Abstract: A combined X-ray and laser 3D imaging system for food safety inspection, which uses a 3D laser subsystem to get accurate depth information, which is further combined with an x-ray image to achieve accurate physical contamination detection in poultry and other meat products. A unique calibration model is used to calibrate the x-ray and laser 3D imaging systems at the same time. And a nested multi-thread software structure is implemented to prevent data conflict and ensure fully use of system resources during the physical contamination detection of the poultry and other meat products.

Abstract: A method for determining the boundary between abutting food product in a food processing system uses scan data of the food product to identify a perimeter of the abutting food product. Optionally, data from scanning the food product is first tested to determine or predict if more than one article is present. A perimeter of the abutting food product is generated from the scan data, and the perimeter information is manipulated to identify or estimate the boundary between the product. For example, the boundary may be eroded until it separates into two portions. The two portions are then expanded, constrained by the original perimeter, such that a region of interest includes overlapping portion that includes the boundary. The region of interest is analyzed to locate the boundary. In another method, a parametric shape is fit to the image to identify the individual articles. In another method, a shortest line or surface separating the perimeter into two substantial portions is found.

Abstract: A method for determining the boundary between abutting food product in a food processing system uses scan data of the food product to identify a perimeter of the abutting food product. Optionally, data from scanning the food product is first tested to determine or predict if more than one article is present. A perimeter of the abutting food product is generated from the scan data, and the perimeter information is manipulated to identify or estimate the boundary between the product. For example, the boundary may be eroded until it separates into two portions. The two portions are then expanded, constrained by the original perimeter, such that a region of interest includes overlapping portion that includes the boundary. The region of interest is analyzed to locate the boundary. In another method, a parametric shape is fit to the image to identify the individual articles. In another method, a shortest line or surface separating the perimeter into two substantial portions is found.

Abstract: A combined X-ray and laser 3D imaging system for food safety inspection, which uses a 3D laser subsystem to get accurate depth information, which is further combined with an x-ray image to achieve accurate physical contamination detection in poultry and other meat products. A unique calibration model is used to calibrate the x-ray and laser 3D imaging systems at the same time. And a nested multi-thread software structure is implemented to prevent data conflict and ensure fully use of system resources during the physical contamination detection of the poultry and other meat products.