Automated Grain Granulometry Through Optical Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring grain particle granulometry, such as cracked soybeans, are inefficient and prone to human error due to reliance on skilled workers, leading to process slowdowns and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing an image collection device for color segmentation and binary image edge segment topological structural analysis to measure grain particle granulometry, including steps like defining a minimum rectangle around each grain and calculating pixel per milliliter ratio, enabling precise and efficient automated measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If non-automated measurement methods are used, then measurement precision can be maintained through skilled worker expertise, but productivity decreases due to process slowdowns and human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with an automated optical imaging system. The image collection device captures grain images, and the command unit processes these images to determine granulometry, eliminating the need for skilled workers to manually measure each grain while maintaining measurement accuracy through computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the grains instead of physically measuring each grain. The image collection device captures visual representations of grains, and the command unit analyzes these copies to determine granulometry characteristics, replacing direct physical measurement with digital image analysis.
2Productivity
If automated measurement systems are implemented, then productivity increases by reducing human errors and process slowdowns, but device complexity increases due to additional equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The command unit serves multiple functions: it controls the image collection device, processes images, determines granulometry, and generates measurements. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer (the command unit's image analysis module) between the optical imaging system and the final measurement output. This intermediary layer simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the measurement logic and data processing functions in a single integrated unit.
3Measurement precision
If advanced image analysis techniques are used, then measurement precision improves through color segmentation and binary image edge segment topological structural analysis, but device complexity increases due to computational requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The command unit performs self-service by automatically executing the complete image analysis pipeline including color segmentation, binary image edge segment topological structural analysis, and granulometry determination. The system uses its own integrated computational resources to process images and generate measurements without requiring external complex computational equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system achieves precise and efficient grain measurements by automating the process, reducing human error and enhancing measurement accuracy through advanced image analysis techniques.
Implementation Method 1
the measurement data are generated at least through optical detection of part of the particles through at least two different optical measurement methods
Implementation Method 2
a separator device configured to remove unwanted particles from the plurality of grains by blowing air
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention describes a particle granulometry measurement system (100), a collection, movement, and measurement system (200) and a grain particle granulometry measurement method run through a cracking process in order to define their particle granulometry and analyze its functioning. The grain particle granulometry measurement system (100) comprises an image collection device (110) configured to collect images from a plurality of grains; and a command unit (120) configured to receive images from the plurality of grains collected through the image collection device (110) and perform a particle granulometry measurement of the plurality of grains. The grain collection, movement and measurement system (200) comprises: a grain collection device (210); the separator device (230); a measurement device (130); and a command unit (120). The grain particle granulometry measurement method comprises the steps of: collecting (540) an image of the plurality of grains through image collection device; and measuring (541) the particle granulometry of each grain of the plurality of grains through the collected image.