WO2019177468A1 - Système d'inspection d'article - Google Patents

Système d'inspection d'article Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2019177468A1
WO2019177468A1 PCT/NZ2019/050026 NZ2019050026W WO2019177468A1 WO 2019177468 A1 WO2019177468 A1 WO 2019177468A1 NZ 2019050026 W NZ2019050026 W NZ 2019050026W WO 2019177468 A1 WO2019177468 A1 WO 2019177468A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
mirror
housing
conveyor
frame
inspection apparatus
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2019/050026
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Josh STROOBANT
Tauseef QUAZI
Original Assignee
Compac Technologies Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Compac Technologies Limited filed Critical Compac Technologies Limited
Publication of WO2019177468A1 publication Critical patent/WO2019177468A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/01—Arrangements or apparatus for facilitating the optical investigation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/34—Sorting according to other particular properties
    • B07C5/342—Sorting according to other particular properties according to optical properties, e.g. colour
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C5/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material being sorted, e.g. by control effected by devices which detect or measure such characteristic or feature; Sorting by manually actuated devices, e.g. switches
    • B07C5/36—Sorting apparatus characterised by the means used for distribution
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/85—Investigating moving fluids or granular solids
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
    • G01N21/8806—Specially adapted optical and illumination features
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/02—Food
    • G01N33/025—Fruits or vegetables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B07—SEPARATING SOLIDS FROM SOLIDS; SORTING
    • B07C—POSTAL SORTING; SORTING INDIVIDUAL ARTICLES, OR BULK MATERIAL FIT TO BE SORTED PIECE-MEAL, e.g. BY PICKING
    • B07C2501/00—Sorting according to a characteristic or feature of the articles or material to be sorted
    • B07C2501/009—Sorting of fruit
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G21/00—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors
    • B65G21/20—Means incorporated in, or attached to, framework or housings for guiding load-carriers, traction elements or loads supported on moving surfaces
    • B65G21/2045—Mechanical means for guiding or retaining the load on the load-carrying surface
    • B65G21/2063—Mechanical means for guiding or retaining the load on the load-carrying surface comprising elements not movable in the direction of load-transport
    • B65G21/2072—Laterial guidance means
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02—Articles
    • B65G2201/0202—Agricultural and processed food products
    • B65G2201/0211—Fruits and vegetables
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2203/00—Indexing code relating to control or detection of the articles or the load carriers during conveying
    • B65G2203/02—Control or detection
    • B65G2203/0208—Control or detection relating to the transported articles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2203/00—Indexing code relating to control or detection of the articles or the load carriers during conveying
    • B65G2203/04—Detection means
    • B65G2203/041—Camera
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N2021/845—Objects on a conveyor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N2021/8466—Investigation of vegetal material, e.g. leaves, plants, fruits
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
    • G01N21/8806—Specially adapted optical and illumination features
    • G01N2021/8841—Illumination and detection on two sides of object
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N21/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of optical means, i.e. using sub-millimetre waves, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light
    • G01N21/84—Systems specially adapted for particular applications
    • G01N21/88—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination
    • G01N21/95—Investigating the presence of flaws or contamination characterised by the material or shape of the object to be examined
    • G01N2021/9511—Optical elements other than lenses, e.g. mirrors

Definitions

  • the invention generally relates to the field of article conveying systems, article inspection systems and article sorting systems. More particularly, the invention relates to an article inspection system for imaging articles at a low angle.
  • a common type of object that is graded and sorted by a conveyor inspection system is fruit.
  • Fruit may be sorted based on criteria such as weight, shape, colour, ripeness and any other characteristic, such as surface blemishes or defects.
  • Conveyor systems comprise devices to measure these characteristics while the fruit is being transported. For example, the
  • characteristics can be detected and measured by visual scanning devices positioned above the conveyor. The position of each fruit and its respective characteristics can be tracked so that a discharge mechanism causes items of fruit to be unloaded from the conveyor and sent to the required destination, for example towards a chute or onto another conveyor. Similar systems can be used to grade and sort other types of product based on similar characteristics or other characteristics specific to the type of product.
