Richard W Conners

Title: Innovations by Richard W. Conners

Introduction

Richard W. Conners is an accomplished inventor based in Blacksburg, Virginia. He has made significant contributions to the field of defect detection and material sorting through his innovative patents. With a total of two patents to his name, Conners has developed advanced systems that enhance the efficiency and accuracy of lumber inspection and sorting processes.

Latest Patents

One of Conners' latest patents is a defect detection system for lumber. This machine vision system addresses various inspection problems by incorporating multiple sensors to detect surface features, three-dimensional shapes, and internal features. The system employs two color cameras for imaging the major faces of the lumber, a high-speed laser profiling device for shape detection, and an x-ray scanning system for internal feature detection. By utilizing a histogram-based segmentation procedure, the system can analyze data species-independently and effectively identify small defects. Additionally, it reduces the volume of data analyzed by processing laser profile data first, followed by x-ray and color imagery, ultimately improving system accuracy.

Another notable patent by Conners is an automatic color and grain sorting system for materials. This system utilizes a pair of color cameras to view the top and bottom faces of each part. A computer analyzes the data from these cameras and controls the voltage on the input line to each camera. The system employs training algorithms to teach the system to identify color and grain classes, real-time operation algorithms for sorting, and utility algorithms for system testing and image display. The innovative use of a white target for shading compensation enhances the accuracy of the color image data collected.

Career Highlights

Conners has had a distinguished career, working at Virginia Polytechnic and State University, as well as with the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of. His work has significantly impacted the field of lumber inspection and material sorting, showcasing his expertise and dedication to innovation.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Conners has collaborated with notable individuals such as David E. Kline and Phillip A. Araman. These collaborations have contributed to the development and refinement of his innovative systems.

Conclusion

Richard W. Conners is a prominent inventor whose work in defect detection and material sorting has advanced the industry. His innovative patents reflect his commitment to improving efficiency and accuracy in lumber inspection processes.