Automated Mechanical Sorting Device for Mixed Household Wastes : Integration of Sorting Conveyor with Neural Network

This book is discussed a research on designing an integrated conveyor belt and vision system which is to develop an efficient automated mechanical sorting system for mixed household waste. The system is used especially to sort paper and plastics that are left uncollected from domestic waste due to lack of efficient and economical waste sorting mechanism. This project is designed to segregate plastic and paper waste which would be the pioneer step for recycling. An intelligent system is developed using computer vision to recognize parts with features on the sorting production line (conveyor belt). Different paper and plastic objects with various shapes and sizes are used for the experimentation process. The proposed algorithm was experimental verified using a fabricated prototype paper and plastic system. Experimental results validate the proposed algorithm and the detail methodology of the research is described. This project required a very good understanding in Image Processing and in Neural Network where the researchers integrated the Neural Network system to make this project to be intelligent. A good understanding in related vision software also is a strong requirement.