Apparatus for sorting raw coffee beans based on defect detection

Abstract

A bean defect sorter includes a container configured to store beans, a transfer guide configured to receive the beans from the container and to guide each bean in series, the transfer guide being configured to discharge the beans one by one, a rotary configured to rotate in a predetermined direction and to receive each of the beans discharged from the bean dispenser, an imaging device configured to provide a bean image of one or more of the beans, a processor including a learning algorithm that is configured to classify each bean as one of a normal bean, a defective bean, and an indeterminable bean, a bean sorter configured to discharge each bean from the rotary by using air pressure according to a classification result, a storage configured to store each of the normal bean, the defective bean, and the indeterminable bean, and a residual bean collector to process escaped beans.

Claims

1. A bean defect sorter comprising: a storing container configured to store beans; a bean dispenser configured to receive the beans from the storing container and to guide each of the beans in series, the bean dispenser being configured to discharge the beans one by one; a bean rotary compartment configured to rotate in a predetermined direction and to receive each of the beans discharged from the bean dispenser; an imaging device configured to photograph one or more of the beans on the bean rotary compartment and to provide bean images of the one or more of the beans; a processor comprising a learning algorithm that is configured to (i) determine, from the bean images, whether each bean has a defect and (ii) classify each bean as one of a normal bean, a defective bean, and an indeterminable bean; a main bean sorter configured to discharge each bean from the bean rotary compartment by using air pressure according to a classification result decided by the processor; and a sorted bean storage configured to store each of the normal bean, the defective bean, and the indeterminable bean, wherein the bean rotary compartment comprises: a disk lower plate that defines a plurality of through-holes, a disk upper plate that is coupled to the disk lower plate, the disk upper plate comprising a plurality of partition walls that define a plurality of seating spaces in fluid communication with the plurality of through-holes, respectively, each of the plurality of seating spaces being configured to receive one of the beans, and a support plate that is made of a transparent material, that is mounted to the disk lower plate, and that blocks at least a portion of the plurality of through-holes to thereby define bottom surfaces of the plurality of seating spaces configured to seat the beans thereon.

2. The bean defect sorter of claim 1, further comprising an air pump configured to supply air toward the bean rotary compartment, wherein the disk lower plate defines a plurality of air inlet holes at an outer circumferential surface of the disk lower plate, the plurality of air inlet holes being configured to supply the air from the air pump to one of the beans seated on the support plate, wherein the disk upper plate defines: a plurality of lattice grids at an inner circumferential surface of the disk upper plate, the plurality of lattice grids facing the plurality of air inlet holes, respectively, to thereby define a plurality of air passages, and a plurality of bean-drop openings that are connected to sorted bean transfer paths, the sorted bean transfer paths being connected to the sorted bean storage and configured to provide each bean to the sorted bean storage, and wherein each of the plurality of air passages is configured to face one of the plurality of bean-drop openings and one of the sorted bean transfer paths.

3. The bean defect sorter of claim 2, wherein the disk upper plate further comprises a plurality of vertical linear bars that are disposed at the outer circumferential surface of the disk upper plate, the plurality of vertical linear bars being configured to prevent each bean from escaping one of the plurality of air inlet holes before the bean is sorted by the main bean sorter.

4. The bean defect sorter of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of bean-drop openings is configured to drop each bean to one of the sorted bean transfer paths based on one of the plurality of lattice grids facing one of the plurality of air inlet holes and discharging the air introduced through the one of the plurality of air inlet holes.

5. The bean defect sorter of claim 1, wherein the bean dispenser comprises a conical rotating plate configured to discharge the beans, wherein the bean dispenser defines a bean transfer path configured to guide each bean discharged from the conical rotating plate, and wherein a bottom of a cross section of the bean transfer path has a V-shape.

6. The bean defect sorter of claim 5, wherein the bean transfer path extends downward in a spiral shape.

7. The bean defect sorter of claim 6, wherein the bean dispenser further comprises a vibration motor configured to generate vibration in the bean transfer path, thereby facilitate movement of the beans on the bean dispenser.

8. The bean defect sorter of claim 6, further comprising: a bean supply regulator disposed at a lower end of the bean transfer path, the bean supply regulator being configured to adjust an interval between the beans discharged from the bean transfer path.

9. The bean defect sorter of claim 8, wherein the bean supply regulator comprises: a support connected to the bean transfer path; a bean detecting sensor disposed at the supporter and configured to detect the beans discharged from the bean transfer path; a transfer belt configured to carry the beans passing through the bean detecting sensor; and a control motor configured to adjust the interval between the beans on the transfer belt based on adjusting and synchronizing a rotation speed of the transfer belt and the rotational speed of the bean rotary compartment, and wherein the transfer belt is configured to drop the beans down to the bean rotary compartment.

10. The bean defect sorter of claim 9, further comprising: an anti-splashing guide that is connected to the transfer belt and covers a partial region of the bean rotary compartment.

11. The bean defect sorter of claim 1, wherein the main bean sorter comprises: a first air pump configured to generate air pressure toward one or more of the beans positioned at the support plate; a second air pump configured to generate air pressure toward one or more of the beans positioned at the support plate; a normal bean processing block that is disposed at the bean rotary compartment, that is connected to the first air pump, and that is configured to, based on the processor determining one of the beans as the normal bean, push the normal bean to a normal bean space in the sorted bean storage by the air pressure provided from the first air pump; a defective bean processing block that is disposed at the bean rotary compartment, that is connected to the second air pump, and that comprises a first solenoid valve configured to, based on the processor classifying one of the beans as the defective bean, push the defective bean to a defective bean space in the sorted bean storage by the air pressure provided from the second air pump; and an indeterminable bean processing block that is disposed at the bean rotary compartment, that is connected to the second air pump, and that comprises a second solenoid valve configured to, based on the processor classifying one of the beans as the indeterminable bean, push the indeterminable bean to an indeterminable bean space in the sorted bean storage.

12. The bean defect sorter of claim 11, wherein the first air pump and the second air pump are configured to maintain a continuous operating state while the bean defect sorter operates.

