Dual-Sided LED Inspection for Packaged Fish Parasite Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for inspecting packaged raw fish products for parasites like Anisakis are inefficient, as they require turning the products, which is not possible with sealed trays, and can damage the products with incandescent or neon light sources, and do not allow for effective detection of parasites on the opposite side or in thin samples, leading to compromised visibility and logistics issues.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a box-like frame and transparent glass support plane for inspecting packaged raw fish products using LED light sources and visual inspection devices on opposite sides to acquire backlit images from both sides, allowing for efficient detection of parasites without turning the products and minimizing heat damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If incandescent or neon light sources are used for inspection, then illumination intensity is sufficient, but heat is generated that damages the food product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the light source from incandescent/neon to LED, which operates at lower temperatures while maintaining sufficient illumination intensity for inspection purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs LED light sources that have long operational life and low heat generation, replacing traditional incandescent bulbs that generate excessive heat and have shorter lifespans
2Measurement precision
If products are turned over for inspection of both sides, then detection completeness is improved, but this is not possible with sealed trays and increases operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-sided inspection to dual-sided inspection by adding inspection devices on both sides of the conveyor belt, enabling simultaneous observation of both product surfaces without physical manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection system is divided into multiple independent inspection stations positioned at different locations, with each station equipped with its own light source and camera, allowing parallel inspection of different product sides
3Illumination intensity
If light sources are positioned close to the product for adequate illumination, then illumination intensity is sufficient, but the heat from the light sources directly affects and damages the product
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces LED light sources as an intermediary that provides sufficient illumination while generating minimal heat, acting as a bridge between the need for close positioning and the need to avoid thermal damage
4Device complexity
If traditional inspection methods are used with single-sided illumination, then device complexity is low, but parasites on the opposite side cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is segmented into multiple independent inspection units, each with its own light source and camera, positioned to inspect different sides of the product simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds spatial dimensionality by positioning inspection devices on both sides of the conveyor belt, transforming from single-sided to dual-sided inspection without proportionally increasing complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate and efficient inspection of both sides of packaged raw fish products without abatement, ensuring consumer safety, reducing energy consumption, and maintaining product quality, while allowing for continuous inspection of large numbers of samples and providing traceability.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus also comprises at least two light sources disposed on opposite sides of the plane and each configured to emit a light beam toward a package disposed thereon
Implementation Method 2
a transparent support plane, disposed in the inspection chamber and aligned with the feed and removal means, which is configured to support at least one package of food products to be inspected
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An apparatus for the inspection of samples (2) of food products comprises an inspection chamber (14) and feed (26) and removal (27) means of the samples. The apparatus also comprises, in the chamber (14), two sources (6a, 6b) of inspection light (Fl); at least one support plane (3) for the samples (2) to be inspected which is transparent and can be passed through by the inspection light, and two visual inspection devices (15a, 15b), each suitable to cooperate with one light source (6a, 6b). The method for the inspection of food products comprises at feeding into a chamber (14) the samples (2) to be inspected and disposing them on a support plane (3); irradiating the samples (2) resting on the support plane (3) with at least two beams of light (F1) each generated by a light source (6a, 6b), and acquiring two backlit images of the samples (2) with respective visual inspection devices (15a, 15b), each cooperating with a light source (6a, 6b).