  • typical existing inspection systems are set up with the cameras spaced far away from the fruit to avoid contact with the fruit or the associated debris.
  • the allowable horizontal spacing of a camera from a lane of a conveying system is often limited to allow for multiple lanes to run parallel in the same conveying system, the cameras on typical inspection systems image the fruit from high angles, to achieve the required spacing from the fruit and conveyors.
  • Some fruit tend to assume a position on conveyors with an orientation in which the major axis of the fruit (for example the axis between the stalk and calyx in the case of an apple) lies in the horizontal plane. While this orientation offers some advantages for existing vision systems and allows for gentle handling of the fruit, the high angles of the cameras of existing systems often results in poor inspection of the stem or calyx region of the fruit. Poor inspection of fruit can lead to incorrect processing or sorting of the fruit, resulting in unnecessary product wastage, or a higher (and more costly) labour requirement for quality control. It is therefore advantageous to reduce incorrect processing of fruit in automated sorting systems by more reliable imaging of fruit on conveying systems. It is also advantageous to reduce the spacing required between adjacent parallel conveyors (lanes) of a conveyor system and to reduce the number of cameras required to inspect articles, to reduce costs by saving on space and equipment, while providing high quality images.
  • the major axis of the fruit for example the axis between the stalk and calyx in the case of an apple
  • an inspection apparatus for inspecting articles conveyed past the inspection apparatus by an article conveyor along a conveying path comprises:
  • an image capturing device located above a horizontal plane of the conveyor, a mirror located at a level of the horizontal plane of the conveyor and angled to provide a side view of an article on the conveyor to the image capturing device,
  • a housing for the mirror wherein the housing is or forms part of a conveyor lane- divider.
  • the housing comprises a forward surface angled to be nearer to a vertical centreline of the conveyor at a bottom edge and further away from the vertical centreline of the conveyor at a top edge, to direct articles dislodged or fallen from the conveyor back onto or towards the conveying path.
  • the housing comprises a forward surface and the mirror is recessed in the housing to be located further from the conveying path than the forward surface.
  • an angle between a vertical plane and a plane of the mirror is greater than an angle between the vertical plane and a plane of the forward surface.
  • the image capture device is configured to capture an image of sufficient width to include in a single image a top view of an article being conveyed by the conveyor and a side view of the article being conveyed by the conveyor provided by the mirror.
  • the housing comprises:
  • a base configured to be attached to and form part of the conveyor lane-divider, and a frame providing a window to the mirror located in the housing, wherein the frame is removable from the base to remove or provide access to the mirror.
  • the mirror is attached to the base, removal of the frame providing access to the mirror.
  • the base includes a pair of spring clips to releasably retain the mirror to the base.
  • each said spring clip comprises a cantilever arm that extends from below a mounting surface on which the mirror is mounted to above the mounting surface, and a shoulder at a free end of the cantilever arm to bear against an outer surface of the mirror.
  • the length of the cantilever arm is significantly greater than a thickness of the mirror.
  • the mirror is attached to the frame to be removable from the base together with the frame.
  • the housing comprises a transparent barrier to cover and protect the mirror from damage or debris.
  • the transparent barrier is attached to the frame so that the transparent barrier is removable together with the frame as a window assembly.
  • the housing comprises a transparent barrier and the mirror comprises the transparent barrier and a mirror coating applied to a rear surface of the transparent barrier.
  • the frame is releasably clipped to the base by one or more releasable couplings.
  • the releasable coupling(s) is/are provided at or adjacent a top edge of the frame.
  • the frame is attached to the base in a way that prevents or reduces the likelihood of accidental removal caused by fruit colliding with the frame.
  • the frame is attached to the base so that a direction in which the frame is removed from the base does not replicate a direction in which fruit collides with the lane-divider when dislodged from the conveyor.
  • the frame is pivotable from an installed position about an axis to be removed from the base.
  • the axis is substantially parallel to the conveying direction.
  • the axis is at or adjacent to a bottom edge of the frame.
  • one of the frame and the base comprises a longitudinal bead and the other one of the frame and the base comprises a corresponding channel for receiving the bead, the frame pivotable about a longitudinal axis of the bead to engage and disengage the frame to and from the base.