13. The bean defect sorter of claim 12, wherein the defective bean processing block defines a first air discharge hole configured to, before the first solenoid valve operates, discharge air supplied from the second air pump to an outside of the defective bean processing block.

14. The bean defect sorter of claim 13, wherein the indeterminable bean processing block defines a second air discharge hole configured to, before the second solenoid valve operates, discharge air supplied from the second air pump to an outside of the indeterminable bean processing block.

15. The bean defect sorter of claim 1, further comprising: a residual bean collector located below the bean rotary compartment and configured to temporarily hold discharged residual beans that are separated from the bean rotary compartment or that are not moved to the sorted bean storage by the main bean sorter.

16. The bean defect sorter of claim 15, wherein the residual bean collector comprises: a first region configured to sort the residual beans before the residual beans being photographed by the imaging device; and a second region configured to sort the residual beans after the residual beans being photographed by the imaging device.

17. The bean defect sorter of claim 16, wherein the first region comprises: a first residual bean transfer path configured to guide the residual beans; and a first residual bean processing hole connected to the sorted bean storage and configured to discharge the residual beans moved along the first residual bean transfer path to an indeterminable bean space in the sorted bean storage.

18. The bean defect sorter of claim 17, wherein the second region comprises: a second residual bean transfer path configured to guide the residual beans; and a second residual bean processing hole connected to the sorted bean storage and configured to discharge the residual beans moved along the second residual bean transfer path to the indeterminable bean space in the sorted bean storage.

19. The bean defect sorter of claim 18, wherein the first residual bean transfer path defines a first groove, wherein the second residual bean transfer path defines a second groove, and wherein the bean defect sorter further comprises a bean processing device disposed at a lower end of the residual bean collector and connected to the second residual bean processing hole, the bean processing device having (i) a first portion inserted into the first groove and (ii) a second portion inserted into the second groove.

20. The bean defect sorter of claim 19, wherein the residual bean collector further comprises: a vibration motor that is disposed at the bean processing device and configured to generate vibration in the first residual bean transfer path and the second residual bean transfer path.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a configuration view showing an example of a green bean defect sorter.

(2) FIG. 2 is a view showing an appearance of the green bean defect sorter.

(3) FIG. 3 is a view showing an inside of the green bean defect sorter shown in FIG. 2 after removing a portion thereof.

(4) FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a storing container and a green bean transfer path in the green bean defect sorter shown in FIG. 3.

(5) FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the storing container and the conical rotating plate built in green bean dispenser except for a green bean transfer path shown in FIG. 4.

(6) FIG. 6 is a view showing an example of a green bean supply regulator and a green bean rotary compartment that are located at a green bean transfer path shown in FIG. 3.

(7) FIG. 7 is the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 6.

(8) FIG. 8 is a view showing a green bean rotary compartment shown in FIG. 7.

(9) FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing the green bean rotary compartment except for a control motor shown in FIG. 8.

(10) FIG. 10 is the cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 8.

(11) FIG. 11 is a view schematically showing an example of a plurality of partition walls, a support plate formed of a transparent material, and green beans shown in FIG. 10.

(12) FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing the green bean rotary compartment shown in FIG. 8.

(13) FIG. 13 is a view showing the rotary compartments and the upper and lower cameras that are located at the top and bottom sides of the green bean rotary compartment.

(14) FIG. 14 is a view showing the green bean sorter mounted near the green bean rotary compartment shown in FIG. 13.

(15) FIGS. 15 to 19 are views for describing an example operation of the green bean sorter shown in FIG. 14.

(16) FIG. 20 is the top view showing the residual green bean collector regions and holes.

(17) FIGS. 21 and 22 are bottom views showing the residual green bean collector shown in FIG. 20.

(18) FIG. 23 is a view showing a residual green bean processing device mounted in FIG. 22.

(19) FIGS. 24 and 25 are views showing an example process of the residual green beans in a first region of the residual green bean collector shown in FIG. 20.

(20) FIGS. 26 and 27 are views showing an example process of sorting green beans in a second region of the residual green bean collector shown in FIG. 20.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(21) Hereinafter, a green bean defect sorter 1000 according to an implementation of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(22) In addition, regardless of reference numerals, the same or corresponding components are given the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions thereof will be omitted, and the size and shape of each component illustrated can be exaggerated or reduced for convenience of description.

(23) In the present application, the term green bean can refer to a raw coffee bean before being roasted, and the term kernel can refer to an individual (single) coffee bean.

(24) FIG. 1 is a configuration view showing a green bean defect sorter, FIG. 2 is a view showing an appearance of a green bean defect sorter, and FIG. 3 is a view showing an inside of the green bean defect sorter shown in FIG. 2 after removing a portion thereof. FIG. 4 is a view showing a storing container and a green bean transfer path in the green bean defect sorter shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a storing container and a conical green bean dispenser except for a green bean transfer path shown in FIG. 4.

(25) Referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, a green bean defect sorter 1000 can include a storing container 100, a green bean dispenser 200, a green bean supply regulator 300, a green bean rotary compartment 400, an imaging device 500, a processor 600, a green bean sorter 700, a residual green bean collector 800, and a sorted green bean storage 900.

(26) A large amount of green beans can be stored in the storing container 100.

(27) The storing container 100 can have a hopper shape with a lower end thereof opened.

(28) The green beans stored in the storing container 100 can have a storable size. For example, the green beans can have a size of 100 to 1000 g, 200 to 800 g, or 300 to 600 g, but can have a size of 400 to 500 g in terms of miniaturization.

(29) In addition, the storing container 100 can have a conical support 110 formed therein. The conical support 110 can serve to distribute a total load of a large amount of stored green beans.

(30) The storing container 100 can be provided with a display device 120.

(31) The display device 120, which is a user interface of the green bean defect sorter 1000, may not only allow a user to input a menu through a screen touch, but also allow the user to monitor a process of sorting green beans being performed in the green bean defect sorter 1000 in real time.

(32) For example, a sorting processing time such as a high speed, a medium speed, and a low speed in the green bean defect sorter 1000 can vary depending on the user's selection in the display device 120.

