Seed sorter
US8401271B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 25, 2012 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 25, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/129
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods are provided for evaluating and sorting seeds based on characteristics of the seeds. One system includes an imaging and analysis subsystem that collects image data from the seeds and analyzes the collected image data for characteristics of the seeds. This subsystem can include an imaging theater having mirrors that reflect image data from the seeds to an imaging device for collection. The system can also include an off-loading and sorting subsystem configured to sort the seeds based on their characteristics. And, one method includes illuminating the seeds and collecting image data from the seeds for determining their characteristics. The image data can be collected from at least three portions of the seeds at each of a plurality of sequentially changing spectral wavelengths. In addition (or alternatively), the image data can be collected from top and bottom portions of the seeds using a single imaging device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.