Patent ID: 6600829
Filing Date: 2003-07-29
Classification: B07C

Abstract:
A computer process for controlling operation of a system which sorts objects by surface characteristics, the system including a multi-rail conveyor having mechanical sorting capability, an imaging unit including at least one camera and at least one block of LEDs of multiple predetermined colors for each rail of the multi-rail conveyor, and a programmed computer including a user interface, the process comprising the steps of: initializing system hardware and software; setting the imaging unit to predefined operational parameters including LED color selection and LED intensity level; monitoring, modifying and reporting on operational parameters automatically; accepting, incorporating, translating into machine readable code, and applying user input when same is provided at the user interface in place of default process parameters stored within a memory of the computer; applying process parameters to synchronize operation of the imaging unit with conveyor action to produce optimum imaging; and using imaging output as the determinant for selective conveyor action to produce desired sorting.