A machine vision-based automatic detection device and method for chick gender

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of based on machine vision's chick gender automatic detection device and method thereof.The main frame of device is equipped with shading module outside, the four around of upper portion of main frame is equipped with automatic adjustment light compensation module, automatic focusing module and positioning assembly are installed in main frame, automatic focusing module and positioning assembly are arranged in upper and lower interval, it is also equipped with automatic perception starting module and control module, automatic adjustment light compensation module, automatic focusing module and automatic perception starting module are connected with control module.The present application can be widely used in each variety chick gender identification, through automatic focusing and automatic light compensation adjustment, combined with deep learning algorithm, reduce and avoid the interference caused by artificial operation difference and chick individual difference to identification, improve visual identification accuracy and identification efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of poultry farming technology and relates to an automatic poultry sex detection device, specifically a fully automatic, easy-to-operate, and adaptive machine vision-based automatic sex detection device and method for chicks. Background Technology

[0002] In the current stage of industrialized poultry farming, it is necessary to identify the sex of chicks according to specific breeding needs. Common sex identification methods include: cloaca identification, feather speed identification, and feather color identification. Currently, the cloaca identification method is widely used in hatcheries.

[0003] The cloacal examination method is a way to distinguish the sex of chicks by visually identifying the presence or absence of a genital protuberance at the end of the cloaca and the differences in its tissue morphology. In the early stages of incubation, both male and female chicks have a small protuberance at the lower center of the cloacal opening, called the genital protuberance. This protuberance begins to degenerate in female chicks during the middle of incubation and disappears before hatching; while in male chicks, the genital protuberance does not disappear and remains visible at the cloacal opening after hatching.

[0004] Because vent examination is performed on one-day-old chicks, the physiological characteristics of poultry, such as weight and size, are affected by many factors, including breed and incubation conditions. For example, a one-day-old chick weighs approximately 30-50 grams, stands about 5-10 centimeters tall, and has a body length of about 5-10 centimeters. The genital protuberance used to determine sex is located at the chick's anus, and this area is approximately 0.25-0.75 square centimeters in size. The actual size of the genital protuberance is only about one-tenth the size of a fingernail, approximately 0.1 square centimeters. However, because the differences in appearance between male and female chicks are very subtle, prolonged repetitive work can lead to visual fatigue for operators and may cause eye damage. The training period for operators is long, requiring three months or more of training to achieve the required accuracy in sex determination.

[0005] In studies on sex detection in chicks, existing automated detection platforms mostly use image acquisition heads directly facing the focusing aperture to acquire images, with illumination devices above. They determine sex by comparing data with a database, achieving basic functionality. However, due to significant individual variability, relying solely on database comparison cannot provide accurate results. Furthermore, differences in the operator's handling during cloaca turning can cause focusing problems, affecting imaging and recognition quality. In addition, the imaged object is the folded surface protrusion at the end of the cloaca, covered with a smooth mucous membrane; therefore, the impact of mucous membrane reflection on the imaging effect of this feature must also be considered.

[0006] In summary, for 1-day-old chicks, due to the extremely small size of the genital protrusion at the anus and the need for clearer imaging conditions, there is a need to propose a more automated, easy-to-operate, and adaptive automatic sex detection device for chicks. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the aforementioned manual cloacal examination methods and existing automatic identification technologies. To address these shortcomings, this invention provides a machine vision-based automatic sex detection device and method for chicks. This invention features full automation, ease of operation, and self-adaptability. The sensing system, composed of photoelectric devices, can sense the status and activate the image acquisition module. The automatic focusing module, composed of three sets of displacement stages in different directions, can automatically focus on the distal cloaca of the chick within the cloacal examination imaging interaction area. Based on its position and cloacal examination angle, an automatic adjustment lighting module composed of four supplementary lights provides comprehensive illumination to assist imaging. Finally, the acquired image is input into the machine vision recognition system, where a deep learning recognition algorithm is used to determine the chick's sex and obtain the sex detection result.

[0008] The technical solution adopted in this invention is:

[0009] I. An automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision

[0010] The automatic detection device includes an automatic light adjustment module, a main frame, a positioning component, a control module, a light-shielding module, an adaptive image acquisition module, an autofocus module, and an automatic sensing activation module. A light-shielding module is installed outside the main frame. Automatic light adjustment modules are installed around the upper perimeter of the main frame. An adaptive image acquisition module is installed inside the main frame. A positioning component is installed below the adaptive image acquisition module. An autofocus module is installed above the adaptive image acquisition module. The autofocus module and positioning component are arranged vertically at intervals. The automatic sensing activation module is installed at the entrance of the main frame and within the positioning component. The control module is located inside the main frame. The automatic light adjustment module, autofocus module, and automatic sensing activation module are all connected to the control module.

