Abstract

A methodology and results of experimental researches of the automated installation for determination of geometric parameters of eggs, based on vision systems, using software LabVIEW and Vision Assistant, is considered in the paper. The installation provides improved performance and accuracy of the measurement of geometrical dimensions and determination of the form coefficients of the eggs.

The principle of operation of the automated installation is based on non-contact method of measuring large and small diameter, area and perimeter of the eggs, as well as calculation of the values of form coefficients and comparing them with the fluctuation limits of the measured parameters. The basic technical parameters of the automated installation are accuracy of geometric parameters determination, image processing time and performance. Experimental researches were carried out by three stages: an estimation of geometrical parameters measurement accuracy; determination of measurement productivity of eggs geometrical parameters; determination of productivity of eggs division into two categories (relevant and irrelevant to the form requirements of the standard). The obtained experimental results give reason to consider that the measurement accuracy of the linear dimensions of eggs, using the automated installation, meets the technological requirements. Automated installation enhances 4.5 times the labour productivity, spent on measurement of parameters of eggs. The accuracy of separation of eggs into categories, based on the their form using the automated installation, depends on the time, which operator needs for the correct reaction on the signal of the virtual instrument indicator and is equal to 15% at productivity 1,800 eggs per hour and 5.0% at productivity 1200 eggs per hour.