Mechanical sorting and division of plants using artificial light and matrix of light-sensitive elements to determine root development

摘要

Plants are carried on a belt (3) into an enlosure (8) illuminated by monochromatic light. A matrix of light-sensitive (e.g. CCD) elements produces a two-dimensional image and detects gradation of light or wavelength on a scale varying from zero for white and 256 for black. Sensitivity is adjustable to distinguish the contrast between roots and the band background.