Teleoperated robotic sorting system
US6124560A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 1999 |
| Grant date | Sep 26, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S209/942
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for classifying materials utilizing a computerized touch sensitive screen or other computerized pointing device for operator identification and electronic marking of spatial coordinates of materials to be extracted. An operator positioned at a computerized touch sensitive screen views electronic images of the mixture of materials to be sorted as they are conveyed past a sensor array which transmits sequences of images of the mixture either directly or through a computer to the touch sensitive display screen. The operator manually "touches" objects displayed on the screen to be extracted from the mixture thereby registering the spatial coordinates of the objects within the computer. The computer then tracks the registered objects as they are conveyed and directs automated devices including mechanical means such as air jets, robotic arms, or other mechanical diverters to extract the registered objects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.