  • the housing comprises a gasket to extend around a perimeter of the mirror to form a seal between the frame and the base.
  • the conveyor lane-divider comprises an extruded chassis with one or more channels or projections
  • the base comprises a corresponding one or more projections or channels, the projection(s) received in the channel(s) to mount the base to the chassis.
  • the conveyor lane-divider comprises a front panel extending along the lane-divider either side of the housing, and wherein the base has an overlapping portion at each lateral forward edge to overlap an edge portion of an adjacent said front panel.
  • the apparatus further comprises a top diffuse illumination source to provide diffuse lighting from above the article to illuminate the article, and wherein the mirror reflects illumination provided by the top illumination source onto the side of the article.
  • the apparatus comprises a lane-divider on each side of the conveyor, each lane- divider comprising a said housing and a mirror mounted to the lane-divider by the housing.
  • the lane-divider comprises a first said housing and mirror located on a first side of the lane-divider to face the conveyor, and a second said housing and mirror located on an opposite second side of the lane-divider to face an adjacent conveyor, and wherein the first and second housings and mirrors are aligned at a longitudinal position of the lane-divider.
  • the lane-divider comprises a light emitting surface adjacent to the housing.
  • a mirror and housing assembly for a conveyor- type article inspection apparatus comprises:
  • the housing comprising:
  • a base configured to be attached to and form part of a conveyor lane-divider of the inspection apparatus
  • a frame providing a window to the mirror located in the housing, wherein the frame is removable from the base to remove or provide access to the mirror.
  • the second aspect may comprise any one or more features associated with the first aspect described above.
  • a conveyor lane-divider for a conveyor-type article inspection apparatus comprises:
  • the housing comprising:
  • a frame providing a window to the mirror located in the housing, wherein the frame is removable from the base to remove or provide access to the mirror.
  • the lane-divider comprises an extruded chassis with one or more channels or projections
  • the base comprises a corresponding one or more projections or channels, the projection(s) received in the channel(s) to mount the base to the chassis, and
  • each front panel comprising a one or more projections or channels corresponding with the one or more channels or projections of the extruded chassis, the projection(s) received in the channel(s) to mount the front panel to the chassis.
  • a front panel extends along the lane-divider either side of the housing, and wherein the base has an overlapping portion at each lateral forward edge to overlap an edge portion of an adjacent said front panel.
  • the third aspect may comprise any more or more features associated with the first aspect described above.
  • camera is used in this specification and claims to refer to a device for capturing and/or sensing light, including visible and non-visible light. It will be understood that, in any of the embodiments of the invention described, other types of sensors may be used including, but not limited to: other types of light sensors; heat sensors; spectrometers; magnetometers; range sensors and noise sensors (e.g. microphones). These other types of sensors may be substituted for the camera in the described embodiments or may be used in addition to the described cameras.
  • debris is used in this specification and claims to refer to various physical matter that can reduce the ability of a camera to clearly image fruit if the debris lies in the line-of-sight between camera and fruit, such as dust, water, pieces of fruit etc. "Debris” can also include physical matter that reduces the quality of illumination of the fruit to be imaged. In general, debris is any matter that impacts the ability of the camera to acquire an adequate image of an adequately illuminated fruit, where "adequate" means of sufficient quality to be able to inspect the fruit to be able to sort the fruit with the desired level of error tolerance.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an inspection apparatus for inspecting articles such as fruit.
  • FIG. 1 is an end view of the inspection apparatus of Figure 1.
  • a top illumination source is indicated schematically.
  • Figure 3 is a top view of the inspection apparatus of Figure 1.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of a housing and mirror assembly for a lane-divider of the apparatus of Figure 1.
  • Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the housing and mirror assembly of Figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of a base of a housing of the assembly of Figure 4.
  • Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of a frame and transparent barrier assembly of the assembly of Figure 4.
  • Figure 8 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 6.
  • Figure 9 is a cross section on a vertical centre plane of the assembly of Figure 4.
  • Figure 10 is a cross section on a vertical centre plane of the assembly of Figure 4 with a frame and transparent assembly separated from a housing base.
