Using a digital video camera as the smart sensor of the system for automatic process control of granular fodder molding

The most important operation of granular mixed fodder production is molding process. Properties of granular mixed fodder are defined during this process. They determine the process of production and final product quality. The possibility of digital video camera usage as intellectual sensor for control system in process of production is analyzed in the article. The developed parametric model of the process of bundles molding from granular fodder mass is presented in the paper. Dynamic characteristics of the molding process were determined. A mathematical model of motion of bundle of granular fodder mass after matrix holes was developed. The developed mathematical model of the automatic control system (ACS) with the use of etalon video frame as the set point in the MATLAB software environment was shown. As a parameter of the bundles molding process it is proposed to use the value of the specific area defined in the mathematical treatment of the video frame. The algorithms of the programs to determine the changes in structural and mechanical properties of the feed mass in video frames images were developed. Digital video shooting of various modes of the molding machine was carried out and after the mathematical processing of video the transfer functions for use as a change of adjustable parameters of the specific area were determined. Structural and functional diagrams of the system of regulation of the food bundles molding process with the use of digital camcorders were built and analyzed. Based on the solution of the equations of fluid dynamics mathematical model of bundle motion after leaving the hole matrix was obtained. In addition to its viscosity, creep property was considered that is characteristic of the feed mass. The mathematical model ACS of the bundles molding process allowing to investigate transient processes which occur in the control system that uses a digital video camera as the smart sensor was developed in Simulink. Decision algorithm for generating regulatory impact when using a digital video camera as the smart sensor was developed. The developed automatic control systems (ACS) of the process of granular fodder molding based on the use of digital video camera as an intelligent sensor was described.