(33) The green bean dispenser 200 can receive green beans from the storing container 100 and allow the supplied green beans to be dispensed to the green bean transfer path.

(34) The green bean dispenser 200 can include an upper frame 210 connected to a lower end of the storing container 100, a lower frame 220 coupled to the upper frame 210, a conical rotating plate 230 mounted inside a structure in which the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220 are coupled and rotated in a predetermined direction so that a small amount of green beans are discharged from the storing container 100, and a green bean transfer path 240 connected to the opening 222 to move the green beans dispensed through the opening 222.

(35) The upper frame 210 can communicate with an inside of the storing container 100.

(36) The lower frame 220 can communicate with an inside of the upper frame 210. The opening 222, through which green beans stored in the storing container 100 are supplied, can be formed at one side of the lower frame 220.

(37) The conical rotating plate 230 can form a predetermined gap space 232 with the upper frame 210. Accordingly, when the conical rotating plate 230 stops without rotating, the gap space 232 can be fully filled with green beans, thereby preventing the green beans from being dispense to the green bean transfer path 240 through the opening 222.

(38) A conical rotating plate driving motor 260 can be mounted at the lower end of the conical rotating plate 230.

(39) The conical rotating plate driving motor 260 can rotate the conical rotating plate 230 in a predetermined direction.

(40) For example, the conical rotating plate driving motor 260 can rotate the conical rotating plate 230 in a counterclockwise direction, so that the green beans stored in the storing container 100 can be supplied to the opening 222 of the conical rotating plate 230 in a small amount through the upper frame 210 and the lower frame 220.

(41) The green bean transfer path 240 can be connected to the opening 222 of the lower frame 220.

(42) At the end of the green bean transfer path 240, a discharge port 244 can be defined and configured to discharge the green beans supplied through the opening 222.

(43) The green bean transfer path 240 can be formed in a spiral shape.

(44) In addition, the green bean transfer path 240 can include a groove 242.

(45) The groove 242 can be formed so that a central portion thereof protrudes to a lower end of the green bean transfer path 240 and can have a V-shaped longitudinal cross-section.

(46) Accordingly, when a pile of the green beans dispensed by the conical rotating plate 230 of the storing container 100 are moved along the green bean transfer path 240 through the opening 222 of the lower frame 220, the pile of the green beans dispensed can be separated into kernels by the green bean transfer path 240 having the V-shaped groove 242 and spirally formed and thus can be supplied to the green bean rotary compartment 400.

(47) In addition, the green bean transfer path 240 can further include a first vibration motor 250.

(48) The first vibration motor 250 can generate vibration on the green bean transfer path 240.

(49) The first vibration motor 250 can be mounted at a lower end of the green bean transfer path 240. For example, the first vibration motor 250 can be disposed at a lower end of the green bean transfer path 240.

(50) The first vibration motor 250 can prevent the movement of green beans from being congested or aggregated on the green bean transfer path 240 having a gentle slope.

(51) FIG. 6 is a view showing a state in which a green bean supply regulator and a green bean rotary compartment are mounted at a green bean transfer path shown in FIG. 3, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a view showing a green bean rotary compartment shown in FIG. 7, and FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view showing a green bean rotary compartment except for a control motor shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B shown in FIG. 8, FIG. 11 is a view schematically showing a plurality of partition walls, a support plate 430, which is made of a transparent material, and green beans shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 12 is a bottom view showing a green bean rotary compartment shown in FIG. 8.

(52) Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the green bean defect sorter 1000 can further include a green bean supply regulator 300.

(53) The green bean supply regulator 300 can adjust an interval between the green bean kernels discharged from the green bean transfer path 240.

(54) In addition, the green bean supply regulator 300 can be configured to adjust the supply speed of the green bean kernels supplied to the green bean rotary compartment 400.

(55) The green bean supply regulator 300 can be mounted beneath the end of the green bean transfer path 240, and can be connected to a discharge port 244.

(56) The green bean supply regulator 300 can include a supporter 310 connected to the discharge port 244 of the green bean transfer path 240, a green bean detecting sensor 312 mounted at the supporter 310 and configured to detect green beans discharged from the green bean transfer path 240 to the transfer belt 320 on which the green beans passing through the green bean detecting sensor 312 are seated, and a control motor 330 configured to adjust an interval between the green beans by adjusting a rotation speed of the driving belt 322 and the speed of the transfer belt 320.

(57) The control motor 330 can be mounted beneath the conical rotating plate driving motor 260.

(58) A first belt shaft 323 and a second belt shaft 325 having a predetermined distance from each other can be provided at the supporter 310. The first belt shaft 323 and the second belt shaft 325 can be connected by the transfer belt 320. The driving pulley 332 of the control motor 330 can be connected to the second belt shaft 325 through the driving belt 322.

(59) When the control motor 330 is operated to rotate the driving pulley 332, the second belt shaft 325 connected to the driving belt 322 can be rotated, and the first belt shaft 323 connected to the transfer belt 320 can be rotated by the rotation of the second belt shaft 325.

(60) When the rotation speed of the driving belt 322 is changed according to the driving state of the control motor 330, the rotation speed of the transfer belt 320 can be also changed. As described above, the rotation speed of the transfer belt 320 can be adjusted by adjusting the driving state (or the operating state) of the control motor 330.

(61) A plurality of green beans discharged from the green bean transfer path 240 can be moved along the transfer belt 320 in a state in which an interval between adjacent green bean kernels is adjusted by the driving of the control motor 330.

(62) A control motor 460 (rotary compartments driving motor) can be configured to adjust the rotational speed of the rotary compartments 400 according to rotating speed information of the belt driving motor 330 from the processor 600, thereby synchronizing the bean drop interval to ensure that each bean kernel is deposited onto a respective rotary compartment.

(63) In this case, the green bean supply regulator 300 can be positioned at an upper side of the green bean rotary compartment 400, and thus the plurality of green bean kernels moved along the transfer belt 320 can be dropped down to the green bean rotary compartment 400 rotating counterclockwise.

(64) In some implementations, the green bean defect sorter 1000 can further include an anti-splashing guide 450.