  • Figure 11 is a cross section of a lane-divider of the apparatus of Figure I on a vertical centre plane of a housing and mirror assembly of the lane-divider.
  • Figure 12 is a cross section of a lane-divider of the apparatus of Figure I on a vertical plane adjacent a housing and mirror assembly of the lane-divider.
  • the image resolution obtained in the stem and calyx regions is low in comparison to other regions of the fruit, due to the tangential relationship between the fruit surface in those regions and the line-of-sight of the camera. In some cases, the orientation of the fruit and properties of the lens used may result in a defect area not being inspected at all.
  • Figures 1 to 3 show a fruit inspecting and conveying apparatus or system 1 comprising a conveyor 2 (only partly shown) conveying an article or piece of fruit 3 in a conveying direction 4.
  • a typical system comprises many conveyors arranged side-by-side in parallel lanes.
  • Figures 1 to 3 show a single lane only. Adjacent lanes are separated by a lane-divider 5.
  • a single lane- divider 5 is shown in Figures 1 and 3, and two lane-dividers 5 are shown in Figure 2, one on each side of the conveyor 2.
  • Each lane-divider 5 forms a lane barrier to prevent fruit that has fallen or been dislodged from the conveyor from interfering with an adjacent lane.
  • the image capture device is supported by a mounting structure or cabinet (not shown) and may be protected by a window 7 also supported by the mounting structure or cabinet.
  • One or more cameras may be provided for each lane, for example a colour camera and one or more infrared cameras to take simultaneous exposures of the fruit.
  • the image capture device 6 is positioned to capture a top view (plan view) image of the fruit.
  • the image capture device is positioned directly above the conveyor 2, i.e. in line with the conveyor 2, as shown in Figures 1 to 3.
  • Illumination is preferably provided to deliver lighting conditions suitable for capturing high quality images.
  • lighting is provided from above the conveyor and also from a side of the conveyor.
  • An illumination source is preferably located at the lane-divider to provide side lighting to the fruit.
  • a suitable side illumination arrangement provided with lane-dividers is described in WO2016/163896.
  • the inspection apparatus 1 comprises a mirror 102 located at the lane-divider.
  • a housing 101 is provided to mount the mirror 102 at or to the lane divider.
  • the housing 101 is or forms part of the lane-divider 5.
  • a lane divider is located between adjacent parallel conveyors or to the side of an outer most conveyor. The lane-divider may act as a barrier, to direct the fruit back towards or alongside the conveyor path should the fruit fall or be dislodged from the conveyor.
  • the housing 101 locates the mirror 102 at a height or level of a horizontal plane of the conveyor 2, e.g. a level at which the articles are supported by the conveyor.
  • the housing is configured to locate the mirror at substantially the same vertical level as the articles carried by the conveyor.
  • the mirror 102 is oriented at an angle to provide a side view of the fruit to the image capturing device 6 located above the conveyor 2.
  • the mirror 102 may be angled and a camera of the image capture device 6 may be configured to capture an image of sufficient width to include in a single image a top view and a side view provided by the mirror 102.
  • a first portion of an array of pixel provided by the image capture device is used to capture the top view and a second portion of the array of pixels is used to capture the side image.
  • a single image may incorporate multiple side views of the object.
  • a mirror 102 is provided to a lane-divider 5 on one side of the conveying path and a mirror 102 is provided to a lane-divider 5 on an opposite side of the conveying path.
  • the mirrors are angled and the camera of the image capture device 6 is configured to capture an image of sufficient width to include in a single image a top view and two opposed sides views provided by the mirrors 102.
  • a first portion of an array of pixel provided by the image capture device is used to capture the top view
  • a second portion of the array of pixels is used to capture a first side image
  • a third portion of the array of pixels is used to capture an opposite second side image.
  • Images are captured sequentially, for example at a frequency of 50Hz, with each image including a top view and at least one side view.
  • the image capture device captures an image with a height and width, wherein the width is greater than the height, the width oriented in the conveyor direction and the height perpendicular to the conveyor direction.
  • the mirror is a first surface mirror with a high reflection efficiently across the spectrum of light being imaged, for example a first surface Protected Silver Coating Mirror with reflection efficiency above 98% from 300-1100nm (rated for visible and NIR (near infrared) applications).
