equipment used to control the apparatus 100. The equipment typically includes a processing unit 113 or control unit for controlling the conveyor 108, the discharge device 112, and the equipment within the housing 110. The processing unit 113 is typically used to determine one or more properties of the substance 102 based on measurements performed by the equipment within the housing 110.

[0081] We will now refer specifically to Figure 2, which conceptually shows the internal components of the housing 110 in Figure 1. Figure 2 also shows the portion of the conveyor 108 that includes the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106.

[0082] As shown in Figure 2, the light receiving point 122 of the spectral system 120 intersects with the light receiving point 132 of the camera-based sensor device 128.

[0083] Substance 102 is supplied by the conveyor 108 through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. In other words, in the apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2, substance 102 is transported through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. Substance 102 is usually transported continuously through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. Substance 102 may be transported intermittently through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. Substance 102 may be transported first through the first detection area 104 and then through the second detection area 106. Substance 102 may be transported first through the second detection area 106 and then through the first detection area 104.

[0084] The laser device 126 includes a line laser that emits a line of laser light 130. The laser may be any suitable type. The laser preferably has a peak wavelength of 660 nm or 640 nm. An example of a suitable laser is the Z100M18S3-F-660-LP60-PR from Z-Laser, which emits a line of laser light with 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 of laser light 130 strikes the material 102 in the second detection area 106, and the light is reflected and / or scattered by the material 102. A portion of the light thus reflected and / or scattered 132 usually reaches the camera-based sensor device 128, as schematically shown in Figure 2. Thus, the camera-based sensor device 128 observes the line of laser light 130 and, as a result, images the material 102 in the second detection area 106 when it strikes it. The camera-based sensor device 128 may be equipped with, for example, a Type C5 camera manufactured by Automation Technology GmbH. Therefore, as is also the case in the laser triangulation system 124, any height variation or presence of material 102 in the second detection area 106 will change the position of the image of the laser beam line on the sensor element of the camera-based sensor device 128. This change, therefore, forms an angular difference between the field of view of the camera-based sensor device 128 and the laser beam line 130. Various properties of the material 102 in the second detection area 106 may be determined based on measurements performed by the camera-based sensor device 128.

[0085] Furthermore, in connection with the shown light source device 114, a focusing device 134 is provided. The focusing device 134 is adapted to focus the first light beam set 116 and the second light beam set 118 toward a scanning element 136. The scanning element 136 is adapted to redirect the first and second light beam sets 116 and 118 toward the first detection area 104. Due to the configuration of the scanning element 136, the first and second light beam sets 116 and 118 are focused toward the first detection area 104 as shown in Figure 2. The scanning element 136 shown in Figure 2 takes the form of a rotating polygon mirror. Therefore, by rotating the polygon mirror, the first light beam set 116 and the second light beam set 118 are scanned in the first detection area 104. Thus, the first light beam set 116 and the second light beam set 118 are scanned across the first detection area 104 and, consequently, across the conveyor 108.

[0086] Other types of scanning elements may also be advantageous. For example, a scanning mirror hinged around a pivot axis may be used.

[0087] As described above, the spectroscopic system 120 is adapted to receive and analyze light 122 reflected and / or scattered by the substance 102 in the first detection area 104. The light 122 reflected and / or scattered by the substance 102 in the first detection area 104 strikes the scanning element 136, i.e., the polygon mirror, before entering the spectroscopic system 120, from where the light 122 is directed into the incident window of the spectroscopic system 120 by a fixed folding mirror. The fixed folding mirror may be located between the positions where the first light beam set 116 and the second light beam set 118 exit the focusing device 134.

[0088] The spectrometer system 120 may be equipped with a Tomra spectrometer capable of handling the required repetition rate. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze light with a wavelength spacing of 400 to 1000 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze light with a wavelength spacing of 500 to 1000 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze light with a wavelength spacing of 1000 to 1900 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze light with wavelengths longer than 900 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze light with a wavelength spacing of 1900 to 2500 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze light with a wavelength spacing of 2700 to 5300 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze light with a wavelength spacing of 900 to 1700 nm. The spectrometer may be configured to analyze light with a wavelength spacing of 700 to 1400 nm. The spectrometer may analyze visible light. Spectrometers may analyze NIR light. Spectrometers may analyze IR light. Various types of spectrometers may be used depending on the characteristics of the substance 102 being detected.

[0089] Two or more spectroscopic systems 120 may be used in the apparatus 100. Therefore, two or more spectrometers may be used in the apparatus 100. For example, the spectroscopic system 120 may include a first spectrometer system 120 adapted to analyze light with a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system 120 adapted to analyze light with a second wavelength interval. For example, the first spectroscopic system 120 may analyze light with a wavelength interval of 450 to 800 nm, and the second spectroscopic system 120 may analyze light with a wavelength interval of 1500 to 1900 nm. For example, one spectrometer for visible light may be used in combination with one NIR spectrometer.

