FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[0001] This invention is related to grain quality analyzer for analysis of the quality of grain,
wherein the dual scanning method is used to scan the quality of the grain.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[0002] Analyzing seed is an important aspect of agriculture industry and is done all over the
world to determine the quality of the seed for commercial transactions and handling. The aim
of the analysis is to examine a sample from a large consignment and determining the presence
of non-desirable grains. The approval and non-approval of the sample enables the classification
of each consignment which is a decisive factor for the payment and handling of the
consignment.
[0003] Conventionally, grains were manually examined, weighed, identified and sorted. Such
manual grain analysis was a tedious, cumbersome task subject to human error. Therefore,
nowadays grain inspection is carried out by automated processes. Presently, most grain analysis
machines use optical measuring methods for determination of the quality of the grains by
monitoring external, surface properties of the grain. Such a measuring method is typically
based on a grain being illuminated, to determine the quality of the grain consignment. The
analysis may e.g. comprise determining the colour of the grain and/or size and shape of the
grain. Each grain may then be classified and may be segregated into different qualities.
[0004] This method of analyzing the grain through optical method is not very effective and
often leads to incomplete analysis as only one surface is scanned. Since, analysis of grain takes
place from only one surface, the other surfaces of grain which might be having any defect in
quality is left out. These automated processes also involve large amount of expenses which add
on to inconvenience to the user. Moreover, these automated machines are bulky and
inconvenient to carry from one place to another.
[0005] Thus, there remains a need to eliminate the above-mentioned shortcomings in the
existing prior arts.
3
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0006] The main objective of the present invention is to overcome the limitations of the prior
arts by providing a grain quality analyzer which enable dual scanning of the grain sample to
present better analysis of the quality of grain.
[0007] The present invention relates to grain quality analyzer using double axis image analyses
method, wherein the analyzer having the two scanning modules, the first scanning module and
the second scanning module. The first scanning module having a glass surface receives the grain
sample. The port of the grain quality analyzer receives a command from the processing module
to enable the first scanning module to scan the first side of the grain sample and enable the
second scanning module to scan the second side of the grain sample. The scanned data is then
transmitted to the processing module for performing quality analysis. The analyzed data is then
displayed onto the display unit of the processing unit.
[0008] In other embodiment, the first scanning module having the glass surface is further
coupled to the grain scanning module. Herein, the grain scanning module is a mesh to receive
the grain sample.
[0009] In another embodiment, the processing module is placed inside the grain quality
analyzer and receives command from the display unit coupled to the first scanning module. The
user directs the command onto the display unit of the grain quality analyzer which is then
transmitted to the processing unit. The command received by the processing unit enables the
first scanning module to scan the first side of at least one grain sample and enable the second
scanning module to scan the second side of the at least one grain sample. Either the optical
source or the camera sensor coupled to the first and second scanning modules scans the quality
of the grain. The scanned data is then transmitted to the processing module to perform quality
analysis of the at least one grain sample. The analyzed data is then displayed onto the display
unit of the grain quality analyzer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
4
[0010] The following drawings illustrates exemplary embodiment; however, they are helpful in
illustrating objects, features and advantages of the present invention because the present
invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction
with accompanying drawings in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 illustrates the closed view of the given invention according to an embodiment of
the invention.
[0012] Fig. 2 illustrates the open view of the given invention according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0013] Fig. 3 illustrates the other open view of the given invention according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0014] Fig. 4 illustrates another open view of the given invention according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0015] Fig. 5 illustrates the flow chart of the given invention according to an embodiment of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
[0016] Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary embodiment (s) of the invention,
examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same
reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts.
[0017] References to “one embodiment,” “at least one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “one
example,” “an example,” “for example,” and so on indicate that the embodiment(s) or
example(s) may include a particular feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or
limitation but that not every embodiment or example necessarily includes that particular
feature, structure, characteristic, property, element, or limitation. Further, repeated use of the
phrase “in an embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment.
[0018] The present invention relates to grain quality analyzer using double axis image analyses
method, wherein the analyzer having the two scanning modules, the first scanning module and
the second scanning module. The first scanning module having a glass surface receives the grain
sample. The port of the grain quality analyzer receives a command from the processing module
5
to enable the first scanning module to scan the first side of the grain sample and enable the
second scanning module to scan the second side of the grain sample. The scanned data is then
transmitted to the processing module for performing quality analysis. The analyzed data is then
displayed onto the display unit of the processing unit.
[0019] The Fig.1 of the invention illustrates the closed view of the grain quality analyzer (100)
having the housing (102) comprising the first scanning module (104) and the second scanning
module (106). The housing (102) of the grain quality analyzer (100) is made up of light weight
material such as but not limited to ionized aluminum, magnesium, titanium or combination
thereof. The housing (102) further comprises a port (108) for connecting a processing module
(110) to the grain quality analyzer (100). Herein, the processing module (110) is at least one of
but not limited to computer, laptop, tablet or any electronic item to display output of the
processing module.
