Food Product Detection Using Combined X-Ray and Optical Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems in the food processing industry face challenges in accurately recording and processing product-specific information, particularly due to the limitations of X-ray units in detecting defects like blood stains and bone areas, and the complexity of matching X-ray images with optical images from downstream stations, leading to imprecise product identification and processing.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with both an X-ray unit and optical cameras, connected to a control unit, which generates precise data sets for product-specific information, including defects and contours, allowing for improved image registration and precise identification of products on a single transport conveyor, eliminating the need for image matching between different imaging methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an X-ray unit is used to capture product-specific information, then hard tissue defects like bones can be detected, but soft tissue defects like blood stains and fat streaks cannot be detected or are detected imprecisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an X-ray unit and an optical camera into a single detection device that operates simultaneously on the same conveyor. The X-ray unit detects hard tissue defects (bones, bone remnants) while the optical camera detects soft tissue defects (blood stains, fat streaks, parasites). The control unit integrates data from both sources to provide comprehensive defect detection, resolving the limitation of each individual detection method.
2Strength
If a structured metal mesh belt is used as transport conveyor, then it can withstand waterjet unit stresses and support cutting operations, but it is unsuitable for X-ray unit operation as it blocks X-ray penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection and processing functions into two separate zones along the conveyor system. The first zone contains the X-ray unit with a gap-free conveyor section optimized for X-ray penetration. The second zone contains the waterjet cutting unit with a structured metal mesh belt section optimized for cutting support. This spatial segmentation allows each zone to use the optimal conveyor configuration for its specific function without interfering with the other.
3Reliability
If X-ray images are matched with optical images from downstream stations, then product identification can be achieved, but the process becomes complex and imprecise due to different imaging techniques
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the X-ray imaging function and optical imaging function into a single detection device, allowing both imaging modalities to capture images of the same product at the same location and time. The control unit processes and integrates both data sets simultaneously, eliminating the need for complex matching between separate X-ray and optical images from different stations. This unified approach improves identification accuracy while reducing system complexity.
4Measurement precision
If a gap-free conveyor is used for X-ray imaging, then optimal image quality is achieved, but the conveyor cannot accommodate cutting agents like blades or waterjets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the conveyor system into functionally separate sections: a gap-free conveyor section for the X-ray imaging zone that ensures optimal image quality, and a structured conveyor section for the cutting zone that can support waterjet or blade operations. The segmented design allows each section to be optimized for its specific purpose while operating within the same overall system.
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
This solution enables more accurate and meaningful product-specific information capture, simplifying the identification and processing of products by integrating X-ray and optical data into a single optical image, enhancing the precision and efficiency of product handling and cutting processes.
Implementation Method 1
an X-ray unit with which product-specific information can be captured from the products transported on the transport conveyor
Implementation Method 2
at least one optical camera with which, in addition to the X-ray unit, product-specific information can be captured from the products transported on the transport conveyor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) designed and configured for capturing and evaluating product-specific information from products (12) of the food processing industry, comprising a conveyor (11) with no gaps in the transport plane for transporting individual products (12) in the transport direction T from an incoming to an outgoing point, an X-ray unit (13) with at least one X-ray source (14) and at least one X-ray camera (15) or at least one X-ray detector for capturing product-specific information, wherein the X-ray source (14) and the X-ray camera (15) are arranged on the conveyor (11) such that the products (12) can be guided along between the X-ray source (14) and the X-ray camera (15), and a control unit (16) connected to the X-ray unit (13) for receiving and evaluating the product-specific information captured by the X-ray unit (13).The invention relates to a system (29) with such a device (10) and a method for processing products (12) of the food processing industry. The device (10) is characterized in that at least one optical camera (17) is assigned to the same transport conveyor (11) between its incoming and outgoing sections. In addition to the X-ray unit (13), product-specific information about the products (12) transported on the transport conveyor (11) can be acquired by means of this camera. The optical camera (17) is connected to a control unit (18) which is designed and configured to receive and evaluate the product-specific information acquired by the optical camera (17), forming a second data set. The invention also relates to a system (29) with such a device (10) and to a method for processing products (12) of the food processing industry.