Perspective on saffron spice separation based on controlled fluid dynamic system and computer vision

To correctly develop, validate and mass-produce a saffron spice separation machine it is mandatory to particularly know physical and aerodynamics characteristics of the flower. To achieve this goal a wind tunnel is developed by the authors. The data obtained with the wind tunnel are used to get a rough calibration of a fluid dynamic separation device based on the differences of the terminal velocities of the parts that must be separated. To fine-tuning of the machine, a computer-vision system and a controller are developed to automatically adapt the machine parameter following the variability of the saffron spice.