[0090] Similarly, three or more spectroscopic systems 120 may be included in the spectroscopic system 120. Therefore, three or more spectrometers may be used. For example, one spectrometer for visible light may be used in combination with two NIR spectrometers.

[0091] The spectroscopic system 120 may be a scanning spectroscopic system 120. One example of a suitable scanning spectrometer is manufactured by Tomra.

[0092] Various properties of the substance 102 in the first detection area 104 may be determined based on measurements performed by the spectroscopic system 120.

[0093] As discussed above, the apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a processing unit 113. In the shown apparatus 100, the processing unit 113 is located within a control cabinet 111. The processing unit 113 is coupled to a spectroscopic system 120 and a camera-based sensor device 128. The coupling between the processing unit 113, the spectroscopic system 120, and the camera-based sensor device 128 is schematically shown by dashed lines in Figure 2. The processing unit 113 may be coupled to the spectroscopic 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 digital or analog format may be advantageously used.

[0094] The processing unit 113 of the shown apparatus 100 is configured to determine a first set of characteristics related to the substance 102 in the first detection area 106. As discussed above, the first set of characteristics may be any dataset containing data in any format. The first set of characteristics may contain any number of characteristics. The first set of characteristics is determined based on the output signal S1 of the spectroscopic system 120. The signal S1 may contain any kind of data, whether processed or raw. Therefore, the processing unit 113 is configured to receive and analyze data based on the output signal S1 of the spectroscopic system 120 and to determine the first set of characteristics based on the signal S1.

[0095] The first set of characteristics may indicate at least one of the following: spectral response of substance 102, material type of substance 102, color of substance 102, fluorescence of substance 102, maturity of substance 102, dry matter content of substance 102, water content of substance 102, fat content of substance 102, oil content of substance 102, calorific value of substance 102, presence of bone or fish bone in substance 102, presence of pests in substance 102, mineral type of substance 102, ore type of substance 102, defect level of substance 102, detection of harmful biomaterials in substance 102, presence of substance 102, absence of substance 102, detection of multilayer material in substance 102, detection of fluorescent markers in substance 102, quality grade of substance 102, physical surface structure of substance 102, and molecular structure of substance 102.

[0096] Furthermore, the spectroscopic system 120 may have processing capabilities used to process actual raw data from one or more spectrometers of the spectroscopic system 120. This means that the spectroscopic system 120 may have the capability to determine one or more characteristics to be included in a first set of characteristics by the processing unit 113. In other words, the processing unit 113 may simply be configured to include already processed data from the spectroscopic system 120 in the first set of characteristics.

[0097] Depending on the application of the device 100, different characteristics are typically included in the first set of characteristics. In other words, the first set of characteristics typically exhibits different characteristics depending on the application of the device 100.

[0098] In waste recycling applications, the first set of characteristics typically refers to polymer materials, sleeve materials, and cap materials.

[0099] In applications involving sorting fruits and vegetables, the first set of characteristics typically indicates foreign matter such as polymers, stones, and shells.

[0100] In applications of sorting wood, the first set of characteristics typically indicates the type of wood and the presence of foreign matter.

[0101] The processing unit 113 of the shown apparatus 100 is configured to determine a second set of characteristics related to the substance 102 in the second detection area 108. As discussed above, the second set of characteristics may be any dataset containing data in any format. The second set of characteristics may contain 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 contain any type of data, such as processed or raw data. Therefore, 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 to determine the second set of characteristics based on the signal S2.

[0102] The second set of characteristics may indicate at least one of the following: the height of substance 102, the height profile of substance 102, a 3D map of substance 102, the intensity profile of reflected and / or scattered light 132, the volume center of substance 102, the estimated center of mass of substance 102, the estimated weight of substance 102, the estimated material of substance 102, the presence or absence of substance 102, the detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of substance 102, the structure and quality of the wood, the surface roughness and properties of substance 102, and any indication of the presence of fluid within substance 102.

[0103] Furthermore, the camera-based sensor device 128 may have processing capabilities used to process actual raw data from one or more cameras of the camera-based sensor device 128. This means that the camera-based sensor device 128 may have the ability to determine one or more characteristics to be included in a second set of characteristics by the processing unit 113. In other words, the processing unit 113 may simply be configured to include already processed data from the camera-based sensor device 128 in the second set of characteristics.

[0104] As explained above in relation to the first set of characteristics, different characteristics are typically included in the second set of characteristics depending on the application of the device 100. In other words, the second set of characteristics typically exhibits different characteristics depending on the application of the device 100.

