阅读说明：本技术 用于光学分析食品的设备和系统 (Device and system for optically analyzing food products ) 是由 K·耶尔 O·E·宝鲁兹依克 B·奥尔登堡 S·格里思 T·M·F·斯托克 E·欧斯卡 于 2019-08-14 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了一种用于光学分析食品的设备和系统。该设备包括分别对第一和第二波长敏感的第一和第二成像设备；所述成像设备包括：线扫描照相机,其在面向食物路径方向的某线处获取食物的图像；以及线扫描光谱仪,其在所述线处获取光谱图像。所述设备包括光学滤波器,所述光学滤波器被配置为：将第一波长从所述线传送到所述第一成像设备；并且将第二波长从所述线传送到所述第二成像设备。该设备包括框架,以使光学滤波器与所述第一和第二成像设备的各自光轴相对于彼此以及所述面向食物路径方向对准,从而使所述第一成像设备和所述第二成像设备经由光学滤波器光学对准,以便对所述线成像。(An apparatus and system for optically analyzing a food product is provided. The apparatus includes first and second imaging devices sensitive to first and second wavelengths, respectively; the image forming apparatus includes: a line scan camera that acquires an image of the food at a certain line facing a direction of the food path; and a line scan spectrometer that acquires a spectral image at the line. The apparatus includes an optical filter configured to: transmitting a first wavelength from the line to the first imaging device; and transmitting a second wavelength from the line to the second imaging device. The device comprises a frame to align respective optical axes of the optical filter and the first and second imaging devices with respect to each other and the food path facing direction, to optically align the first imaging device and the second imaging device via the optical filter for imaging the line.)

1. An apparatus for optically analyzing a food product, the apparatus comprising:

a first imaging device sensitive to a first wavelength;

a second imaging device sensitive to a second wavelength,

one of the first imaging device and the second imaging device includes: a line scan camera configured to acquire an image of the food in the human visible wavelength spectrum at a line along a food path facing direction, and

the other of the first imaging device and the second imaging device includes: a line scanning spectrometer configured to acquire a spectral image of the food item from the line in the food-path-facing direction;

an optical filter configured to:

transmitting a first wavelength from the line to the first imaging device; and is

Transmitting a second wavelength from the line to the second imaging device; and

a frame configured to align respective optical axes of the optical filter and the first and second imaging devices relative to each other and the food path facing direction such that the first and second imaging devices are optically aligned via the optical filter so as to image the line.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a conveyor belt positioned relative to both respective optical axes of the first imaging device and the optical filter in a direction facing the food path, the line being located at the conveyor belt approximately perpendicular thereto.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein the respective optical axes of the first and second imaging devices are at about 90 ° to each other, and the optical filter is at about 45 ° to each of the respective optical axes, the optical filter further configured to:

transmitting the first wavelength from the line to a first imaging device; and

reflecting the second wavelength from the line to a second imaging device.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a fold mirror,

wherein the frame is further configured to: aligning the respective optical axes of the first and second imaging devices at about 90 ° to each other; aligning an optical filter at about 45 ° to each of the respective optical axes; and the fold mirror is aligned approximately parallel to the optical filter,

wherein the fold mirror is positioned to:

reflecting the first and second wavelengths from the line to an optical filter, and

wherein the optical filter is further configured to:

reflecting a first wavelength from the fold mirror to the first imaging device; and

transmitting the second wavelength from the fold mirror to a second imaging device.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, further comprising a conveyor belt positioned with respect to both respective optical axes of the first imaging device and the optical filter in a food path facing direction, the line being positioned at the conveyor belt approximately perpendicular to the conveyor belt,

wherein the fold mirror is positioned to reflect the first and second wavelengths at the conveyor belt from a food path facing direction toward the optical filter to the optical filter.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a removable fold mirror, and the food path facing direction comprises one of: a first food path facing direction; or a second food path-facing direction at about 90 deg. from the first food path-facing direction,

wherein, when the removable folding mirror is present, the removable folding mirror reflects the first and second wavelengths of the line in a first food path facing direction to the optical filter; and the optical filter reflects a first wavelength of the line in the first food-path-facing direction from the removable fold mirror to the first imaging device and transmits a second wavelength of the line in the first food-path-facing direction from the movable fold mirror to a second imaging device; and

wherein when the removable fold mirror is removed, the optical filter reflects first wavelengths of the lines in the second food path facing direction to the first imaging device and transmits second wavelengths of the lines in the second food path facing direction to the second imaging device.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising one of:

a conveyor belt positioned in a first food path facing direction aligned with the respective optical axis of the first imaging device, the line being located at the conveyor belt approximately perpendicular thereto; and

a waterfall food path in a second food-path-facing direction aligned with the respective optical axes of the second imaging devices, the line being located approximately perpendicular to the waterfall food path.

8. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising: a housing configured to enclose the first imaging device, the second imaging device, the optical filter, the removable fold mirror, and the frame, the housing comprising: a first aperture positioned in the first food path facing direction; and a second aperture positioned in the second food path facing direction, one of the first and second apertures being covered by a window transparent to the first and second wavelengths and the other of the first and second apertures being covered by a cover.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the window and the cover is removable and attachable to either of the first aperture and the second aperture.

10. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the enclosure is reinforced with respect to temperatures in a range of one or more of about 0.1 ℃ to about 60 ℃ and about 0.1 ℃ to about 100 ℃.

11. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the housing is one or more of waterproof and resistant to sterilization chemicals.

12. The device of claim 8, further comprising one or more of a humidity control device and a temperature control device located inside the enclosure.

13. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a housing configured to enclose the first imaging device, the second imaging device, the optical filter, and the frame, the housing including a window transparent to the first wavelength and the second wavelength, the window being located in the housing to transmit the first wavelength and the second wavelength of the line to the optical filter.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the housing is reinforced with respect to temperatures in a range of one or more of about 0.1 ℃ to about 60 ℃ and about 0.1 ℃ to about 100 ℃.

15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the housing is one or more of waterproof and resistant to sterilization chemicals.

16. The apparatus of claim 13, further comprising one or more of a humidity control device and a temperature control device located inside the enclosure.

Background

Imaging food products to determine quality, etc. can be challenging. In some aspects, a camera acquires images of food products conveyed using a conveyor belt (e.g., in a factory). However, a simple camera image of the food product may not yield sufficient information to accurately determine quality. Although imaging devices other than cameras may be mounted offline from the camera on the conveyor belt, data acquired from such imaging devices needs to be coordinated with the camera image. However, since many food products look similar, reconciling these data with the camera image can be a challenge.

Drawings

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein and to show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which:

fig. 1A depicts a schematic perspective view of an apparatus and system for optically analyzing food products, according to a non-limiting example.

FIG. 1B depicts details of the fold mirror and optical filter of the system of FIG. 1A according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 2 depicts a schematic view of a first optical configuration of an apparatus for optically analyzing food products according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 3 depicts a schematic diagram of a second optical configuration of an apparatus for optically analyzing food products, according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 4 depicts a schematic diagram of a third optical configuration of an apparatus for optically analyzing food products, according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 5 depicts a schematic diagram of a fourth optical configuration of an apparatus for optically analyzing food products, according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 6 depicts a schematic diagram of a fifth optical configuration of an apparatus for optically analyzing food products, according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 7 depicts a housing of an apparatus for optically analyzing food products according to a non-limiting example.

FIG. 8 depicts a housing for the device of FIG. 1A according to a non-limiting example.

FIG. 9 depicts a computing device of FIG. 1A analyzing line scan images and spectral images to determine the quality of a food product according to a non-limiting example system.

Fig. 10 depicts a perspective view of a light for illuminating a food item along a line, according to a non-limiting example.

FIG. 11 depicts a perspective view of the light of FIG. 10 with the removable frame removed, according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 12 depicts a perspective view of the lamp of fig. 10 with some components removed to show the interior of the lamp, according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 13 depicts a schematic cross section through a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the lamp of fig. 10 according to a non-limiting example.

FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of the lamp of FIG. 10 adapted to include two pieces of scattering material, according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 15 depicts a schematic cross-section of the lamp of fig. 10 through a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, adapted to include two sheets of scattering material, according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 16 depicts an exploded perspective view of the removable frame of the light of fig. 10 according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 17 depicts an exploded side view of the removable frame of the light of fig. 10 according to a non-limiting example.

Fig. 18 depicts a schematic cross section of the lamp of fig. 10 adapted to include a humidity control device and a temperature control device, according to a non-limiting example.

Detailed Description

An aspect of the specification provides an apparatus for optically analyzing a food product, the apparatus comprising: a first imaging device sensitive to a first wavelength; and a second imaging device sensitive to a second wavelength, one of the first and second imaging devices comprising: a line scan camera configured to acquire an image of the food product in the human visible wavelength spectrum at a line along a food path facing direction, and the other of the first and second imaging devices comprises: a line scanning spectrometer configured to acquire a spectral image of the food item from the line in the food-path-facing direction; an optical filter configured to: communicating the first wavelength from the line to the first imaging device; and transmitting the second wavelength from the line to the second imaging device; and a frame configured to align respective optical axes of the optical filter and the first and second imaging devices relative to each other and the food-path-facing direction such that the first and second imaging devices are optically aligned via the optical filter so as to image the line.

Attention is directed to fig. 1A and 1B, fig. 1A depicting a system 100 for optically analyzing a food item 101, for example, in a food manufacturing environment and/or a food processing environment and/or a food packaging environment, etc., and fig. 1B depicting details () of a fold mirror and optical filter associated with an imaging device of the system 100. As depicted, the food product 101 is conveyed along a food product path, such as conveyor belt 103, for example, along a food product path direction 104 (e.g., from right to left with respect to fig. 1), the food product 101 being optically analyzed as it is conveyed on the conveyor belt 103. Although the food product 101 is depicted as a slab (e.g., meat), the food product 101 may include any type of food product, such as meat, fruits, vegetables, and the like. Although conveyor belt 103 is configured to convey food product 101 in a horizontal direction, in other examples, conveyor belt 103 may convey food product 101 in a non-horizontal direction, e.g., at an upward or downward angle. Indeed, when the food product is conveyed at a downward angle, the conveyor belt 103 and/or food product path may include a chute or the like along which the food product slides. Alternatively, as described in more detail below, the system 100 may include the food product 101 conveyed in a waterfall food product path such that the food product 101 falls, for example, from a first conveyor belt onto a second conveyor belt, the food product 101 being optically analyzed as it falls (e.g., the food product path direction 104 may instead be in a downward direction). Alternatively, conveyor belt 103 may include a gap (e.g., conveyor belt 103 may include two conveyor belts with a gap between them) and food product 101 may be optically analyzed from below through the gap. Although the current example is described with respect to a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt is interchangeably referred to herein as a food product path. Nonetheless, in the present example, the food item 101 is typically conveyed along the food item path and optically analyzed at the food item path.

Thus, the system 100 further comprises a device 105 for optically analyzing the food product 101, for example at a line 109 located at the conveyor belt 103. The apparatus 105 comprises: a first imaging device 111 sensitive to a first wavelength; for a second imaging device 112 that is sensitive to a second wavelength, each of the first imaging device 111 and the second imaging device 112 is configured to image the food item 101 from line 109 in a food item path facing direction 115 (e.g., a food item path facing direction, such as a direction of the conveyor belt 103 relative to the device 105); an optical filter 117 configured to: transmitting the first wavelength from the line 109 to the first imaging device 111 and the second wavelength from the line 109 to the second imaging device 112; and a frame 119 configured to align the optical filter 117 with respective optical axes 121, 122 of the first and second imaging devices 111, 112 with respect to each other and facing the food path direction 115, the first and second imaging devices 111, 112 being optically aligned via the optical filter 117 for imaging the line 109. As depicted, the food path facing direction is parallel and/or aligned with the optical axis 121 of the first imaging device 111.

Although not depicted, the device 105 may further include a housing that is compatible with the food packaging environment, and in which other components of the device 105 are enclosed. Such a housing will be described in further detail below with reference to fig. 8.

As depicted, the lines 109 imaged by each of the first and second imaging devices 111, 112 are positioned at the conveyor belt 103 in a direction 115 facing the food path relative to both the respective optical axes 121, 122 of the first and second imaging devices 111, 112 and the optical filter 117, the lines 109 at the conveyor belt 103 being approximately perpendicular to the food item path direction 104. Thus, the first imaging device 111 and the second imaging device 112 each generally simultaneously image the food product 101 at line 109 as the food product 101 is conveyed along the conveyor belt 103.

However, the line 109 need not be strictly perpendicular to the food path direction 104, and may be at any suitable angle thereto. However, the line 109 typically extends across the conveyor 103 from side to side, although the orientation and/or size of the line 109 is typically defined by the optics of the imaging devices 111, 112, which typically focus the imaging devices 111, 112 at the line 109.

As depicted, the system 100 also includes a light 123 for illuminating the food product at the line, and the light 123 typically has a light emitting side with a length greater than a width, and/or is rectangular. Thus, the lamp 123 has a longitudinal axis 125 on the light emitting side of the lamp 123, and the lamp 123 is generally configured to emit light 127 along the longitudinal axis 125, e.g., on a line and/or rectangular area along the longitudinal axis 125. Further, lights 123 are generally positioned and/or angled to illuminate and/or uniformly illuminate an area 129 at conveyor belt 103 that includes line 109. Thus, as the food items 101 are conveyed by the conveyor belt 103, the light 127 illuminates the food items 101 at the line 109 as they pass through the region 129. The lamp 123 will be described in more detail below, however, the lamp 123 is generally configured to uniformly illuminate the area 129, and thus may generally include an elongated reflector (including but not limited to an elliptical reflector, etc.) positioned in the lamp 123 along the longitudinal axis 125 and relative to the light source of the lamp 123 such that the reflector focuses the light 127 from the line 109. The lamp 123 is also generally compatible with food manufacturing environments and/or food processing environments and/or food packaging environments and the like, and includes a transparent polymeric film that provides protection for the food 101 from any glass that may be broken within the lamp 123.

Although not depicted, the apparatus 105 and the lights 123 may be mounted relative to each other and the conveyor belt 103 using a support structure in a housing through which the conveyor belt 103 conveys the food items 101, etc.; such housings are generally compatible with food manufacturing environments and/or food processing environments and/or food packaging environments and the like.

The light 127 emitted by the lamp 123 generally includes light in a first wavelength range to which the first imaging device 111 is sensitive and includes light in a second wavelength range to which the second imaging device 112 is sensitive.

For example, as depicted, the first imaging device 111 includes: a line scan camera configured to acquire an image of the food item 101 in a wavelength spectrum visible to humans (e.g., which may include wavelengths in the range of about 390nm to about 700 nm) from the line 109 in a direction facing the food path. Thus, as depicted, the first imaging device 111 may include a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) line scan camera, video line scan camera, or the like with appropriate lenses or the like for acquiring line images of the food item 101 as the food item 101 moves along the conveyor belt 103, for example, in the food item path direction 104. Specifically, the images of the food item 101 acquired by the line scan camera typically include line scan images or the like of the food item 101 that may be merged and/or stitched together to form an image of the food item 101; and/or the line scan image may be analyzed without merging.

For example, as depicted, each of the first imaging device 111 and the second imaging device 112 communicate with the computing device 130 via respective wired and/or wireless links (as indicated by the arrows therebetween). In these examples, computing device 130 receives line scan images from a line scan camera for analysis. The computing device 130 may merge and/or stitch the line images together to form an image of the food item 101; and/or the computing device 139 may analyze the line scan images without merging.

