Abstract
Sensor-based sorting is a machine vision application that has found industrial application in various fields. An accept-or-reject task is executed by separating a material stream into two fractions. Current systems use line-scanning sensors, which is convenient as the material is perceived during transportation. However, line-scanning sensors yield a single observation of each object and no information about their movement. Due to a delay between localization and separation, assumptions regarding the location and point in time for separation need to be made based on the prior localization. Hence, it is necessary to ensure that all objects are transported at uniform velocities. This is often a complex and costly solution. In this article, we propose a new method for reliably separating particles at nonuniform velocities. The problem is transferred from a mechanical to an algorithmic level. Our novel advanced image processing approach includes equipping the sorter with an area-scan camera in combination with a real-time multiobject tracking system, which enables predictions of the location of individual objects for separation. For the experimental validation of our approach, we present a modular sorting system, which allows comparing sorting results using a line-scan and area-scan camera. Results show that our approach performs reliable separation and hence increases sorting efficiency.
Highlights
S ENSOR-BASED sorting is a machine vision application that is of high relevance in various industrial fields
We demonstrate how deviations in transport velocity can be handled by our advanced image processing approach instead of mechanical components
We proposed an advanced image processing approach for decreasing the error in physical separation in sensor-based sorting
Summary
S ENSOR-BASED sorting is a machine vision application that is of high relevance in various industrial fields. The task can be understood as performing an acceptor-reject decision with the goal to detect and remove defect, faulty, low quality, or foreign items from a stream of material in a production line [1]. In the field of mineral processing, the efficient extraction and recovery of raw materials is crucial due to limited existing reserves. Sensor-based sorting solutions are a key technology in recycling and are often implemented as part of waste processing with the goal to separate materials for reuse [7]. Systems typically run 24 h a day, seven days a week, handling massive amounts of the goods to be sorted. Any improvements in sorting efficiency already have enormous economic and ecologic impact due to the large quantities involved
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