(65) The anti-splashing guide 450 can be positioned a front side of the transfer belt 320, the anti-splashing guide 450 being configured to cover a partial region of the green bean rotary compartment 400.

(66) In FIG. 7, an anti-splashing guide 450 can provide a guide such that, when the green bean kernels on the transfer belt 320 are dropped down to the green bean rotary compartment 400, the dropped green bean kernels may not bounce from the green bean rotary compartment 400 to an outside, but can be stably seated on the green bean rotary compartment 400.

(67) Referring to FIGS. 7 to 12, the green bean rotary compartment 400 can include a disk lower plate 420 defining a plurality of through-holes 422 (in FIG. 9), a disk upper plate 410 coupled to the disk lower plate 420 and having a plurality of partition walls 412 forming a seating space 411 communicating with the plurality of through-holes 422 (in FIG. 9), and a support plate 430, which is made of a transparent material, positioned between the disk lower plate 420 and the disk upper plate 410, mounted at the disk lower plate 420, and blocks a portion of the through-holes 422 and the seating space 411 to allow the green bean kernels to be seated thereon.

(68) The disk lower plate 420 and the disk upper plate 410 can be coupled to each other.

(69) The disk upper plate 410 can be mounted inside the disk lower plate 420.

(70) In this case, the disk lower plate 420 and the disk upper plate 410 can be axially coupled to each other by a first connection member 402 and a second connection member 404.

(71) In FIG. 9, The first connection member 402 can be mounted at the disk upper plate 410 by at least one bolt 403, and the second connection member 404 can be mounted at the disk lower plate 420 through a mounting protrusion 405 formed to protrude from the second connection member 404.

(72) In FIG. 8, The disk upper plate 410 and the disk lower plate 420, which are coupled to each other, can be rotated in a predetermined direction by a control motor 460 on which an encoder is mounted, and the green bean kernels discharged from the green bean transfer belt 320.

(73) In addition, one or more ring bearings 470 and 472 can be mounted between the disk lower plate 420 and the control motor 460.

(74) The ring bearings 470 and 472 can prevent shaking and provide stability of the rotational motion when the disk upper plate 410 and the disk lower plate 420 coupled to each other rotate.

(75) In this case, among the ring bearings 470 and 472, the inner ring bearing 470 can be fixed to the residual green bean collector 800, which will be described later, by a plurality of bolts and nuts, and the outer ring bearing 472 can be connected by the bolts and nuts passing through the disk upper plate 410 and the disk lower plate 420, thereby minimizing vertical shaking when the disk upper plate 410 and the disk lower plate 420 coupled to each other rotate.

(76) In some implementations, the disk lower plate 420 can define an air inlet hole 424.

(77) In FIG. 12 and FIG. 14, The air inlet hole 424 can allow the air supplied from air pumps 710 and 714 (in FIG. 14) to be supplied to the green bean kernels seated on the support plate 430 formed of a transparent material.

(78) In FIG. 12, The air inlet hole 424 can be located along an outer circumferential surface of the disk lower plate 420 at a predetermined interval.

(79) In FIG. 10, The disk upper plate 410 can include a plurality of partition walls 412.

(80) The plurality of partition walls 412 can be provided at a predetermined interval along the circumference of the disk upper plate 410.

(81) Among the plurality of partition walls 412, a space between two adjacent partition walls 412 can be a seating space 411 in which the green bean kernels are seated. The support plate 430 formed of a transparent material can be positioned in seating space 411.

(82) For example, the number of the seating spaces 411 can vary depending on the number of the plurality of partition walls 412. The number of the seating spaces 411 needs to be the same as the number of partition walls 412.

(83) In FIG. 11, In addition, an upper end portion of the plurality of partition walls 412 can have a cross section having a triangular shape. Accordingly, the green bean kernels may not be placed at an upper end of the plurality of partition walls 412, but can be positioned in the seating space 411, thereby allowing the imaging device 500 (in FIG. 13) to normally photograph an image of the green bean kernels.

(84) In FIG. 12, in addition, the disk upper plate 410 can include a green bean-drop openings 416.

(85) The green bean-drop openings 416 can be defined at an inner circumferential surface of the disk upper plate 410 for a portion of the through-hole 422 that is not covered by support plate 430 formed of a transparent material.

(86) In addition, the disk upper plate 410 can include a green bean escape preventing vertical linear bars 414 connecting with the air inlet hole 424. When the disk upper plate 410 and disk lower plate 420 are coupled, the air inlet holes 424 and the linear bars 414 are combined to define air inlet grid holes configured to prevent bean escape by the vertical bars 414.

(87) The green bean escape preventing vertical linear bars 414 can prevent the green bean kernels seated on the support plate 430 formed of a transparent material from being escaped to an outside of the green bean rotary compartment 400 through the air inlet hole 424.

(88) For example, the green bean escape preventing vertical linear bars 414 can have a shape having a plurality of gratings, and an interval between the plurality of gratings can be smaller than the size of the green bean kernels seated on the support plate 430 formed of a transparent material so that the green bean kernels may not be escaped through the air inlet hole 424.

(89) The green bean escape preventing vertical linear bars 414 can be provided in plural to penetrate along an outer circumferential surface of the disk upper plate 410 at a predetermined interval.

(90) In this case, the number of the air inlet holes 424, the green bean-drop openings 416 can be the same as each other.

(91) In addition, the disk upper plate 410 can include an air discharge lattice-type grid 418 (lattice grid openings).

(92) For example, the air discharge lattice-type grid 418 can allow the air introduced through the air inlet hole 424 to push the green bean kernels to the green bean-drop openings 416, and then the remaining air to be discharged to an outside of the green bean rotary compartment 400.

(93) The air discharge lattice-type grid 418 can penetrate along an inner circumferential surface of the disk upper plate 410 facing the green bean-drop openings 416 at a predetermined interval.

(94) Accordingly, the air inlet hole 424 and the air discharge lattice-type grid 418 may be arranged to face each other, and the green bean-drop openings 416 can be positioned between the air inlet hole and dis discharge lattice-type grid.

