Abstract: A conveying system for multiple product units conveyed on two parallel conveyors past a sensing section. The sensing section includes multiple line scan sensors which each receive input from both conveyors and a calibration standard object in a thin line scan across the conveyors. Optics include an objective lens and a 1× relay lens divided in two and including a prism between halves. The exit pupil of the objective lens is imaged onto the entrance pupil of the 1× relay lens where a slit is positioned to define an image of the thin portion of the product unit in the sensing area. The optics spread the spectrum perpendicularly to the spatial direction to define a grid received by a CCD camera. The CCD camera and associated CPU operate on the data to bin attenuated pixels, train for filtering by spectral range and employ that training to subsequently train for the establishment of algorithms which sense differences in the filter data between product units of different attributes.

Abstract: A conveying system for multiple product units conveyed on two parallel conveyors past a sensing section. The sensing section includes multiple line scan sensors which each receive input from both conveyors and a calibration standard object in a thin line scan across the conveyors. Optics include an objective lens and a 1×relay lens divided in two and including a prism between halves. The exit pupil of the objective lens is imaged onto the entrance pupil of the 1×relay lens where a slit is positioned to define an image of the thin portion of the product unit in the sensing area. The optics spread the spectrum perpendicularly to the spatial direction to define a grid received by a CCD camera. The CCD camera and associated CPU operate on the data to bin attenuated pixels, train for filtering by spectral range and employ that training to subsequently train for the establishment of algorithms which sense differences in the filter data between product units of different attributes.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a fiber optic sensing system and a line scan camera sensor for recalibration of the fiber optic system. A plurality of fiber optic sensing stations measure reflected light spectra of products conveyed past the stations. The line scan camera is positioned adjacent one of the fiber optic sensors at one of the stations. A standard object is positioned adjacent conveyor so as to also be viewed by the line scan camera. The line scan camera recalibrates itself based on the standard object and is compared with the adjacent fiber optic station to recalibrate results from the fiber optic system.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a fiber optic sensing system and a line scan camera sensor for recalibration of the fiber optic system. A plurality of fiber optic sensing stations measure reflected light spectra of products conveyed past the stations. The line scan camera is positioned adjacent one of the fiber optic sensors at one of the stations. A standard object is positioned adjacent conveyor so as to also be viewed by the line scan camera. The line scan camera recalibrates itself based on the standard object and is compared with the adjacent fiber optic station to recalibrate results from the fiber optic system.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a lens assembly for projecting an image of the product unit toward a randomized fiber optic cable. The end of the fiber optic cable is constructed in a rectangular section such that a long thin section of the product unit is viewed at any given time. The cable discharges the light at a lens and filter arrangement such that the emitted light may be divided into portions and filtered for measurement by photodiodes of specific and different wavelengths. Through a comparison of the wavelengths to a standard, attributes of the product unit can be determined. A method for distinguishing between adjacent product units which are not separated one from the other employs sensing a plurality of decreasing widths followed by a plurality of increasing widths to establish a product end therebetween. Off-loading elements on the conveyor are assigned by location of the product units.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a lens assembly for projecting an image of the product unit toward a randomized fiber optic cable. The end of the fiber optic cable is constructed in a rectangular section such that a long thin section of the product unit is viewed at any given time. The cable discharges the light at a lens and filter arrangement such that the emitted light may be divided into portions and filtered for measurement by photodiodes of specific and different wavelengths. Through a comparison of the wavelengths to a standard, attributes of the product unit can be determined. A method for distinguishing between adjacent product units which are not separated one from the other employs sensing a plurality of decreasing widths followed by a plurality of increasing widths to establish a product end therebetween. Off-loading elements on the conveyor are assigned by location of the product units.

Abstract: A product discrimination system using a lens assembly for projecting an image of the product unit toward a randomized fiber optic cable. The end of the fiber optic cable is constructed in a rectangular section such that a long thin section of the product unit is viewed at any given time. The cable discharges the light at a lens and filter arrangement such that the emitted light may be divided into portions and filtered for measurement by photodiodes of specific and different wavelengths. Through a comparison of the wavelengths to a standard, attributes of the product unit can be determined. A method for distinguishing between adjacent product units which are not separated one from the other employs sensing a plurality of decreasing widths followed by a plurality of increasing widths to establish a product end therebetween. Off-loading elements on the conveyor are assigned by location of the product units.