[0105] The processing unit 113 of the shown device 100 may be configured to compensate for the field of view of the camera-based sensor device 128 with respect to the second detection area 106 and, consequently, the conveyor 108. To enable compensation for the field of view of the camera-based sensor device 128 with respect to the second detection area 106, the processing unit 113 is configured to receive an input indicating the field of view of the camera-based sensor device 128 with respect to the second detection area 106, i.e., the second detection area 106 on the conveyor 108. Therefore, based on the received input regarding the field of view, the processing unit 113 may compensate for the field of view of the camera-based sensor device 128 with respect to the second detection area 106 when determining a second set of characteristics based on the received signal S2.

[0106] The received input related to the field of view of the second detection area 106 of the camera-based sensor device 128 may be a static variable indicating the field of view. Alternatively, the received input related to the field of view of the second detection area 106 of the camera-based sensor device 128 may be a dynamic input based on a measured value of the field of view. In the latter case, dynamic fluctuations in the conveyor 108, for example, may be taken into consideration.

[0107] In fact, the height or changing height of substance 102 may be taken into consideration and compensated for when determining the position of the substance in the second detection area 106. Furthermore, the arrangement of the laser device 126 and the camera-based sensor device 128 may be taken into consideration when determining the position of the substance in the second detection area 106.

[0108] If the height of substance 102 is not compensated for when determining the position of substance 102 in the second detection area 106, there is a risk that subsequent discharge and sorting of substance 102 may become inaccurate because the actual position of substance 102 may differ from the determined position. Improper discharge and sorting may occur, or discharge and sorting may not occur at all. For example, the discharge device 112 may collide with a less desirable position in the edge region of substance 102, resulting in improper discharge and sorting of substance 102. In other words, the discharge device 112 may collide with substance 102 at a position away from its center of mass, resulting in the substance being displaced, i.e., tipping over rather than being discharged and sorted.

[0109] The processing unit 113 may be configured to receive input indicating the placement of the laser device 126 and the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection area 106.

[0110] The processing unit 113 of the shown apparatus 100 may be configured to compensate for the placement of the laser device 126 and the camera-based sensor device 128 relative to the second detection area 106 and, consequently, to the conveyor 108, when determining the second set of characteristics.

[0111] The discharge device 112 of the shown apparatus 100 is coupled to the processing unit 113. The discharge device 112 is adapted to discharge the material 102 and thus separate it into multiple parts. For example, the material 102 may be separated into one waste portion and one usable portion. In the case of fruits and vegetables, the material 102, i.e., the fruits and vegetables, may be separated into multiple parts based on ripeness level, color corresponding to the presence of defects or foreign matter.

[0112] Discharge and sorting performed by the discharge device 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 a determined first set of characteristics and / or a determined second set of characteristics. Thus, materials may be sorted based on analysis performed by the spectroscopic system 120 and / or the laser triangulation system 124.

[0113] The signals received in this manner may be simple on / off signals or composite signals containing, for example, specific coordinates of the substance 102 as it approaches the discharge device 112. In the latter case, the discharge device 112 may collide with or grasp a specific substance 102 that meets certain criteria, and by doing so at a specific location, the substance 102 may be discharged and thus sorted.

[0114] To perform actual discharge and sorting, the discharge device 112 may include compressed air jets, pressurized water jets, mechanical fingers, compressed air jet bars, pressurized water jet bars, mechanical finger bars, robotic arms, and mechanical diverters. Thus, entities and principles used to perform discharge and sorting are known in the art.

[0115] Referring now to Figure 3, a first conceptual modification of the light source device 114 and associated focusing device 134 that may be used in the apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 2 is conceptually shown.

[0116] The light source device 114 shown in Figure 3 comprises a first light source 138 and a second light source 140. The first light source 138 is adapted to emit a first light beam set 116, and the second light source 140 is adapted to emit a second light beam set 118.

[0117] The first light source 138 and the second light source 140 may be of the same type. The first light source 138 and the second light source 140 may be of different types. The first light source 138 and the second light source 140 may be broadband spectral light sources such as halogen light sources. A halogen light source suitable for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140 may have a spectral distribution that starts at about 400 nm and decays sharply at about 2.5 μm. Maximum radiant intensity may occur at about 1.3 μm. As an alternative, a xenon arc light source may be used for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140. Shorter wavelengths, such as 200 nm or more, may be obtained by using a xenon arc light source. As a further alternative, an LED light source or a heating element may be used for the first light source 138 and the second light source 140. In UV fluorescence spectroscopy, an LED light source may be advantageously used. In mid-infrared spectroscopy, a heating element may be advantageously used. In high spatial spectral resolution spectroscopy systems, supercontinium lasers may be used as the first light source 138 and the second light source 140. In high spatial spectral resolution multispectral systems, multi-wavelength lasers may be used in combination with the first light source 138 and the second light source 140. In high spatial resolution optimized multispectral systems, LEDs and pulsed LEDs may be used with the first light source 138 and the second light source 140, preferably in combination with a line scan camera.

