Automated sample weight measurement via optical inspection

Abstract

A method includes the steps collecting measurement data of a sample utilizing an adaptable inspection unit or while the sample is in-flight, determining a volume or area of the sample based at least in part on the measurement data, and calculating a weight of the sample based at least in part on the volume or area of the sample. The measurement data includes a captured image that includes a plurality of pixels. The determining of the volume of the sample includes determining the number of pixels in the captured image that display a portion of the sample, or determining the maximum number of consecutive pixels that display a portion of the sample in two or three dimensions.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method, comprising:
 (a) attaching a sorting device, a data port, a power port, and an attachment mechanism together to form an adaptable sorter unit;   (b) affixing the adaptable sorter unit to a first position such that the adaptable sorter unit is capable of deflecting a sample traveling along a processing line; and   (c) sorting the sample traveling along the processing line, wherein the sorting of (c) is performed, at least in part, by the sorting device.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first position is close enough to the processing line such that the sorter device is able to deflect the sample traveling along the processing line. 
     
     
         3 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the sorting device includes a vacuum system. 
     
     
         4 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the sorting device includes a mechanical pedal system. 
     
     
         5 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the sorting device includes an air jet system. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism includes a mounting bracket, a mounting bracket receptacle, a weldable material, a clamp, an adhesive, a magnet, a latch, a lock, a locating pin, a rail, a slide, a locking pin, a bolt, or a screw. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (d) controlling the sorting device; and   (e) causing information to be communicated via the data port.   
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the controlling of (d) and the causing of (e) is performed, at least in part, by a processor circuit. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism is capable to affix the adaptable sorter unit to the first position proximate to the processing line, and wherein the adaptable sorter unit is not attached to the processing line. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism is capable to affix the adaptable sorter unit to the first position proximate to the processing line, and wherein the adaptable sorter unit is attached to the processing line. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adaptable sorter unit is configured to communicate with an inspecting device via the data port. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the data port is a wired communication port or a wireless communication port. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the adaptable sorter unit receives sample characterization data, sorter configuration data, or a sorting command via the data port. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 (d) selecting a sorting mode of operation based at least in part on a communication received from an inspection device.   
     
     
         15 . A method, comprising:
 (a) attaching a sorting device, a data port, a power port, and an attachment mechanism together to form an adaptable sorter unit;   (b) affixing the adaptable sorter unit to a first position such that the adaptable sorter unit is capable of deflecting a sample traveling along a processing path; and   (c) sorting the sample traveling along the processing path, wherein the sorting of (c) is performed, at least in part, by the sorting device.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment mechanism is capable to affix the adaptable sorter unit to the first position proximate to the processing path, and wherein the adaptable inspection unit is not attached to a processing line. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment mechanism is capable to affix the adaptable sorter unit to the first position proximate to the processing path, and wherein the adaptable inspection unit is attached to a processing line. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the sorting device includes a vacuum system, a mechanical pedal system, or an air jet system, and wherein the attachment mechanism includes a mounting bracket, a mounting bracket receptacle, a weldable material, a clamp, an adhesive, a magnet, a latch, a lock, a locating pin, a rail, a slide, a locking pin, a bolt, or a screw. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the first position is close enough to the processing path such that the sorter device is able to deflect the sample traveling along the processing path. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 (d) controlling the sorting device; and   (e) causing information to be communicated via the data port, wherein the controlling of (d) and the causing of (e) is performed by a processor circuit.