  • the system includes a single mirror in a path of light between the image capture device and the article 3, as shown in Figure 2.
  • the mirror is optimally angled to capture a side view of a piece of fruit in a range of 40mm to 120mm diameter, to capture an image of the stem or calyx area of the fruit.
  • the lane divider comprises a housing 101 and mirror 102 on both sides of the lane divider. As best shown in Figure 2, the housings and mirrors are aligned to be located at a single longitudinal position of the lane divider.
  • the housing 101 has a forward surface 103 angled to be nearer to a vertical centreline of the conveyor 2 at a bottom edge and further away from the vertical centre line of the conveyor 2 at a top edge.
  • the angled forward surface 103 directs fruit that has fallen or become dislodged from the conveyor back onto or towards the conveying path.
  • the mirror 102 is recessed in the housing 101 within a window through the front surface 103, so that the mirror is located further from the conveying path than the front surface of the housing. Having the mirror recessed in the housing and therefore the lane-divider assists in preventing or reducing debris landing on the mirror.
  • An angle A ( Figure 10) between a vertical plane and a plane of the mirror is greater than an angle B between the vertical plane and a plane of the forward surface.
  • the front surface at an angle to be closer to vertical than the mirror, the top edge of the mirror is recessed further into the housing than a bottom edge of the mirror.
  • the width of the recess (the width being aligned in the conveyor direction) is smaller than the width of the articles being conveyed to reduce the risk of mirror damage from articles leaving the conveyor.
  • the housing 101 has a bottom wall portion 104 that extends substantially vertically. Bottom wall 104 portion extends downwards from a bottom edge of the angled front surface 103. The vertical bottom wall portion 104 provides a vertical barrier to help prevent fruit that has fallen off the conveyor 2 from contacting the recessed mirror.
  • the housing has a window 105 through which the mirror 102 is visible. The window is located in the angled forward surface 103 and also extends through the vertical bottom wall portion 104. As best shown in Figures 4 and 9, a lower edge 105a of the window is below a top edge 104a of the vertical bottom wall portion. The mirror 102 extends to or below the bottom edge 105a of the window 105.
  • the housing 101 comprises a base part or base 106 that is configured to be attached to and form part of a lane-divider 5.
  • the mirror 102 is received in or on the base 106.
  • the base 106 has locating details 107 to locate the mirror on the base.
  • the locating details are projections on the base, each configured to border a corner of the mirror.
  • the base also comprises one or more clips 108 to hold the mirror in place.
  • the illustrated embodiment has a spring clip 108 to retain the mirror at each side.
  • the mirror 102 is supported on a mounting surface 109 of the base.
  • the spring clip 108 comprises a cantilever arm 108a that extends from below the mounting surface to a free end above the mounting surface 108a.
  • a shoulder 108b is provided at the free end to bear against an outer surface of the mirror 102 so that the mirror is retained between the shoulder 108b and the mounting surface 109.
  • the spring clip has a spring arm length L ( Figure 9) that is substantially greater than a thickness of the mirror, so that the spring clip is easily deflected in order to clip the mirror into place on the base, yet securely holds the mirror in place at a correct angle.
  • the thickness of the mirror includes the thickness of a mirror coating and a substrate on which the mirror coating is applied.
  • the distal end of the spring clip has a ramp or angled surface 108c so that pressing an edge region of the mirror against the distal end of the clip causes the clip to deflect outwards to allow the mirror to be located on the base.
  • the clip 108 returns to or towards an un-deflected configuration with the shoulder 108b bearing against the outer surface of the mirror 102.
  • the base holds the mirror at an optimal angle for viewing the side of the fruit.
  • the base may be an injection moulded part.
  • a suitable material for the base is ABS.
  • the housing 106 comprises a frame 111 movably attached to the base. The frame is removable from the base to provide access to the mirror in the housing.
  • the illustrated embodiment also has a transparent barrier 110 to cover the mirror 102.
  • the transparent barrier is held in place over the mirror by the frame 111.
  • the frame 111 and transparent barrier 110 form a removable window assembly through which the mirror 102 is visible.
