Case Studies
3D Vision System Nets the Right Tuna
Matrox AltiZ high-fidelity 3D profile sensor powers TUNASCAN vision system, sorting up to 20 tons of tuna per hour with accuracy rates approaching 100%

Just keep scanning

Tuna gets fed into the reception hopper directly from a truck. The reception hopper feeds tuna one by one into the TUNASCAN system, assuring proper spacing on the line.

Tuna are then scanned by two Matrox AltiZ before being classified and sorted into containers. The 3D classification results and location data is sent to the sorting section.

In the sorting section, each tuna is automatically sorted into its appropriate container. When full, each container is removed and replaced using a forklift. The TUNASCAN system holds more containers than classes so a container can be removed while the machine continues to operate at full capacity.
Clear fishy fishy
Upgrades to the TUNASCAN project centered upon Matrox AltiZ 3D profile sensors. Sánchez Carratalá notes, “we chose Matrox AltiZ sensors because our application required a strong, reliable way to obtain 3D point clouds from objects moving at a fairly fast speed; the application also must be able to deal with a lot of point-cloud noise and dirtiness produced by the tuna as well as physical operation of the machine. As such, an enclosed 3D profiler suited for harsh industrial environments—like the Matrox AltiZ—was a really good choice. In the past we used separate cameras and lasers for obtaining 3D data, however, Matrox AltiZ allows us to integrate all these elements into a single sensor that provides exceptional robustness to the application.” The dual-camera single-laser design of the Matrox AltiZ achieves what could not be accomplished with common 3D profile sensors that feature one laser and a single camera, and is thus able to attain the high reproduction fidelity that Marexi sought for their system. “In the past we’ve tested and worked with several other vision suppliers,” Sánchez Carratalá continues, “but we found that the combined software and hardware from Matrox Imaging are ideal solutions for our applications. We’ve always been satisfied with the results, so we always try Matrox Imaging before other solutions because we know it’s reliable and will help us achieve our goals.”
Fishing for results
In the swim of things
Conclusion
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