[0020] The Fig.2 of the invention illustrates an open view of the grain quality analyzer (100)
having the housing (102) comprising the first scanning module (104), the second scanning
module (106) and the port (108) coupled to a processing module (110). Herein, the first
scanning module (104) and the second scanning module (106) are either slide-ably coupled to
each other by a linear guide channels (112) or are coupled by a hinge. The linear guide channels
(112) use rack and pinion, operated with the DC motor using H bride control assembly for
opening and closing the second scanning module (106) onto the first scanning module (104).
The opening and closing of the second scanning module (106) onto the first scanning module
(104) is also controlled by at least one of but not limited to following method: manually, by DC
motor (not shown), by hall effect sensors (not shown) or by magnetic control units (not shown)
or combination thereof. The first scanning module (104) comprises a glass surface (104a) to
receive the grain sample. The grain sample is manually placed onto the glass surface (104a) of
the first scanning module (104). The port (108) of the grain quality analyzer (100) receives
command from the processing module (110) to enable the first scanning module (104) to scan
first side of at least one grain sample and enable the second scanning module (106) to scan
second side of at least one grain sample. Both scanning modules (104) & (106) comprises either
an optical source (not shown) preferably laser source for scanning the grain sample or a camera
6
sensor (not shown) for capturing the picture of the grain sample or combination of optical
source and camera sensor for scanning the grain. Since, both scanning modules (104) & (106)
comprises either optical source or camera sensor or combination thereof, the dual scanning of
grain sample is carried out by the grain quality analyzer (100). These scanning modules (104) &
(106) are partially coated to reduce background reflections while scanning of the grains. The
partial coating is done by any state-of-art known anti-reflector material. The scanning modules
(104) & (106) are also coated with anti-vibration element such as nylon or similar material to
absorb/reduce vibrations caused due to sliding of the second scanning module on the first
scanning module. Also, the first scanning module (104) is further coupled to at least one laser
source to determine any obstruction in the movement of the second scanning module (104).
The scanned data of the grain quality from either optical source or camera sensor or
combination thereof is then transmitted to the processing module (110) by a port (108) for
analysis.
[0021] The Fig.3 of the invention illustrates other open view of the grain quality analyzer (100)
having the housing (102) comprising the first scanning module (104), the second scanning
module (106), the port (108) coupled to a processing module (110). Herein, the first scanning
module (104) have a glass surface (104a) coupled to a grain scanning module (104b) to receive
the grain sample. Herein, the grain scanning module (104b) is a mesh formed of material such
as but not limited to acrylic, plastic, plexiglas or combination thereof which is further framed by
a brass rectangular frame (104c). This grain scanning module (104b) is either removably
coupled or is partially fixed to the first scanning module (104). The material of the grain
scanning module (104b) makes the grain scanning module (104b) light in weight and the brass
rectangular frame (104c) is used to make the grain scanning module (104b) more stable while
placing the grain sample. The grain sample is manually placed onto the grain scanning module
(104b) of the first scanning module (104). The port (108) of the grain quality analyzer (100)
receives command from the processing module (110) to enable the first scanning module (104)
to scan the first side of at least one grain sample and enable the second scanning module (106)
to scan the second side of at least one grain sample. The scanned data of the grain quality from
7
either optical source or camera sensor or combination thereof is then transmitted to the
processing module (110) by a port (108) for analysis.
[0022] The Fig.4 of the invention illustrates another open view of the grain quality analyzer
(100) having the housing (102) comprising the first scanning module (104), the second scanning
module (106) and a display unit (114). The first scanning module (104) is coupled to a display
unit (114) which is further coupled to a processing unit (110) located inside the grain quality
analyzer (100). Herein, the processing unit (110) receives command from the user by a display
unit (114) to enable the first scanning module (104) to scan the first side of at least one grain
sample and enable the second scanning module (106) to scan the second side of at least one
grain sample. The scanned data of the grain quality from either optical source or camera sensor
or combination thereof is then transmitted to the processing module (110) for analyses of the
scanned data. The analyzed data is then displayed onto the display unit (114) for visibility to the
user.
[0023] Fig. 5 illustrates the flow chart (200) of the given invention which is also the first
preferred embodiment of the invention.
 Step 202: Slide up the second scanning module of the grain quality analyzer so that it is
vertically placed onto the first scanning module.
 Step 204: User then place the grain sample onto the glass of the first scanning module.
 Step 206: The second scanning module is then placed onto the first scanning module.
The gap between the two-scanning module is kept appropriate to prevent the entry of
the light between the two-scanning module, the exemplary material such as but not
limited to ethylene-vinyl acetate foam is used.
