EGG GRADING

EGG INSPECTOR40: IDENTIFYING DIFFERENT DEFECTS

In 2006, Moba introduced the Egg inspector, an advanced vision system that detects leaking and dirty eggs using image processing on the infeed of Omnia egg graders. This has been a game-changer in the candling process, as by using a combination of monochrome cameras and narrow bandwidth LED lighting, the most accurate results were achieved. In comparison to detection systems that used single-chip color cameras, the revolutionary technology the Egg inspector uses, makes it possible to check the spectrum of the deviations on the eggshell closely and thereby gives the most accurate results. This has been the basis for the succeeding generations Egg inspector10, 20 and 30.

However, in our never-ending search for innovations, Moba has found a way to take detecting defects to the next level. With the introduction of the fourth generation of the Egg inspector last year, Moba made significant changes to ensure even more accurate results. In the Egg inspector40, the monochrome cameras have been replaced by high-quality multi-sensor, full-color cameras. With these new cameras, even the slightest variation between defects can be detected, thus improving detection rates. This means you can be sure that every egg that ends up in consumer packs meets the quality standards of the target market.

Images within seconds

How does image processing exactly work? While the eggs are rotating, images are created by a balanced combination of cameras and flashing high-intensity LEDs. This combination produces special frequencies in the color spectrum making it possible to detect different defects on the eggs. These images are then processed on a highperformance computer using an Artificial Intelligence (AI) model. This AI model is trained by hundreds of thousands of images of all possible defects. This guarantees that the algorithm will recognize the defect, and is trained to identify what specific defect it is. The Egg inspector can even handle both brown and white eggs, even randomly mixed on a grading machine.

The output of the AI system is transmitted to the grading system. The Egg inspector “tells” the grader which eggs are dirty or leaking. Depending on how the grader is programmed, the leaking and dirty eggs can be sent to an outlet in the infeed. Now, it is possible to remove leaking and dirty eggs early in the grading process, preventing downstream contamination. This configuration contributes strongly to a high level of food safety and ensures the high quality of the eggs that end up at the consumer’s table. Removing leaking eggs as early as possible also ensures that the equipment stays clean, as a clear separation can be created between “incoming eggs” and the “clean zone.”

For more information, visit www.moba.net