[0011] The light-shielding module includes a front opaque light-shielding plate, a front transparent light-shielding plate, a left light-shielding plate, a right light-shielding plate, a back light-shielding plate, a top light-shielding plate, and an image acquisition module light-shielding plate. The left side of the main frame is equipped with a left light-shielding plate, the right side of the main frame is equipped with a right light-shielding plate, the back of the main frame is equipped with a back light-shielding plate, the top of the main frame is equipped with a top light-shielding plate, the top of the main frame is also equipped with an image acquisition module light-shielding plate, and the front opaque light-shielding plate and the front transparent light-shielding plate are installed at the front of the main frame, arranged vertically.

[0012] The automatic adjustment fill light module includes multiple fill lights installed at intervals on the upper part of the main frame. Each fill light includes a dual-degree-of-freedom control gimbal, an automatic adjustment controller, and an adjustable LED array. The dual-degree-of-freedom control gimbal is fixedly installed on the main frame, and the adjustable LED array is installed on the dual-degree-of-freedom control gimbal. The adjustable LED array is connected to the control module through the automatic adjustment controller. The dual-degree-of-freedom control gimbal is used to control the illumination angle of the fill light, and the automatic adjustment controller is used to control the brightness, chromaticity, and color temperature of the fill light.

[0013] The adjustable LED array is an array composed of full-color LEDs, divided into a cool white array and a warm white array.

[0014] The automatic sensing and start-up module includes a through-beam light curtain sensor and a through-beam photoelectric sensor. The through-beam light curtain sensor is fixedly installed on both sides of the entrance of the main frame and is connected to the control module to start the device and enter the working preparation state. Two through-beam photoelectric sensors are respectively installed on both sides of the positioning component. The positioning component between the two through-beam photoelectric sensors is used to place the operator's hands and the chicks. Both through-beam photoelectric sensors are connected to the control module and are used to sense the operator and control the device to enter the working state.

[0015] The positioning component includes a positioning plate and a positioning plate connecting plate. The positioning plate is installed on the lower part of the adaptive image acquisition module through the positioning plate connecting plate, and two through-beam photoelectric sensors are respectively installed on both sides of the positioning plate.

[0016] The adaptive image acquisition module includes a left longitudinal support, a horizontal support, a right longitudinal support, a left vertical support, a right vertical support, an autofocus module adapter plate, and a horizontal-longitudinal support connector. The left and right longitudinal supports are fixedly connected to the main frame. The left longitudinal support is also fixedly connected to the top of the left vertical support, and the right longitudinal support is also fixedly connected to the top of the right vertical support. The horizontal support is fixedly installed between the left and right longitudinal supports through the horizontal-longitudinal support connector. An autofocus module is installed in the middle of the horizontal support through the autofocus module adapter plate. Positioning components are installed at the lower parts of the left and right vertical supports.

[0017] The autofocus module includes an X-axis displacement stage, a Y-axis displacement stage, an industrial camera, a telephoto macro lens, a Z-axis displacement stage, and a tilting bracket. The X-axis displacement stage is installed under the adaptive image acquisition module, the Y-axis displacement stage is installed under the X-axis displacement stage, and the Z-axis displacement stage is installed under the Y-axis displacement stage via the tilting bracket. The movement direction of the Z-axis displacement stage is arranged at an acute angle to the horizontal direction. The industrial camera is installed under the Z-axis displacement stage, and the telephoto macro lens is fixedly installed in the industrial camera.

[0018] The control module includes a connected electronic device compartment and a display screen. The electronic device compartment is connected to the display screen, an automatic adjustment fill light module, an adaptive image acquisition module, an automatic focus module, and an automatic sensing start module.

[0019] II. A method for using an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision.

[0020] Step 1: When the operator extends into the detection device, the through-beam light curtain sensor senses the start signal and sends the signal to the control module, triggering the adaptive image acquisition module to enter the working preparation state; when the chicks are placed on the positioning plate, the two through-beam photoelectric sensors sense the position of the chicks. If the chicks are in place, the adaptive image acquisition module is triggered to enter the working state and begins to acquire several images under the initial light source and initial focus position.

[0021] Step 2: The control module selects several high-resolution images and identifies the position of the genital protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chicks based on the selected images. Based on the position of the genital protrusion, it makes fine adjustments to the X-direction and Y-direction displacement stages on the autofocus module. Then, it controls the Z-direction displacement stage and the telephoto macro lens to adjust synchronously to complete the autofocus.

[0022] Step 3: The control module matches the optimal lighting mode based on the lighting conditions of the genital protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chick. Then, based on the optimal lighting mode, it controls the automatic adjustment of the angle, brightness, chromaticity and color temperature of the supplementary lighting module to concentrate the light beam on the plane where the genital protrusion is located at the chick's anus and reduce the impact of reflection on imaging, ensuring that the imaging edge of the end of the chick's cloaca is clear and the color is natural.

