A candling method for detecting anomalies in translucent material (10) e.g. parasites in fish fillets, comprises directing an illumination beam (Io) of light through the material. It has been discovered that improved results in terms of more reliable detection of anomalies, and the ability to locate such anomalies in thicker samples than has previously been possible, can be obtained by using a beam with a radius no greater than 1 mm and preferably no greater than 0.5 mm. For still better results the beam radius can be reduced to a value no greater than 0.1 mm, and even down to 0.05 mm.
A method for distinguishing live from dead poultry eggs comprises: (a) providing a light source (preferably an infrared light source) and a light detector in opposite facing relation to one another; (b) passing an egg between the light source and light detector; (c) switching the light source at a frequency greater than 100 cycles per second while passing the egg between the light source and the light detector; and (d) detecting light that passes through the egg from the light source with the light detector. Preferably, the egg is passed between the light source and the light detector without making contact therewith. And the method preferably further comprises the step of electronically filtering the signal detected by the light detector to distinguish light emitted from the light source from ambient light. Steps (b) through (d) may be repeated at a rate of at least one egg per second. Apparatus for carrying out the foregoing method is also disclosed.
The present invention relates to an automated inspection apparatus for detection of anomalies in a 3D translucent object, the apparatus having a scanhead assembly including an image processing unit and image capture device, a first and a second light source, and conveyor means, the improvement comprising a light block member positioned along a substantially common axis of the image capture device and a light source.
This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for determining quality properties of fish on the basis of light reflection. A fish and a reflection measurement device (5) with a light emitter and a light receiver (6) are positioned in relation to each other, with the light emitter and light receiver of the device directed towards the fish's inner abdominal wall with peritoneum, so that the light emitter illuminates an area of the fish through the peritoneum and the light receiver captures the light reflected from the fish. The intensity of the reflected light is registered in three or more different wavelength bands, in the visible and near-infrared range. Measurement results registered are, after any processing, entered into an algorithm in a calculation unit, where the algorithm expresses a quality property of the fish.
An electronic imaging apparatus is provided which has means for detecting the presence of internal structure in an opaque or translucent object. The apparatus has a light source directing a beam of light towards the object from one side and a light receiver on another side thereof to convert invisible light passing through the object into a visible image. Means to record the image produced is made available as well as means to produce a three dimensional image or drawing.
Egg candling methods and apparatus are provided wherein the optical path between a light source and light detector is monitored for obscuring debris and/or malfunctions. A method of candling eggs includes illuminating an egg with light from a light source; receiving light passing through the egg at a light detector; generating an output signal that corresponds to light received at the light detector for the egg; and analyzing the output signal to determine whether the optical path between the light source and light detector has been altered. In response to determining that a respective optical path has been altered, the light source and/or light detector is cleaned and/or inspected for malfunctions. Cleaning the light source and/or light detector may include wiping a surface of the light source and/or light detector and/or spraying a surface of the light source and/or light detector with a fluid.
