Operator's Manual Sections index
1. General description
2. Installation and operation and setting up the machine
3. Description of the control system

Section 1: General description
1.1 Main components
1.1.1 Description and figures
1.2 Sorting system
1.2.1 Sorting modes
1.2.2 Sorting system
1.2.3 Operator's interface
1.3 Functional description
1.3.1 General
1.3.2 Feeding system
1.3.3 Lighting
1.3.4 Inspection system
1.3.5 Pneumatic system
1.3.6 Ejectors
1.3.7 Cooling system
1.3.8 Control Panel
1.3.9 Language

Section 2: to installation, operating at startup
2.1 Physical requirements
2.2 Unpacking, movement and handling of the machine
2.3 Precautions with the electric supply
2.4 Precautions with the air supply
2.5 Start up

Section 3: description of the control system
3.1 General description and identification of the areas
3.1.1 General description
3.1.2 Identification of the areas of the control monitor
3.1.3 Basic functions, special functions and technical service
3.2 Description of the basic functions
3.2.1 Change in the production level
3.2.2 Change in the sensitivity level
3.2.3 Turning on and off the feeders
3.2.4 Information on the status of the machine
3.3 Description of the special functions
3.3.1 General description of the special functions
3.3.2 Change in the sorting mode
3.3.3 Change in the background level
3.3.4 Printing the statistic report of the machine
3.3.5 Test of the cleaning and ejector system
3.3.6 Official technical service functions
3.3.7 How to contact us

Section 1: General description

1.1 Main components.
Refer to the figure 1.1 for the proper identification of the parts described in this section.
FEEDING SYSTEM
The parts of the feeding system are: a HOPPER, VIBRATOR TRAY and a CHUTE. The main function of this system is to evenly provide the product to be sorted to the viewing or inspection area.
FRONT OPTICAL BOX
The front optical box incorporates the following electronic modules: the front view sorting system, a camera controls interface, a CPU, a control panel and a cooling system.
REAR OPTICAL BOX
The rear optical box incorporates the following electronic modules: the rear view sorting system, a camera controls interface, the ejector control module, the power supply modules, a CPU, and a cooling system.
EJECTOR SYSTEM
The function of the ejection system is to "eject" or change the alignment of the grains or particles that has been sorted by the system. The new and redesigned ejection system provides 32 high-speed long lasting air valves for each sorting module in the rice and small particles series, for ISM 3000; and of 10/15 ejectors valves for ISM 2010/2015 (peanuts, beams, chickpea, and others).

ELECTRONIC ENCLOSURE
The electronic enclosure (set on the lower back part of the machine) provides housing for the following electronic modules: power supplies, ejection power control module, and high-frequency lamp inverters.
1.2 Sorting system
The sorting system is designed to detect and separate unacceptable particles and grains from fast free-flowing products such as rice, beans or any other big or small particles. The system features high-speed and resolution digital CCD line scan cameras, which combined with a state of the art DSP (digital signal processors) make up a high speed and efficiency color recognition system. As a result of the sorting module a signal which controls the ejectors through the control modules is achieved placed in the inferior rear enclosure.

1.2.1 Sorting modes
The machines ISM3000, 2010 and 2015 with digital sorting modules are able to sort the product in three different ways: they can eject the darker than normal product, the lighter than normal product or they can eject both at the same time, so achieving the versatility desirable in any color sorting system working with any alienable product and under the most different conditions of optical contrast. There for the system could be set to fit almost any kind of color sorting situation.

1.2.2 Operators interface
The machines series ISM 2010/2015 and 3000 are provided with a user friendly operator interface module, extremely easy to use and control, using high contrast graphic displays and multifunction assignment to control keys. State-of-the-art micro thermal printer with statistical software.
The statistical software allows the user to extract useful information from the control system such as the total amount of hours that the machine has been working, alarm codes that could have been generated, name date and time at which an operator or technician was working on the machine. For more information about the statistical software provided a as, an optional package contact your nearest CHOIQUE dealer. For detailed information in how to operate this machine please refer to section three of these operator's manual.

1.3 Functional description
1.3.1 General
The color sorter machines CHOIQUE are specifically design for a continuos and stable color sorting quality. Following we briefly describe how each of the main parts of the system work.

1.3.2 Product Feeding
The product to be sorted is fed to the main machine's hopper, this hopper is designed to reduced the column-weight of the particles to be sorted allowing a better and more efficient functioning of the feeders or vibrators. The feeders are controlled by one of the electronic control modules which generates a stable vibration to feed the product through the vibration tray to the chute(s) in a more homogeneous way, helping the optical system maintain precise focus on the product.
The aligning channel is treated to decrease its friction coefficient as much as possible, therefore the product quickly adopts its final position towards the dual-view inspection area.

1.3.3 Lighting
The lighting system has the following parts, a 24 volts highly stable and almost noiseless power supply, two high frequency lamp inverters and the fluorescent tubes which are carefully chosen to increase the optical efficiency.
The high speed inverters have been specifically designed to generate a very stable high frequency lighting and at the same time keep the lamp cathodes as cool as possible which makes the life duty of the lamps considerably longer. The lamp colors vary upon the product to be sorted.