[0023] Step 4: The control module controls the industrial camera on the adaptive image acquisition module to capture images and perform gender recognition, and then displays the gender recognition results on the display screen.

[0024] In step 4, the control module sends several clear images of the reproductive protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chicks to the sex recognition system. The sex recognition system performs image preprocessing, feature extraction, and feature comparison on the images of the reproductive protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chicks, obtains the sex recognition result, and sends it back to the control module.

[0025] In the sex recognition system, the obtained sex recognition results and the corresponding images of the reproductive protrusions at the end of the cloaca of chicks are used as samples and input into the system dataset to automatically learn and train the model within the sex recognition system, thereby updating the model within the sex recognition system.

[0026] The beneficial effects of adopting the above technical solution in this invention are as follows:

[0027] (i) Avoiding and reducing the impact of differences in the operation of anal vaulting workers on the accuracy of imaging and identification.

[0028] Traditional gender recognition and detection rely heavily on the operator's skill in performing anal turning. However, different operators vary in the angle of turning, placement, and display of the anal opening. These differences can lead to problems such as blurred or indistinct images, and unclear feature angles, thus affecting image quality. The autofocus module proposed in this invention can effectively avoid and reduce the impact of operator differences on imaging and recognition accuracy.

[0029] (II) Avoiding and reducing the impact of biological mucosal reflection on imaging and recognition accuracy

[0030] Besides the impact of individual differences in the cloaca handling process on imaging and recognition accuracy, the imaging area is the cloaca of chicks, whose surface is covered with a glossy mucous membrane. Traditional lighting devices may cause glare, affecting imaging and reducing recognition accuracy. The automatic adjustment supplementary lighting module proposed in this invention can effectively avoid and reduce the impact of biological mucous membrane glare on imaging and recognition accuracy.

[0031] (III) Machine vision algorithms can improve the accuracy and efficiency of gender recognition.

[0032] In terms of identification methods, since each individual chick may have differences, traditional automatic identification devices rely solely on database comparisons and cannot accurately identify individuals with indistinct features or abnormal individuals. Adopting identification models based on machine vision algorithms and datasets can greatly improve the accuracy and efficiency of sex identification.

[0033] (iv) Automatic wake-up sensing can improve the overall working efficiency of devices and systems.

[0034] In terms of human-computer interaction, continuous image acquisition may pose a significant challenge to the device hardware. Introducing an automatic wake-up sensing device can effectively reduce the overall power consumption of the device, rationally allocate hardware resources based on the working status, improve work efficiency, and provide interactive prompts based on the sensing situation, thereby enhancing operability. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a front view schematic diagram of the overall structure of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 3This is an isometric schematic diagram of the main frame of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 4 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the shading module of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of the automatic adjustment supplementary lighting module of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 6 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the automatic adjustment supplementary lighting module of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 7 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the adaptive image acquisition module of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 8 This is an isometric schematic diagram of the autofocus module of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the left side of the autofocus module of an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a method for an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating the overall workflow of a machine vision-based automatic sex detection device and its supporting method for chicks, as provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] In the diagram: 1. Automatic adjustment supplementary lighting module; 2. Main frame; 3. Positioning plate; 4. Electronic equipment compartment; 5. Display screen; 6. Light shielding module; 7. Adaptive image acquisition module; 8. Autofocus module; 9. Positioning plate connecting plate; 10. Infrared beam light curtain sensor; 101. Left front supplementary light; 102. Left rear supplementary light; 103. Right rear supplementary light; 104. Right front supplementary light; 201. Left side beam; 202. Left rear column; 203. Rear beam; 204. Right rear column; 205. Right front column; 206. Right side beam; 207. Front beam; 208. Left front column; 601. Front opaque light shield; 602. Front transparent light shield. Plate, 603, Left side light shield, 604, Right side light shield, 605, Back light shield, 606, Top light shield, 607, Image acquisition module light shield, 701, Left side longitudinal support, 702, Horizontal support, 703, Right side longitudinal support, 704, Left side vertical support, 705, Right side vertical support, 706, Autofocus module adapter plate, 707, Horizontal-vertical support connector, 708, Laser photoelectric transmitter switch, 709, Laser photoelectric receiver switch, 801, X-axis displacement stage, 802, Y-axis displacement stage, 803, Industrial camera, 804, Telephoto macro lens, 805, Z-axis displacement stage, 806, Tilt support. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0048] This invention proposes an automatic sex detection device for chicks based on machine vision, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the automatic detection device includes an automatic light adjustment module 1, a main frame 2, a positioning component, a control module, a light-shielding module 6, an adaptive image acquisition module 7, an autofocus module 8, and an automatic sensing and activation module. The light-shielding module 6 is installed outside the main frame 2. The automatic light adjustment module 1 is installed around the upper perimeter of the main frame 2. The adaptive image acquisition module 7 is installed inside the main frame 2. The positioning component is installed below the adaptive image acquisition module 7, and the autofocus module 8 is installed above the adaptive image acquisition module 7. The autofocus module 8 and the positioning component are arranged vertically at intervals. The geometric centers of the autofocus module 8, image acquisition module 7, positioning plate 3, positioning connecting plate 9, display screen 5, and electronic equipment compartment 4 are aligned on the same vertical line. The space between the positioning plate 3 and the autofocus module 8 forms the interactive imaging area. The automatic sensing and activation module is installed at the entrance of the main frame 2 and within the positioning component. The control module is located inside the main frame 2. The automatic light adjustment module 1, the autofocus module 8, and the automatic sensing and activation module are all connected to the control module.