(95) In addition, the air discharge lattice-type grid 418 can be provided in the form of a window including a plurality of holes. In this case, the plurality of holes can be provided in a size smaller than the size of the green bean kernels to prevent the green bean kernels may not be discharged through the air discharge lattice-type grid 418.

(96) FIG. 13 is a view showing the rotary compartments 400 and two imaging devices 500 including, for example, upper camera 510 and lower camera 520.

(97) The cameras 510 and 520 can photograph the green bean kernels seated on the green bean rotary compartment 400 and provide two images of the photographed green bean kernels.

(98) The upper camera 510 for photographing an upper portion of the green bean kernels and a lower camera 520 for photographing a lower portion of the green bean kernels.

(99) The upper camera 510 can be positioned at an upper side of the green bean rotary compartment 400 can photograph an upper image (the mounting feature is not showing here), and the lower camera 520 can photograph a lower image of the green bean kernels in a state of being positioned at a lower side of the green bean rotary compartment 400 through the camera installing hole 806. The lower side image can photograph by see through the support plate formed of a transparent material.

(100) The first job of the processor 600 can provide an image of one green bean kernel completed by merging upper and lower images of the green bean kernel captured by the upper camera 510 and the lower camera 520.

(101) The processor 600 can determine whether the green bean kernel is defective or not from the provided green bean kernel image using an image learning algorithm (or a deep-learning algorithm). For example, the processor 600 can include an integrated electric circuit, a computer chip, a controller, a microprocessor, and memories for the images saving.

(102) The processor 600 can determine whether the green bean kernel is a normal green bean without defects, a defective green bean with defects, or an indeterminable green bean whose defects may not be determined.

(103) The image learning algorithm of the processor 600 can refer to an algorithm having a function of comparing previously stored images of the normal green bean kernel with a provided image of the green bean kernel to determine whether the green bean is defective or not.

(104) For example, the image learning algorithm can include Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and ResNet.

(105) The image learning algorithm using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and the ResNet (Residual Network) can include: step 1) dividing a pre-training images into training and validation; step 2) carrying out normalization and pixel mean subtraction; step 3) setting a hyper-parameter value including a batch size, an epoch size, and a learning rate; step 4) giving a variation to the image to be trained as a whole to perform data augmentation for increasing diversity and quantity; and step 5) performing detailed adjustment and selection of the ResNet model to learn. In some examples, an optimal value of green beans can be set as a hyper-parameter value including a batch size, an epoch size, and a learning rate.

(106) The processor 600 can determine whether the green beans are defective or not using an exemplary image learning algorithm as above and sort the green beans into normal green beans, defective green beans, and indeterminable green beans, thus dramatically improving the accuracy of green bean defect sorting.

(107) FIG. 14 is a view showing a state in which a green bean sorter 700 is located against the green bean rotary compartment 400, and FIGS. 15 to 19 are views for describing an operation of the green bean sorter shown in FIG. 14.

(108) Referring to FIGS. 14 to 19, the green bean sorter 700 can sort the green bean kernels seated on the green bean rotary compartment 400 by using air pressure according to the result decided by the processor 600.

(109) In FIG. 17, The green bean sorter 700 can include air pumps 710 and 714, a normal green bean processing block 720, a defective green bean processing block 730, and an indeterminable green bean processing block 740.

(110) The normal green bean processing block 720, the defective green bean processing block 730, and the indeterminable green bean processing block 740 respectively define at least part of sorted bean transfer paths that are connected to corresponding spaces in the sorted green bean storage 900. The sorted bean transfer paths can include a normal bean path, a defective bean path, and a defective bean path. For example, the normal bean path can include the green bean-drop opening 416, through which a normal bean drops by the normal green bean processing block 720, and the normal green bean sorting hole 802 located underneath of the bean-drop opening 416 such that the normal bean is provided to the normal green bean storing box 910 (which is located underneath of the normal green bean sorting hole 802) by gravity. The defective bean path can be defined by the defective green bean processing block 730 sequentially through the bean-drop opening 416, the defective green bean sorting hole 804, and the defective bean storing box 920. The indeterminable bean path can be defined by the indeterminable green bean processing block 740 sequentially through the bean-drop opening 416, the residual green bean processing hole 824, and indeterminable bean storing box 930.

(111) The air pumps 710 and 714 can include a first air pump 710 for exclusively supplying air to the normal green bean processing block 720, and a second air pump 714 for exclusively supplying air to the defective green bean processing block 730 and the indeterminable green bean processing block 740.

(112) A first air duct 711 and a first air tube 712 can be connected to the first air pump 710, and the first air tube 712 can be connected to the normal green bean processing block 720. The air discharged from the first air pump 710 can be supplied to the normal green bean processing block 720 through the first air duct 711 and the first air tube 712.

(113) In addition, the second air duct 715 can be connected to the second air pump 714. The second air duct 715 can be provided with a splitter 716 for dividing and supplying the air generated by the second air pump 714 in different directions. A second air tube 717 and a third air tube 718 can be connected to the splitter 716, the defective green bean processing block 730 can be connected to the second air tube 717, and an indeterminable green bean processing block 740 can be connected to the third air tube 718. Accordingly, the second air pump 714 can be connected to the defective green bean processing block 730 and the indeterminate green bean processing block 740 to supply air to each of the processing blocks 730 and 740.

(114) The normal green bean processing block 720 can be located against the green bean rotary compartment 400, can be connected to the first air pump 710 to receive high-speed and high-pressure air pressure, and can push the green bean kernels determined as normal green beans by the processor 600 to the sorted green bean storage 900 by using the received air pressure.

(115) As shown in FIG. 15, the normal green bean processing block 720 can include a tube mounting part 725 on which the first air tube 712 is mounted.

(116) A moving passage 724 through which air moves can be formed inside the normal green bean processing block 720, and the moving passage 724 can face a seating space 411 through the air inlet hole 424 and vertical linear bars 414 of the green bean rotary compartment 400.

(117) The tube mounting part 725 and the moving passage 724 of the normal green bean processing block 720 can have the same shape as the tube mounting part 735 and the moving passage 734 of the defective green bean processing block 730 to be described later.