  • the transparent barrier 110 and frame 111 protects the mirror from mechanical damage and debris.
  • the transparent barrier 110 may be made from cast acrylic which has minimal transmission loses across the spectrum of light being imaged, for example a 300-1100nm wavelength band. Cast acrylic has minimal surface imperfections, to provide an unobstructed view of the mirror 102.
  • the transparent barrier 110 is preferably mounted/attached to the frame 111.
  • the frame may be over-moulded to the transparent barrier. In the illustrated embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, a pair of brackets 112 secure the transparent barrier 110 to the frame 111.
  • Each bracket 112 is attached to the frame 111 by a fastener 114 (screw), so that the transparent barrier 110 is secured between the frame 111 and brackets 112.
  • the frame may be an injection moulded component.
  • a suitable material for the base is ABS.
  • the brackets may also be injection moulded parts or may be folded/stamped from sheet metal.
  • the mirror may be attached to the frame, to be removable from the base together with the frame.
  • the mirror may be attached to the frame below the transparent barrier 110.
  • the mirror may comprise the transparent barrier and a mirror coating applied to a rear surface of the transparent barrier.
  • the mirror may be attached to the frame using a similar clip configuration using cantilever arms 108a as described with reference to Figure 6.
  • the frame 111 is removable from the base, to provide access to the mirror 102 and for cleaning.
  • the frame 111 may be removed for cleaning and replaced for subsequent use.
  • the frame 111 is adapted to be easily removed and replaced, without tools.
  • the frame 111 is clipped to the base 106.
  • the frame comprises two female connectors/couplings 115 and the base 106 comprises two corresponding male connectors/couplings 116 to be received by the female couplings 115 to clip the frame 111 to the base 110.
  • female couplings may be provided on the base and male couplings provided on the frame.
  • the female coupling 115 comprises a pair of spaced apart springs or fingers and the corresponding male coupling 116 comprises a projection configured to be received between the fingers of the female coupling. Any other suitable clipping arrangement may be employed that provides for repeated installation and removal of the frame 111 to and from the base 110.
  • the frame is attached to the base in a way that prevents or reduces the likelihood of accidental removal caused by fruit colliding with the frame.
  • Accidental removal is prevented or reduced by ensuring a direction in which the frame is removed from the base does not replicate a direction in which fruit collides with the lane-divider when dislodged from the conveyor.
  • the frame is attached to and removed from the base by pivoting about an axis that is parallel to the conveying direction 4.
  • a fruit predominantly travels in the conveyor direction, parallel to the pivot axis about which the frame is pivoted for removal.
  • the frame may pivotally attach to the base about a pivot axis along or adjacent to a lateral upstream edge of the frame, or the frame may be attached to the base in a sliding engagement, sliding from an upstream side to a downstream side of the base.
  • the releasable couplings 115, 116 are provided at or towards a top edge of the frame 111, and the frame is pivotable about an axis at or adjacent to the bottom edge of the frame.
  • the pivot axis is nearer to a bottom of the frame, since any impact from a fruit with the frame will more likely be nearer to a bottom of the frame and so will present a small moment about the pivot axis.
  • the bottom edge of the frame is formed as a longitudinal curved bead 117.
  • the curved bead 117 is received in a corresponding longitudinal curved channel 118 formed in the base 106.
  • the bottom edge curved bead 117 is placed into the channel 118 of the base, initially with a top of the frame positioned outwards from the base.
  • the frame 111 is then pivoted about a longitudinal axis of the bead 117 and channel 118 to engage the coupling pairs 115, 116 at or near the top edge to secure the frame 111 to the base 106 with the transparent barrier 110 covering the mirror 102.
  • the longitudinal axis of the bead and channel is parallel to the conveying direction 4 of the conveyor 2.
  • the frame is removed by lifting the bead 117 out of the channel 118.
  • the channel is arranged so that the frame cannot be removed from the base in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the mirror.
  • the bead and channel and the releasable couplings 115, 116 are arranged so that the frame must be pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the bead and channel to release the frame from the base.
  • the bead and channel form a hinge with a hinge axis parallel to the conveying direction of the conveyor.
