# US 11,451,761 B2 · Sub stream auto sampling > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,451,761 B2 - Document ID: US11451761B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 17/132,500 - Filed: 2020-12-23 - Published: 2021-04-22 - Granted: 2022-09-20 - Earliest claimed: 2016-07-26 - Assignees: Qcify Inc. - Applicants: Qcify Inc. - Inventors: Raf Peeters; Pieter Boogaerts; Joachim Van der Perre; Bert Switten - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11451761B2 ## CPC - G06T 7/001: {using an image reference approach} - H04N 13/243: using three or more two-dimensional [2D] image sensors - G06T 7/0004: {Industrial image inspection} - G06T 7/0008: {checking presence/absence} - H04N 13/239: using two two-dimensional [2D] image sensors having a relative position equal to or related to the interocular distance (H04N13/243 takes precedence) - H04N 13/296: Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof - H04N 23/56: provided with illuminating means - H04N 23/57: Mechanical or electrical details of cameras or camera modules specially adapted for being embedded in other devices - H04N 23/66: Remote control of cameras or camera parts, e.g. by remote control devices - H04N 23/74: by influencing the scene brightness using illuminating means - H04N 23/90: Arrangement of cameras or camera modules, e.g. multiple cameras in TV studios or sports stadiums - G06T 2207/10012: Stereo images - G06T 2207/10021: Stereoscopic video; Stereoscopic image sequence - G06T 2207/10028: Range image; Depth image; 3D point clouds - G06T 2207/20081: Training; Learning - G06T 2207/30128: Food products - H04N 13/254: in combination with electromagnetic radiation sources for illuminating objects - G06T: IMAGE DATA PROCESSING OR GENERATION, IN GENERAL - H04N: PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION ## Abstract A sub stream auto sampling system includes an inspection unit and a sorter unit. The inspection unit includes a camera configured to capture an image of a sample, a light configured to illuminate a sample, a processor configured to process the captured image, and a memory configured to store the captured image. The sorter unit is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit. The output of the inspection unit may be directed to the main stream of samples, or the output of the inspection unit may be directed to a collection unit. In addition to the inspection performed by the inspection unit, weighing of the sub stream of samples may also be performed by a weighing unit before the sub stream of samples are routed to the main stream of samples or the collection unit. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A system, comprising: an inspection unit, comprising: a camera configured to capture an image of a sample; light configured to illuminate a sample; a processor configured to process the captured image; a memory configured to store the captured image; and a sorter unit that is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit, wherein the inspection unit further comprises an output chute that directs the sub stream of samples toward a collection unit. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the inspection unit is an in-flight 3D inspector. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein at least one sample of the sub stream of samples passes through the inspection unit. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, further comprising a weighing unit. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The system of claim 4, wherein the weighing unit comprises a strain gauge. ### Claim 6 (depends on 4) The system of claim 4, wherein the weighing unit comprises a force transducer. ### Claim 7 (depends on 4) The system of claim 4, wherein the weighing unit comprises an output chute that directs the sub stream of samples from the weighing unit to the main stream of samples. ### Claim 8 (depends on 4) The system of claim 4, wherein the weighing unit comprises an output chute that directs sub stream of samples from the weighing unit to a collection unit. ### Claim 9 (depends on 4) The system of claim 4, wherein the sub stream of samples passes through the weighing unit before passing through the inspection unit. ### Claim 10 (depends on 4) The system of claim 4, wherein the sub stream of samples passes through the inspection unit before passing through the weighing unit. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the sorter unit comprises a vacuum system. ### Claim 12 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the sorter unit is electronically controlled. ### Claim 13 (depends on 11) The system of claim 11, wherein the sorter unit is pneumatically controlled. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the sorter unit comprises a mechanical pedal system. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The system of claim 1, wherein the sorter unit comprises an air jet system. ### Claim 16 A system, comprising: an inspection unit, comprising: a camera configured to capture an image of a sample; light configured to illuminate a sample; a processor configured to process the captured image; a memory configured to store the captured image; and a sorter unit that is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit, wherein the inspection unit further comprises an output chute that directs the sub stream of samples toward the main stream of samples. ### Claim 17 A system, comprising: an inspection unit, comprising: a camera configured to capture an image of a sample; light configured to illuminate a sample; a processor configured to process the captured image, and a memory configured to store the captured image; a sorter unit that is configured to divert a sub stream of samples, from a main stream of samples, toward the inspection unit, wherein the sorter unit comprises: a vacuum system comprising: a device that is capable generating a vacuum; a pressurized air inlet; and a valve, wherein the pressurized air inlet is connected to the valve, and wherein the valve controls a flow of pressurized air through the device. ### Claim 18 A method, comprising: (a) diverting a sample from a main stream of samples toward an inspection unit using a vacuum system comprising: a device that is capable generating a vacuum; a pressurized air inlet; and a valve, wherein the pressurized air inlet is connected to the valve, and wherein the valve controls a flow of pressurized air through the device; (b) inspecting the sample by the inspection unit, wherein the inspecting includes illuminating the sample, capturing an image of the sample, and storing the captured image; and (c) after the inspecting of (b), directing the sample back to the main stream of samples. ### Claim 19 A method, comprising: (a) diverting a sample from a main stream of samples toward an inspection unit using a vacuum system comprising: a device that is capable generating a vacuum; a pressurized air inlet; and a valve, wherein the pressurized air inlet is connected to the valve, and wherein the valve controls a flow of pressurized air through the device; (b) inspecting the sample by the inspection unit, wherein the inspecting includes illuminating the sample, capturing an image of the sample, and storing the captured image; and (c) after the inspecting of (b), directing the sample to a collection unit.