Measurement system and method for non-invasive intra-embryonic gender identification of avian embryos in eggs in early embryonic development

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring system. The invention relates to a sex detection device for non-invasive, preferably automated sex detection of embryos in eggs (50) in early embryonic development, in particular before the seventh incubation day, in particular during incubation, in particular in an incubator having at least one egg tray (40) for receiving a plurality of eggs (50) and at least one egg carriage (80) for holding the at least one egg tray (40), the measuring system has at least one irradiation unit (10) for irradiating the egg (50) with electromagnetic radiation; at least one sensor unit (20) for detecting electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg (50); an evaluation unit (30) having at least one spectrometer (31) configured to receive the radiation transmitted through the egg (50) and to generate a spectrum of the radiation transmitted through the egg (50); and a data processing unit (33) configured to receive the spectrum generated by the spectrometer (31) and to store the spectrum as a reference spectrum or a measurement spectrum; an identification unit (23) for generating identification data, by means of which the spectrum generated on the egg (50) can be individually assigned to the egg (50); and a classification unit (35); wherein the data processing unit (33) is configured to store the spectrum generated by the spectrometer (31) and the associated identification data, and the classification unit (35) is configured to determine the gender of the embryo on the basis of at least one reference spectrum and at least one measurement spectrum. The invention further relates to a corresponding method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a measuring system for non-invasive, preferably automated sexing in early embryonic development, in particular before the seventh hatching day, in particular during incubation, and to a corresponding method in accordance with claim 19 . Background Art

[0002] Systems for determining the sex of embryos have been used for quite some time in commercial livestock farming, such as chicks. Since it is desirable not to damage the embryos, especially the female embryos, so as not to endanger further growth and to minimize the consumption of material and machinery, non-invasive devices and methods are particularly advantageous.

[0003] What most of these devices have in common is that they determine the sex of the embryo by so-called "egg candling." In this process, the egg is illuminated. Based on the radiation that emerges from the egg, information about the state of the egg or the embryo is collected.

[0004] However, due to the large biological differences in egg properties, such as size, shape, color and shell thickness, and the associated large breadth of possible measurement results, reliable quantitative statements are difficult to make. These factors severely hamper sex determination, especially in the early development stages of the embryo, where the signals being sought appear very weak.

[0005] Early and reliable sex identification of embryos is necessary. In particular due to racial concerns and resulting legal regulations, it is important to be able to perform sex identification as early as possible, in particular before the onset of pain (day 7 of incubation), in order not only to reduce animal suffering during egg-laying chicken farming, but also to provide hatcheries with a cost-effective alternative to the resource-intensive and costly breeding of male egg-laying chicks.

[0006] Furthermore, since a large number of eggs to be determined also occur in the commercial egg harvest, it is difficult to provide a measuring system which allows a correspondingly high throughput without incurring excessive costs due to the large number of required sensor devices.

[0007] A further difficulty is the often encountered requirement to provide a measuring system that is compatible with existing incubators and egg trays used for storing and incubating eggs, so that new purchases can be avoided as far as possible. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to the above-described embodiments, the object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method which allow a large number of eggs to be examined to determine their sex, wherein a high degree of accuracy can be achieved early in the incubation cycle. In addition, a high degree of integrability into already existing breeding systems should be achieved.

[0009] This object is achieved by a measuring system having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of claim 19. Preferred developments are described in the dependent claims.

[0010] The object is achieved in particular by a measuring system for non-invasive, preferably automated sexing of embryos in eggs during early embryonic development, in particular before the seventh hatching day, in particular during incubation, in particular in an incubator having at least one egg tray for accommodating a plurality of eggs and at least one egg trolley for holding at least one egg tray, the measuring system comprising:

[0011] - at least one irradiation unit for irradiating eggs with electromagnetic radiation;

[0012] - at least one sensor unit for detecting electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg;

[0013] - Evaluation unit with:

[0014] o at least one spectrometer, preferably connected to the sensor unit and configured to receive radiation transmitted through the egg and to generate a spectrum of the radiation transmitted through the egg; and

[0015] ○ a data processing unit configured to receive a spectrum generated by the spectrometer and store the spectrum as a reference spectrum or a measured spectrum;

[0016] - an identification unit for generating identification data, by means of which a spectrum generated on an egg can be unambiguously assigned to the egg;

[0017] - taxa;

[0018] Therein, the data processing unit is configured to store the spectrum generated by the spectrometer and the associated identification data, and the classification unit is configured to determine the sex of the embryo based on at least one reference spectrum and at least one measured spectrum.

