Conveyor Line Color Object Sorting using A Monochrome Camera, Colored Light and RGB Filters

TL;DR

This paper presents a machine vision system using a monochrome camera, RGB filters, and controlled lighting to autonomously sort colored objects on a conveyor belt, integrated with PLC and robotic removal.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach combining monochrome cameras with RGB lighting and filters for effective color-based object sorting.

Findings

System successfully differentiates colored objects using monochrome camera and RGB filters.

The integrated PLC and robot enable autonomous sorting and removal of specified colored objects.

User can select target colors via HMI and pushbuttons for flexible operation.

Abstract

This paper tests the ability of a machine vision system with a monochrome camera to differentiate colored objects. The system is designed to autonomously and continuously sort colored objects of which the user specifies the desired color(s). The system uses camera color light filters and red-green-blue (RGB) color light emitting diode (LED) lights to aid the machine vision system in recognizing part contrast. Additionally the system is controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) which is integrated with a Robot that is used to remove parts. The parts are fed into the workcell via a conveyor belt that is controlled by the PLC. The user has the ability to select the desired acceptable colors on both the HMI and the physical pushbuttons.