A vision inspection system specifically designed for the meat processing industry can help processors redeploy workers while improving quality, food safety, and processes. The P-Series in-line vision system, a new offering from KPM Analytics, combines a host of visual and dimensional measurements with AI to automate product quality assessment and to detect foreign objects. It is ideal for inspecting whole, portioned, and processed meat and poultry products.
The P-Series system is available with an extensive product measurement library developed through years of experience working with meat and poultry processors. This library includes common quality issues such as bruises, blood spots, incomplete breading, missing components, excess fat, and many others. Additionally, P-Series systems utilize AI for statistical analysis and deep learning for anomaly detection, detailed feature analysis, and data-handling tools.
Unlike some general-purpose vision systems, P-Series systems are designed for the sanitary environment of meat processing, including compatibility with cleaning procedures and chemicals. These systems allow meat and poultry processors more capabilities to detect low density defects that cannot be found by X-ray and other foreign material detection equipment.
This includes “Non-visible spectrum foreign materials.” Infrared imaging allows processors to analyze properties like moisture and oil content. P-Series’ hyper-spectral imaging capabilities improve the detection of foreign objects that appear the same color as fat and meat. Additionally, “Visible spectrum foreign materials” are detected using high-resolution calibrated cameras, identifying foreign materials on the top and bottom surfaces, including foils, films, plastic, paper, and compositional defects.
The P-Series system is available with a range of conveyor and rejection options to fit the product being handled. Combining the visual image with geometric data allows more accurate and deeper analysis. The system can adjust the calibration dynamically using a 3D camera as the product gets thicker. This reduces waste by avoiding the rejection of all products with a single minor flaw.
Plant managers can use the data to make data-driven decisions and refine processes. In designing the P-Series in-line vision inspection system, experts at KPM Analytics drew upon deep experience in food quality inspection technology. “No other system provides as complete a solution in the meat industry,” said Jon Gilchrist, product manager for KPM Analytics.