Plastic trays divided into several small compartments are often used when producing ready meals in the food industry. Correctly filling these compartments is essential for meals that consist of several different components, such as meat, pasta, or vegetables. To ensure that the components are filled into the correct compartments, it is necessary to check in advance that the trays are correctly positioned. In conventional solutions, this task is often performed by costly and complex vision sensors. However, for a standard vision sensor to reliably detect low-contrast objects, such as uniform white plastic trays with smooth surfaces, additional external lighting and complex configuration knowledge are required.

Filling the individual compartments in the plastic tray and carefully separating the different meal components is an essential prerequisite for acceptance by the customer and for properly sealing the container. In the case of a defect, the product cannot be sold, and the meal must be discarded. Checking that the plastic trays are in the correct position requires a reliable, quick, and easy-to-install solution that supports a quick and efficient filling process.