[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the main frame 2 is fixed to the upper surface of the anal turning operating table. The main frame 2 forms a cuboid structure, which is approximately 780mm long, 340mm wide, and 500mm high. The main frame 2 includes a left side beam 201, a left rear side column 202, a rear side beam 203, a right rear side column 204, a right front side column 205, a right side beam 206, a front side beam 207, and a left front side column 208. The left rear side column 202, right rear side column 204, right front side column 205, and left front side column 208 are arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, serving as the vertical frame of the main frame. Each column uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile and is approximately 500mm long to provide longitudinal support. Angle iron is installed under each column and fixed to the upper surface of the anal turning operating table with bolts and nuts. The tops of the left rear column 202 and the left front column 208 are connected by the left side beam 201; the tops of the left rear column 202 and the right rear column 204 are connected by the rear beam 203; the tops of the right front column 205 and the right rear column 204 are connected by the right side beam 206; and the tops of the right front column 205 and the left front column 208 are connected by the front beam 207. The rear beam 203 uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile, is approximately 700mm long, and is connected and fixed to the left rear column 202 and the right rear column 204 using L-shaped connecting plates, bolts, and sliding nuts. The front beam 207 also uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile, is approximately 700mm long, and is connected and fixed to the right front column 205 and the left front column 208 using L-shaped connecting plates, bolts, and sliding nuts. The left beam 201 uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile, approximately 300mm in length, and is connected and fixed to the left rear column 202 and the left front column 208 using L-shaped connecting plates, bolts, and sliding nuts, respectively. The right beam 206 uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile, approximately 300mm in length, and is connected and fixed to the right rear column 204 and the right front column 205 using L-shaped connecting plates, bolts, and sliding nuts, respectively. At the four inner corners of the top of the cuboid structure formed by the main frame 2, self-adjusting supplementary lighting modules 1 are installed. In the middle area of ​​the cuboid structure, from top to bottom, an adaptive image acquisition module 7, a display screen 5, and an electronic device compartment 4 are installed. The autofocus module 8 is connected and fixed to the center of the horizontal bracket 702 via an autofocus module adapter plate. The positioning plate 3 is connected to the positioning plate connecting plate 9 with bolts and nuts. The positioning plate connecting plate 9 is connected to the left vertical bracket 704 and the right vertical bracket 705 with bolts and slider nuts respectively. The electronic device compartment 4 is fixed to the back light shield 605 with bolts and nuts. The lower surface of the electronic device compartment coincides with the surface of the flipping operation table. The display screen 5 is installed on the sloping surface of the electronic device compartment 4 with bolts and nuts. A light shield module 6 is installed on the outside of the main frame 2.

[0050] like Figure 4As shown, the light-shielding module 6 is used to reduce the interference and influence of ambient light on the imaging effect. It includes a front opaque light-shielding plate 601, a front transparent light-shielding plate 602, a left light-shielding plate 603, a right light-shielding plate 604, a rear light-shielding plate 605, a top light-shielding plate 606, and an image acquisition module light-shielding plate 607. The left light-shielding plate 603 is installed on the left side of the main frame 2 using bolts and slider nuts, the right light-shielding plate 604 is installed on the right side of the main frame 2 using bolts and slider nuts, and the back of the main frame 2 is installed using bolts and slider nuts. A back light shield 605 is installed with nuts. A top light shield 606 is installed on the top surface of the main frame 2 using bolts and slider nuts. An image acquisition module light shield 607 is also installed on the top surface of the main frame 2 using bolts and slider nuts. A front opaque light shield 601 and a front transparent light shield 602 are installed on the front of the main frame 2 using bolts and slider nuts. The front opaque light shield 601 and the front transparent light shield 602 are arranged vertically, and the lower surface of the front opaque light shield 601 is in close contact with the upper surface of the front transparent light shield 602. The front transparent light shield 602 is made of 3mm thick colorless transparent acrylic sheet, which can be used to observe the internal anal imaging interaction area while preventing feces from splashing onto the operator. The top light shield 606, the back light shield 605, the left light shield 603, and the right light shield 604 are all made of 3mm thick black opaque double-sided matte acrylic sheet, which can be used to block external stray light and suppress internal reflected light from interfering with imaging. The front opaque light shield 601 is made of 3mm thick black opaque double-sided matte acrylic sheet.