(118) In some implementations, the first air pump 710 can be continuously operated, and the normal green bean processing block 720 can be always in an open state. With regard to the green bean kernels determined as normal green beans, the normal green bean kernels seated in the seating space 411 can be pushed through the moving passage of the normal green bean processing block 720 and thus can be accommodated in a normal green bean storing box 910 of the sorted green bean storage 900 through a green bean-drop openings 416.

(119) Referring to FIGS. 16A to 19, the defective green bean processing block 730 can be disposed at a position adjacent to the normal green bean processing block 720.

(120) The defective green bean processing block 730 can be located against the green bean rotary compartment 400, can be connected to the second air pump 714 to receive high-speed and high-pressure air pressure, and can push the green bean kernels determined as defective green beans by the processor 600 to the defective green bean storing box 920 by using the received air pressure.

(121) The defective green bean processing block 730 can include the tube mounting part 735 at which the second air tube 717 is mounted (in FIG. 14).

(122) The first solenoid valve 732 can be mounted at the defective green bean processing block 730. The first solenoid valve 732 can be operated only when pushing the green bean kernels determined as defective green beans through the air supplied from the second air pump 714 (in FIG. 14) to the defective green bean processing block 730.

(123) The first solenoid valve 732 can be provided inside the defective green bean processing block 730, and when the first solenoid valve 732 is operated, an air passage blocked by an actuator 733 attached to an end of the first solenoid valve 732 can be opened to form the moving passage 734 (in FIG. 17A) through which air moves. The moving passage 734 can face the seating space 411 through the air inlet hole 424 and vertical linear bars 414 of the green bean rotary compartment 400.

(124) In some implementations, the process of determining defective green beans can be selectively performed by the processor 600, and thus the high-speed and high-pressure air supplied by the second air pump 714 can be operated only when defective green beans are selected from among the green bean kernels. Accordingly, the moving passage 734 can be blocked by the actuator 733 attached to the end of the first solenoid valve 732. When the first solenoid valve 732 is not operated and thus the moving passage 734 is blocked by the actuator 733, the air supplied from the second air pump 714 can flow backward and thus the second air pump 714 can be overloaded. In order to prevent such a problem, in some examples, the air supplied from the second air pump 714 can be discharged the air through at least one first air discharge hole 736.

(125) The first air discharge hole 736 can allow the air supplied from the second air pump 714 to be discharged to the outside of the defective green bean processing block 730 before the first solenoid valve 732 is operated, thereby preventing the air from flowing backward to the second air pump 714 and preventing the second air pump 714 from being overloaded.

(126) As shown in FIGS. 16A to 19, the indeterminable green bean processing block 740 can be disposed at a position adjacent to the defective green bean processing block 730.

(127) The indeterminable green bean processing block 740 can be located against the green bean rotary compartment 400, can be connected to the second air pump 714 to receive high-speed and high-pressure air pressure, and can push the green bean kernels determined as indeterminable green beans by the processor 600 to the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 by using the received air pressure.

(128) The indeterminable green bean processing block 740 can include the tube mounting part 745 at which the third air tube 718 is mounted.

(129) In addition, a second solenoid valve 742 can be mounted at the indeterminable green bean processing block 740. The second solenoid valve 742 can be operated only when pushing the green bean kernels determined as indeterminable green beans through the air supplied from the second air pump 714 to the indeterminable green bean processing block 740.

(130) When the second solenoid valve 742 is operated, the air passage blocked by the actuator 743 attached to the end of the second solenoid valve 742 can be opened to form the moving passage 744, through which air moves, inside the indeterminable green bean processing block 740. The moving passage 744 can face the seating space 411 through the air inlet hole 424 and vertical linear bars 414 of the green bean rotary compartment 400.

(131) In some implementations, the process of determining indeterminable green beans can be selectively performed by the processor 600, and thus the high-speed and high-pressure air supplied by the second air pump 714 can be operated only when indeterminable green beans are selected from among the green bean kernels. Accordingly, the moving passage 744 can be blocked by the second solenoid valve 742. When the second solenoid valve 742 is not operated and the moving passage 744 is blocked, the air supplied from the second air pump 714 can flow backward and thus the second air pump 714 can be overloaded. In order to prevent such a problem, the air supplied from the second air pump 714 can be discharged the air through at least one second air discharge hole 746.

(132) The second air discharge hole 746 can allow the air supplied from the second air pump 714 to be discharged to the outside of the indeterminable green bean processing block 740 before the second solenoid valve 742 is operated, thereby preventing the air from flowing backward to the second air pump 714 and preventing the second air pump 714 from being overloaded.

(133) FIG. 20 is a front view showing the residual green bean collector. FIGS. 21 and 22 are bottom views showing the residual green bean collector shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a view showing a green bean processing device mounted in FIGS. 21 and 22. FIGS. 24 and 25 are views showing a process of sorting green beans in a first region of the residual green bean collector shown in FIG. 20, and FIGS. 26 and 27 are views showing a process of sorting green beans in a second region of the residual green bean collector shown in FIG. 20.

(134) Referring to FIGS. 20 to 27, the green bean defect sorter 1000 can further include a residual green bean collector 800.

(135) The residual green bean collector 800 can be mounted at a lower end of the green bean rotary compartment 400, and can hold the green bean kernels separated from the green bean rotary compartment 400 or unsorted by the green bean sorter 700 to be hold during the green bean sorting operation. Later, transport the green beans to the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 after the sorting operation.

(136) The residual green bean collector 800 can be divided into a first region ({circle around (1)}) and a second region ({circle around (2)}).

(137) For example, the first region ({circle around (1)}) can be a portion for holding the green bean kernels before being photographed by the lower camera 520, and the second region ({circle around (2)}) can be a portion for holding the green bean kernels after being photographed by the lower camera 520 during the green bean sorter operation.

(138) The first region ({circle around (1)}) can be provided with a first residual green bean transfer path 810 through which the green bean kernels are moved and a first residual green bean processing hole 814 through which the green bean kernels moved along the first residual green bean transfer path 810 are released from the first region ({circle around (1)}) and which communicates with the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 (in FIGS. 25 and 27).

