Problem description
For the production of chocolate, the confectionary industry uses many mould designs. Melted chocolate is poured into the moulds, allowed to cool and to solidify, before being removed from the mould and then packaged. Before the moulds are filled, it has to be verified that the moulds are completely free from any chocolate remnants, such as broken pieces, splashes etc. Bi-Ber systems can inspect for such contamination by using image processing technology.

Bi-Ber System solution
How good is your image processing system for checking for left over chocolate that remains in moulds? Imagine a situation where your moulds were themselves chocolate coloured: would your system be able to reliably detect chocolate leftovers contained within a mould of the same colour? The newest generation of our systems for visual mould-emptiness control can offer an answer to this question, and provide detailed solutions to this and other specialist applications. Based on a fast Smart Camera with mega pixel resolution, the newest systems are able to detect leftover chocolate remnants to a size of 1 mm².

The employed Smart Cameras combined with unlimited software applications are able to cater for all your needs. As standard, up to 64 mould-settings can be stored. Analysis and detection proceeds according to two thresholds for light and dark moulds, or in relation to the nature of the chocolate filling.

Settings are password protected, and the analysis works on the basis of a simple statistical function. The transfer of parameter data to other systems is possible using up- and downloading. For data communication, a digital port for connection with to a SPS and to an Ethernet connection for integration of higher process controls is at your disposal. As for records, VDMAXML_P is used for the structured exchange of data between intelligent components and packaging machines. Through this, the system is compliant to FDA.

System advantages:

• Simple, quick mould switch over
• Training of free formed alveoli
• Automatic lighting correction (Auto shading)
• Automatic lighting regulation
• Colour filtration units for increasing the contrast
• Industrially designed concept without PC
• Maximum availability, low maintenance
• Differentiation of identically coloured chocolate and moulds
• Reasonable total costs

All components (camera, optics, lighting, switch box) are housed in a stainless steel cabinet. This housing is placed on top of a transfer ribbon which allows for an unobstructed downwards view of the moulds which are to be controlled. Standard systems are available for control ranges of both 640 mm and 910 mm diameter. An optional 15” TFT industrial display can be integrated into the housing door that is located near the operator.