As depicted, the second imaging device 112 includes: a line scanning spectrometer configured to acquire a spectral image of the food item 101 at the line 109 in the food path facing direction 115. The line scan spectrometer is generally configured to determine the wavelength of light present in the food item 101 when the food item 101 is at line 109. Furthermore, the acquisition of the images and/or spectral images by the first and second imaging devices 111, 112 may occur at a given resolution along the length of the line 109 and/or at a given resolution in the direction of the food path direction 104 and/or a wavelength range of the second imaging device 112.

A given resolution along the length of line 109 may be less than 1mm along the length of line 109, however, the given resolution may depend on one or more of: the length of line 109, which may depend on the width of conveyor belt 103 (etc.) and/or the width of the area being the image (e.g., line 109 may be smaller than the width of conveyor belt 103); the resolution of the first imaging device 111 and/or the second imaging device 112; and so on. The given resolution in the direction of the food path direction 104 may depend on one or more of the following: a frame rate of the first imaging device 111 and/or the second imaging device 112; the speed of the conveyor belt 103 (e.g., the speed of how quickly the food item 101 moves through the line 109 and/or which portion of the first imaging device 111 and/or the second imaging device 112); and so on. In addition, post-processing of the images acquired by the first imaging device 111 and/or the second imaging device 112 may affect resolution, including but not limited to pixel binning.

For example, a line scan spectrometer may determine the spectrum of wavelengths present in each of a plurality of segments of line 109 (e.g., each of the plurality of segments may be less than 1mm and/or according to a given resolution along line 109) by: acquiring light from segments of line 109 (e.g., via optical filter 117 and using lenses, etc., as described below); dispersing light in each segment using a transmission grating and/or a holographic transmission grating or the like; and the wavelength of the scattered light for each segment is measured using, for example, a plurality of light detectors arranged in an array and positioned to receive the scattered light from each segment of the transmission grating and/or holographic transmission grating, etc. The resulting wavelength spectrum may be interchangeably referred to as a spectral image and/or a spectral line scan image. The sensitivity of the line-scan spectrometer may be in any suitable wavelength range defined by the transmission grating and/or holographic transmission grating, etc., including but not limited to infrared wavelengths and/or wavelengths in the range of about 800nm to 2000 nm. Further, the photodetector array may be arranged to detect discrete wavelengths and/or a continuum of wavelengths (e.g., at least according to a given resolution).

Such spectral images of the food item 101 may be transmitted to the computing device 130 for analysis to determine the quality of the food item 101 in the segments of the line 109. For example, various successful prototypes have shown that food impurities and/or contaminants such as plastics, nail clippings, and the like have characteristic spectra in the range of about 800nm to 2000 nm; similarly, meat products, proteins, fat, bones, cartilage, etc. have characteristic spectra in the range of about 800nm to 2000 nm. Similarly, fruits and vegetables and/or other types of food products have characteristic spectra in the range of about 800nm to 2000 nm. Thus, by comparing the spectral image of a certain segment of the line 109 with predetermined characteristic spectra of different types of impurities and/or contaminants and/or different types of food types, the quality of the food item 101 can be determined from the line 109 on a segment-by-segment basis.

Further, when the computing device 130 receives both the image from the line scan camera and the spectral image from the line scan spectrometer, and is simultaneously acquired from the line 109 as the image from the line scan camera and the spectral image from the line scan instrument, as described below, the quality of the food item 101 may be determined in segments of the line 109 and coordinated with the image of the line 109, for example, to generate an image representing a quality area of the food item 101. For example, when the food item 101 includes a slab, an image of the slab may be generated that shows the location of proteins, fat, bones, cartilage, and impurities and/or contaminants (e.g., plastic, nail clippings, etc.). The meat chunks may then be sorted by quality, and/or the impure meat chunks may be visually identified and removed from the conveyor belt 103 using an automated meat sorting system and/or manually (e.g., assuming that the notification device provides a notification of the contamination and/or quality of the meat chunks). Similar classifications may occur for other types of food products. An example of such a determination is described below with reference to fig. 9.

The optical path in the system 100 will now be described. As depicted, the frame 119 is configured to support and/or hold the first and second imaging devices 111, 112 such that the respective optical axes 121, 122 of the first and second imaging devices 111, 112 are at approximately 90 ° to each other and the optical filter 117 is at approximately 45 ° with respect to each of the respective optical axes 121, 122 of the first and second imaging devices 111, 112.

As depicted, device 105 also includes a fold mirror 131 parallel to optical filter 117. In these examples, the position of fold mirror 131 generally defines the position of line 109. Accordingly, frame 119 supports and/or maintains alignment of the components of apparatus 105 (including fold mirror 131), and apparatus 105 is generally maintained relative to conveyor 103 to define the proper position of line 109, for example, using the support structure of the housing. Although the components of frame 119 that support and/or maintain fold mirror 131 and optical filter 117 in alignment with one another and other components of apparatus 205 are not depicted (e.g., so that fold mirror 131 and optical filter 117 are visible in fig. 1), it should be understood that they are present.

Apparatus 105 is mounted above conveyor 103 such that fold mirror 131 defines the position of line 109 on conveyor 103 and line 109 is located below fold mirror 131. The fold mirror 131 is typically mounted at a 45 ° angle to the conveyor belt 103 in a direction facing the food path, and the longitudinal axis of the fold mirror 131 is approximately perpendicular to the food path direction 104 and the respective optical axis 121, 122 of each of the imaging devices 111, 112. Further, the device 105 is mounted above the conveyor belt 103 such that the imaging devices 111, 112 are focused at the line 109, for example, via respective optical paths from the imaging devices 111, 112 to the optical filter 117, the optical filter 117 to the folding mirror 131, and from the folding mirror 131 to the line 109.

Thus, light 140 from line 109 (e.g., as illuminated by lamp 123) is reflected by fold mirror 131 toward optical filter 117 along optical axis 122 of second imaging device 112. The optical filter 117 may include a dichroic mirror or the like that separates the light 140 reflected by the folding mirror 131 into two paths. Typically, the longitudinal axis of optical filter 117 is parallel to the longitudinal axis of fold mirror 131. In addition, the lengths of both optical filter 117 and fold mirror 131 are generally suitable for imaging line 109.

Thus, as depicted, and as the best scenario in fig. 1B, the optical filter 117 reflects the light 141 of the first wavelength from the fold mirror 131 to the first imaging device 111, for example, at a 90 ° angle from the fold mirror 131 to the optical axis 121 of the first imaging device 111. In FIG. 1B, only a portion of the light 140 reflected from the fold mirror 131 is depicted for clarity.

In addition, as a best scenario in fig. 1B, the optical filter 117 also transmits light 142 of the second wavelength to the second imaging device 112, for example, along the optical axis 122 of the second imaging device 112. When the second wavelength is longer than the first wavelength, optical filter 117 may include a cold mirror and/or dichroic mirror that transmits and/or reflects the first wavelength from line 109 to first imaging device 111; and transmits and/or transmits the second wavelength from the line 109 to the second imaging device 112.

By the term "cold mirror" is meant in particular a mirror and/or dichroic mirror reflecting a first wavelength range and transmitting a second wavelength range longer than the first wavelength range, it being understood that the first wavelength (e.g. the wavelength to which the first imaging device 111 is sensitive) is shorter than the second wavelength (e.g. the wavelength to which the second imaging device 112 is sensitive) when the optical filter 117 comprises a cold mirror. Thus, these examples include the depicted example where the first imaging device 111 comprises a line scan camera sensitive to visible wavelengths of the human eye and the second imaging device 112 comprises a line scan spectrometer sensitive to infrared wavelengths.

However, in other examples, the positions of the line scan camera and the line scan spectrometer may be interchanged, and the cold mirror of optical filter 117 may be replaced with a hot mirror that reflects infrared wavelengths and transmits wavelengths visible to humans.

