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Thermal imaging & vision systems


With many end-of-line packing stations now automated, incorporating vision is becoming increasingly commonplace.


To help minimise the risk of an ‘out-of-spec’ product heading onto retailer’s shelves, Brillopak has begun to integrate hyperspectral imaging as an option onto its automated case loading systems.


count, labels, packaging condition, print inspection, position detection (2D/3D), barcode / data code reading. For cooked items, like bread rolls, a change


and onto retailer’s shelves, Brillopak has begun to integrate hyperspectral imaging as an option onto its automated case loading systems, predominantly the company’s UniPAKer robotic crate packer.


Food saFety oF the Future Providing instant results and capable of analysing an entire line of packed produce, a hyperspectral camera can be positioned at any part of the food production process. Yet, Brillopak utilises this AI technology predominantly between the packing and case loading operation where operatives previously inspected and rejected produce packs based upon sensory evaluations - sight, touch and smell. In addition to checking the quality of


produce being packed, the use of hyperspectral imaging can detect multiple anomalies with greater precision and speed. This includes appraising the colour, position,


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in colour may indicate burnt areas. Change in size may indicate that a partial product, for example an apple sliced in half, has been inserted into a pack during the wrapping process. On beverage lines, it may identify partial filling. Cameras can also check the presence of labels, including verifying critical data such as date codes, and spot where food or debris may have become trapped, affecting the closure of packaging. Advanced applications can even detect the chemical compositions of produce to accurately determine ripeness and the shelf life. Some producers already use it to check the pH level and tenderness of meat, such as beef. For Brillopak customers, however, the ability


to improve the accuracy of how products are picked and presented to the packing robot at speed is where director David Jahn sees immediate tangible advantages. He explains: “Using these cameras we can find the centre and orientation of products. This information is conveyed to the robot, which accurately responds, adjusting its speed and position to pick up the pack, regardless of its location on


With food safety, quality assurance


and food waste so high on the agenda, we anticipate that hyperspectral imaging will soon become the go-to vision system on food processing lines in the future.


’’ Instrumentation Monthly April 2021


the conveyor. The result is fewer line stoppages to address bottlenecks and better presentation in the retail crates.” In its simplest form, the technology works by


analysing how light is reflected across the electromagnetic spectrum. The camera generates a digital image containing far more colour for each pixel than a traditional vision system, or the human eye, which is limited to three primary colours. This ability to differentiate between similar coloured objects means that factories would now be able to spot minor blemishes, such as a small bruise on an apple. The exact vision technology deployed by


Brillopak will depend on the application, continues Jahn. “We might use a camera to select and reject products that don’t meet the quality criteria with regards to colour, size or count. Alternatively, vision might be used to sort multiple products as they move randomly down a conveyor in preparation for the next process. Critically, packs that don’t comply with labelling laws will also be rejected before the case loading process.” By 2024, the hyperspectral imaging systems


market will be worth an estimated US$18.88 bn. Although still a relatively small adopter of the technology, food processing and agriculture are expected to benefit significantly from advancements micro-hyperspectral imaging camera technology. “With food safety, quality assurance and


food waste so high on the agenda, we anticipate that hyperspectral imaging will soon become the go-to vision system on food processing lines in the future,” adds Jahn. Customers wanting a demo of vision


technology can visit Brillopak’s new trial centre in Tonbridge, Kent.


Brillopak www.brillopak.co.uk 53


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