  • the base comprises the bead and the frame comprises a corresponding channel.
  • the illustrated embodiment also has a pair of recesses or apertures 120 in the channel 118 and the frame 111 has a corresponding pair of projections 121 to be received in the recesses 120.
  • the projections 121 received in the recesses 120 further assist with securing the frame to the base.
  • One recess and projection or two or more recesses and corresponding projections may be provided.
  • the frame preferably comprises one or more lever portions 119 that extend or project from the base 106 with the frame 111 installed to the base 106.
  • a user pulls on the one or more levers 119 to pivot the frame outwards from the top of the housing with the frame pivoting about the lower edge of the frame.
  • the frame may pivotally attach to the base about a pivot axis along or adjacent to a lateral upstream edge of the frame, or the frame may be attached to the base in a sliding engagement, sliding from an upstream side to a downstream side of the base.
  • the housing 101 further comprises a gasket or resilient member 113 to extend around a perimeter of the mirror 102.
  • a gasket or resilient member 113 to extend around a perimeter of the mirror 102.
  • the gasket 113 is compressed between the frame 111 and the base 106 to provide a seal about the mirror 102 to prevent debris reaching the mirror below the frame 111 and transparent barrier 110.
  • the gasket may also provide vibration damping between the frame and the base.
  • the frame 111 has an inner perimeter wall or edge 122 configured to contact the gasket. Preferably the frame contacts the gasket fully around the mirror.
  • the gasket may be made from food safe silicone foam tape, or other suitable material.
  • the housing base 106 is preferably mountable to a chassis of a lane divider 5, alongside forward-facing panels of the lane-divider 5.
  • the lane-divider 5 preferably houses lighting that is emitted as a side lighting source through the panels of the lane-divider.
  • the housing base 106 and panels are preferably mounted to the chassis.
  • the chassis is preferably a longitudinal extrusion, e.g. an aluminium extrusion.
  • Figure 11 is a cross section through the housing 101 forming part of the lane-divider 5, and
  • Figure 12 is a cross section through the lane-divider 5 adjacent the housing 101.
  • the chassis 124 has one or more channels 125 to receive corresponding projections 126 (e.g. Figure 10) on the housing.
  • the housing may have one or more projections to be received in corresponding channels in the chassis.
  • the housing is mounted to the chassis in the same way as the front panels 127 of the lane-divider 5.
  • the lane-divider front panel 127 also has projections 126 received in channels 125 of the extruded chassis.
  • the housing has an overlapping portion 128 at each lateral forward edge to overlap an edge portion of adjacent front panels 127 of the lane-divider 5.
  • the lane-divider also has a cap 129 to cover over a top edge of the base of the housing 101.
  • the front panel may be a light emitting surface.
  • the lane-divider may include an internal mounted light source and the front panel 127 may form a light diffusing panel to provide a low angle diffuse light source.
  • the lane divider may be 'passive', i.e. a lane divider that does not emit light.
  • the inspection apparatus 1 also comprises a top lighting/illumination source 30 to provide diffuse lighting from a height above the conveyor, to illuminate the top of the article for improved top image quality.
  • the top illumination source may comprise a surface located above the conveyor and articles on the conveyor that reflects light provided by a light source located at or below the conveyor.
  • side lighting may also be provided, for example at the lane-divider, to improve side lighting applied to the article.
  • the location of the mirror at the lane-divider near to the conveying direction reflects illumination provided by the top lighting source onto the side of the article.
  • the mirror 102 provides a light path from the article 3 to the image capture device, and additionally provides a light path from the top mounting light source to the article, to provide additional lighting to the side of the article.
  • the mirror provides additional lighting to the side of the article; however, a majority of lighting is preferably provided by a top diffuse illumination source, and additionally may be provided with side lighting from the lane-divider as described above.
  • the present invention provides a means for providing a high-quality side view image of an article such as a piece of fruit on a conveyor.
  • the invention provides a mirror near to the side of articles to be inspected, to allow for a top image and a side image to be captured by a single image capturing sensor. Both the side and top images, or the top and two opposed side images are captured in a single array of pixels of the image capture device. Additionally, the location of the mirror allows for a side view to be captured together with a top view in a single array of pixels with both views in focus, presenting high quality images for both the top and side views.