[0051] The automatic adjustment fill light module 1 includes multiple fill lights spaced apart on the upper part of the main frame 2. Each fill light includes a dual-degree-of-freedom control pan-tilt unit, an automatic adjustment controller, and an adjustable LED array. The dual-degree-of-freedom control pan-tilt unit is fixedly mounted on the main frame 2. The fill light, consisting of the adjustable LED array and the automatic adjustment controller, is mounted on the dual-degree-of-freedom control pan-tilt unit. The adjustable LED array is connected to the control module through the automatic adjustment controller. The dual-degree-of-freedom control pan-tilt unit is used to control the illumination angle of the fill light. The automatic adjustment controller is used to control the brightness, chromaticity, and color temperature of the four fill lights by controlling the magnitude and direction of the voltage and current, RGB signal input, and the on / off state of the array circuit. Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the automatic adjustment fill light module consists of four fill lights: 101, left front fill light; 102, left rear fill light; 103, right rear fill light; and 104, right front fill light. The illumination angles of the four fill lights can be adjusted in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The left front fill light 101 is fixed to the left beam 201, the right front fill light 104 is fixed to the right beam 206, the left rear fill light 102 is fixed at the connection between the left beam 201 and the rear beam 203, and the right rear fill light 103 is fixed at the connection between the right beam 206 and the rear beam 203. The left front fill light 104 and the right rear fill light 103 should be aligned with the left vertical support 704 and the right vertical support 705 of the adaptive image acquisition module 7.

[0052] The adjustable LED array is composed of full-color LEDs, divided into a cool white array and a warm white array. This array is evenly distributed on a plane inside the fill light in a specific order. Specifically, four fill lights are used: left front fill light 101, left rear fill light 102, right rear fill light 103, and right front fill light 104.

[0053] The control module includes a connected electronic equipment compartment 4 and a display screen 5. The electronic equipment compartment houses the power supply circuit, data storage circuit, and microprocessor circuit. It also features a main system switch and power supply interface, enabling control of the entire system. The inclined surface of the electronic equipment compartment forms an angle of 15-85° with the horizontal plane. The display screen displays the detection results and facilitates human-machine interaction. The electronic equipment compartment 4 is connected to the display screen 5, the automatic adjustment supplementary lighting module 1, the adaptive image acquisition module 7, the autofocus module 8, and the automatic sensing start-up module.

[0054] The automatic sensing and start-up module includes an infrared beam light curtain sensor 10, a laser beam photoelectric transmitter switch 708, and a laser beam photoelectric receiver switch 709. The infrared beam light curtain sensor 10 is fixedly installed on both sides of the entrance of the main frame 2, specifically on the inner side of the right front column 205 and the left front column 208. The long side of the infrared beam light curtain sensor 10 should be parallel to the outer edge of the right front column 205 and the left front column 208. The infrared beam light curtain sensor 10 is connected to the control module and is used to start the device and enter the working preparation state. The laser beam photoelectric transmitter switch 708 and the laser beam photoelectric receiver switch 709 are respectively installed on the edges of the positioning component (i.e., the positioning plate 3). The positioning component between the laser beam photoelectric transmitter switch 708 and the laser beam photoelectric receiver switch 709 is used to place the operator's hands and the chicks. Both the laser beam photoelectric transmitter switch 708 and the laser beam photoelectric receiver switch 709 are connected to the control module and are used to sense the operator and control the device to enter the working state.

