Grain Smoothness Measurement Using Heap Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assessing the smoothness of grains, particularly rice, are subjective and lack objective scientific validation, leading to irregular quality in polished rice due to reliance on personal judgment without standardized measurement techniques.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a channel with an obstacle to form a heap of grains, an image capturing device to analyze the shape and area under the curve of the heap, and a light source for improved image quality, which objectively determines the smoothness by analyzing the steepness and area under the curve of the heap image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual assessment methods are used to evaluate grain smoothness, then the assessment can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement precision and objectivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical assessment with an optical measurement system. An image capturing device captures images of grain heaps, and a processor analyzes the heap shape to determine smoothness. This substitution of mechanical/tactile evaluation with optical and computational methods achieves objective, precise measurement while maintaining relatively simple equipment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the grain heap and analyzes the 2D projection to infer 3D smoothness characteristics. By capturing and analyzing the heap's visual appearance rather than directly measuring physical properties, the system achieves non-contact measurement with high precision while keeping the device simple.
2Reliability
If personal judgment is used for quality assessment, then the evaluation process is simple, but the reliability and consistency of results deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides objective feedback by automatically analyzing heap images and generating smoothness values. The processor continuously monitors the heap shape and compares it against criteria to determine grain quality, eliminating subjective judgment variations and ensuring consistent, reliable assessment results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective human judgment with an automated optical measurement and analysis system. The image capturing device and processor work together to objectively evaluate smoothness, ensuring reliable and consistent results that are not influenced by individual assessor preferences or experiences.
3Productivity
If continuous monitoring is implemented to detect quality variations, then the productivity and quality control improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous quality monitoring by continuously capturing images of the grain heap and continuously analyzing the heap shape. This continuous action allows real-time detection of smoothness variations and quality changes, improving productivity and quality control without requiring complex intermittent measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the grain heap itself as the measurement object, eliminating the need for complex separate measurement apparatus. The heap's own shape and form provide the measurement data, allowing the system to monitor quality continuously using simple image capture and analysis rather than complex intrusive measurement devices.
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
This method provides an objective and continuous assessment of grain smoothness, enabling immediate detection of quality variations and improving the consistency and economic value of polished rice, allowing for better quality control and separation of grain qualities.
Implementation Method 1
an obstacle arranged at the channel to slow down grains falling on the obstacle, so that the flow of grains forms a heap on the obstacle
Implementation Method 2
an image capturing device placed facing the obstacle, wherein the image capturing device is arranged to capture an image of the heap
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and an arrangement for measuring the smoothness of grains. In one embodiment, the arrangement includes a channel for supplying grains, especially rice grains, an obstacle arranged at the channel to slow down grains falling on the obstacle, so that the flow of grains forms a heap on the obstacle and an image capturing device placed facing the obstacle. The image capturing device is arranged to capture an image of the heap, where the area under the curve of the captured heap image indicates the degree of smoothness of the grains or the course of the curve of the captured heap image indicates the degree of smoothness of the grains.