  • an aperture size of F2.8 provides for a focused top image and side image to be captured in a single pixel array, even though the light path from the image capture device to the side of the fruit is longer than the light path from the image capture device to the top of the fruit. Furthermore, the invention utilises top lighting to illuminate the side of the article. The requirement for improved side lighting or a side mounted camera is avoided, reducing cost and complexity.
  • the housing supports the mirror securely at an optimum angle, while allowing the mirror to be easily replaced without removing the housing from the lane-divider.
  • the housing comprising a removable frame with transparent barrier provides mechanical protection for the delicate mirror and prevents debris landing on the mirror.
  • the removable frame can be removed easily and quickly without tools, for cleaning and replacement.
  • An article inspection facility may include supplementary removable frames and transparent barriers. In an equipment inspection/cleaning task, a frame and transparent barrier that has been in use may be swapped out for a clean frame and transparent barrier. The removed frame and transparent barrier may be cleaned for subsequent replacement.
  • the present invention allows for reduced downtime required for cleaning to ensure high quality images of the side of an article.
  • the apparatus allows for the problematic stem and calyx areas of fruit such as apples to be captured in high quality images, even when the fruit is oriented on the conveyor with the stem and calyx in a horizontal plane.
  • the invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Investigating Materials By The Use Of Optical Means Adapted For Particular Applications (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil d'inspection pour inspecter des articles transportés devant l'appareil d'inspection par un transporteur d'articles le long d'un trajet de transport, qui comprend un dispositif de capture d'image situé au-dessus d'un plan horizontal du transporteur, un miroir situé à un niveau du plan horizontal du transporteur et incliné pour fournir une vue latérale d'un article sur le transporteur au dispositif de capture d'image, et un boîtier pour le miroir, et le boîtier étant ou faisant partie d'un séparateur de voies de transporteur.
PCT/NZ2019/050026 2018-03-14 2019-03-12 Système d'inspection d'article WO2019177468A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ740733 2018-03-14
NZ74073318 2018-03-14

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019177468A1 true WO2019177468A1 (fr) 2019-09-19

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PCT/NZ2019/050026 WO2019177468A1 (fr) 2018-03-14 2019-03-12 Système d'inspection d'article

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WO (1) WO2019177468A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN113814180A (zh) * 2021-08-05 2021-12-21 深圳市鑫信腾科技股份有限公司 物料外观检测设备
US20220307905A1 (en) * 2019-06-06 2022-09-29 Aweta G&P B.V. Apparatus and method for determining a property of products

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1013375C2 (nl) * 1999-10-22 2001-04-24 Food Processing Systems Inrichting voor het afbeelden van op een transportbaan getransporteerde producten.
US20060037892A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Philippe Blanc Apparatus for optically analyzing products such as fruit having indirect illumination
US20150177157A1 (en) * 2013-10-04 2015-06-25 Compac Technologies Limited Article inspection apparatus
WO2016163896A1 (fr) * 2015-04-09 2016-10-13 Compac Technologies Limited Système de transport d'articles à éclairage diffus

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
NL1013375C2 (nl) * 1999-10-22 2001-04-24 Food Processing Systems Inrichting voor het afbeelden van op een transportbaan getransporteerde producten.
US20060037892A1 (en) * 2004-08-17 2006-02-23 Philippe Blanc Apparatus for optically analyzing products such as fruit having indirect illumination
US20150177157A1 (en) * 2013-10-04 2015-06-25 Compac Technologies Limited Article inspection apparatus
WO2016163896A1 (fr) * 2015-04-09 2016-10-13 Compac Technologies Limited Système de transport d'articles à éclairage diffus

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220307905A1 (en) * 2019-06-06 2022-09-29 Aweta G&P B.V. Apparatus and method for determining a property of products
CN113814180A (zh) * 2021-08-05 2021-12-21 深圳市鑫信腾科技股份有限公司 物料外观检测设备
CN113814180B (zh) * 2021-08-05 2024-03-19 深圳市鑫信腾科技股份有限公司 物料外观检测设备

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