Seed Coating Quality Control via Aggregate Image Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for quality control of seed coating or staining are complex and labor-intensive, requiring separation of seeds into individual kernels for optical detection, which is inefficient and not suitable for in-depth color analysis.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a color video unit and image analysis unit that records and evaluates the color distribution of a substrate sample consisting of closely packed kernels, allowing for statistical analysis of color and contrast intensive coating composition without separating the seeds, using a color video camera and LED illumination within a sealed housing for optimal image capture and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If seeds are separated into individual kernels for optical detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple kernels into a single aggregate sample for optical detection, eliminating the need for separation into individual kernels. The color scanner captures color information from the entire aggregate sample, and software analysis extracts individual kernel color data from the combined image, thus simplifying the process while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy (color image) of the aggregate seed sample using a color scanner. This digital representation allows for subsequent software-based analysis to extract individual kernel color information without physically separating the kernels, thereby maintaining measurement capability while reducing physical manipulation complexity.
2Measurement precision
If seeds are separated into individual kernels for optical detection, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple kernels into an aggregate sample that can be imaged as a single unit, the patent enables simultaneous capture of color information from all kernels in the sample. The software then processes the single image to extract individual kernel data, dramatically increasing throughput compared to sequential imaging of separated kernels.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital image copy of the aggregate sample allows for efficient software-based processing where individual kernel color data can be extracted simultaneously from the single image file, eliminating the need for repeated physical handling and imaging operations for each kernel.
3Ease of operation
If a color scanner is used to record images of seed samples, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes scanning parameters including resolution settings, color depth, and lighting conditions to ensure the color scanner produces images with sufficient quality for precise color analysis. The system adjusts these parameters to balance ease of operation with the precision requirements for treatment composition detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation and individual kernel imaging systems with a simplified optical scanning system. The color scanner with integrated software analysis substitutes for manual kernel handling and individual measurement devices, maintaining precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
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
Enables efficient, non-invasive quality control of seed coating by measuring the distribution of the coating composition on individual and multiple kernels, providing detailed and reproducible evaluation of coating quality with minimal sample preparation and effort, facilitating quality assurance in seed treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
illumination means (20) which illuminate an area from preferably 40x40 mm to 150x150 mm
Implementation Method 2
the distribution of the treatment composition on the individual kernel is established by means of optical detection via colour measurement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for optical quality control of the coating or staining of a kernel-type substrate, in particular seed with a color and contrast intensive coating composition.