Furthermore, the fold mirror 131 may be optional and/or removable, wherein the reflection/transmission characteristics of the optical filter 117 are adapted to the position and respective wavelength of the line scan camera and the line scan spectrometer, respectively.

Various optical configurations of the device 105 will be described below.

For example, attention is directed to fig. 2, which depicts a schematic side view of a system 200 that is substantially similar to system 100, having like components, having like numbering, but in the "200" series rather than the "100" series.

Thus, the system 200 includes: a food product path 203 in which food products (not depicted) are conveyed in a food product path direction 204; and an apparatus 205, similar to apparatus 105, for optically analyzing the food product at line 209 on the food product path 203. Indeed, device 205 may represent one example of how device 105 may be configured. Although not shown, system 200 may include lights similar to lights 123 illuminating line 209 and a computing device similar to computing device 130.

The apparatus 205 is generally mounted relative to a food product path 203 along which food products are conveyed. The food item path 203 may include the conveyor belt 103 or another food item path, and the line 209 imaged by the apparatus 205 is located at the food item path 203, similar to the line 109, e.g., approximately perpendicular to the food item path 203 and/or the food item path direction 204. Although only one end of the line 209 is schematically shown (the location is simply shown with a certain width), the line 209 is understood to extend approximately perpendicularly across the food path 203.

Further, although in fig. 2, food item path 203 is depicted as being "below" apparatus 205, food item path 203 and apparatus 205 may be in any orientation relative to one another. For example, when the food product path 203 includes a conveyor belt 103 and/or a chute that conveys food products in a non-horizontal direction, for example, the food product path 203 and the apparatus 205 may be rotated at an angle relative to horizontal. In other examples, the food product path 203 and the apparatus 205 may be rotated 90 ° such that the food product path 203 comprises a waterfall food product path, where food products fall from one conveyor belt onto another, and so on. In yet further examples, the apparatus 205 may be "below" the food product path 203, and the food product path 203 may include an aperture or the like through which food products conveyed along the food product path 203 may be imaged; in some of these examples, the food product path 203 may include two conveyor belts with a gap therebetween, the gap being located at the line 209, and the apparatus 205 being positioned (e.g., below the food product path 203) to image the food product through the gap.

Similar to the device 105, the device 205 includes: a first imaging device 211 sensitive to a first wavelength; a second imaging device 212 sensitive to a second wavelength, one of the first imaging device 211 and the second imaging device 212 comprising: a line scan camera configured to acquire an image of the food product in the human visible wavelength spectrum at line 209 facing the food path direction 215, and the other of the first imaging device 211 and the second imaging device 212 comprises: a line scanning spectrometer configured to acquire a spectral image of the food item at a line facing in the food path direction 215; the optical filter 217 is configured to: the first wavelength from line 209 is transmitted to the first imaging device 211; and transmitting the second wavelength from line 209 to a second imaging device 212; and a frame 219 (schematically depicted) configured to align the optical filter 217 with the respective optical axes 221, 222 of the first imaging device 211 and the second imaging device 212 with respect to each other and facing the food path direction 215, the first imaging device 211 and the second imaging device 212 being optically aligned via the optical filter 217 to image the line.

As depicted, the respective optical axes 221, 222 of the first and second imaging devices 111, 112 are at about 90 ° to each other, and the optical filters are at about 45 ° to each of the respective optical axes 221, 222. Further, the optical axis 221 of the first imaging device 211 is aligned with (and/or parallel to) the food path facing direction 215. Thus, in contrast to optical filter 117, optical filter 217 is further configured to: transmit a first wavelength (e.g., a wavelength of the first imaging device 211) from the line 206 to the first imaging device 211; and reflects a second wavelength from line 209 (e.g., the wavelength of the second imaging device 212) to the second imaging device 212.

Thus, for example, as depicted, light 240 from line 209 is received at optical filter 217, and optical filter 217: transmitting light 241 at a first wavelength to the first imaging device 211; and reflects the light 242 at the second wavelength to the second imaging device 212.

As described above, the apparatus 205 may be oriented in any suitable direction relative to the food product path. For example, attention is next directed to FIG. 3, which depicts a system 300 substantially similar to system 200, wherein like components have like numbers. Specifically, system 300 includes apparatus 205, but is rotated 90 ° with respect to system 200. For example, as depicted, system 300 includes a waterfall food path 303, wherein food products fall in a food path direction 304 from a first conveyor belt 306-1 located above apparatus 205 along waterfall food path 303 to a second conveyor belt 306-2 located below apparatus 205, line 209 being located at waterfall food path 303. In some examples, the apparatus 205 may be located near the first conveyor 306-1 and/or closer to the first conveyor 306-1 than the second conveyor 306-2 for optical analysis of food products falling at slower falling speeds than would occur if the apparatus 205 were located near the second conveyor 306-2 and/or closer to the second conveyor 306-2 than the first conveyor 306-1.

Regardless, as described above, the apparatus 205 is generally oriented to optically analyze the food items as they fall along the waterfall food path 303. Since imaging of the food item occurs substantially simultaneously using the imaging devices 211, 212 and the optical filter 217 at the same location (e.g., at line 209), such data is particularly difficult to reconcile since the food item is accelerated as it falls, as compared to a system in which two separate imaging devices are used to optically analyze the falling food item at different locations, and using the device 205 in a waterfall configuration may be particularly useful.

Attention is next directed to fig. 4, which depicts a system 400 similar to system 300, wherein like components have like numbers. Specifically, system 400 includes device 205, but is rotated 180 ° relative to system 200. For example, as depicted, the system 300 includes a food product path 403 in which food products are conveyed in a food product path direction 404, the food product path 403 including a first conveyor belt 406-1 and an adjacent second conveyor belt 406-2 with a gap 407 therebetween, the conveyor belts 406-1, 406-2 conveying the food products through the gap 407. Thus, gap 407 may be sized to be compatible with the food product and/or gap 407 may include an optically transparent window through which device 205 performs optical analysis on the food product.

Regardless, the apparatus 205 is generally positioned below the food product path 403 and is oriented to optically analyze the food product through the gap 407; thus, line 209 is located at gap 407.

As described above with respect to fig. 1A, in some examples, device 105 includes a removable fold mirror. Accordingly, attention is directed to fig. 5, which depicts a schematic side view of a system 500, the system 500 being substantially similar to the system 100, like components having like numbers, but in the "500" series rather than the "100" series.

Thus, the system 500 includes a food product path 503 in which food product (not depicted) is conveyed in a food product path direction 504, while a device 505, similar to device 105, is used to optically analyze the food product at line 509 at the food product path 503. Indeed, device 505 may represent one example of how device 105 may be configured. Although not depicted, system 500 may include lights similar to light 123 illuminating line 509 and a computing device similar to computing device 130.

The apparatus 505 is generally mounted relative to the food product path 503 along which food products are conveyed. The food item path 503 may comprise the conveyor belt 103 or another food item path, and similar to the line 109, the line 509 imaged by the apparatus 505 is located at the food item path 503, e.g., approximately perpendicular to the food item path 503 and/or the food item path direction 504. Although only one end of the line 509 is depicted, the line 509 is understood to extend approximately perpendicularly through the food path 503.

Further, although in fig. 5, food path 503 is depicted as being "below" device 505, food path 503 and device 505 may be in any orientation relative to one another, similar to as described above. For example, device 505 may be rotated 90 ° to optically analyze food items on the waterfall-like food item path, similar to the orientation of device 205 in fig. 3, and/or device 505 may be rotated 180 ° to optically analyze food items from below, similar to the orientation of device 205 in fig. 4.

