Vision Applications

This vision system inspects the outer packaging of prepared meals, using a single Cognex In-Sight vision sensor, checking that the sell by and best before dates are correctly printed and in the correct place.

The system operation is from a central office-based interface which allows the production supervisor to select which product is to be run on any line in the packing hall. From this database the In-Sight sensor is set up ready for production.

Once set up, the In-Sight receives its trigger signals from a local photocell mounted on its line, and results of its inspection (Pass/Fail) are shown on a digital output used to stop the line.

Problems that can be solved by the system:

• Printer malfunctions or errors
• Shipping products with incorrect food labels
• Shipping food products to market which have the wrong sell by date or best before date, incurring punitive fines from the retailers

Features of the system: 

• High performance, high resolution In-Sight vision sensor
• Robust camera housings to IP67
• Washdown LED lights
• Robust inspection tools to identify failure mode
• Virtually maintenance-free system
• Simple HMI showing packages to allow reject images to be displayed
• Simple interface to line PLC allowing rejected packages to be tracked through to reject stations
• Central database to control the vision systems in an entire packaging hall