Ai based fruit sorting system

Abstract

The present invention relates to an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system comprising a sorting chamber, a main controller, and a separation and discharge structure; wherein the sorting chamber is configured as a darkroom-type structure with an integrated camera, lighting, and fruit load structure. Through this, existing conveyors can be utilized for sorting, separating, and discharging defective and good quality fruits, such as apples.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system, and more specifically, to an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system capable of sorting defective and good quality fruits, such as apples, and separating / discharging them. Background Technology

[0002] The sorting of fruits, such as apples, is a process that commercializes harvested fruits. By sorting harvested fruits fresh and uniformly, it enhances the commercial value of agricultural products and possesses the characteristic of increasing added value.

[0003] In particular, fruit sorting is required because there are various factors that determine the quality of each individual fruit, such as size, weight, shape, color, and the presence or absence of blemishes. Since sorting criteria differ not only by fruit type but also by variety, classification by grade is necessary accordingly. Therefore, uniform sorting and packaging must be carried out to enhance marketability.

[0004] Generally, the fruit sorting process involves workers classifying fruits moving along a conveyor belt by grade, but recently, fruit sorting devices that automatically classify and sort fruits by size or weight are widely used.

[0005] While there are methods to classify target fruits by grade based on size or weight, there are also methods to sort them into grades based on specific standards, even for fruits of the same size or weight.

[0006] Generally, the detection of defects in fruit is performed based on images captured by a camera. For example, a fruit sorting device disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2020-0007385 uses a set of three cameras to photograph a target fruit and detects defects based on images captured in three directions.

[0007] The fruit sorting device disclosed in the aforementioned Korean published patent detects defects based on images taken from three directions, thereby resolving the problem of not being able to detect defects on the opposite surface from images taken from only one direction, but there is a problem in that the number of cameras installed increases in that three cameras are used as a set for shooting.

[0008] Meanwhile, when the defect detection process is completed, the fruits moving along the conveyor belt are classified into defective fruits and good fruits and stored. For example, the fruit sorting device disclosed in Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-1686618 is equipped with multiple sorting conveyors branching off from the main conveyor, and the fruits are classified by branching to specific sorting conveyors according to sorting criteria and dropping into shipping boxes, etc.

[0009] However, in the case of conveyor-based fruit sorting devices, existing farms are equipped with conveyors, but in order to apply the fruit sorting system, the existing conveyors must be removed and a conveyor with added sorting functions installed, so the existing conveyors cannot be utilized, which is not desirable in terms of cost. The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention has been devised in consideration of the above points, and the objective of the present invention is to provide an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system that can utilize existing conveyors for sorting defective and good quality fruits, such as apples, and for separating and discharging them. means of solving the problem

[0011] The objective of the present invention is achieved by an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to the present invention, comprising a sorting chamber, a main controller, and a separation and discharge structure; wherein the sorting chamber is configured as a darkroom and is integrated with a camera, lighting, and a fruit load structure.

[0012] Here, in order to check the image of the entire surface of the fruit and determine the presence or absence of defects through artificial intelligence, the fruit road structure is characterized by being configured to acquire a 360-degree image.

[0013] In addition, it is characterized by securing real-time capabilities through a structure that utilizes the physical movement of an existing conveyor to acquire 360-degree images.

[0014] In addition, the fruit load structure is installed with a gap of 5 mm or more in height from the existing conveyor, and the movement of the fruit is characterized by the speed, direction, and physical force of the existing conveyor. Effects of the invention

[0015] According to the present invention based on the above configuration, an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system is provided that can utilize an existing conveyor for sorting defective and good quality fruits, such as apples, and for separating and discharging them. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a 360-degree image acquisition fruit road structure of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contraction and expansion of a rotating roller of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the defect opening and closing structure of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the chamber structure of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the machine vision structure of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the main control system of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0017] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments, and specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail.

[0018] However, this is not intended to limit the invention to specific embodiments, and it should be understood that it includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0019] The terms used in this application are used merely to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the invention. The singular expression includes the plural expression unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this application, terms such as "comprising" or "having" are intended to specify the presence of the features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and should be understood as not precluding the existence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0020] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be interpreted in an ideal or overly formal sense unless explicitly defined in this application.