[0118] Furthermore, the focusing device 134 shown in Figure 3 includes a first focusing element 142 in the form of a lens, adapted to focus a first set of light beams 116 toward a scanning element 136, and a second focusing element 144 in the form of a lens, adapted to focus a second set of light beams 118 toward a scanning element 136. The scanning element 136 is not shown in Figure 3 for simplicity. The first focusing element 142 and / or the second focusing element 144 may alternatively include mirrors. 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.

[0119] Referring now to Figure 4, a second conceptual modification of the light source device 114 and associated focusing device 134 that may be used in the apparatus 100 of Figures 1 and 2 is conceptually shown.

[0120] The light source device 114 shown in Figure 4 includes a single source 146. The single source 146 is adapted to emit a first set of light beams 116 and a second set of light beams 118. In practice, the first set of light beams 116 and the second set of light beams 118 are typically light beams emitted in different directions by the single source 146.

[0121] The single source 146 may be any type of light source described in relation to Figure 3.

[0122] Furthermore, the focusing device 134 shown in Figure 4 includes a first focusing element 142 in the form of an off-axis parabolic mirror adapted to focus a first set of light beams 116 toward the scanning element 136, and a second focusing element 144 in the form of an off-axis parabolic mirror adapted to focus a second set of light beams 118 toward 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 include a planar mirror coupled with an associated lens.

[0123] The light source device 114 shown in Figure 4, which includes a single source 146, may include an automatic or semi-automatic light source switching device 115. Therefore, the light source switching device 115 may be configured to physically move the backup light source 147 and the single light source 146 in the event of a single light source 146 failure. More specifically, in the event of a single light source 146 failure, the light source switching device 115 may remove the single light source 146 while moving the backup light source 147 to the position of the single light source 146. The light source switching device 115 may be configured to turn on the backup light source 147 after detecting that the backup light source 147 has reached the correct position, i.e., the initial position of the single light source 146. The light source switching device 115 may automatically switch the light source upon detecting a failure of the single light source 146. Alternatively, the light source switching device 115 may automatically switch the light source in response to user-initiated input.

[0124] Referring now to Figure 5, different configurations of the internal components of the housing 110 in Figure 1 are conceptually shown. Figure 5 also shows the portion of the conveyor 108 that includes the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. The configuration shown in Figure 5 is similar to that in Figure 2. Therefore, to avoid excessive repetition, only the significant differences between Figure 5 and Figure 2 will be considered.

[0125] As shown in Figure 5, the light receiver 122 of the spectral system 120 intersects with the laser beam line 130. Also, as shown in Figure 5, the camera-based sensor device 128 views the second detection area 106 on the conveyor 108 from above, i.e., in the direction normal to the surface of the conveyor 108, and the laser device 126 is inclined with respect to the surface of the conveyor 108, i.e., not perpendicular to the surface of the conveyor 108. Therefore, the laser beam line 130 strikes the conveyor 108 at an angle.

[0126] As discussed above in relation to Figure 2, the position of substance 102 in the second detection area 106 may be compensated for by taking into account the height or changing height of substance 102 when determining the position of substance in the second detection area 106. In other words, the processing unit 113 may compensate for the field of view of the camera-based sensor device 128 with respect to the second detection area 106 and, consequently, the conveyor 108. In practice, the arrangement of the laser device 126 and the camera-based sensor device 128 may be taken into consideration when determining the position of substance in the second detection area 106.

[0127] Referring now to Figure 6, a different configuration of the apparatus is conceptually shown that largely matches the apparatus 100 in Figure 1. More specifically, Figure 6 conceptually shows a different configuration of the internal components of the housing 110 in Figure 1. Figure 5 also shows how the conveyor 108 is replaced by a chute 148. The configuration shown in Figure 6 is very similar to that in Figure 2. Therefore, to avoid excessive repetition, only the significant differences between Figure 6 and Figure 2 will be considered.

[0128] The indicated chute 148 is inclined so that the substance 102 free-falls from the chute 148 and passes through a first detection area 104 and a second detection area 106. The substance may alternatively slide along the chute 148 through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106. The chute 148 may optionally be equipped with a vibration feeder for supplying the substance 102 onto the chute 148.

