Project Number: 1265-42000-008-04
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Sep 01, 2000
End Date: Aug 31, 2005

Objective:
Develop a real-time system technology for solving practical problems in the poultry processing industry (This research will be conducted jointly by U.S. and Israel.) Develop a synergetic x-ray and laser range imaging method for sensitive detection of bone fragments and hazardous materials in de-boned poultry meat, which includes the basic theory, experimental verification, and system implementation and analysis. The system is anticipated to be more accurate than human (less than 3% error rate). Specific goals are (1) Develop a digital x-ray system for acqiring x-ray images of de-boned poultry on processing lines (This stage to be conducted at the U.S. site.); (2) Develop a high resolution online 3D imaging system for acquiring thickness or depth of images of de-boned poultry and compensating x-ray false patterns; Convert 3D depth image to virtual x-ray image for thickness compensation (This stage to be conducted at Israel site.); and (3) Develop on-line integrated system for real-time combining x-ray and 3D images; this includes parallel image processing, dynamic acquisition and synchronization between x-ray and stereovision and between mechanics and electronics, and image registration between x-ray and 3D range images. Develop algorithms for sensitively extracting bone fragments and interfacing hardware and software systems, includes system testing and analysis. The synergetic sensing fusion technique will increase the x-ray detection capability for internal imaging and inspection of agricultural products and biomaterials.

Approach:
Develop a digital x-ray sensing system for acquiring x-ray images of de-boned poultry on processing lines and analyze x-ray absorption characteristics of poultry materials for contrast imaging of meat, calcified / less-calcified bones, fat, and blood clots; and to consider the detection of cartilage (This stage to be conducted at the U.S. site.) Develop a high resolution online 3D imaging system for acquiring thickness or depth images of de-boned poultry and compensating x-ray false patterns; Convert the 3D depth image to virtual x-ray image for thickness compensation. Develop on-line integrated system for real-time combining z-ray and 3D images; this will include parallel image processing, dynamic acquisition and synchronization between x-ray and stereovision and between mechanics and electronics, and image registration between x-ray and 3D range images. Develop algorithms for sensitively extracting bone fragments and interfacing hardware and software systems. Conduct system testing and analysis.