(139) The first residual green bean transfer path 810 can be formed as a declined surface having a predetermined inclination angle. The angle of the inclined surface of the first residual green bean transfer path 810 can be decreased toward the first residual green bean processing hole 814. Accordingly, the green bean kernels which are escaped or not sorted by the green bean sorter 700 on the green bean rotary compartment 400, but dropped down to the first residual green bean transfer path 810 can move toward the first residual green bean processing hole 814 along the declined surface of the first residual green bean transfer path 810, and then can pass through the first residual green bean processing hole 814 and moving along the residual bean processing path 835 (in FIG. 21), and thus can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930.

(140) In addition, the first residual green bean transfer path 810 can include a first groove 812. At least a partial region of a green bean processing device 830 to be described later can be mounted in the first groove 812.

(141) The second region ({circle around (2)}) can be provided with a second residual green bean transfer path 820 through which the green bean kernels are moved and a second residual green bean processing hole 824 through which the green bean kernels moved along the second residual green bean transfer path 820 are discharged from the second region ({circle around (2)}) and which communicates with the indeterminable green bean storing box 930.

(142) The second residual green bean transfer path 820 can be formed as a declined surface having a predetermined declination angle. The angle of the declined surface of the second residual green bean transfer path 820 can be decreased toward the second residual green bean processing hole 824. Accordingly, the green bean kernels which are escaped or not sorted by the green bean sorter 700 on the green bean rotary compartment 400, but dropped down to the second residual green bean transfer path 820 can move toward the second residual green bean processing hole 824 along the inclined surface of the second residual green bean transfer path 820, and then can pass through the second residual green bean processing hole 824 and thus can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930.

(143) In addition, the second residual green bean transfer path 820 can include a second groove 822.

(144) At least a partial region of the green bean processing device 830 to be described later can be mounted in the second groove 822.

(145) A guide member 828 (in FIG. 21) can be mounted in the second residual green bean processing hole 824.

(146) The guide member 828 can cover an interval between the second residual green bean processing hole 824 and the indeterminable e green bean storing box 930, thereby providing a guide such that the green bean kernels passing through the second residual green bean processing hole 824 may not bounce to an outside, but can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930.

(147) In some implementations, the green bean kernels accommodated in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 through the first region ({circle around (1)}) and the second region ({circle around (2)}) can be introduced into the storing container 100 by a user as necessary, and then can be subjected to a process of sorting defects again or can be discarded.

(148) The residual green bean collector 800 can further include the green bean processing device 830 (in FIG. 23).

(149) In FIG. 22, The green bean processing device 830 can be mounted at a lower end of the residual green bean collector 800. The green bean processing device 830 can be stably coupled to the lower end of the residual green bean collector 800 using a mounting member 839 including a bolt-washer.

(150) In FIG. 23, The green bean processing device 830 can include a mounting frame 831 mounted and fixed to the residual green bean collector 800, a first frame 832 extending from the mounting frame 831 in one direction, a second frame 834 extending from the mounting frame 831 in another direction different from the first frame 832, and a processing path 835 extending from the first frame 832.

(151) In FIG. 20, The first frame 832 can be inserted into the first groove 812 of the first residual green bean transfer path 810, the second frame 834 can be inserted into the second groove 822 of the second residual green bean transfer path 820, and the processing path 835 (in FIGS. 21, 22, and 23) can make a connection between the first residual green bean processing hole 814 and the indeterminable green bean storing box 930.

(152) In FIG. 23, In some implementations, the green bean processing device 830 can be maintained at a predetermined interval from the residual green bean collector 800 by three springs 836a, 836b, and 836c disposed at different positions from each other, while being fixed to the lower end of the residual green bean collector 800 by the mounting members 837, 838, and 839 in FIG. 22. Out of the three springs, a first spring 836a can be mounted with washer 839 at an upper end of the mounting frame 831, a second spring 836b can be mounted with the spring holder 837 at an upper end of the first frame 832, and a third spring 836c can be mounted with the spring holder 838 at an upper end of the second frame 834. Accordingly, even if an external force occurs to or vibration is applied to the green bean processing device 830, the green bean processing device 830 can be floated to avoid colliding with the residual green bean collector 800.

(153) The green bean processing device 830 can further include a second vibration motor 840. The second vibration motor 840 can be mounted at a lower end of the mounting frame 831.

(154) The vibration generated by the second vibration motor 840 can be transmitted to a support frame 831, the first frame 832, the second frame 834, and the processing path 835 of the green bean processing device 830.

(155) The vibration transmitted from the second vibration motor 840 to the first frame 832 can be transmitted to the first residual green bean transfer path 810 located in the first region ({circle around (1)}) through the first groove 812, and thus can provide a help such that the green bean kernels moved along the first residual green bean transfer path 810 may not be accumulated on the first residual green bean transfer path 810, but can be smoothly moved toward the first residual green bean processing hole 814 to pass through the first residual green bean processing hole 814. In addition, the vibration transmitted from the second vibration motor 840 to the processing path 835 can provide help such that the green bean kernels passing through the first residual green bean processing hole 814 can be moved along the processing path 835 and stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930.

(156) The vibration transmitted from the second vibration motor 840 to the second frame 834 can be transmitted to the second residual green bean transfer path 820 located in the second region ({circle around (2)}) through the second groove 822, and thus can provide a help such that the green bean kernels may not be accumulated on the second residual green bean transfer path 820, but can be smoothly moved toward the second residual green bean processing hole 824 to pass through the second residual green bean processing hole 824. In addition, the guide member 828 can provide help such that the green bean kernels passing through the second residual green bean processing hole 824 can be moved along the guide member 828 and stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930.

(157) In FIG. 20, the normal green bean sorting hole 802 can be formed between the first region ({circle around (1)}) and the second region ({circle around (2)}). The green bean kernels sorted as normal green beans can pass through the normal green bean sorting hole 802. The green bean kernels sorted as normal green beans by the green bean sorter 700 can sequentially pass through the green bean-drop openings 416 of the green bean rotary compartment 400 as well as the normal green bean sorting hole 802 and can be stored in the normal green bean storing box 910.