[0129] As shown in Figure 6, the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 overlap. Therefore, substance 102 delivered through the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 will be present in both areas simultaneously. The overlap of the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 may allow measurements performed by the spectroscopic system 120 and the laser triangulation system 124 to be associated with the same substance 102 in each detection area. In other words, it may prevent the false association of a particular substance 102.

[0130] If the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 completely or partially overlap, there is a clear risk that light from the light source device 114 will reach and interfere with the camera-based sensor device 128. Similarly, there is a clear risk that ambient light may reach and interfere with the camera-based sensor device 128.

[0131] In particular, to reduce interference that may occur when the first detection area 104 and the second detection area 106 completely or partially overlap, the device 100 may be used with one or more optical filters 150, 152 as shown in Figure 6.

[0132] In Figure 6, the first optical filter 150 is positioned between the light source device 114 and the first detection area 104. More specifically, the first optical filter 150 shown in Figure 6 is positioned between the scanning element 136 and the first detection area 104, i.e., at the location where the first optical beam set 116 and the second optical beam set 118 are scanned by the scanning element 136. For this purpose, the first optical filter 150 may have an elongated shape along the scanning direction, for example, a rectangle.

[0133] The first optical filter 150 may be advantageously placed in the lens or output window of the light source device 114 or the focusing device 134.

[0134] The first optical filter 150 has optical properties that prevent light from the first light beam set 116 and the second light beam set 118 from reaching the camera base sensor device 128.

[0135] In practice, the first optical filter 150 may block certain wavelengths of light from the first and second optical beam sets 116 and 118, while allowing other wavelengths to pass through. Therefore, the first optical filter 150 may block light from the first and second optical beam sets 116 and 118 that would otherwise be detected by the camera-based sensor device 128. In practice, the first optical filter 150 may block light with wavelengths shorter than 900 nm, or most of it. Therefore, the first optical filter 150 may allow wavelengths in the NIR and IR ranges to pass through. Wavelengths in the NIR and IR ranges are suitable for the spectroscopic system 120, while not interfering with the camera-based sensor device 128, or interfering with it only to a limited extent.

[0136] In Figure 6, the second optical filter 152 is positioned between the second detection area 106 and the camera-based sensor device 128. The second optical filter 152 has optical properties that block the passage of light 122 originating from the first light beam set 116 and the second light beam set 118. The second optical filter 152 also has optical properties that block the passage of ambient light. Therefore, the second optical filter 152 blocks most of the ambient light. Furthermore, the second optical filter 152 has optical properties that allow light originating from the laser beam line 130 to pass through. Therefore, the second optical filter 152 is typically a bandpass filter with a passband corresponding to the wavelength of the laser beam line 130. Thus, the configuration of the second optical filter 152 may prevent undesirable light, which would otherwise risk interfering with the camera-based sensor device 128, from reaching the camera-based sensor device 128. For example, when a red laser having a wavelength of 622 nm is used to provide the laser beam line 130, the second optical filter 152 may have a narrow passband around 622 nm to efficiently filter out almost all light that does not originate from the laser beam line 130. Thus, the passband of the second optical filter 152 is advantageously tuned to match one or more wavelengths of the laser beam line 130. Bandpass filters suitable for the second optical filter 152 are known in the art.

[0137] Those skilled in the art will understand that the concept of the present invention is by no means limited to the preferred modifications described above. Furthermore, many modifications and changes are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0138] For example, the apparatus 100 may comprise multiple optical setups, each equipped with the above-described light source device 114, spectroscopic system 120, and laser triangulation system 124.

[0139] The optical setup may be arranged in a line across the width or part of the width of the conveyor 108 or chute 148. This actually means that the width of the conveyor 108 or chute 148 may be covered by multiple first detection areas 106 and multiple second detection areas 108 of the type described above.

[0140] The optical setup may be arranged sequentially along the conveyor 108 or chute 148. This actually means that the extension along the conveyor 108 or chute 148 may be covered by multiple first detection areas 106 and multiple second detection areas 108 of the above type.

[0141] The optical setups may be arranged in a line, one after the other. This actually means that an extension traversing it along a conveyor 108 or chute 148 may be covered by multiple first detection areas 106 and multiple second detection areas 108 of the type described above.

[0142] Multiple first detection areas 106 and second detection areas 108 may partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the substance 102 provided through the first detection areas 106 and second detection areas 108.

[0143] Multiple first detection areas 106 and second detection areas 108 may partially overlap each other in a direction along the flow direction of the substance 102 provided through the first detection areas 106 and second detection areas 108.

[0144] The multiple first detection areas 106 and second detection areas 108 may be arranged, for example, in succession and may partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the substance 102 provided through the first detection areas 106 and second detection areas 108.

[0145] Multiple first detection areas 106 and second detection areas 108 do not physically overlap with each other but may cover parts of the conveyor 108 or chute 148 with different widths.

