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 . An adaptable sorter unit, comprising:
 an attachment mechanism;   a sorting device;   a data port that is capable of communicating information; and   a power port that is connectable to a power source, wherein the attachment mechanism, the sorting device, the data port, and the power port are physically connected together such that the adaptable sorter unit is capable of deflecting a sample traveling along a processing line when the adaptable sorter unit is affixed to a first position.   
     
     
         2 . The adaptable sorter unit 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 adaptable sorter unit 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, locking pin, a bolt, or a screw. 
     
     
         7 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a memory circuit; and   a processor circuit adapted to:
 control the sorting device; and 
 cause information to be communicated via the data port. 
   
     
     
         8 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism is configured 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. 
     
     
         9 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the attachment mechanism is configured 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. 
     
     
         10 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the adaptable sorter unit is configured to communicate with an optical inspection device via the data port. 
     
     
         11 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the data port is a wired communication port or a wireless communication port. 
     
     
         12 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the adaptable sorter unit receives sample characterization data or sorter configuration data via the data port. 
     
     
         13 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 10 , wherein the adaptable sorter unit selects a mode of operation based at least in part on the communication received from the optical inspection device. 
     
     
         14 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 1 , wherein the information communicated via the data port is a sorting command. 
     
     
         15 . An adaptable sorter unit, comprising:
 an attachment mechanism;   a sorting device;   a data port that is capable of communicating information; and   a power port that is connectable to a power source, wherein the attachment mechanism, the sorting device, the data port, and the power port are physically connected together such that the adaptable sorter unit is capable of deflecting a sample traveling along a processing path when the adaptable sorter unit is affixed to a first position.   
     
     
         16 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to affix the adaptable sorter unit to the first position proximate to the processing path, and wherein the adaptable sorter unit is not attached to a processing line. 
     
     
         17 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 15 , wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to affix the adaptable sorter unit to the first position proximate to the processing path, and wherein the adaptable sorter unit is attached to a processing line. 
     
     
         18 . The adaptable sorter unit 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, wherein the sorting device includes a vacuum system, a mechanical pedal system, or an air jet system. 
     
     
         19 . An adaptable sorter unit, comprising:
 a means for attaching;   a means for sorting;   a data port that is capable of communicating information; and   a power port that is connectable to a power source, wherein the means for attaching, the means for sorting, the data port, and the power port are configured to physically connect together such that the adaptable sorter unit is capable of deflecting a sample traveling along a processing path when the adaptable sorter unit is affixed to a first position.   
     
     
         20 . The adaptable sorter unit of  claim 19 , further comprising:
 a means for determining a sorting operation based in part on received information, wherein the means for determining a sorting operation based in part on received information includes a processor, wherein the means for attaching is 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, and wherein the means for sorting includes a vacuum system, a mechanical pedal system, or an air jet system.