[0055] like Figure 7 As shown, the adaptive image acquisition module 7 includes a left longitudinal support 701, a horizontal support 702, a right longitudinal support 703, a left vertical support 704, a right vertical support 705, an autofocus module adapter plate 706, and a horizontal-longitudinal support connector 707. The left longitudinal support 701 and the right longitudinal support 703 are both fixedly connected to the rear beam 203 and the front beam 207 of the main frame 2. The left longitudinal support 701 is also fixedly connected to the top of the left vertical support 704, and the right longitudinal support 703 is also fixedly connected to the top of the right vertical support 705. The horizontal support 702 is fixedly installed between the left longitudinal support 701 and the right longitudinal support 703 through the horizontal-longitudinal support connector 707. An autofocus module 8 is installed in the middle of the horizontal support 702 through the autofocus module adapter plate 706. The lower part of the left vertical support 704 and the right vertical support 705 is equipped with a positioning plate connecting plate 9 of the positioning component. The vertical position of the positioning plate connecting plate 9 is not fixed and can be moved and adjusted according to actual production needs. Positioning plate 3 is located in the center of positioning plate connecting plate 9 and is connected to positioning plate connecting plate 9 using bolts and wing nuts. The front and rear positions of positioning plate 3 are not fixed and can be quickly adjusted according to actual production needs through its upper waist-shaped groove. The left longitudinal support 701 uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile, with a length of approximately 300mm. It is installed and fixed between the rear side beam 203 and the front side beam 207 using bolts, slider nuts, and T-shaped connecting plates. The left longitudinal support 701 is parallel to the left side beam 201, with a spacing of approximately 240mm. The right longitudinal support 703 uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile, with a length of approximately 300mm. It is installed and fixed between the rear side beam 203 and the front side beam 207 using bolts, slider nuts, and T-shaped connecting plates. The right longitudinal support 703 is parallel to the right side beam 206, with a spacing of approximately 240mm. The horizontal bracket 702 uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile and is approximately 300mm long. The horizontal bracket 702 is perpendicular to the installation direction of the left longitudinal bracket 701 and the right longitudinal bracket 703. The left vertical bracket 704 uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile and is approximately 300mm long. It is installed and fixed to the left longitudinal bracket 701 using bolts, slider nuts, and L-shaped connecting plates. The right vertical bracket 705 uses European standard 2040 aluminum profile and is approximately 300mm long. It is installed and fixed to the right longitudinal bracket 703 using bolts, slider nuts, and L-shaped connecting plates.

[0056] like Figure 8 and Figure 9As shown, the autofocus module 8 includes an X-axis displacement stage 801, a Y-axis displacement stage 802, an industrial camera 803, a telephoto macro lens 804, a Z-axis displacement stage 805, and a tilting bracket 806. The X-axis displacement stage 801 is installed under the autofocus module adapter plate 706 of the adaptive image acquisition module 7, and the axis of the X-axis displacement stage 801 is parallel to the installation direction of the horizontal bracket 702. The Y-axis displacement stage 802 is installed under the X-axis displacement stage 801, and the axis of the X-axis displacement stage 801 is perpendicular to the axis of the Y-axis displacement stage 802. The tilting bracket 806 is made of aluminum alloy, and its top surface and side surface form a 67.5° angle. The Z-axis displacement stage 805 is installed under the Y-axis displacement stage 802 through the tilting bracket 806, so that the axis of the Z-axis displacement stage 805 and the axis of the Y-axis displacement stage 802 are arranged at an acute angle in the vertical plane, with the acute angle ranging from 45° to 75°, specifically 67.5°. The industrial camera 803 is connected and fixed to the Z-axis displacement stage 805 using matching bolts. The industrial camera 803 is mounted under the Z-axis displacement stage 805, and the axis of the industrial camera 803 is parallel to the axis of the Z-axis displacement stage 805. The telephoto macro lens 804 is fixedly mounted in the industrial camera 803.

[0057] The positioning assembly includes a positioning plate 3 and a positioning plate connecting plate 9. The positioning plate 3 is mounted on the lower part of the left vertical bracket 704 and the right vertical bracket 705 of the adaptive image acquisition module 7 via the positioning plate connecting plate 9. The markings on the positioning plate are used to define the range of the anal imaging interaction area. The positioning plate is also provided with two parallel positioning plate position adjustment slots. The infrared beam light curtain sensor 10 and the laser beam photoelectric transmitter switch 708 are respectively installed on the left and right sides of the positioning plate 3. The axes of the laser beam photoelectric transmitter switch (transmitter) 708 and the laser beam photoelectric receiver switch (receiver) 709 are on the same straight line.

[0058] A method for implementing an automatic detection device for the sex of chicks based on machine vision. Figure 10 The flowchart shows the overall process consisting of the following steps: automatic sensing, automatic focus adjustment, automatic illumination adjustment, image acquisition and preprocessing, feature extraction and comparison, output of gender determination results and image data storage. The detailed steps are as follows.

[0059] Step 1: After connecting the mechanical structure and hardware circuit of the overall system, power on and turn on the main switch to automatically wake up the sensing device and enter the automatic sensing state. The automatic sensing state is divided into manual operation sensing and chick position sensing. When the operator extends into the detection device, the infrared beam light curtain sensor 10 senses and obtains the start signal and sends the signal to the control module, triggering the adaptive image acquisition module to enter the working preparation state. When the chick is placed on the positioning plate 3, the laser beam photoelectric transmitter switch 708 and the laser beam photoelectric receiver switch 709 sense the position of the chick. If the chick is in place, the adaptive image acquisition module 7 is triggered to enter the working state and begins to acquire several images under the initial light source and initial focus position.

