Dynamic tuna sorter by weight: An automated tuna fish sorting system

• Main Authors: Calderon, Alvin M., Gopez I, Modesto L., Ledesma, Joseph Conrad F., Que, Conrad Y., Sy, Charles Steven C.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 1998
• Subjects: Sorting (Electronic computers); Sorting devices; Tuna industry; Image processing; Computer software; Engineering
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_honors/107
• Institution: De La Salle University

This paper examines the applicability of using Microsoft Windows based software to control an off-line multi-input, multi-output automated sorting system. In this automated system, the tuna is preloaded on at the starting point of the conveyor. Once placed on the conveyor belt the tuna is transported towards a weight sorting system located at the middle part of the conveyor. The weight sorter uses a vision system to capture the tuna's top view image while it is moving on the conveyor belt. The first set of sensors triggers the camera to capture each time a tuna passes through it. Using image-processing algorithms, the captured image is analyzed by the software. The software classifies the tuna into small, medium, or large size by determining the number of pixels of the tuna image. After the tuna has been classified to its specific weight category the software signals the flipper arm assembly to which weight category bin the tuna should be sorted. The conveyor belt continuous to transports the tuna to the end part of the conveyor. When the tuna passes through the second set of sensors it triggers the flippers to move. At the end of the conveyor the tuna is transported to the flipper arm assembly then slides down to its specific weight category bin.