Grain Flake Thickness Measurement Using Automated Image Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring grain flake thickness, such as soybean flakes, are inefficient and prone to human error due to reliance on skilled workers, leading to process slowdowns and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

An automated system using image collection and analysis, including color segmentation in the HSV color space and binary image edge segment topological structural analysis, to accurately measure grain flake thickness, with alignment to prevent surface confusion and calculation of mean thickness values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If non-automated measurement methods using skilled workers are used, then measurement capability is available, but human errors, process slowdowns, and inefficiency increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses an image collection device to capture grain flake images and an acquisition unit to automatically process these images through color segmentation and edge detection algorithms, eliminating the need for skilled workers to manually measure grain flakes while maintaining high measurement accuracy and significantly improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is designed to autonomously perform the complete measurement process without human intervention. The acquisition unit automatically receives images, performs color segmentation in HSV space, conducts binary image edge segment topological structural analysis, calculates thickness values, and generates measurement results independently, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependence on skilled operators

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated measurement systems are implemented, then efficiency and error reduction are improved, but measurement precision and accuracy may be compromised without proper image analysis methods

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidthickness measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the measurement problem by changing the parameter space from direct thickness measurement to color space analysis. By converting images to HSV color space and performing color segmentation, the system extracts grain flake boundaries and thickness information indirectly through color characteristics, achieving high precision automated measurement. The use of multiple image processing parameters (color thresholds, edge detection parameters, topological features) enables accurate thickness calculation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate processing steps between image capture and thickness measurement. Color segmentation in HSV space serves as an intermediary that separates grain flake regions from background, followed by binary image edge segment topological structural analysis that extracts boundary information. These intermediary processes enable the system to accurately determine thickness values from complex grain flake images, maintaining measurement precision while achieving full automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides accurate and efficient grain flake thickness measurements by automating the process and reducing human error, enhancing measurement precision and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an image collection device (110), configured to collect an image of one of the grain flakes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4300031B1Grain flake measurement system and method, and grain flake collection, movement and measurement system

Publication Date: 2025.08.27 BUNGE SA

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AI summary

This invention describes a measurement system (100), a measurement method, and a collection, movement, and measurement system for grains (200) run through a flaking process, in order to define the grain flake thickness. The grain flake measurement system comprises: an image collection device (110) configured to collect an image of one of the grain flakes; and an acquisition unit (120) configured to receive the of the collected grain flake image through the image collection device and perform a measurement of the grain flake thickness. The grain flake measurement method comprises the steps of: collecting (560) a grain flake image through an image collection device; and measuring (561) the grain flake thickness through the collected image. The grain flake collection, movement, and measurement system (200) comprises: a grain flake collection device (210); a measurement device (130); a movement and selection device (220); an acquisition unit (120); and a command unit (230).