[0146] Multiple first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108 may be arranged side by side, for example, and may partially overlap each other in a direction perpendicular to and / or along the flow direction of the substance 102 provided through the first detection zones 106 and second detection zones 108.

[0147] Preferably, multiple optical setups are arranged to detect the top surface of a large or tall material along the entire conveyor 108 or chute 148.

[0148] If multiple second detection areas 108 overlap, the laser triangulation system 124 of each optical setup may be adapted so that the multiple second detection areas 108 do not interfere with each other or interfere only to a limited extent. This may be achieved, for example, by adapting the color of the laser beam lines 130 of each optical setup so that each optical setup uses a different color for the laser beam lines 130. Furthermore, the first optical filter 150 and the second optical filter of each optical setup may be adapted to match the light source device 114, spectroscopic system 120, and laser triangulation system 124 of each optical setup, thereby further reducing interference between the multiple second detection areas 108.

[0149] If multiple first detection areas 106 overlap, the light source devices 114 of each optical setup may be adapted so that the multiple first detection areas 106 do not interfere with each other or interfere only to a limited extent. This may be achieved, for example, by adapting the light source devices 114 of each optical setup. The light source devices 114 of each optical setup may be synchronized for this purpose. This actually means that the first and second optical beam sets 116 and 118 of each optical setup may be synchronized to prevent mutual interference. In other words, the first and second optical beam sets 116 and 118 of each optical setup may not simultaneously reach the overlapping portion of the multiple first detection areas 106.

[0150] Furthermore, variations of the disclosed modifications may be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art by examining the drawings, disclosures, and appended claims when carrying out the claimed invention. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude plurals. The mere fact that certain means are described in different dependent claims does not mean that combinations of these means cannot be used advantageously.

[0151] Itemized list of exemplary embodiments IEE1. Apparatus for detecting substances, A light source device adapted to emit a first light beam set and a second light beam set toward a first detection area through which a substance is provided, A spectroscopic system adapted to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in a first detection area, wherein the light received by the spectroscopic system originates from first and second sets of light beams, A laser device adapted to radiate a line of laser light toward a second detection area through which a substance is provided, and A camera-based sensor device configured to receive and analyze light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in a second detection area, wherein the light received by the camera-based sensor device originates from a line of laser light. A laser triangulation system equipped with Equipped with, A device in which the light received by the spectral system completely or partially intersects with the light received by the camera-based sensor device and / or the laser beam line.

[0152] IEE2. The device further includes a focusing device. The focusing device is adapted to focus the first and second sets of light beams toward the scanning element. The apparatus according to IEE1, wherein the scanning element is adapted to focus the first and second sets of light beams onto a first detection area by redirecting the first and second sets of light beams onto a first detection area.

[0153] IEE3. The apparatus according to IEE1 or IEE2, wherein the light source apparatus includes a first light source adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second light source adapted to emit a second set of light beams.

[0154] IEE4. The apparatus according to IEE2 or IEE3, wherein the focusing device includes a first focusing element adapted to focus a first set of optical beams toward a scanning element, and a second focusing element adapted to focus a second set of optical beams toward a scanning element.

[0155] IEE5. The apparatus according to IEE1 or IEE2, wherein the light source device includes a single light source adapted to emit a first set of light beams and a second set of light beams.

[0156] IEE6. The apparatus according to IEE5, which is subordinate to IEE2, wherein the focusing device includes a first focusing element adapted to focus a first set of optical beams toward a scanning element, and a second focusing element adapted to focus a second set of optical beams toward a scanning element.

[0157] IEE7. An apparatus according to any one of IEE1 to 6, wherein the spectroscopic system includes a first spectrometer system adapted for analyzing light of a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system adapted for analyzing light of a second wavelength interval.

[0158] IEE8. An apparatus described in any one of IEE1 to 7, wherein the spectroscopic system is a scanning spectroscopic system.

[0159] IEEE 9. An apparatus described in any one of IEEE 1 to 8, wherein the first detection area and the second detection area overlap.

[0160] IEE10. The apparatus according to any one of IEE1 to 9, further comprising a first optical filter positioned between a light source device and a first detection area, wherein the first optical filter prevents light from the first and second light beam sets from reaching the camera-based sensor device.

[0161] IEE11. The apparatus according to any one of IEE1 to 10, further comprising a second optical filter positioned between a second detection area and a camera-based sensor device, wherein the second optical filter allows light from a line of laser light to pass through, while blocking the passage of light from a first light beamset, a second light beamset, and ambient light.