[0019] The basic idea of ​​the invention is that individual eggs can be assigned an individual reference spectrum which can be used to take into account interfering factors due to biological differences in the measurement and thus enable a more precise determination of the embryo's sex at an early point in time.

[0020] In this case, transmission data are generated from the (electromagnetic) radiation transmitted through the egg, which are combined to form a spectrum. Based on the determined spectrum, which can consist of individual or multiple measurements of the radiation transmitted through the egg (transmission data), it is possible to draw conclusions about the spectral absorption ranges in the egg. The information generated by the data processing unit is forwarded to a classification unit, which performs the final classification.

[0021] The components of the evaluation unit can be provided by separate units that are communicatively interconnected. Likewise, a plurality or all units of the evaluation unit can be provided as a common structural unit. The data processing unit, the identification unit and the classification unit can be composed of a microprocessor or software components stored on a computing device and executable on the computing device to provide the required functionality.

[0022] According to a preferred embodiment, the measuring system has an optical decoupling element for optically decoupling the irradiation unit and the sensor unit, which optical decoupling element is preferably designed to lie against the egg during the measurement.

[0023] The main interfering factor when measuring spectra, in particular transmission spectra, is scattered light, which enters the sensor without having previously passed through the egg, since the egg has a high intensity, but does not carry any relevant spectral information. To prevent this, optical decoupling elements are used, which prevent light from being able to reach the sensor directly from the irradiation unit. Such decoupling elements can have the shape of baffles or brushes, which rest as closely as possible on the egg shell in order to leave a small possible gap for the scattered light to escape or enter. It goes without saying that when using radiation outside the visible range, correspondingly sealed baffles can be used.

[0024] The decoupling element can be designed and arranged in such a way that it shields the at least one irradiation unit from the environment. In particular, the decoupling element can be arranged and designed in such a way that the egg can be arranged on the decoupling element in such a way that the radiation emitted by the irradiation unit is conducted substantially completely to the egg. Likewise, the decoupling element can be designed and arranged in such a way that it shields the at least one sensor unit from the environment. In particular, the decoupling element can be arranged and designed in such a way that the egg can be arranged on the decoupling element in such a way that the sensor unit is shielded from the environment of the egg.

[0025] Preferably, the measuring system has means for determining the angle between a reference axis of the egg and a reference axis of the measuring system. A fixed reference axis, for example a vertical line (i.e. a direction parallel to the direction of gravity), can be used as the reference axis of the measuring system. An axis extending through the two tips of the egg can be chosen as the reference axis of the egg, i.e. an axis about which the egg shell is substantially rotationally symmetrical.

[0026] In the first few days of development, no matter what position the egg is in, the embryo will orient itself to make the embryo float. Knowing the inclination angle of the egg or the optical measurement axis relative to the measurement system reference axis is beneficial for ensuring where the embryo is located relative to the field of view of the sensor unit. In addition, the measurement at different inclination angles causes the difference of the spectrum obtained to increase. In addition, the understanding of the inclination angle of the egg can be additionally used to improve the subsequent comparability of the reference spectrum and the measurement spectrum, for example, by combining different measurements under different tilted positions to calculate the embryo.

[0027] It is particularly preferred that the reference axis of the measuring system is formed by a fixed axis, for example a vertical line, which also does not change when the measuring system is moved. If the measuring system is designed so that the position and orientation of the egg can be fixed relative to the radiation source and the sensor unit, a tilting of the egg together with the radiation source and the sensor unit does not lead to any change in the relative position and orientation of the egg relative to the radiation source and the sensor unit. Nevertheless, the position of the embryo relative to the radiation source and the sensor unit changes in this case.

[0028] If a stationary axis, such as a vertical line, is selected as the reference axis of the measuring system, the tilt can also be determined in this case. As means for determining the angle between the reference axis of the egg and the stationary reference axis of the measuring system, such as a vertical line, a gyroscope can be used, for example, which is preferably rigidly connected to a component of the measuring system.

[0029] After the embryo has floated during development, but during development it usually grows scattered on the eggshell and is therefore rarely located exactly centrally, so that it is preferable to be able to illuminate the egg from different directions if the embryo is located on the axis of symmetry of the egg.

[0030] It is preferred that the irradiation unit has a plurality of radiation sources. The irradiation unit is particularly preferably formed by a ring light, particularly preferably by a ring LED, wherein a plurality of radiation sources, preferably LEDs, are arranged in a ring. The diameter of the ring light is preferably selected such that it is smaller than the diameter of the egg at its thickest point perpendicular to the egg's axis of symmetry. Such a radiation source designed as a ring light can be arranged at the flat end of the egg and allows the egg to be irradiated from different positions or directions, which are arranged radially around the egg's axis of symmetry.

