The challenge
On each slaughter tag (‘slaughter mark’), there is a 6-digit code that is manually entered by an operator into the customer's Slaughter Information System (SIS). Linking this code to the slaughter hook ID is crucial, as payments to pig farmers are partly dependent on animal-specific characteristics such as weight and meat/fat ratio. Manual entry is a structural bottleneck for reliable traceability.
The solution
Vision Partners designed a turn-key stainless steel reading unit that allows the slaughter line worker to manually insert the ear tag immediately after removal. The system automatically feeds the ear tag past two industrial cameras and reads both sides of the ear tag simultaneously.
The system consists of:
- 2 industrial cameras with switching machine LED lighting
- Photometric stereo lighting: multiple captures from different light angles make indented or raised numbers clearly readable thanks to changing shadows
- OCR software that reads and decodes both the 6-digit code and the Unique Business Number (UBN)
- Automatic feeding mechanism that safely guides the earlobe past the cameras and then deposits it into a collection bin
- Machine vision processor (Windows 11 / Intel + GPU) in a stainless steel control cabinet
- User interface with real-time status display, log screen, and settings management
- TCP/IP communication with the upper SIS for direct coupling to the UPID
The reading unit can be adjusted in height to suit the employee's working position. The complete cycle—from input to forwarding both codes to the higher-level system—takes a maximum of 3 seconds.
For this project, Vision Partners used products from Hikrobot (industrial cameras) and TPL Vision (machine LED lighting), brands for which Vision Partners is a distributor.
Vision Partners is a Certified integrator of MVTEC / Halcon.
The result
With the automatic ear tag reading unit, both the 6-digit code and the UBN are accurately read and directly linked to the slaughter hook ID. Human entry errors are structurally eliminated with this. If desired, the system can also be equipped with an RFID ear tag reader.
Vision Partners delivers the system turn-key at the customer's first location, including FAT, SAT, release testing, and full documentation (user manual, maintenance procedures, electrical drawings).
Want to know more about automatic OCR inspection in the food processing industry? Get in touch.
