Machine vision counting system apparatus and method

• US 20070189597A1
• Filed: 08/25/2006
• Published: 08/16/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/23/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
• Original Assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc.
• Inventors: Lang, David, Burt, Christopher, Limer, Daniel, Gouin, Philip, Tarr, Nelson, Yanez, David, Thoppae, Vijai, Bullock, Ryan
• Application Number:
  US11/509,805
• Publication Number:
  US 20070189597A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 382/153
• CPC Class Codes: A61J 7/02 Pill counting devices
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 15/1433 using image recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/1472 with colour
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2015/1486 Counting the particles
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 18/00 Pattern recognition
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/141 Control of illumination
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 10/145 Illumination specially adapted for pattern recognition, e.g. using gratings
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 20/66 Trinkets, e.g. shirt buttons or jewellery items recognising microscopic objects G06V20/69
• CPC Class Codes: G06V 2201/06 Recognition of objects for industrial automation

Abstract

A machine-vision-based counter includes an image acquisition component (imager), wherein light provides discrimination between a background field and imageable units located away from the imager. The imager outputs data representing the field and units; an image processor receiving imager data finds countable units therein. An operator interface accepts command inputs and presents count output. A controller manages image acquisition, processor, and operator interface functions. A counting method includes configuring an imager to detect light, directing light from a source to units positioned to be detected by the imager, and directing the light to the imager. The method includes discriminating between a background field and imageable units; providing, as an imager output, data representing the field and units; configuring an image processor to receive imager data; configuring the processor to interpret the data as counted units on a background field; and configuring an operator interface to present a count result.

Claims

1. A machine-vision-based counter for counting discrete units, comprising:

an image scanner connected to a processor for processing a signal from the optical reader;

a graphical display operatively connected to the processor for displaying a result from a counting process;

a tray located below the image scanner; and

a shaking device configured to shake the tray.

2. The machine-vision-based counter for counting discrete units of claim 1, further comprising:

a gate configured to selectively permit particles located on the tray to exit the tray.

3. The machine-vision-based counter for counting discrete units of claim 2, further comprising:

a funnel configured to provide a conduit for particles exiting the tray via the gate; and

a door configured to selectively cover an outlet to the funnel.

4. The machine-vision-based counter for counting discrete units of claim 3, wherein the door is substantially transparent to visible light.

5. The machine-vision-based counter for counting discrete units of claim 1, further comprising:

a control algorithm configured to selectively activate the shaker.