(158) The defective green bean sorting hole 804 can be formed between the first region ({circle around (1)}) and the second region ({circle around (2)}), and provided at a position adjacent to the normal green bean sorting hole 802. The defective green bean sorting hole 804 can be connected to the defective green bean storing box 920.

(159) The camera installing hole 806 can be provided between the first region ({circle around (1)}) and the second region ({circle around (2)}), and a lower camera 520 can be mounted thereon.

(160) Referring to FIG. 27, in order to store the normal green beans, the defective green beans, and the indeterminable green beans sorted by the green bean sorter 700, the sorted green bean storage 900 can include a normal green bean storing box 910 for storing the sorted normal green beans, a defective green bean storing box 920 for storing the sorted defective green beans, and an indeterminable green bean storing box 930 for storing the sorted indeterminable green beans.

(161) The normal green bean storing box 910, the defective green bean storing box 920, and the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 can be designed to be easily identified by a user from the outside. For example, the normal green bean storing box 910 can have an appearance design represented by O, the defective green bean storing box 920 can have an appearance design represented by X, and the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 can have an appearance design represented by =.

(162) Hereinafter, an operation principle of the green bean defect sorter 1000 will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 27.

(163) A large amount of green beans stored in the storing container 100 can fall onto the conical rotating plate 230 along the conical support 110 and can be supplied to the green bean transfer path 240 through the opening 222 by the rotation of the conical rotating plate 230.

(164) The green beans supplied to the green bean transfer path 240 can be moved by a first belt 320 of a green bean supply regulator 300 in a state in which an interval between the adjacent green beans is adjusted through the green bean supply regulator 300.

(165) The green bean kernels placed on the first belt 320 of the green bean supply regulator 300 can fall to the green bean rotary compartments 400 that is rotating counterclockwise.

(166) The green bean kernels dropped down to the green bean rotary compartment 400 can be seated on a support plate 430, which made of a transparent material, in a seating space 411.

(167) With regard to the green bean kernels seated on the support plate 430 formed of a transparent material, an upper image and a lower image of the green bean kernels can be captured through an upper camera 510 and a lower camera 520 of the imaging device 500, and the captured images can be merged to form one completed image of green bean kernels.

(168) Regarding the image of green bean kernels formed through the imaging device 500, a processor 600 can determine whether the green bean kernel is defective or not using an image learning algorithm. The processor 600 can repeatedly perform a process of comparing a previously stored image of the normal green bean with an image of the green bean kernel provided from the imaging device 500 to determine whether the green bean kernel is defective or not.

(169) Depending on whether the green bean kernel is defective or not, which is determined through the processor 600, it can be stored in the sorted green bean storage 900.

(170) For example, when the green bean kernel is determined as the normal green bean, the green bean kernel determined as the normal green bean can sequentially pass through the green bean-drop openings 416 of the green bean rotary compartment 400 as well as the normal green bean sorting hole 802 by the normal green bean processing block 720, and then can be stored in the normal green bean storing box 910 of the sorted green bean storage 900.

(171) In addition, when the green bean kernel is determined as the defective green bean, the green bean kernel determined as the defective green bean can sequentially pass through the green bean-drop openings 416 of the green bean rotary compartment 400 as well as the defective green bean sorting hole 804 by the defective green bean processing block, and then can be stored in the defective green bean storing box 920 of the sorted green bean storage 900.

(172) In addition, when the green bean kernel is determined as the indeterminable green bean, the green bean kernel determined as the indeterminable green bean can sequentially pass through the green bean-drop openings 416 of the green bean rotary compartment 400 as well as the second residual green bean processing hole 824 by the indeterminable green bean processing block 740, and then can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930of the sorted green bean storage 900.

(173) In some implementations, in a process of sorting the green bean kernels through the green bean sorter 700 in the green bean rotary compartment 400, the green bean kernels bounced from the green bean rotary compartment 400 can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 through the residual green bean collector 800.

(174) Out of the green bean kernels bounced from the green bean rotary compartment 400, the green bean kernels before being photographed by the imaging device 500 can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 of the sorted green bean storage 900 in the first region ({circle around (1)}) of the residual green bean collector 800. The green bean kernels positioned in the first region ({circle around (1)}) can be moved along the first residual green bean transfer path 810, can pass through the first residual green bean processing hole 814, and then can be moved along the processing path 835 of the green bean processing device 830, and can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930.

(175) In this case, by the vibration generated by the second vibration motor 840 of the green bean processing device 830, the green bean kernels in the first region ({circle around (1)}) can be stably moved along the first residual green bean transfer path 810 to pass through the first residual green bean processing hole 814, and then can be stably transferred to the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 of the sorted green bean storage 900 through the processing path 835.

(176) In addition, out of the green bean kernels bounced from the green bean rotary compartment 400, the green bean kernels after being photographed by the imaging device 500 can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 of the sorted green bean storage 900 in the second region ({circle around (2)}) of the residual green bean collector 800. The green bean kernels positioned in the second region ({circle around (2)}) can be moved along the second residual green bean transfer path 820 to pass through the second residual green bean processing hole 824, and then can be stored in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 by the guide member 828.

(177) In this case, by the vibration generated by the second vibration motor 840 of the green bean processing device 830, the green bean kernels in the second region ({circle around (2)}) can be stably moved along the second residual green bean transfer path 820 to pass through the second residual green bean processing hole 824, and then can be stably transferred to the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 of the sorted green bean storage 900 along the guide member 828.

(178) In some implementations, the green bean kernels accommodated in the indeterminable green bean storing box 930 through the first region ({circle around (1)}) and the second region ({circle around (2)}) can be introduced into the storing container 100 by a user as necessary, and then can be subjected to a process of sorting green bean defects again or can be discarded.

(179) The example implementations of the present disclosure described above are disclosed for the purpose of illustration, and various modifications and variations of the technical spirit of the present disclosure can be made by those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains, and such modifications and variations will fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.