1.3.4 Inspection System
The two high speed and sensitivity digital line scan cameras are the main modules of the inspection system. These cameras were designed with the most advanced electronic design and simulation systems. They use a military grade ceramic packaged, CCD linear sensor array. Each camera takes approximately fourteen thousand digital "pictures" per second, which are manipulated by a state-of-the-art DSP (digital signal processor). A delicate and very complex software algorithm process these images to recognize bad product and to control exactly where the product to be ejected is to finally remove it by activating the right ejector valve.

1.3.5 Pneumatic System
The pneumatic system provides supplementary filtering to the air supplied to the machine, makes the automated optical box cleaning system work and provides air to the high-speed air ejector valves.

1.3.6 Ejectors
The ejection system features the "mechanical" sorting function by changing the angle at which the grain is falling in the inspection area therefore reaching the ejected grains outlet. The air ejector system provided in your color sorter machine CHOIQUE is the result of many years of experience and delicate and precise research and development jobs. These new high-speed, long lasting air ejector valves and the complex digital ejector module control system have given as a result a very reliable and precise ejection system.

1.3.7 Cooling System
Another variable that helps keeping a stable sorting quality is reached by providing the electronic circuitry and cameras within a determined temperature. This task is successfully performed by the cooling system which uses solid state thermoelectric modules.

1.3.8 Control Panel
The control panel of your color-sorting machine CHOIQUE has been carefully designed to provide the operator with a easy to use and yet very informative control system. For detailed information about the control panel please refer to the section three of this operator's manual.

1.3.9 Language
Display and software in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Section 2: to installation, operating at startup

INSTALLATION AND SETTING UP

CAUTION: WELDING!

2.1 Physical Requirements
LOCATION: the place where the machine is to be installed must be firm and leveled. Where the fabrication of a support structure is to be done, the vibration of the rest of the structure must be isolated, and all welding jobs must be done before the machine is installed in these new structure.
ENVIRONMENT: It is recommended that the environment where the machine is to be working, should be kept at a temperature below 40o C, and no lower than the frozen point. Humidity an environmental dust must be kept at minimum.
LIGHT: the quantity of flight that the machine receives must not change greatly during the day. There shouldn't be any kind of light reflections on the machine of any kind, the use of fluorescent tubes must be avoided. Also check that sunlight does not reflect on that machine at any time during the day. If any of these situations should occur, take care of it before setting up the machine.
ORGANIZATION AND DISTANCES: the machine must be installed in a way so that there's still free space in front and behind the machine, to perform service jobs such as replacement of fluorescent tubes, or to replace any of the parts a in the rear-low cabinet of the machine. It is also important that the feeding of the product to be sorted be made of a flexible material, these will facilitate the service or replacement of the feeders. The same precaution should be kept with the grain inlets and outlets of the machine.
GROUNDING: An effective grounding is extremely important for the proper functioning of the machine. It is recommend to provide the color sorters a grounding system isolated from the other electrical equipment you may have. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
Line filters and voltage stabilizers: in some countries is very important the use of line filters and voltage stabilizers to provide the machine with a very good electrical power supply. The factory recommends the use of line and voltage stabilizers which not only will protect the machine but it will increase its efficiency as well.

2.2 Unpacking, moving and handling the machine
All these tasks must be performed with extreme precaution. Any hard hit could damage the machine's structure causing mechanical and optical people problems very difficult to repair. Consult the factory about the place of installation and precautions. All the installation jobs, including the electrical and pneumatic supplies, should be realized before the permanent installation of the machine, specially if any welding needs to be performed.

2.3.1 Precautions with the electrical supply.
It is important that the grounding system must be connected before supplying power to the machine. Make sure that the characteristics of the electrical supply of your area matches those specified on the metal identification label of the machine. Line filters and voltage stabilizers: in some countries is very important the use of line filters and voltage stabilizers to provide the machine with a very good electrical power supply. The factory recommends the use of line and voltage stabilizers which not only will protect the machine but it will increase its efficiency as well.

2.3.2 Precautions with the air supply
The air to be supplied to the machine must be dry, clean, and oil and water-free; If is not, may cause malfunctioning of the machine and very expensive repairs. A and the filter system provided with the machine has not being designed to be the main and only filter of the machine. For more detailed information on how to set and good quality air supply, please feel free to contact us.

2.4 Initial start up
In the air and electrical supply systems match the description above, then you're ready to start your CHOIQUE color sorter machine. Please refer to section three of this manual for more information about the control system.

