Headwall Photonics and Ocean Spray partner on spectral imaging agricultural analysis project

Headwall Photonics has partnered with cranberry product company Ocean Spray to test the capabilities of a hyperspectral imaging inspection platform for purposes of improving product quality and agricultural yield.

In the project, Headwall’s Hyperspec INSPECTOR is the baseline product. Hyperspec INSPECTOR is an integrated hyperspectral inspection instrument that provides repeatable spectral and spatial measurement for in-line or at-line, high volume manufacturing process lines. The system consists of an imaging spectrometer, embedded processor, 320 GB hard drive, calibration sub-assembly, and external illumination sources. It is self-contained in an IP69K enclosure and features an internal integrating sphere and diagnostic software.

In addition, the inspection system has an optical sensor with 14-bit electronics. The sensors are based on a patented concentric imager design that utilizes aberration-corrected, diffraction gratings as the core optical element of the vision system. Each Hyperspec INSPECTOR system contains a different diffraction grating that is designed and manufactured for the specific range of spectral information characteristic of the products on the process line.

Through software, the system is tuned to the specific wavelengths of interest for the customer’s application, which enables real-time processing for high-speed inspection decisions at speeds up to 236 fps. The system is available in a number of versions, from the visible range (380 nm – 825 nm) to shortwave infrared (1000 nm – 2500 nm).

For a number of years now, Headwall has developed customized multispectral and hyperspectral technology for the US Department of Defense and such civilian organizations such as NASA, the Treasury Department, and the Environmental Protection Agency. Now, the company has developed a line of products for real-time assessment of product quality in agricultural applications.

"Ocean Spray has a long history of innovation within the agricultural industry. We are pleased to work with Ocean Spray to develop machine vision sensors that offer unique inspection capability as well as the opportunity to introduce precision agriculture techniques for improved agricultural yield and product quality," said David Bannon, CEO of Headwall. "Headwall is very proud of our strong partnership with Ocean Spray and the high level of technical collaboration generated throughout this relationship."

View more information on the Hyperspec INSPECTOR.

Share your vision-related news by contacting James Carroll, Senior Web Editor, Vision Systems Design

To receive news like this in your inbox, click here.

Join our LinkedIn group | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter | Check us out on Google +