 Step 208: The port of the grain quality analyzer receives the command from the
processing module to enable the first scanning module to scan the first side of at least
one grain sample and enable the second scanning module to scan the second side of the
at least one grain sample.
 Step 210: Either the optical source or the camera sensor coupled to the first and second
scanning modules scans the quality of the grain.
8
 Step 212: The scanned data is then transmitted to the processing module to perform
quality analysis of the at least one grain sample and then display the analyzed data to
the user.
[0024] In second preferred embodiment of the invention:
 Step 202: Slide up the second scanning module of the grain quality analyzer so that it is
vertically placed onto the first scanning module.
 Step 204: User then place the grain sample onto the glass coupled to the grain scanning
module of the first scanning module.
 Step 206: The second scanning module is then placed onto the first scanning module.
The gap between the two-scanning module is appropriate to prevent the entry of the
light between the two-scanning module, the exemplary material such as but not limited
to ethylene-vinyl acetate foam is used.
 Step 208: The port of the grain quality analyzer receives the command from the
processing module to enable the first scanning module to scan the first side of at least
one grain sample and enable the second scanning module to scan the second side of the
at least one grain sample.
 Step 210: Either the optical source or the camera sensor coupled to the first and second
scanning modules scans the quality of the grain.
 Step 212: The scanned data is then transmitted to the processing module to perform
quality analysis of the at least one grain sample and then display the analyzed data to
the user.
[0025] In other embodiment of the invention, the processing module is placed inside the grain
quality analyzer and receives command from the display unit coupled to the first scanning
module. The user directs the command onto the display unit of the grain quality analyzer which
is then transmitted to the processing unit. The command received by the processing unit
enables the first scanning module to scan the first side of at least one grain sample and enable
the second scanning module to scan the second side of the at least one grain sample. Either the
optical source or the camera sensor coupled to the first and second scanning modules scans the
9
quality of the grain. The scanned data is then transmitted to the processing module to perform
quality analysis of the at least one grain sample. The analyzed data is then displayed onto the
display unit of the grain quality analyzer.
[0026] In other embodiment, the housing (102) of the grain quality analyzer (100) is
electronically coupled to an input module for receiving at least one biometric information of a
user to authenticate the use of the grain quality analyzer (100).
[0027] Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is
to be understood that many other possible modifications and variation scan be made without
departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. A device for analyzing quality of grain sample, comprising:
a first scanning module coupled with a second scanning module, wherein the
first scanning module and the second scanning module are enabled to operate
sequentially, wherein at least one surface of the first scanning module is enabled
to receive grain sample;
at least one port for receiving at least one command from at least one
processing module, wherein in response to receiving the at least one command
from the at least one processing module, the first scanning device is enabled to
perform a first scanning process on the at least one grain sample to gather first
information related to at least first side of the at least one grain sample and the
second scanning module is enabled to perform a second scanning process on the
at least one grain sample to gather second information related to the second
side of the at least one grain sample, and
the at least one port for transmitting the first information and the second
information to the at least one processing module wherein the processing
module is enabled to perform quality analysis of the at least one grain sample.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein the first scanning module and the second scanning
module further comprises an optical source.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the first scanning module and the second scanning
module further comprises a camera sensor.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the first scanning module and the second scanning
module are, at least partially, coated to reduce background reflections.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the second scanning module is slide-ably coupled with
the first scanning module.
2
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the second scanning module is coupled with the first
scanning module by at least one hinge.
7. The device of claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one laser source, coupled with the first
scanning module, is enabled to determine any obstruction in the movement of the
second scanning module.
8. The device of claim 5, wherein the second scanning module slides on the first scanning
module only upon receiving the at least one command from the at least one processing
module.
9. The device of claim 5, wherein the sliding operation is controlled by at least one of a
manual, a DC motor and hall effect sensor or any combination thereof.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the first scanning module is enabled to scan grain sample
placed on a glass surface of the first scanning module.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the first scanning module further comprises a grain
scanning module to receive grain sample therein.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein the grain scanning module is removable from the first
scanning module.
13. The device of claim 11, wherein the grain scanning module is, at least partially, fixed to
the first scanning module.
14. The device of claim 11, wherein the grain scanning module remains stationary during
the sequential operation of the first scanning module and the second scanning module.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein the first scanning module and the second scanning
module are, at least partially, coupled with an anti-vibration element to absorb/reduce
vibrations caused due to sliding of the second scanning module on the first scanning
module.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein the processing module is located outside the device
wherein the processing module is at least one of but not limited to a computer, a
laptop, tablet or any electronic device enable to display output of the processing
module.
3
17. The device of claim 1, wherein the processing module located inside the device for
analyzing quality of grain sample.
18. The device of claim 16, wherein the processing module of the device further comprises a
display screen to display output of the processing module.
19. The device of claim 1, wherein the device for analyzing quality of grain sample further
comprises an input module for receiving at least one biometric information of a user to
authenticate the use of the device.