Laser Combination optimizes vegetable sorting accuracy.August 25, 2008 -
Combining multiple wavelength lasers with color cameras on one sorter, Raptor Laser optimizes detection of foreign material and product defects in processed and fresh-cut vegetables based on structural properties, chlorophyll levels, as well as color, size, and shape. Solution, equipped with touchscreen control panel and KeyWare® Application Pack operational software, accommodates range of vegetables without requiring laser module change or additional modules.
(Archive News Story - Products mentioned in this Archive News Story may or may not be available from the manufacturer.)
Original Press release
Key Technology, Inc.
150 Avery St.
Walla Walla, WA, 99362
USA
Key Technology Introduces New Raptor Laser Combination for Sorting Processed and Fresh-Cut Vegetables
August 14, 2008 - Key Technology advances their Raptor Laser line to include a potent combination of lasers designed to inspect vegetables using more than one wavelength simultaneously. This new sensing capability increases the ability to detect foreign material and product defects in processed and fresh-cut vegetables. Combining multiple wavelength lasers with color cameras on one sorter maximizes production versatility to achieve superior product quality and food safety.
Key's newest Raptor combination optimizes sorter performance across a wide range of vegetables without requiring a laser module change or costly additional modules. For example, the new Raptor laser with multiple wavelengths provides value to leafy green handlers by allowing them to run baby spinach in the morning and iceberg in the afternoon on the same line.
In addition, previously difficult sorts, such as discriminating between undesirable romaine core and desirable romaine rib, are now easily handled with Key's Raptor Laser sorters.
Integrated with Key's proprietary color cameras, the new multi-sensor sorters maximize the detection and removal of defects, extraneous vegetable matter (EVM), and foreign material (FM) based on differences in the structural properties of the objects and differing levels of chlorophyll as well as color, size, and shape. Improving the differentiation between good product and unacceptable objects maximizes product quality and food safety while minimizing yield loss.
While the cameras and lasers are collecting data from multiple wavelengths, behind the scenes, the KeyWare® Application Pack is translating the data into action. KeyWare is designed specifically for each application and intelligently selects the most pertinent data for the particular product being sorted to optimize the sorter's image processing algorithms.
Vegetable processors handling multiple products can easily change KeyWare in seconds via the touchscreen control panel. KeyWare eases initial product set-up, reducing the skill level required to operate at optimal performance.
Extending Key's Raptor Laser capabilities, this new combination of multiple wavelength lasers is available immediately on Key's narrow-belt Optyx® 3000 series sorters, mid-volume Optyx 6000 series sorters, and Key's highest capacity sorter, Manta(TM).
The new multiple wavelength laser systems operate on Key's powerful G6 electro-optical platform, which offers advanced digital image processing.
Featuring a modular design and proven, high-performance connectivity standards such as Camera Link(TM), FireWire® and Ethernet, Key's Optyx Raptor delivers on the promise of the system's flexibility to engage new sensor technology. That same flexibility ensures forward compatibility to maximize a food processor's long-term return on investment.
About Key Technology, Inc.
Key Technology, an ISO-9001 certified company, is a leading designer and manufacturer of process automation systems, integrated electro-optical inspection and sorting systems, and processing systems. Key® systems help processors to improve quality, increase yield, and reduce cost. With worldwide sales representation, the company maintains demonstration and testing facilities at its headquarters and manufacturing divisions in Walla Walla, Washington, USA, and at Key Technology BV in Beusichem, the Netherlands. The company's common stock trades on the Global Market tier of The NASDAQ Stock MarketSM under the symbol: KTEC.
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