Similar to device 105, device 505 includes: a first imaging device 511 sensitive to a first wavelength; a second imaging device 512 sensitive to a second wavelength, one of the first imaging device 511 and the second imaging device 512 comprising: a line scan camera configured to acquire an image of the food item at a line 509 in a food path facing direction 515 in a spectrum visible to the human eye, and the other of the first and second imaging devices 511 and 512 includes: a line scan spectrometer configured to acquire a spectral image of the food from a line in the food path facing direction 515; an optical filter 517 configured to: transmitting the first wavelength from the line 509 to the first imaging device 511; and transmits the second wavelength from the line 509 to the second imaging device 512; and a frame 519 (schematically depicted) configured to align the optical filter 517 with respective optical axes 521, 522 of the first and second imaging devices 511, 512 relative to each other and facing the food path direction 515, the first and second imaging devices 511, 512 being optically aligned via the optical filter 517 to image the line.

However, in contrast to device 205, but similar to device 105, device 105 also includes fold mirror 530. In particular, the frame 519 is further configured to: aligning the respective optical axes 521, 522 of the first and second imaging devices 511, 512 at about 90 ° to each other; aligning the optical filter 517 at approximately 45 ° to each of the respective optical axes 521, 522; and the fold mirror 530 is aligned approximately parallel to the optical filter 517. Fold mirror 530 is typically positioned such that: the first wavelength (e.g., the wavelength of the first imaging device 511) and the second wavelength (e.g., the wavelength of the second imaging device 512) are reflected from the line 509 to an optical filter 517.

Thus, in contrast to optical filter 217, optical filter 517 is further configured to: reflecting the first wavelength from fold mirror 530 to first imaging device 511; and transmits the second wavelength from fold mirror 530 to second imaging device 512. Thus, depending on the configuration of the imaging devices 211, 212 and/or 511, 512, the optical filter 217 may include a hot mirror and the optical filter 517 may include a cold mirror.

Specifically, as depicted, light 540 from line 509 is received at fold mirror 530 and reflected to optical filter 517; optical filter 517: reflecting the light 541 at the first wavelength to the first imaging device 511; and transmits light 542 at the second wavelength to the second imaging device 512.

Further, the food product pathway 503 may include a conveyor belt positioned in the food product pathway-facing direction 115 relative to both the first imaging device 111 and the respective optical axis 521 of the optical filter 517, with the line 509 located at the conveyor belt 509 approximately perpendicular to the conveyor belt, similar to the orientation of the line 109 relative to the conveyor belt 103 of the system 100. Thus, in the system 500, the fold mirror 530 is positioned (e.g., by the frame 519) to reflect the first and second wavelengths at the conveyor belt to the optical filter 517 from a direction 515 facing the food path toward the optical filter 517.

In some examples, the fold mirror 530 may be removable, for example, by detaching the fold mirror 530 from the frame 519 and removing the fold mirror 530 from the apparatus 505. In these examples, the device 505 may be used to optically analyze food in one of two food path facing directions.

For example, attention is next directed to FIG. 6, which depicts device 505 with fold mirror 530 removed, although the position of fold mirror 530 when present is depicted generally. In these examples, similar to the waterfall food path 403 and the conveyor belts 406-1, 406-2, the apparatus 505 may be used with, for example, the waterfall food path 603 between the two conveyor belts 606-1, 606-2. Waterfall food path 603 is generally 90 ° from food path 503.

Thus, as depicted, when the removable folding mirror 530 is removed, the device 505 optically analyzes the food item at line 609 in the food path facing direction 615 aligned with the optical axis 522 of the second imaging device 512, as compared to when the removable folding mirror 530 is present and the device 505 optically analyzes the food item at line 509 in the food path facing direction 515 aligned with the optical axis 521 of the first imaging device 511.

In particular, referring to both fig. 5 and 6, in some examples, the apparatus 505 includes a removable fold mirror 520, and the food path facing direction includes one of: a first food path facing direction 515; or a second food-path-facing direction 615 at about 90 deg. from the first food-path-facing direction 515. When the removable folding mirror 530 is present (as shown in fig. 5), the removable folding mirror 530 reflects the first and second wavelengths of the line 509 in the first food path facing direction 515 to the optical filter 517; and optical filter 517 reflects a first wavelength of line 509 in a first food-path-facing direction 515 from removable folding mirror 530 to first imaging device 511 and transmits a second wavelength of line 509 in the first food-path-facing direction 515 from removable folding mirror 530 to second imaging device 512. However, when the removable fold mirror 530 is removed (as shown in fig. 6), the optical filter 517 reflects the first wavelength of the line 609 in the second food-path-facing direction 615 to the first imaging device 511 and transmits the second wavelength of the line 609 in the second food-path-facing direction 615 to the second imaging device 512.

Thus, the device 505 may be used with one of: a conveyor belt (e.g., food path 503) positioned in a first food path-facing direction 515 aligned with a respective optical axis 521 of the first imaging device 211, positioned at the conveyor belt approximately perpendicular to a line 509 of the conveyor belt; and a waterfall food path 603 in a second food-path-facing direction 615 aligned with a respective optical axis 522 of the second imaging device 512, positioned on the waterfall food path 604 at a line 609 approximately perpendicular thereto.

Indeed, the device including device 505 (e.g., the device including device 505 and light 123 in a housing) may be adapted to include one or more of a conveyor belt and a waterfall food path.

In some examples, the device 505 may be better suited for food manufacturing environments and/or food processing environments and/or food packaging environments that use enclosures. For example, attention is next directed to FIG. 7, which depicts a schematic diagram of a device 505, the device 505 adapted to include a housing 701, the housing 701 configured to enclose a first imaging device 511, a second imaging device 512, an optical filter 517, a removable fold mirror 530, and a frame 519. Accordingly, the housing 701 is depicted as enclosing the other components of the device 505.

The housing 701 is generally compatible with the optical analysis capabilities of the device 505, and thus the housing 701 includes: a first aperture 711 in a first food path facing direction 515; and a second aperture 712 located in a second food path facing direction 615. Thus, imaging devices 511, 512 may be used to optically analyze food products through either of apertures 711, 712 depending on the presence or absence of fold mirror 530, as depicted above. However, typically, only one hole 711, 712 can be used at a time.

Since the housing 701 is generally provided to better adapt the apparatus 505 to a food manufacturing environment and/or a food processing environment and/or a food packaging environment, each of the apertures 711, 712 is generally covered or the like, at least one of the covers including a window through which optical analysis may be performed. Indeed, in some examples, both apertures 711, 712 include a window through which optical analysis may be performed.

However, in other examples, one of the first and second holes 711, 712 is covered by a window that is transparent to the first and second wavelengths, and the other of the first and second holes 711, 712 is covered by a cover that may or may not include a window.

For example, as depicted in fig. 7, in the presence of fold mirror 530, and thus optical analysis through aperture 711, aperture 711 is covered (e.g., in a frame) by removable window 721. Any suitable fastening device, such as bolts or the like, may be used to attach the window 721 to the housing 701 (e.g., by bolt holes through the frame, and compatible and/or threaded holes at the wall of the housing 701 adjacent the holes 711). As depicted, the window 721 may be attached to an inner wall of the housing 701, however, the window 721 may alternatively be attached to an outer wall of the housing 701.

Similarly, in fig. 7, the aperture 712 is covered by a cover 722 that may be opaque to light. The cover 722 may be attached to the housing 701 using any suitable fastening device, such as bolts or the like (e.g., through bolt holes of the frame, and compatible holes and/or threaded holes at the wall of the housing 701 adjacent the holes 712). As depicted, the cover 722 may be attached to an inner wall of the housing 701, but the window 721 may alternatively be attached to an outer wall of the housing 701.

In addition, when fold mirror 530 is removed, window 721 and cover 722 can be swapped, allowing optical analysis through aperture 712. Thus, each of the window 721 and the cover 722 is removable and attachable to either of the first hole 711 and the second hole 712. Alternatively, a detachable mirror may be provided at each hole 711, 712.

Generally, the housing 701 may include a box or the like that encloses the other components of the device 505. Although not depicted, the cassette typically includes electrical connectors and/or electrical feedthroughs to connect the imaging devices 511, 512 to computing devices such as computing device 130 and a power source.