[0060] Step 2: During imaging, first capture 5-10 images, then delete the first 3-5 blurry images to obtain a clearer reference image for adjustment. The control module selects several high-resolution images and identifies the position of the genital protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chick based on the selected images. Based on the position of the genital protrusion, it makes fine adjustments to the X-direction displacement stage 801 and Y-direction displacement stage 802 on the autofocus module 8. Then, it controls the Z-direction displacement stage 805 and the telephoto macro lens 804 to adjust synchronously to complete autofocus.

[0061] Step 3: The control module matches the optimal lighting mode based on the lighting conditions of the genital protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chick. Then, based on the optimal lighting mode, it controls the automatic adjustment of the angle, brightness, chromaticity and color temperature of the four supplementary lights in the supplementary lighting module 1, so that the beam is focused on the plane where the genital protrusion is located at the chick's anus and reduces the impact of reflection on imaging, ensuring that the imaging edge of the end of the chick's cloaca is clear and the color is natural.

[0062] Step 4: The control module controls the industrial camera 803 on the adaptive image acquisition module 7 to capture images and perform gender recognition. Then, the gender recognition results are displayed on the display screen 5, and the operator is prompted to perform the next operation.

[0063] In step 4, the control module sends several clear images of the genital protrusion at the end of the cloaca of chicks to the sex recognition system. The sex recognition system performs image preprocessing, feature extraction, and feature comparison on these images to obtain the sex recognition result, which is then sent back to the control module. Image preprocessing includes cropping and position calibration to ensure the feature is at the optimal recognition angle, and selecting the image with the best image quality from the uploaded images for subsequent operations. Feature extraction is performed on the feature region, and a deep learning machine vision recognition algorithm is used to compare and distinguish the extracted features based on the trained model.

[0064] In the sex recognition system, the obtained sex recognition results and the corresponding images of the reproductive protrusion at the end of the cloaca of chicks are used as samples and input into the system dataset to automatically learn and train the model within the sex recognition system, update the model within the sex recognition system, and further improve the accuracy of sex determination.

[0065] like Figure 11 As shown, the overall workflow of the machine vision-based automatic sex detection device and method for chicks is as follows: After the automatic sex detection device for chicks is powered on, the main control system initializes and performs a fault self-check on the device's hardware and software systems. If a fault exists in the device's hardware or software, the main control system will alarm and wait for the fault to be resolved. If there is no fault, the main control system will control the automatic wake-up sensing device to enter the automatic sensing state. If no chick to be detected is detected, the automatic sensing state is maintained. When the operator places the chick to be identified into the interactive area after turning its cloaca, the infrared beam light curtain sensor 10 sends a signal to the control module, triggering the adaptive image acquisition module to enter the working preparation state. If the chick is placed in place, the laser beam photoelectric switches 708 and 709 send signals, triggering the adaptive image acquisition module 7 to enter the working state and begin acquiring image information. The main control system obtains the end of the chick's cloaca based on the acquired image. The system uses positional and image information to control the autofocus module 8 and the automatic adjustment and supplementary lighting module 1 to quickly adjust and optimize image quality. It also monitors and judges image quality in real time; if the image quality is unsatisfactory, it readjusts; if the image is clear, subsequent operations are performed to ensure a clear and natural image of the cloacal region. After adjustment, the overall control system controls the adaptive image acquisition module 7 to acquire images of the cloacal region. The acquired image data is transmitted to the sex recognition system, which performs preprocessing such as cropping and position calibration. After image data preprocessing, the sex recognition system extracts features from the image and uses a deep learning machine vision recognition algorithm to compare and judge the extracted features based on the trained model. The judgment result is fed back to the overall control system, which displays the sex determination result of the identified chicks on the display screen 5, completing the chick sex detection process.

