Innovative camera system for foreign object detection in food and frozen packaging

In particular in food production, foreign object detection is of great importance in order to ensure a high level of product safety and thus to avoid product recalls. In this context, the German SME has developed a camera system for reliable foreign object detection in multi-head weighers that is based on color recognition. The company is a specialist in the development and production of non-contact quality control and positioning systems since 1996. By using four cameras and a powerful LED lighting unit, the foreign objects are reliably detected when the product stream falls down. This also applies to foreign bodies located in the middle of the product stream without having to expand the product stream. The system can be integrated into common multihead weighers and is fully functional with minimal operator intervention. The application areas of the system are multifaced. The system can be used at temperatures down to -20 degrees and is therefore also suitable for the frozen food production/packaging. Users of the camera system are so far producers of ready meals, vegetable mixtures or muesli. This system • is suitable at sub-zero temperatures, • detects foreign bodies without limitation to materials, • needs no extra seperation of the product stream, • offers a complete documentation of foreign bodies found (with pictures and statistics), • offers a simple operation system, • is ideal in addition to existing systems for the best product safety, • has an integrated system for self-diagnosis. The company is looking for industrial partners that are specialized in the development and/or production of multi-head weighers and for those who would like to retrofit the multi-head weighers for their own us. Moreover the company seeks commercial partners who are well versed in the distribution of packaging equipment such as in the food industry. The German company would provide technical assistance on site. Hence, the company offers license agreements and commercial agreements with technical assistance.