A device for automated digital x-ray imaging for seed analysis

The well-known X-ray technique is commonly used in Medicine, Biology and a variety of industries. The International Rules for Seed Testing issued by ISTA include a chapter devoted to this technique application and the Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) published an X-ray handbook on the use of this technique for different species. The main objective of this study was to develop a prototype of an X-ray equipment with applications specific to seed quality control. The equipment consists of: A cabinet made of a casing and a metallic structure as support, a sample holder structure, a power source and electric circuit, an X-ray transmitter (tube), a computer, a Visualix system, which consists of: X-ray sensor (CCD), auxiliary electronic interface, electronic card (Frame Grabber) and computer imaging software (VixWin). With this equipment, images can be quickly obtained, maintained, reproduced and scanned at any time. The equipment developed, called X-ray Seed Analyzer (SEMAX), uses a non-destructive method, which complies with the security standards required by Medical Radiophysics. It is a useful tool for the analysis of seminal structures, for the differentiation of seeds and/or grains full, useless, physically damaged, or with eggs or living insects inside, allowing a frequent and rapid monitoring with a high level of reliability in the diagnosis.