Machine vision methods for estimation of size distribution of aggregate transported on conveyor belts

The article describes a set of methods for estimation of volume and size distribution of aggregate transported on conveyor belts. The objective was accomplished by means of machine vision and image processing techniques. Three dimensional shape of the rock pile was acquired using the method of laser triangulation. Image processing algorithm was developed in order to outline separate grains and thus allowing to infer on the size distribution of the bulk material transported. Further calculations performed on the raw data allowed to assess its volume