Abstract: Inspection apparatus comprises a feed system for delivering a stream of articles to an imaging zone. A camera generates image data from the stream at the imaging zone for processing by a computer. The computer comprises a pattern recognition system for identifying defects in areas from the image data, and for ranking identified defects. The pattern recognition system is programmed to operate according to multiple defect criteria. The computer is also coupled to a graphical user interface to display the areas identified from the image data as thumbnails on the interface arranged according to rank of the identified defects in the areas, in each of at least two defect criteria. The areas from the generated image data will normally be defined around each identified defect with the defect central therein. These areas, or thumbnails, can overlap.

Abstract: Sorting apparatus comprises a feed system for delivering a stream of articles in free flight to a sorting zone. Ejectors at the sorting zone are selectively activated to eject articles from the stream. A camera is disposed at an imaging zone up-stream of the sorting zone to generate image data to be processed by a computer to identify articles to be ejected at the sorting zone according to one or more sorting criteria. The computer instructs the ejectors on the basis of the processed data. The computer is also coupled to a graphical user interface to display an image of the product stream at the imaging zone, and show the areas of intersection with the product stream of activated ejectors. The ejectors are normally operable to discharge a fluid such as a gas or air, in pulses, and the areas of intersection with the product stream are those directly intersected by the ejector fluid. Provision can be made for adjusting ejection parameters to move the boundaries of these areas of intersection.

Abstract: Inspection apparatus comprises a feed system for delivering a stream of articles to an imaging zone. A camera generates image data from the stream at the imaging zone for processing by a computer. The computer comprises a pattern recognition system for identifying defects in areas from the image data, and for ranking identified defects. The pattern recognition system is programmed to operate according to multiple defect criteria. The computer is also coupled to a graphical user interface to display the areas identified from the image data as thumbnails on the interface arranged according to rank of the identified defects in the areas, in each of at least two defect criteria. The areas from the generated image data will normally be defined around each identified defect with the defect central therein. These areas, or thumbnails, can overlap.

Abstract: In apparatus for measuring the quality of a granular product in continuous flow, the product is allowed to move along a channel having a window set in the channel boundary contacted by the moving product. An optical system monitors product in the channel. A light source illuminates product in the channel through the window, and a sensor receives light reflected from the product through the window in at least two wavelength ranges. A processor receives signals from the sensor representative of the quantity of reflected light received in the respective wavelengths, and compares the respective signals to generate a measurement of the product quality. The window will normally be disposed in the underside of the channel, with the channel set at an angle of at least 45° to the horizontal to allow product to move there along under gravity, and against the window.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating data relating to the quality of product in a bulk stream product during its passage through a monitoring station. An inspection of at least a portion of product in the monitoring station is conducted at intervals while the stream is owing. The inspectors identities individual product pieces in the portion being inspected by using one or more of various techniques. Those individual pieces are then examined according to chosen criteria, and a measure is established of the quantity or proportion of such individual product pieces that fail to meet those criteria. The data generated by these inspections can be analysed to provide an indication of the quality of the bulk stream.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating data relating to the quality of product in a bulk stream product during its passage through a monitoring station. An inspection of at least a portion of product in the monitoring station is conducted at intervals while the stream is owing. The inspectors identities individual product pieces in the portion being inspected by using one or more of various techniques. Those individual pieces are then examined according to chosen criteria, and a measure is established of the quantity or proportion of such individual product pieces that fail to meet those criteria. The data generated by these inspections can be analysed to provide an indication of the quality of the bulk stream.