Hyperspectral imaging at Cintech
Still little-known, hyperspectral imaging is an effective and precise response to many of the challenges faced by food processors. Improved quality control, production efficiency and reduced food waste are just some of the benefits of this innovative technology offered by Cintech agroalimentaire.
Partners to meet industry needs
Cintech has built up a vision and detection platform that includes laboratory and pilot-scale equipment, enabling us to offer a turnkey service, taking charge of each project from start to finish. To complement the necessary equipment, two choice partners have joined the Cintech team: Agmanic Vision, a factory equipment integrator, and most recently Channel Systems, a distributor of industrial-grade hyperspectral cameras. These committed employees combine their strengths to offer an efficient, operational approach to deploying innovations in real-time analysis and characterization.
They enable us to offer new solutions to agri-food businesses by pooling skills, resources and initiatives between the various players in the agri-food sector. Cintech has the neutrality and expertise to ensure optimum validation with potential customers, and can thus meet the need for technological accessibility in industry.
Eco-responsible technology
Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is an eco-responsible technology that uses multiple cameras to detect elements in raw materials and processed products that are not visible to the naked eye. The IHS captures and analyzes light reflected from objects in a wide range of wavelengths. Unlike traditional imaging, which captures images in three spectral bands (red, green and blue), hyperspectral imaging divides light into many narrow, contiguous bands, often hundreds of bands, covering a wide electromagnetic spectrum.
We can think of an example where two types of candy appear visually identical, whereas they are completely different when put under an IHS camera. With a quick photo, it’s possible to observe the composition of the candies, as well as determine their freshness by identifying candies that have been exposed to more heat.
Photo credit: NousTV
A precise solution for food processors
In addition to assessing the concentration and distribution of food components, this innovative technology represents a precise solution to challenges linked to improving quality control, production and reducing food waste:
- Improved quality control: Hyperspectral imaging can be used to assess the quality of food products by measuring characteristics such as color, texture, freshness and ripeness of fruit, vegetables and other food products. Subtle variations in chemical composition can be detected, enabling defective or non-compliant products to be identified.
- Greater production efficiency: By enabling rapid, non-destructive assessment of food products throughout the supply chain, from harvest to distribution, hyperspectral imaging can help minimize losses and ensure product quality. What’s more, the IHS also makes it possible to automate processes, thereby reducing labor shortages.
- Reducing food waste: This technology can be used to detect the presence of contaminants such as pathogens, mold, parasites or other undesirable substances in food products. This helps to guarantee food safety by rapidly identifying potentially harmful elements and optimizing the inputs used.
Cintech is the only center offering access to multidisciplinary expertise in hyperspectral imaging from food processing to machine vision in the region. Contact us to facilitate your access to this Cintech solution, as well as to a network of multidisciplinary experts for food processing with machine vision.
