Sorting Apparatus Using Periodic Sensor Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sorting systems face limitations in real-time identification of internal defects in agricultural products, such as 'sugar end' defects in potatoes, due to destructive interference between multiple sensors and inadequate isolation of signals, leading to incomplete data collection and reduced sensitivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize multiple electromagnetic radiation emitters and capturing devices, controlled by a controller to isolate interrogation signals and prevent spectral overlap, allowing for simultaneous detection of external and internal characteristics through selective energization and actuation in a predetermined sequence, enabling real-time multi-modal image formation and sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If multiple electromagnetic radiation emitters and capturing devices are used simultaneously to detect multiple characteristics, then the quantity of information obtained is improved, but the signals destructively interfere with each other and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by sequentially activating different electromagnetic radiation emitters and capturing devices in alternating time intervals rather than simultaneously. The controller coordinates the operation so that each sensor type is activated in turn during the product's passage through the inspection station, preventing signal interference while collecting data from multiple sensing modalities including visible spectrum cameras, near-infrared cameras, and laser scanners.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple sensors are actuated simultaneously to gather comprehensive information, then the quantity of substance (data) is improved, but the signals destructively interfere and measurement precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by cycling through different sensor activation sequences. The controller activates visible spectrum cameras, near-infrared cameras, and laser scanners in alternating time intervals as products move through the inspection station. This temporal separation ensures that each sensor operates during its designated time window without signal interference from other sensors, maintaining measurement precision while gathering comprehensive data from multiple modalities.
3Productivity
If electromagnetic radiation emitters are continuously energized to capture real-time data, then productivity is improved, but energy consumption increases and signal isolation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by energizing electromagnetic radiation emitters in alternating time intervals rather than continuously. The controller coordinates the activation of visible spectrum cameras, near-infrared cameras, and laser scanners in sequential bursts that correspond to the passage of products through the inspection station. This approach maintains real-time sorting capability while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation of all emitters.
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 accurate identification and removal of unacceptable products by providing comprehensive, real-time data on external and internal characteristics, enhancing the quality of sorted products and preventing defects like 'sugar end' from reaching downstream processing stages.
Implementation Method 1
selectively energizing a first electromagnetic radiation emitter which is positioned on a first side of the product stream, and which, when energized, emits electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 2
selectively actuating a first electromagnetic radiation capturing device which is operably associated with the first electromagnetic radiation emitter, and which is further positioned on the first side of the unsupported product stream, and which, when actuated, captures electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
Chlorophyll fluorescence occurs when chlorophyll is exposed to electromagnetic radiation which energizes the chlorophyll molecules which then emit light in the red and infra-red (IR) color spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sorting objects is described, and which provides high-speed image data acquisition to fuse multiple data streams in real-time, while avoiding destructive interference when individual sensors or detectors are utilized in providing data regarding internal and external features and characteristics and qualities of products being inspected.