The cassette may include at least one removable wall or the like, for example, to insert other components of the device 505 and/or to remove or insert the fold mirror 530. It is further understood that the frame 519 is typically attached to the interior of the box. Any removable walls and/or removable window 721 and cover 722 are typically sealed when attached to housing 701, such seals being compatible with the food manufacturing environment and/or food processing environment and/or food packaging environment.

Indeed, the box of the housing 701 may be made of any material and/or material that is compatible with a food manufacturing environment and/or a food processing environment and/or a food packaging environment. Accordingly, the housing 701 may be reinforced with respect to temperatures in one or more of the ranges of about 0.1 ℃ to about 60 ℃ and about 0.1 ℃ to about 100 ℃ (which may be a temperature range used in a food manufacturing environment and/or a food processing environment and/or a food packaging environment). For example, food items may be processed and/or packaged at the low end of such temperature range, and the outer surface of the housing 701 may be cleaned at the high end of such temperature range. Thus, the housing 701 may be one or more of waterproof and resistant to, for example, sterilization chemicals used to clean the housing 701. Indeed, typically, the housing 701 is configured to protect the components therein from water, sanitizing chemicals, etc., and thus, any seals and/or sealing materials of the housing 701 are typically reinforced to maintain a seal in one or more of the temperature ranges of about 0.1 ℃ to about 60 ℃ and about 0.1 ℃ to about 100 ℃.

Indeed, in some examples, as also depicted in fig. 7, the device 505 may be adapted to include one or more of a humidity control device 750 and a temperature control device 760 located inside the enclosure 701. For example, the humidity control device 750 may include a desiccant or the like such that the enclosure 701 remains sealed, and such desiccant may be replaced periodically. However, in other examples, the humidity control device 750 may include a vent through one or more walls of the enclosure 701, such as using a fan or the like, through which moisture is vented. However, any suitable humidity control device is within the scope of the present example.

The temperature control device 760 may include one or more thermoelectric cooling (TEC) devices attached to one or more interior walls of the housing 701 such that heat from the interior of the housing 701 is radiated out through the one or more walls of the housing 701. However, any suitable temperature control device is within the scope of the present example.

In still further examples, device 205 may include a housing similar to housing 701, however, second aperture 712 and cover 722 may be optional in these examples.

Thus, the present example generally includes a housing configured to enclose a first imaging device, a second imaging device, an optical filter, and a frame, the housing including a window that is transparent to a first wavelength (e.g., a wavelength of the first imaging device) and a second wavelength (e.g., a wavelength of the first imaging device), the window being positioned in the housing to transmit the first wavelength and the second wavelength of the imaged line to the optical filter. Such an enclosure may be reinforced with respect to temperatures in one or more of the ranges of about 0.1 ℃ to about 60 ℃ and about 0.1 ℃ to about 100 ℃. Further, such a housing may be one or more of waterproof and resistant to sterilization chemicals. Further, such enclosures may also include one or more of a humidity control device and a temperature control device located within the enclosure.

Attention is next directed to fig. 8, which depicts an exemplary housing 801 similar to housing 701, but housing 801 is specifically configured to engage device 105 and is sized to enclose the other components of device 105. Although not depicted, the housing 701 (with the apparatus 105 inside) and the lights 123 may be mounted relative to each other and the conveyor belt 103 using support structures in the housing.

The exemplary housing 801 includes two removable walls 803-1, 803-2 and two holes 811, 812, each hole 811, 812 corresponding to a hole 711, 712, respectively. Thus, hole 811 is positioned for device 105 using the configuration as depicted in fig. 1A, where fold mirror 131 is used; thus, the hole 811 has a size suitable for imaging at line 109. As in fig. 1A, the conveyor belt 103 is located below the apparatus 105, and the hole 811 of the housing 801 may be located through the bottom wall of the housing 801. Aperture 812 is positioned for use with device 105, and fold mirror 131 is removed, similar to the configuration of device 505 in fig. 6; thus, aperture 812 may be positioned through a front wall (e.g., removable wall 803-2) of housing 801 that is perpendicular to a bottom wall where aperture 811 is located. Thus, each hole 811, 812 has dimensions suitable for imaging at a line similar to line 109 and/or line 609. As depicted, hole 811 is covered by window 821 (similar to window 721), and hole 812 is covered by cover 822, similar to cover 722. The window 821 and the cover 822 are attached to the housing 801 by bolts or the like. Similarly, each removable wall 803-1, 803-2 may be attached to the outer shell 801 by bolts or the like.

Attention is next directed to fig. 9, which depicts a portion of system 100, and in particular device 105 and computing device 130. Although not all components of system 100, are understood to be present. In particular, fig. 9 depicts device 105 transmitting an image 901 (e.g., a line scan image of food item 101 at line 109) from first imaging device 111 to computing device 130, and a spectral image 902 (e.g., a spectral line scan image of food item 101 at line 109) from second imaging device 112 to computing device 130. As described above, the images 901 and spectral images 902 are typically acquired simultaneously at line 109, and thus, the information in each of the simultaneously acquired images 901 and spectral images 902 may be easily reconciled by computing device 130.

Thus, for example, when one of the food items 101 includes a steak, the computing device 130 may merge the images 901 to form an image 910 of the steak; and computing device 130 may use spectral image 902 to locate different food types and/or impurities in image 901 and/or image 910. For example, the computing device 130 may store (e.g., in memory), and/or may access reference spectra for various food types and/or impurities; as depicted, computing device 130 stores a reference spectrum 920-1 for fat, a reference spectrum 920-2 for bone and/or cartilage, a reference spectrum 920-3 for protein, and a reference spectrum 920-4 for plastic (reference spectra 920-1, 920-2, 920-3, 920-4 are hereinafter interchangeably collectively referred to as reference spectrum 920, and are generally referred to as reference spectrum 920). Accordingly, the computing device 130 may compare each line segment of the spectral image 902 to the reference spectrum 920 to determine the location of, for example, fat, bone/cartilage, protein, and plastic in the cow rows. The location of fat, bone/cartilage, protein and plastic can then be located in the image 910.

For example, as depicted, computing device 130 generates image 911 from image 910, spectral image 902, and reference spectrum 920-1 to display the location of fat in the beef steak (e.g., the location of fat corresponding to the shaded area in image 911). Similarly, as depicted, computing device 130 generates image 912 from image 910, spectral image 902, and reference spectrum 920-2 to show the locations of bone and cartilage in the cow's row (e.g., the locations of bone and cartilage corresponding to the shaded areas in image 912). Similarly, as depicted, computing device 130 generates image 913 from image 910, spectral image 902, and reference spectrum 920-3 to show the locations of proteins in the cow's rows (e.g., the locations of proteins corresponding to shaded regions in image 913). Similarly, as depicted, computing device 130 generates image 914 from image 910, spectral image 902, and reference spectrum 920-4 to show the location of plastic impurities and/or contaminants in the cow's row (e.g., the location of the plastic corresponding to the shaded area in image 914).

However, images 901, 911, 912, 913, 914 need not be generated; rather, the computing device 130 may alternatively generate a notification (e.g., using a display screen, speaker, light, and/or other type of notification device) of impurities and/or contaminants in the food product being optically analyzed, and/or a notification of the type of impurities and/or contaminants, and/or a notification of the fat content, and/or a notification of the fleabane.

Details of the lamp 123 for illuminating the food at the line are now described. In particular, the lamp 123 is suitable for use in a product manufacturing environment and/or a food processing environment and/or a food packaging environment, or the like. Indeed, such environments may have strict standards that must be followed. For example, many lights include a glass window covering an aperture, and such standards may indicate that food in such environments must be protected from cullet.

