iPhoto - Development and test of an automated imaging station for capturing, documentation and analysis of laboratory samples with link to a LIMS

In the iPhoto project, an intelligent camera station with LIMS integration is being developed. This is to enable the all-round photo capturing of samples in an automated, comprehensive and controlled manner under defined capturing conditions for a wide variety of sample sizes and types (see Figure 1).
The sample can be weighed in one processing step using the integrated scale. The system can be used so intuitively that little training and familiarization effort as well as no special background knowledge is necessary and the system can also be operated by technical staff. Following the digital sample acquisition, a precise 3D-model is calculated on the basis of the multi-perspective 2D-images for subsequent 360° visualization of the sample and for further analytics.
The raw image data is further processed when it is transferred to the LIMS. In a first step of the subsequent inspection processes, the automatic optical character recognition in the raw image data, the classification and extraction of relevant data and the assignment to the sample takes place. Due to the scope of interpretation of the legal norms and ordinances, the declaration and labeling test is carried out very individually in each laboratory on the basis of checklists that have been maintained for many years, which is why the management system is individually expanded to reflect these processes in workflows. The user is guided and monitored by their individually created declaration and labeling tests.

The aim of the camera demonstrator, which is being developed as part of the project, is not only to reduce the workload and significantly minimize the susceptibility to errors in routine checks, but also to ensure that the declaration check is correct and complete. In addition, the workflow-supported tool should create the possibility that even inexperienced employees are able to carry out declaration and labeling tests on food samples.