Neural Image Sorting Plant for Precious Metal Scrap Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting waste electronic boards and vehicle catalysts containing precious metals and copper are manual, labor-intensive, error-prone, and hazardous, with no effective automated systems available for catalysts.
Innovation Solution
A plant equipped with an image acquisition and processing device using a neural network to classify and sort objects based on precious metals and copper content, utilizing a conveyor belt, lighting, detection elements, and actuators to automate the sorting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual selection by specialized personnel is used, then objects can be classified and selected, but a large number of workers are required, exposing them to hazardous environments and requiring extensive training time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical selection process with an automated image acquisition and processing system. The image acquisition device captures images of objects, and the processing device analyzes these images to automatically classify and select objects containing precious metals, eliminating the need for human operators to manually handle and sort materials in hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates optical copies (images) of the physical objects for analysis. Instead of directly handling the physical objects, the system uses image data to identify and classify objects containing precious metals, allowing remote, non-contact inspection and decision-making about object sorting.
2Reliability
If manual selection is used, then objects can be sorted, but the margin of error is determined by operator experience and concentration levels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human cognitive processing with an automated image processing system that uses algorithms to analyze visual features. This substitution eliminates variability in operator experience and concentration, providing consistent and reliable selection results through programmed criteria rather than human judgment.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automated image acquisition and processing devices are implemented, then human error and health risks are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated system into distinct functional modules: an image acquisition device for capturing object images, and a separate processing device for analyzing the images. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining automation capabilities that eliminate human exposure to hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a plant (I) for classification and selection of objects (O) comprising precious metals and copper, comprising a supporting frame (1) for supporting said plant (I) on the ground, which extends from a first end (11) to a second end (12), a conveyor belt (13), coupled to said support frame (1) capable of sliding according to a sliding direction (V) from said first end (11) toward said second end (12) in order to convey said objects (O), an image acquisition and processing device (2), arranged on said supporting frame (1) in said first end (11), raised with respect to said conveyor belt (13) and capable of acquiring the images of said objects (O), detecting predetermined visual features of said objects (O) in said acquired images, associating a category of precious metals comprised in said objects (O) with said visual features, classifying said objects (O) based on said association; sending signals corresponding to said classification; comprising at least one actuator device (3) arranged on said supporting frame (1) downstream of said image acquisition and processing device (2), capable of receiving said corresponding signals from said image acquisition and processing device (2) and of sorting said objects (O) based on said corresponding signals. The present invention also relates an operation method of said plant (I).