Attention is next directed to fig. 10 and 11, each of which depicts a perspective view of a lamp 123, the lamp 123 including a housing 1001 and a light emitting side 1002 (e.g., through which light is emitted), the length of which is longer than the width (e.g., the light emitting side 1002 may be rectangular). Thus, typically, the housing 1001 and/or the light emitting side 1002 and/or the lamp 123 are arranged along the longitudinal axis 125. The housing 1001 may be a unified housing or, as depicted, include various portions and/or panels including side panels 1003 and mounting fixtures 1005 for mounting the lights 123 in the housing, for example, relative to the equipment 105 and the carousel 103, as depicted in fig. 1, and the like. The portions of housing 1001 may be secured together using any suitable fasteners.

The lamp 123 further includes a removable frame 1011 attached to the housing 1001, the removable frame 1011 surrounding, for example, an opening of the housing (as described below). In particular, fig. 10 shows a lamp 123 having a removable frame 1011 attached to a frame mating plate 1101 of the housing 1001 (e.g., using fasteners such as bolts, clamps, etc.), and fig. 11 shows a lamp 123 having a removable frame 1011 removed from the frame mating plate 1101 of the housing 1001.

Details of the components of the removable frame 1011 are described in further detail below with reference to fig. 16 and 17.

However, attention is next directed to fig. 12 and 13, fig. 12 showing a portion of the light 123 with the side panel 1003, removable frame 1011 and frame mating panel 1101 removed to show the internal components of the light 123; while figure 13 shows a schematic cross-section of the lamp 123 through a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 125.

As shown in fig. 12 and 13, the lamp 123 includes: a housing 1001 having a longitudinal axis 125 and an opening 1102 along the longitudinal axis 125; a light source 1103 positioned within the housing 1001 along the longitudinal axis 125; and a reflector 1105 positioned in the housing 1001 along the longitudinal axis, the reflector 1105 reflecting light from the light source 1103 through the opening 1102 and focusing the light on a line (e.g., line 109). The opening 1102 may generally be defined by one or more of a hole through the frame mating board 1101 and a length and width of the reflector 1105 at the light emitting side 1002 of the housing 1001.

Although electrical connectors to the light source 1103 are not shown, it is understood that they are present, and referring to fig. 12, the lamp 123 may further comprise at least one electrical feedthrough 1107 for connecting the electrical connectors of the light source 1103 to an external power source. At least one electrical feedthrough 1107 may be airtight and/or watertight.

Further, as best seen in fig. 12, the lamp 123 may include opposing inner reflector side panels 1109 (e.g., at the ends of the reflector 1105), although only one inner reflector side panel 1109 is shown in fig. 12, the opposing inner reflector side panel 1109 being removed to better illustrate the light source 1103 and the reflector 1105.

In the depicted example, the reflector 1105 may be elliptical in cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 125, as best seen in fig. 13, and the reflector 1105 is generally elongated along the longitudinal axis 125, as best seen in fig. 12. However, the cross-section of the reflector 1105 may alternatively be parabolic and/or any other shape that focuses light from the light source 1103 along a line through the opening 1102.

Thus, the light source 1103 may also be elongated along the longitudinal axis 125, with the light source 1103 located at the focal point of the reflector 1105, and/or the focal point of an ellipse, etc. The light source 1103 may comprise a halogen light source and/or a halogen light bulb, and is typically removable and/or replaceable (e.g., in fig. 11, the light source 1103 is not present). Thus, the lamp 123 may generally include a receptacle for receiving the light source 1103.

Attention is next directed to fig. 14 and 15, which are substantially similar to fig. 12 and 13, respectively, with like parts having like numbers. However, in fig. 14 and 15, the lamp 123 has been adapted to include two sheets of scattering material 1301 located in the housing 1001 along the longitudinal axis 125, the two sheets of scattering material 1301 extending from the reflector 1105 towards an opening 1102 on either side of the light source 1103, forming an angle 1401 with each other and being closer together at the opening 1102 than towards the light source 1103, thereby forming an opening 1302 that is narrower than the opening 1102. Although the two sheets 1301 can include any suitable scattering material that is compatible with the lamp environment (e.g., compatible with any heat output by the light source 1103), in some examples, each of the two sheets 1301 can be a respective sheet of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

The two pieces of scattering material 1301 generally scatter light from the light source 1103 that is focused by the reflector 1105 through the opening 1302 and helps to more uniformly illuminate the line 109 and/or any area illuminated by the lamp 123. Thus, the opening 1302 formed by the two pieces 1301 of scattering material may better define the area 129 for illuminating the food product 101, for example (with reference to fig. 1), by narrowing the area 129 and/or by illuminating the area 129 more uniformly, with the line 109 in the area 129. Indeed, as described above, device 105 and lamp 123 are aligned such that line 109 is within region 129.

Although not depicted in fig. 14 and 15, it should be understood that the lamp 123 may further include one or more retainers (e.g., at the inner reflector side panel 1109) for holding the two pieces of scattering material 1301 in place.

Attention is next directed to fig. 16 and 17, each of which depicts an exploded view of the removable frame 1011. In particular, fig. 16 depicts an exploded perspective view of the removable frame 1011, wherein the orientation of the removable frame 1011 in fig. 16 is indicated via the longitudinal axis 125. Fig. 17 depicts an exploded side view of the removable frame 1011.

The removable frame 1011 generally includes an aperture 1500 that aligns with the opening 1102 of the housing 1001 along the longitudinal axis 125 through the aperture 1500 when the removable frame 1011 is attached to the housing 1001. Thus, the aperture 1500 generally provides a path through which light from the light source 1103 exits the lamp 123. Thus, the size of the aperture 1500 is generally compatible with the illumination region 129, and the aperture 1500 (as depicted) may be generally rectangular.

In the depicted example, the removable frame 1011 includes, from front to back (when the removable frame 1011 is attached to the housing 1001, the back of the removable frame 1011 mates with the frame mating board 1101, and when the removable frame 1011 is attached to the housing 1001, the front of the removable frame 1011 is located at the light emitting side of the light 123): frame (bezel) 1501; a front seal 1503; a transparent polymer film 1505; a glass window 1507; a rear seal 1509; and a glass mating panel 1511. Also shown is a frame fitting seal 1513 for providing a seal between the removable frame 1011 and the frame fitting plate 1101.

In addition, there are individual holes through each of the bezel 1501, front seal 1503, rear seal 1509, glass mating plate 1511 and frame mating seal 1513. The holes form the bore 1500 and may all be of similar size and dimensions.

However, the glazing 1507 is typically located in the aperture 1500 and the transparent polymer film 1505 is typically located at the outward facing side 1516 of the glazing 1507, each of the glazing 1507 and the transparent polymer film 1505 extending through the perimeter of the aperture 1500 into the removable frame 1011. As will also be explained below, there is also a seal between the transparent polymer film 1505 and the perimeter of the hole 1500. In some examples, the transparent polymer film 1505 may be present without bonding (e.g., and held in place via friction) at the outward facing side 1516 of the glazing 1507. However, in other examples, the transparent polymer film 1505 may be bonded to the outward facing side 1516 of the glazing 1507 using a suitable optical epoxy, thermal bonding, and/or any other suitable bonding process.

For example, as depicted, the glass mating panel 1511 includes a shelf 1517 around the perimeter of the inner wall of the glass mating panel 1511, the outer perimeter of the shelf 1517 is larger than the perimeter of the aperture 1500, and the shelf 1517 faces outward. The rear seal 1509 rests on the shelf 1517, the glazing 1507 rests on the rear seal 1509 (such that the rear seal 1509 surrounds the periphery of the inwardly facing side of the glazing 1507), the transparent polymer film 1505 rests against the outwardly facing side 1516 of the glazing 1507, and the front seal 1503 surrounds the periphery of the outwardly facing side 1518 of the transparent polymer film 1505. As depicted, the front seal 1503 is sized larger than the transparent polymer film 1505 such that the perimeter of the front seal component 1503 is located around the front surface 1519 of the glass mating plate 1511.

