The rising demand for automation in agriculture and manufacturing necessitates efficient, cost-effective sorting systems to replace labor-intensive manual processes. This paper introduces an innovative system integrating a Siemens S7-1200 Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), LabVIEW-based image processing, and OPC (OLE for Process Control) communication for automated tomato sorting. Utilizing real-time vision analysis, the system classifies tomatoes by color and size, offering a low-cost, scalable solution tailored for small-scale industries. A high-resolution camera captures images, processed in LabVIEW using HSV color space and size thresholds, with results relayed via OPC to the PLC, which actuates a stepper motor-driven sorting mechanism. Experimental validation in a controlled setting achieved 92% sorting accuracy and a throughput of 60 tomatoes per minute, surpassing manual sorting in speed and consistency. The modular design supports scalability to other agricultural products, enhancing its practical utility.
Publication Information
Publisher
Thu Dau Mot University, Viet Nam
Honorary Editor-in-Chief and Chairman of the Editorial Board
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Van Hiep
Deputy Editor-in-Chief
PhD. Trần Hạnh Minh Phương Thu Dau Mot University
Editorial Board
Prof. Tran Van Doan Fujen University, Taiwan
Prof. Zafar Uddin Ahmed Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
Prof.Dr. Phillip G.Cerny The University of Manchester, United Kingdom
Prof. Ngo Van Le University of Social Sciences and Humanities (VNU-HCM)
Prof. Bui The Cuong Southern Institute of Social Sciences
Prof. Le Quang Tri Can Tho University
Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Van Duc Animal Husbandry Association of Vietnam
Assoc. Prof. Ted Yuchung Liu National Pingtung University, Taiwan
PhD. Anita Doraisami Economics Monash University, Australia
Prof. Dr. Andrew Seddon Asia Pacific University of Technology & innovation (APU)
Assoc. Prof. Le Tuan Anh Thu Dau Mot University
Prof. Abtar Darshan Singh Asia Pacific University, Malaysia
Prof.Dr. Ron W.Edwards The University of Melbourne, Australia
Assoc. Prof. Hoang Xuan Nien Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Duc Nghia Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City
PhD. Bao Dat Monash University (Australia)
PhD. Raqib Chowdhury Monash University (Australia)
PhD. Nguyen Hoang Tuan Thu Dau Mot University
PhD. Nguyen Thi Lien Thuong Thu Dau Mot University