[0066] The detailed descriptions listed above are merely specific descriptions of feasible embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent methods or modifications that do not depart from the technology of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for automatic sex detection in chicks based on machine vision, characterized in that, The device used in the method includes an automatic adjustment lighting module (1), a main frame (2), a positioning component, a control module, a light-shielding module (6), an adaptive image acquisition module (7), an autofocus module (8), and an automatic sensing start module; a light-shielding module (6) is installed outside the main frame (2), an automatic adjustment lighting module (1) is installed around the upper part of the main frame (2), an autofocus module (8) and a positioning component are installed in the main frame (2), the autofocus module (8) and the positioning component are arranged vertically at intervals, the automatic sensing start module is installed at the entrance of the main frame (2) and in the positioning component, the control module is set inside the main frame (2), and the automatic adjustment lighting module (1), the autofocus module (8) and the automatic sensing start module are all connected to the control module; The automatic adjustment fill light module (1) includes multiple fill lights that are spaced apart and installed on the upper part of the main frame (2). Each fill light includes a dual-degree-of-freedom control gimbal, an automatic adjustment controller and an adjustable LED array. The dual-degree-of-freedom control gimbal is fixedly installed on the main frame (2). The adjustable LED array is installed on the dual-degree-of-freedom control gimbal. The adjustable LED array is connected to the control module through the automatic adjustment controller. The dual-degree-of-freedom control gimbal is used to control the illumination angle of the fill light. The automatic adjustment controller is used to control the brightness, chromaticity and color temperature of the fill light. The automatic sensing and starting module includes a through-beam light curtain sensor and a through-beam photoelectric sensor. The through-beam light curtain sensor is fixedly installed on both sides of the entrance of the main frame (2). The through-beam light curtain sensor is connected to the control module and is used to start the device and enter the work preparation state. The through-beam photoelectric sensor is installed on both sides of the positioning component. The positioning component between the through-beam photoelectric sensors is used to place the operator's hands and the chicks. The through-beam photoelectric sensors are all connected to the control module and are used to sense the operator and control the device to enter the working state. The autofocus module (8) includes an X-direction displacement stage (801), a Y-direction displacement stage (802), an industrial camera (803), a telephoto macro lens (804), a Z-direction displacement stage (805), and a tilting bracket (806). The X-direction displacement stage (801) is installed on the upper part of the main frame (2), the Y-direction displacement stage (802) is installed below the X-direction displacement stage (801), and the Z-direction displacement stage (805) is installed below the Y-direction displacement stage (802) via the tilting bracket (806). The moving direction of the Z-direction displacement stage (805) is arranged at an acute angle to the horizontal direction. The industrial camera (803) is installed below the Z-direction displacement stage (805), and the telephoto macro lens (804) is fixedly installed in the industrial camera (803). The method includes the following steps: Step 1: When the operator extends into the detection device, the through-beam light curtain sensor senses the start signal and sends the signal to the control module, triggering the adaptive image acquisition module (7) to enter the work preparation state; when the chicks are placed on the positioning plate (3), the through-beam photoelectric sensor senses the position of the chicks. If the chicks are in place, the autofocus module (8) is triggered to enter the working state and begins to acquire several images under the initial light source and initial focus position. Step 2: The control module selects several high-resolution images and identifies the position of the genital protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chicks based on the selected images. Based on the position of the genital protrusion, it makes fine adjustments to the X-direction displacement stage (801) and Y-direction displacement stage (802) on the control autofocus module (8). Then, it controls the Z-direction displacement stage (805) and the telephoto macro lens (804) to adjust synchronously to complete the autofocus. Step 3: The control module matches the optimal lighting mode according to the lighting conditions of the genital protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chicks, and then controls the automatic adjustment of the angle, brightness, chromaticity and color temperature of the supplementary lighting module (1) according to the optimal lighting mode, so that the beam is adjusted and concentrated on the plane where the genital protrusion is located at the anus of the chicks. Step 4: The control module controls the industrial camera (803) to capture images and perform gender recognition, and then displays the gender recognition results.

2. The automatic sex detection method for chicks based on machine vision according to claim 1, characterized in that, In step 4, the control module sends several clear images of the reproductive protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chicks to the sex recognition system. The sex recognition system performs image preprocessing, feature extraction, and feature comparison on the images of the reproductive protrusion at the end of the cloaca of the chicks, obtains the sex recognition result, and sends it back to the control module.

3. The automatic sex detection method for chicks based on machine vision according to claim 2, characterized in that, In the sex recognition system, the obtained sex recognition results and the corresponding images of the reproductive protrusions at the end of the cloaca of chicks are used as samples and input into the system dataset to automatically learn and train the model within the sex recognition system, thereby updating the model within the sex recognition system.

4. The automatic sex detection method for chicks based on machine vision according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light-shielding module (6) includes a front opaque light-shielding plate (601) and a front transparent light-shielding plate (602); the front opaque light-shielding plate (601) and the front transparent light-shielding plate (602) are installed on the front of the main frame (2), and the front opaque light-shielding plate (601) and the front transparent light-shielding plate (602) are arranged vertically.

5. The automatic sex detection method for chicks based on machine vision according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable LED array is an array composed of full-color LEDs, divided into a cool white array and a warm white array.

6. The automatic sex detection method for chicks based on machine vision according to claim 1, characterized in that, The positioning component includes a positioning plate (3) and a positioning plate connecting plate (9). The positioning plate (3) is installed on the lower part of the main frame (2) through the positioning plate connecting plate (9), and photoelectric sensors are respectively installed on both sides of the positioning plate (3).

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