[0021] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, the artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention is a portable fruit sorting system that uses artificial intelligence technology to detect defects in fruits and separates and discharges defective fruits according to the detection results.

[0023] An artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a sorting chamber, a main controller, and a separation and discharge structure.

[0024] The sorting chamber according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized by being configured as a darkroom with a camera, lighting, and a fruit load structure integrated.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a fruit load structure for acquiring 360-degree images of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, the artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided in a portable form that can be attached to and detached from an existing conveyor.

[0027] It has a structure that can be attached and detached in a portable form to an existing conveyor line while maintaining the existing lines and systems.

[0028] To enable application to existing conveyors, the chamber is shaped like an arch, with the upper part of the chamber composed of a machine vision system including cameras and lighting, and the lower part of the chamber can be integrated with a fruit road structure.

[0029] The defect detection chamber is characterized by being configured to be detachable on an existing conveyor belt.

[0030] In order to check the image of the entire surface of the fruit and determine the presence or absence of defects through artificial intelligence, the fruit road structure is configured to acquire 360-degree images.

[0031] Real-time capability is ensured through a structure that utilizes the physical movement of the existing conveyor to acquire 360-degree images. This allows for improved sorting speed.

[0032] The fruit load structure is installed with a gap of 5 mm or more in height from the existing conveyor, and the movement of the fruit is driven by the speed, direction, and physical force of the existing conveyor.

[0033] And, the proceeding fruit moves along a fruit road structure installed with a gap above the existing conveyor.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the contraction and expansion of a rotating roller of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the opening and closing structure of a defect of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the moving fruit is physically rotated by a plurality of rotating rollers (balls), and the rotating rollers (balls) are configured in the form of joints connected to springs so that they can be rotated regardless of the size of the fruit.

[0036] The rotating roller is configured as a spring-loaded joint, allowing it to contract and expand according to the size of the fruit, enabling rotation regardless of size, while the maximum size of the fruit is limited to the size that can be accommodated by the load structure.

[0037] Multiple cameras are installed on the upper part of the fruit road to capture images of the fruit in real time and perform AI identification, and fruits with detected defects are separated and discharged in real time.

[0038] Separate discharge is configured such that a portion of the fruit load is designed to open and close automatically, allowing it to move along a path for discharge with defects, and multiple units can be installed according to separation standards.

[0039] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the chamber structure of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a diagram explaining the machine vision structure of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] The chamber is equipped with cameras and lighting to enable artificial intelligence to identify defects based on images, and the cameras are installed at the top front and rear ends relative to the rotating rollers of the fruit rod.

[0041] Multiple cameras are installed to acquire images of moving fruits in real time, configured as a set of two to secure the entire image.

[0042] To ensure consistency in image acquisition, the chamber lighting and camera are configured to minimize the influx of external light, allowing for angle-adjustable lighting and optimizing image acquisition.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a conceptual diagram of the main control system of an artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] The main controller oversees the entire system, including the machine vision system operating in the chamber and the operation of automated opening and closing of the fruit load.

[0045] For sorting using artificial intelligence, the chamber is controlled to acquire images in real time; the acquired images are used to detect defects, and the system is controlled to separate and discharge items based on the presence or absence of defects.

[0046] Separate disposal is transferred to a separate storage area where fruit can be loaded by opening and closing the fruit load based on the presence or absence of defects using AI.

[0047] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be implemented in other specific forms without altering its technical concept or essential features. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

Claims

Claim 1 An AI-based fruit sorting system comprising a sorting chamber, a main controller, and a separation and discharge structure; wherein the sorting chamber is configured as a darkroom and is integrated with a camera, lighting, and a fruit load structure. Claim 2 An AI-based fruit sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the fruit road structure is configured to acquire 360-degree images in order to verify the image of the entire surface of the fruit and determine the presence or absence of defects through artificial intelligence. Claim 3 An AI-based fruit sorting system according to claim 1, characterized by securing real-time capability through a structure that utilizes the physical movement of an existing conveyor to acquire 360-degree images. Claim 4 An artificial intelligence-based fruit sorting system according to claim 1, characterized in that the fruit load structure is installed with a gap of 5 mm or more in height from the existing conveyor, and the movement of the fruit is driven by the speed, direction, and physical force of the existing conveyor.

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