APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND SEPARATING OUT SPROUTED KERNEL

摘要

An apparatus of the present invention for selecting and separating out sprouted kernel comprises: a light source for emitting light in a predetermined wavelength region to an object kernel; an image-capturing device for capturing an image of the object kernel which is formed by a part of the emitted light, which part is transmitted through the object kernel, and generating a signal corresponding to the captured image of the object kernel; a comparator for comparing the signal corresponding to the captured image with a predetermined reference signal, to thereby determine whether or not the object kernel is sprouted, and generating a signal indicative of detection of sprouting when the object kernel is sprouted; and a separating device for separating out the object kernel when the object kernel is sprouted, in response to the signal generated by the comparator. Below the object kernel, there is provided a background member having a brightness close to that of the object kernel. The light source is provided between the object kernel and the background member. Above the object kernel there is provided a slit- forming member.