Understanding the Technology
What Is an Optical Color Sorter?
An optical color sorter is a high-precision machine that uses cameras and air ejectors to inspect and separate seed or grain based on color, shape, and size — in real time, at high throughput. Unlike gravity separators or screens that sort by weight or size alone, optical color sorters detect subtle visual defects that other equipment simply cannot see.
VistaSort optical color sorting systems achieve an exceptional signal-to-noise ratio through a combination of high-resolution CCD cameras, advanced image-processing algorithms, and rapid-fire electromagnetic ejectors — delivering stable, repeatable sorting accuracy across pulses, cereals, oilseeds, and specialty crops.
- Removes color defects, disease, splits, and foreign material
- Detects defects as small as 0.04mm with Japanese CCD cameras
- Optional infrared imaging for moisture and internal defect detection
- DSP + FPGA processing for real-time, multi-channel decision making
- High-speed Italian ejectors with millisecond response time
- Scalable from single-chute lab units to multi-chute commercial systems