Produce recognition system including a produce shape data collector

摘要

A produce recognition system which identifies a produce item by comparing its shape with reference shape information. The system includes a produce shape data collector which includes a light projector which generates a plurality of lines of light for illuminating a produce item with the plurality of lines of light. The lines of light bend across the outer surface of the produce item thereby assuming the shape of the produce item. The produce data collector further includes an image capture device which captures an image of the lines of light during illumination of the produce item, and control circuitry for controlling operation of the light projector and the image capture device. The system further includes a computer which compares shape data in the image with reference shape data to identify the produce item. <IMAGE>