Vision (camera-based detection) helps you deposit accurately when products are not perfectly aligned, vary in shape, or rotate on the conveyor. FoodJet uses vision to detect position, shape, and orientation per product, so the deposit pattern follows the product—not the other way around. This reduces rejects, keeps conveyors cleaner, and supports product variation without complex mechanical tooling.
What is vision-guided depositing?
Vision-guided depositing uses a camera and software to detect each product’s position and orientation on the conveyor in real time. The depositor adapts the deposit pattern per product, so you can place sauce, creams or other liquid toppings accurately—even when products are not perfectly aligned or vary in shape.
Use vision when you deal with:
Products that shift or rotate on the belt
Shape variation (handmade products, natural variation, deformation)
Rejects caused by misalignment, missing products or inconsistent placement
Quality control requirements
What can a vision system detect on a conveyor?
A vision system can detect and track key features per product, such as:
Position (X/Y): detects each product's position on the belt and compensates for small shifts.
Shape/contour: detects outlines to adapt deposit patterns for variable sizes or irregular shapes.
Orientation/rotation: detects whether products are rotated, keeping the deposit aligned with the product rather than the conveyor.
The result is a real-time output of coordinates and product status (OK/NOK), which the depositor can use to adjust the deposit pattern. The system can output OK/NOK status (and optionally a reason code), enabling the line control to inhibit depositing or trigger a reject action.
How vision improves accuracy when products are not perfectly aligned
On real production lines, products rarely stay perfectly aligned. Small shifts, belt vibration, or manual loading can cause inconsistent placement and rejects.
Vision detects the product position and compensates in real time, so deposits land where they should—on the product, not next to it.
Typically, this helps you:
Reduce rejects caused by misplacement
Lower manual rework and cleaning
Improve process stability for downstream sealing and packaging
In-line quality control: detect issues before you deposit
Vision can also be used for in-line quality control checks before depositing, for example:
Missing product detection
Out-of-position beyond tolerance
Deformed or damaged product shape
Based on these checks, the system can be configured to inhibit depositing or send a reject signal—so you avoid wasting product and reduce downstream issues.
Example: if a biscuit is broken, the depositor skips that position and triggers a reject signal to remove that particular product.
Statistics and process monitoring
A vision system can provide useful production data, such as product counts, position deviations, and reject reasons.
This supports process monitoring and continuous improvement—e.g., detecting belt drift early, quantifying batch-to-batch variation, and tracking reject trends over time.
Practical requirements for reliable vision-guided depositing
For reliable vision-guided depositing, a stable setup is as important as the camera itself. The key practical requirements are:
Consistent lighting: stable illumination and limited glare to keep product edges detectable.
Sufficient contrast: product and background should be distinguishable for robust detection.
Predictable product presentation: avoid overlapping products or heavy occlusion where possible.
Stable conveyor motion: limited vibration and consistent belt tracking support accurate position compensation.
Adequate spacing and field of view: enough distance between products for correct identification and tracking.
Hygienic installation: camera placement and protection should match your cleaning regime and food safety requirements.
When sensors are enough—and when you need vision
Sensors can be enough when:
Products have consistent shape, alignment, and spacing
You only need on/off presence detection
Vision is recommended when:
Products vary in shape or placement
Products rotate or appear in multiple orientations
You want QC checks and data per product
What we need to assess your line
To assess feasibility quickly, we typically need:
Top-view photo or short video of the conveyor section
Line speed and product spacing
Product type and surface characteristics (glossy/matte, irregular/consistent)
Required deposit pattern and tolerances
Cleaning regime constraints (if relevant)
Talk to an engineer about your product tracking challenge
Want to know whether vision is the right approach for your line? Share your product, belt speed and positioning challenges—our engineers can advise on feasibility and the required setup.
To assess your case, we typically look at:
Product type and surface characteristics
Line speed and spacing
Variation in position, rotation and shape
Unique depositing technology
The FoodJet depositing technology offers the flexibility to optimally leverage the power of vision systems. The array of nozzles in each depositing head can follow products regardless of their position on a conveyor. This patented technology differentiates FoodJet for applications where products vary in position, shape, or orientation.
Typical applications
Vision adds most value in applications where product position, shape, or orientation varies, such as:
Decorating cookies on baking trays
Sauce depositing on pizzas (variable placement/rotation)
Garlic butter or pesto depositing on irregular surfaces
Tray-based applications where missing trays must be detected