As depicted, the bezel 1501 generally includes a chassis 1521 and a lip 1523, the lip 1523 extending approximately perpendicularly around the perimeter of the chassis 1521, such as from the rear edges of the sidewalls of the chassis 1521. The chassis 1521 is generally sized and shaped to receive a front seal 1503 and a glass mating panel 1511 therein, with a transparent polymer film 1505, a glass window 1507, and a rear seal 1509 in the glass mating panel 1511. When the front seal 1503 and the glass mating plate 1511 are housed in the chassis 1521, the front seal 1503 resides against the interior of the front surface 1525 of the chassis 1521. The chassis 1521 and glass mating panel 1511 each include complementary holes through which fasteners, such as bolts or the like, may be inserted to secure the glass mating panel 1511 to the bezel 1501 and apply pressure to the rear seal 1509 and the front seal 1503. However, any suitable fastener may be used, including but not limited to clamps and the like.

This pressure provides a seal between the transparent polymer film 1505 and the perimeter of the hole 1500 (e.g., against the interior of the chassis 1521 via the front seal 1503) and a seal between the glazing 1507 and the perimeter of the hole 1500 (e.g., against the shelf 1517 of the glass mating panel 1511 via the rear seal 1509).

Thus, the removable frame 1011 may be assembled by attaching the bezel 1501 to the glass mating panel 1511 with the transparent polymer film 1505 and the glazing 1507 covering the aperture 1500 and the sealing members 1503, 1509 for sealing the transparent polymer film 1505 and the glazing 1507 in the removable frame 1011. Indeed, the bezel 1501 and the glass mating panel 1511 together constitute the structure that attaches the glazing 1507 and the transparent polymer film 1505 to the removable frame 1011.

Further, the removable frame 1011 may be attached to the frame mating plate 1101 via a lip 1523 of the bezel 1501 and a complementary hole in the glass mating plate 1511, into which a fastener such as a bolt or the like may be inserted. However, any suitable fastener may be used, including but not limited to clamps and the like. In addition, a frame mating seal 1513 is typically located between the lip 1523 of the bezel 1501 and the glass mating plate 1511 to provide a seal between the removable frame 1011 and the frame mating plate 1101.

Thus, the seal between the transparent polymer film 1505 and the perimeter of the aperture 1500 (e.g., via the front seal 1503) is on the front facing side of the removable frame 1011, such that if the glass window 1507 (or the light source 1103) were to break when the removable frame 1011 is attached to the housing 1001 of the lamp 123, the cullet would be contained in the housing 1001 via the seal between the transparent polymer film 1505 and the perimeter of the aperture 1500h and the seal between the removable frame 1011 and the frame mating plate 1101.

For example, each of the glazing 1507 and the transparent polymeric film 1505 extends across the opening 1500 into the removable frame 1011 (e.g., onto the shelf 1517), and the dimensions of each of the glazing 1507 and the transparent polymeric film 1505 are generally larger than the corresponding dimensions of the aperture 1500; for example, as depicted, the aperture 1500 is rectangular, and each of the glazing 1507 and the transparent polymer film 1505 is also rectangular that is larger than the rectangle of the aperture 1500. Thus, any cullet is contained within the lamp 123.

The material for the transparent polymeric film 1505 is typically selected to be tear resistant (e.g., when in contact with broken glass) and transparent to light emitted by the light source 1103 (and in particular, the first wavelength to which the first imaging device 111 is sensitive and the second wavelength to which the second imaging device 112 is sensitive). In addition, the transparent polymer film 1505 is generally compatible with heat generated by the light source 1103. In a successful prototype, the transparent polymer film 1505 included Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene (FEP), although other suitable polymers are within the scope of the present example.

As previously mentioned, the lamp 123 is generally configured for use in a food manufacturing environment and/or a food processing environment and/or a food packaging environment. Thus, at least the housing 1001, the removable frame 1011, and the various seals described above may be one or more of airtight and watertight.

Similarly, at least the housing 1001, the removable frame 1011, the various seals described above, the glazing 1507, and the transparent polymeric film 1505 may be reinforced with respect to temperature in the range of one or more of about 0.1 ℃ to about 60 ℃ and about 0.1 ℃ to about 100 ℃. Further, as schematically depicted, in fig. 18, which is substantially similar to fig. 13, where like components have like numerals, the lamp 123 may be adapted to include a housing that includes one or more of a humidity control device 1850 and a temperature control device 1860 within the housing 1001, the humidity control device 1850 and the temperature control device 1860 being similar to the humidity control device 750 and the temperature control device 760, respectively, described above. Humidity control device 1850 and temperature control device 1860 may be particularly useful when lamp 123 is one or more of airtight and watertight.

Although a particular configuration of the lights 123 has been described, the present example includes any type of light for illuminating food along a line, including: a housing having a longitudinal axis and an opening along the longitudinal axis; a light source located in the housing along the longitudinal axis; a reflector positioned in the housing along the longitudinal axis, the reflector reflecting light from the light source through the opening and focusing the light along the line. A removable frame attached to the housing about the opening, the removable frame having a hole aligned with the opening along a longitudinal axis; a glazing in the aperture; a transparent polymeric film in the hole in the outward facing side of the glazing, each of the glazing and the transparent polymeric film extending into the removable frame beyond the perimeter of the hole; and a seal between the transparent polymer film and the perimeter of the aperture.

An apparatus and system for optically analyzing a food product is provided herein. The apparatus includes a line scan camera, a line scan spectrometer, optical filters and optionally folding mirrors which are used to simultaneously image the food product at the line as it passes through the line. The spectral image from the line scan spectrometer can be used to determine the quality of the food item area and the image from the line scan camera is coordinated with the spectral image to locate areas of the food item having contaminants and/or a given food item type. The system also includes a lamp for illuminating the food product along the line, the lamp being sealed with a transparent polymer film in the aperture through which light is emitted to enclose any cullet within the lamp.

In this specification, an element may be described as "configured to" perform one or more functions or "configured to" such functions. Typically, an element configured to perform or configured to perform a function is enabled to perform the function, or is adapted to perform the function, or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing the function.

It is to be understood that for purposes of this specification, the language "at least one of X, Y, and Z" and "one or more of X, Y, and Z" can be interpreted as X only, Y only, Z only, or any combination of two or more of the X, Y, and Z items (e.g., XYZ, XY, YZ, XZ, etc.). In any case where the language "at least one.

The terms "about," "substantially," "actually," "approximately," and the like are defined as "proximate," e.g., as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, the term is understood to be "within 10%", in other embodiments, "within 5%", in yet other embodiments, "within 1%", and in yet other embodiments "within 0.5%".

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in some embodiments, the functionality of the devices and/or methods and/or processes described herein may be implemented using pre-programmed hardware or firmware elements (e.g., Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), electrically erasable programmable read-only memories (EEPROMs), etc.), or other related components. In other embodiments, the functionality of the devices and/or methods and/or processes described herein may be implemented using a computing device having access to a code memory (not shown) that stores computer-readable program code for the operation of the computing device. The computer readable program code can be stored on a computer readable storage medium that is fixed, tangible, and directly readable by these components (e.g., removable diskette, CD-ROM, fixed disk, USB drive). Further, it should be understood that the computer readable program may be stored as a computer program product including a computer usable medium. Further, the persistent storage device may include computer readable program code. It should also be understood that the computer-readable program code and/or the computer-usable medium can include non-transitory computer-readable program code and/or non-transitory computer-usable medium. Alternatively, the computer readable program code may be stored remotely, but may be transmitted to these components over a transmission medium via a modem or other interface device connected to a network, including but not limited to the Internet. The transmission medium may be a non-moving medium (e.g., optical and/or digital and/or analog communications lines) or a moving medium (e.g., microwave, infrared, free-space optical or other transmission schemes) or a combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are many more possible alternative embodiments and modifications, and that the above examples are only illustrative of one or more embodiments. Accordingly, the scope is to be limited only by the following claims.