“The trick is in the lighting” for a new crack detector

The Moba Vison Crack Detector uses LED lighting of specific wavelengths to illuminate the eggs from underneath.

How the Vision Crack Detector fits in the process flow (Courtesy of MOBA)
How the Vision Crack Detector fits in the process flow (Courtesy of MOBA)

The Moba Vison Crack Detector uses LED lighting of specific wavelengths to illuminate the eggs from underneath. As the eggs are rolled forward, multiple digital images are recorded. The images combine to give a complete view of the egg which is examined using an AI trained algorithm to identify even the smallest crack in both white and brown eggs.

Brown and white eggs can be run though the system at the same time without negatively impacting results.

Paul Buisman, product management director, Moba, said the system was initially trained by using one of the company‘s acoustic crack detection systems and then was further trained with results from candling tests performed by people. The vision system continues to be trained by feedback in the form of data collected under various circumstances. He said the vision system can detect greater than 90% of eggs with cracks and has a false rejection rate of less than 0.1% of uncracked eggs. This performance is slightly better than for acoustic systems.

Crack detection: Vision versus acoustic

Moba’s acoustic detection systems use “tappers” to strike the eggshell and then analyze the sound to determine if the egg is cracked. Since this system is placed above the egg flow, it does not accumulate debris in any way and is accurate. It does require regular maintenance between work shifts, according to Craig England, president, Moba USA. The vision system is designed to cope with all these drawbacks. It does not contact the egg, so the potential for cross contamination of eggs during crack detection is virtually eliminated, meaning that it’s likely that the accuracy of the system is more consistent throughout a production shift without any need for maintenance.

The Vison Crack Detector was tested at a Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch facility with positive results. Buisman said that the system’s software will be updated regularly using picture feedback for more accuracy. He said that initially, the Vison Crack Detector will be incorporated as part of new installations of grading and packing equipment.


Moba4Herb Herbruck (Owner, Director, and Executive Vice President of Operations of Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch) with the MOBA Vision Crack Detector

 


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