Abstract: A computer vision system and image processing method is provided for accurately determining the size and shape of coarsely textured, irregular and layered pieces of ore and the like. The system comprises a camera for producing an image of the ore, a digitizer for digitizing the camera image, and a video processor for processing the digitized image. An optional digital computer may be employed for controlling the overall system and for determining the dimensions, mass, and surface area of each piece of ore based on the processed image. The digitizer breaks down the camera image into a plurality of pixels and a set of line-spin masks, each including a line of negative unit or center weighted values and a central positive value equal to the absolute value of the negative values and each with the line disposed in a different orientation, are multiplied by the digital values of each of the pixels to determine new values for the pixels.

Abstract: An improved cleaning blade construction (10) for eliminating erosion troughs (6) in the upper surface (15) of a cleaning blade member (14) by introducing pressurized fluid through a pressure manifold chamber (16) formed in the upper surface (15) of the cleaning blade member (14). The pressurized fluid will prevent carryback material (7) from passing through a wear groove (6) formed in the cleaning blade member.