Section 3: description of the control system

3.1 General Description of the Control System
The color sorter machine CHOIQUE series ISM2010, ISM2015 and ISM 3000 are equipped with a very easy to use operator's interface. It features an easy to read and follow system trough the utilization of very high contrast graphic LCD modules which allows easy reading within any angle and lighting conditions. This control system has only four keys which are used to control all the basic, informative and special functions in a very simple way.
Refer to Figure 3.1 to identify the areas of the control panel. The thermal paper outlet, which prints out statistical information, is located at the left end of the control panel. At the right end the four keys are aligned with its relative key label being shown on the display.
3.1.2 Identification of the areas of the display.
Refer to Figure 3.2 to appreciate the different informative areas of the LCD display.
Area A is used as the menu header, its function is to inform the operator where in the menu he or she is operating. Area B is used for general information regarding the menu being used, such as Production Level, Sensitivity level, Actual air pressure of the ejector valves, Date, Hours that the machine has been working and other technical and maintenance information.
Area C determines the four key labels which assign a function to each key. For example, when key number 1 is pressed, it executes the function detailed in key label 1, when the key number 2 is pressed, it executes what the key label says and so on.

3.1.3 Basic, Special and technical service functions.
The menu structure of the CHOIQUE machines is divided in three types of functions, (figure 3.3) these are, basic functions, special functions and restricted functions (to be used and modified only by authorized personnel).
The Basic functions of the control system are:
Production Level Sensitivity Level
Feeders ON/Off control
The Special Functions of the control system are:
Sorting Mode: The machine can eject those lighter than normal products, those darker than normal products and both at the same time.
Background: When the machine is set in the manual calibration mode, this machine is used to set the reference light level or foreground light.
Print Report: When the system is equipped with the statistical software and hardware option, this innovative maintenance concept, prints out a "report" trough the use of a micro thermal printer. Some of the information shown in this report include:
Alarm codes, possible causes and solutions, Date, time and person who attended the last time this machine, technical service closest to where you are and how to contact them, Quantity of hours that the machine has worked, etc.

Cleaning System Test or manual cleaning: The optical system cleans automatically, but if a manual cleaning or a test of such system is needed, the function "cleaning test" will perform a cleaning routine.

Ejector Test: To manually verify the proper functioning of the ejector valves, the system is provided with a "ejector test" function, this function will activate a determined valve as if it were sorting. Change in test frequency is also provided within the same menu.
For a complete and detailed information about the "Restricted Functions" please refer to the service and maintenance manual.
3.2 Description of the Basic Functions
3.2.1 Change in the Production Level.
If in the menu header box the phrase MAIN MENU does not appear, press "return" (normally marked in key label 4) until such phrase appears. Then press Key label 1 named "production", as the sub menu production takes effect, the options are marked in the key labels, then press either increase or decrease to change the production level to the new desired value. This values will immediately take effect. After you are don changing the production level, press return to go back to the Main Menu.
3.2.2 Change in the Sensitivity Level.
Once again to control the basic functions, the Main Menu must be active. Press "Sensitivity" and the sub menu will appear. Change it to the desired sensitivity level and press return to go back to the Main Menu. In double-view systems you might need to select first which inspection systems sensitivity you are willing to change, or, if the same percentage is going to be changed, then chose general sensitivity in the proper menu.
3.2.3 Feeders ON / OFF control
Once in the Main Menu, pressing the key labeled "Feeders On/Off" will toggle the state of the feeders.
3.2.4 Machine's Status Information
Every time that the Main Menu is displayed in the menu header, the area B of the display will keep showing the following information about the system: Production Level, Sensitivity Level, Actual Air Pressure, Date and quantity of working Hours.
3.3 Description of the Special Functions
3.3.1 General Description of the Special Functions
The Special Functions are those which are not needed to be changed in a regular bases. These functions are generally configured only once. The figure 3.3 explains the area B of the display used to show the parameters information.
3.3.2 Changing the sorting Mode
From the Main Menu, press "Special Functions", then Press "Sorting Mode" and finally choose the new sorting mode desired, the options are: Sort by Darks, Sort by Lights and Sort by Both. The new sorting mode will be saved in memory and every start up of the machine this information will be recalled as the predetermined sorting mode.

3.3.3 Background Reference Change
This function will only be enabled when the re-calibration mode is set in "manual". The change in the quantity of foreground light is referred as the REFERENCE background. To do this from the Main Menu, press Special Functions, then Background and finally move the background by moving to a lighter position (the image will appear darker to the sorting system) or to a darker position (the image will appear lighter to the sorting system). Again, this value will remain as the predetermined value from there on.
3.3.4 Printing the statistical report
This function in enabled only for those systems which include the optional statistical software package. To print a report from the Main Menu press Special Functions, then press "Print Report" Wait until the report has been fully printed, cut the paper and then press Return to go back to the main menu.
3.3.5 Cleaning and Ejector Tests
To check the cleaning system or to manually perform a cleaning routine, from the main menu press Special Functions, then Maintenance and finally press Cleaning Test. If the feeders are working, these will stop, then the cleaning procedure will take place and finally the last state of the feeders will be reset.
To perform a ejector test routine, do the same as the above mentioned, but choose the option "Ejector Test", the sub menu will appear and the test will take place. To move to the next channel to be tested simply press "next" and to move backwards to the previous channel tested, simply press "previous". In the area B of the display a text will tell you what channel in under test. To stop this function simply press "return".
3.3.6 Restricted Functions.
For detailed information about the restricted functions, please refer to your Service and Maintenance Manual.

3.3.7 How to contact us.
If you have any doubts, need any further information or have comments please reach our customer service department.