[0162] IEE12. The apparatus further comprises a processing unit coupled with a spectroscopic system and a camera-based sensor device. The processing unit is configured to determine a first set of characteristics associated with a substance in a first detection area based on the output signal of the spectroscopic system. The apparatus according to any one of IEEE 1 to 11, wherein the processing unit is configured to determine a second set of characteristics related to a substance in a second detection area based on the output signal of a camera-based sensor device.

[0163] IEE13. Apparatus as described in IEE12, wherein the first set of characteristics indicates at least one of the following: spectral response of a substance, material type of a substance, color of a substance, fluorescence of a substance, maturity of a substance, dry matter content of a substance, water content of a substance, fat content of a substance, oil content of a substance, calorific value of a substance, presence of bone or fish bones in a substance, presence of pests in a substance, mineral type of a substance, ore type of a substance, defect level of a substance, detection of harmful biomaterials in a substance, presence of a substance, absence of a substance, detection of multilayer materials in a substance, detection of fluorescent markers in a substance, quality grade of a substance, physical structure of the surface of a substance, and molecular structure of a substance.

[0164] IEE14. Apparatus according to IEE12 or IEE13, wherein the second set of characteristics indicates at least one of the following: height of a substance, height profile of a substance, 3D map of a substance, intensity profile of reflected and / or scattered light, volume center of a substance, estimated center of mass of a substance, estimated weight of a substance, estimated material of a substance, presence or absence of a substance, detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of a substance, structure and quality of wood, surface roughness and properties of a substance, and indication of the presence of fluid within a substance.

[0165] IEE15. The processing unit further receives an input indicating the field of view for the second detection area of ​​the camera-based sensor device, An apparatus according to any one of IEEE 12 to IEEE 14, configured to compensate for the field of view of a camera-based sensor device when determining a second set of characteristics.

[0166] IEE16. The apparatus further comprises a discharge device coupled to the processing unit. Apparatus according to any one of IEEE 12 to IEEE 15, wherein the discharge device is adapted to discharge and separate a substance into multiple parts in response to receiving a signal from a processing unit based on a determined first set of characteristics and / or a determined second set of characteristics, and the discharge device is adapted to discharge and separate the substance 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.

[0167] IEE17. The device, A conveyor for transporting a substance through the first detection area and the second detection area, or The apparatus according to any one of IEEE 1 to 16, further comprising a chute optionally including a vibration feeder for sliding or free-falling a substance through a first detection area and / or a second detection area.

Claims

1. A device (100) for detecting a substance (102), A light source device (114) that emits a first light beam set (116) and a second light beam set (118) toward a first detection area (104) through which the substance (102) is provided, A spectroscopic system (120) including a spectrometer for receiving and analyzing light (122) reflected and / or scattered by a substance (102) in the first detection area (104), wherein the light receiving (122) of the spectroscopic system (120) is generated from the first light beam set (116) and the second light beam set (118), A laser device (126) that emits a line of laser light (130) toward a second detection area (106) through which the material (102) is provided, and A camera-based sensor device (128) that receives and analyzes light (132) reflected and / or scattered by a substance (102) in the second detection area (106), wherein the light receiving (132) of the camera-based sensor device (128) originates from the laser beam line (130). A laser triangulation system (124) equipped with Equipped with, The substance (102) is first provided through the first detection area (104) or the second detection area (106), and then provided through the other of the first detection area (104) and the second detection area (106). A device (100) in which the light receiving (122) of the spectroscopic system (120) completely intersects with the light receiving (132) and / or the laser beam line (130) of the camera-based sensor device (128).

2. The device (100) further comprises a focusing device (134), The focusing device (134) focuses the first light beam set (116) and the second light beam set (118) toward the scanning element (136), The apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein the scanning element (136) redirects the first and second light beam sets (116, 118) toward the first detection area (104), thereby focusing the first and second light beam sets (116, 118) toward the first detection area (104).

3. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source device (114) includes a first light source (138) that emits the first light beam set (116) and a second light source (140) that emits the second light beam set (118).

4. The apparatus (100) according to claim 2 or claim 3 dependent on claim 2, wherein the focusing device (134) includes a first focusing element (142) for focusing the first light beam set (116) toward the scan element (136), and a second focusing element (144) for focusing the second light beam set (118) toward the scan element (136).

5. The apparatus (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the light source device (114) includes a single light source (146) adapted to emit the first light beam set (116) and the second light beam set (118).

6. The apparatus (100) according to claim 5, dependent on claim 2, wherein the focusing device (134) includes a first focusing element (142) for focusing the first light beam set (116) toward the scan element (136), and a second focusing element (144) for focusing the second light beam set (118) toward the scan element (136).

7. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the spectroscopic system (120) includes a first spectrometer system (120) for analyzing light of a first wavelength interval and a second spectrometer system (120) for analyzing light of a second wavelength interval.

8. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the spectroscopic system (120) is a scanning spectroscopic system (120).

9. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first detection area (104) and the second detection area (106) overlap.

10. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising a first optical filter (150) positioned between the light source device (114) and the first detection area (104), wherein the first optical filter (150) prevents light from the first light beam set (116) and the second light beam set (118) from reaching the camera base sensor device (128).

11. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a second optical filter (152) positioned between the second detection area (106) and the camera-based sensor device (128), wherein the second optical filter (152) allows light from the laser beam line (130) to pass through, while blocking light (122) from the first light beam set (116), the second light beam set (118), and ambient light to pass through.

12. The apparatus (100) further comprises a processing unit (113) coupled to the spectroscopic system (120) and the camera-based sensor device (128), The processing unit (113) determines a first set of characteristics related to the substance (102) in the first detection area (104) based on the output signal (S1) of the spectroscopic system (120), The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the processing unit (113) determines a second set of characteristics related to the substance in the second detection area (106) based on the output signal (S2) of the camera-based sensor device (128).

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

14. Apparatus (100) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the second set of characteristics indicates at least one of the following: the height of the substance (102), the height profile of the substance (102), a 3D map of the substance (102), the intensity profile of reflected and / or scattered light (132), the volume center of the substance (102), the estimated mass center of the substance (102), the estimated weight of the substance (102), the estimated material of the substance (102), the presence of the substance (102), the absence of the substance (102), detection of isotropic and anisotropic light scattering of the substance (102), the structure and quality of the wood, the surface roughness and properties of the substance (102), and an indication of the presence of fluid within the substance (102).

15. The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the processing unit (113) further receives an input indicating the field of view of the camera-based sensor device (128) with respect to the second detection area (106), and compensates for the field of view of the camera-based sensor device (128) when determining the second characteristic set.

16. The apparatus (100) further comprises a discharge device (112) coupled to the processing unit (113), Apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the discharge device (112) discharges and sorts the substance (102) into a plurality of parts in response to receiving a signal from the processing unit (113) based on the first set of characteristics determined and / or the second set of characteristics determined, and the discharge device (112) discharges and sorts the substance (102) by at least one of compressed air injection, pressurized water injection, mechanical fingers, compressed air injection bar, pressurized water injection bar, mechanical finger bar, robotic arm and mechanical diverter.

17. The aforementioned device (100) A conveyor (108) for transporting the substance through the first detection area (104) and the second detection area (106), or The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, further comprising a chute (148) optionally including a vibration feeder for sliding or free-falling the substance through the first detection area and / or the second detection area.

18. - The spectroscopic system has a first field of view and a first field of view angle associated therewith, and the spectroscopic system receives and analyzes light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in the first detection area within the first field of view. - The camera-based sensor device has a second field of view and a second field of view angle associated therewith, and the camera-based sensor device receives and analyzes light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in the second detection area within the second field of view. The first field of view and the first field of view angle, and the second field of view and the second field of view angle are selected such that the first detection area is spatially separated from and located upstream of the second detection area, and the substance first passes through the first detection area and the first field of view, and then passes through the second detection area and the second field of view. An apparatus for detecting the substance according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A conveyor belt, a chute, and a free-fall path, comprising at least one of these, configured to move the substance along the flow direction from the first detection area to the second detection area. An apparatus for detecting the substance described in claim 18.

20. At least one of the second field of view of the camera-based sensor device and the first field of view of the spectroscopic system is inclined with respect to the flow direction, and the light received by the spectroscopic system completely intersects with the light received by the camera-based sensor device and / or the laser beam line. An apparatus for detecting the substance described in claim 19.

21. - The spectroscopic system has a first field of view and a first field of view angle associated therewith, and the spectroscopic system receives and analyzes light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in the first detection area within the first field of view, - The camera-based sensor device has a second field of view and a second field of view angle associated therewith, and the camera-based sensor device receives and analyzes light reflected and / or scattered by a substance in the second detection area within the second field of view. The first field of view and the first field of view angle, and the second field of view and the second field of view angle are selected such that the first detection area is spatially separated from and located downstream of the second detection area, and the substance first passes through the second detection area and the second field of view, and then passes through the first detection area and the first field of view. An apparatus for detecting the substance according to any one of claims 1 to 17.

22. A conveyor belt, a chute, and a free-fall path, configured to move the substance along the flow direction from the second detection area to the first detection area, comprising at least one of these: An apparatus for detecting the substance described in claim 21.

23. At least one of the second field of view of the camera-based sensor device and the first field of view of the spectroscopic system is inclined with respect to the flow direction, and the light received by the spectroscopic system completely intersects with the light received by the camera-based sensor device and / or the laser beam line. An apparatus for detecting the substance described in claim 22.

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