[0031] The ring light preferably has exactly or at least 4 radiation sources (e.g. LEDs), more preferably exactly or at least 8 radiation sources, which are preferably arranged evenly distributed along the circumference of the ring light. In this case, it is helpful to use beam limiters around the individual radiation sources in order to clearly delimit different irradiated areas of the egg from one another. Preferably, the radiation sources of the irradiation unit are designed to be controllable independently of one another in order to enable selective irradiation of the eggs from different directions.

[0032] According to further embodiments, the illumination unit comprises a plurality of optical light guides configured to be arranged along a ring at one end of the egg and to be manipulable independently of each other to direct radiation emitted by the illumination unit onto the egg from different directions.

[0033] The sensor unit is either positioned stationary at one of the two poles or at the opposite side of the active lighting direction. In any case, it is preferred that the optical decoupling element can be arranged on the egg in a light-tight manner.

[0034] Preferably, the measuring system is configured to perform a plurality of measurements irradiating the egg from different directions, respectively, by successively activating individual radiation sources or by successively directing the radiation emitted by the irradiation unit via different optical light guides onto the egg.

[0035] By comparing the measurements performed successively with each other, the measurement in which the embryo is irradiated to the greatest extent can be identified, i.e., the measurement with the relatively highest and / or strongest useful signal. A portion or all of the remaining measurements with smaller and / or weaker useful signals can be converted (e.g., by division or subtraction) with the measurement with the relatively highest and / or strongest useful signal to improve the quality of the measurement and the quality of the measurement spectrum generated thereby.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the illumination unit and the sensor unit are arranged and configured such that they have the same orientation relative to two reference points of the egg, such as the center of gravity of the eggshell or two poles or tips of the egg, in each measurement.

[0037] It is advantageous to ensure that the elements of the measuring system, in particular the irradiation unit and the sensor unit, are always in substantially the same relative arrangement and orientation with respect to one another and to the eggs, since this can significantly reduce the differences between the measurements. In conjunction with determining the angle of the egg axis, it is also possible to carry out measurements from different angles in a targeted manner.

[0038] A further embodiment of the invention comprises a trolley transport device for transporting an egg trolley with at least one egg tray to at least one irradiation unit which is preferably arranged in an incubator, further preferably between different incubators, and / or a trolley positioning device which is suitable for unambiguously determining the position of the trolley in the incubator. In this case, it is preferred that the at least one irradiation unit and the at least one sensor unit are arranged on a measuring column which can be fixedly mounted in the incubator. As will be described in more detail below, the at least one irradiation unit and the at least one sensor unit can be fixedly or movably mounted on the measuring column.

[0039] In commercial vending machines, so-called egg trolleys are often used in order to accommodate a large number of egg trays and to keep them in an incubator. It would be advantageous if the trolleys could be transported fully or at least partially automatically to the irradiation unit and / or sensor unit. This offers the advantage that the measuring system can be used in an already existing incubator without having to replace the already existing equipment. In particular, a solution is provided in which the transport device already knows the position of all trolleys in the incubator in order to then drive to these positions in a targeted manner. For this purpose, the trolley transport device can be designed as a robot, which has a control unit, which is designed to control the trolley transport device at a predeterminable position in the incubator in order to transport the egg trolley from the predeterminable position to the irradiation unit and / or sensor unit for measurement.

[0040] Furthermore, it is also advantageous to know the position of the cart or the cart positioning device exactly in order to be able to identify individual carts, egg trays or eggs for measurement, further observation or sorting purposes. Preferably, the cart transport device is communicatively connected to the evaluation unit and / or the identification unit and is configured to transmit the cart identification data to the evaluation unit and / or the identification unit, which are taken into account when generating the identification data.

[0041] Furthermore, the object of the invention is achieved by a measuring system having a transport device for transporting the irradiation unit and the sensor unit to the eggs, preferably within an incubator, more preferably between different incubators.

[0042] In addition or as an alternative to the above-described concept according to the invention of transporting the egg trolley to the irradiation unit and / or the sensor unit in order to carry out the measurement of the eggs, the measuring system can also be configured in the sense of the invention such that the irradiation unit and the sensor unit can be transported to the (specified) egg tray. This is particularly advantageous because in this embodiment the eggs are less disturbed by the measurement during their incubation and therefore have a lower risk of being damaged or dying during their development.

[0043] According to one aspect of the invention, a measuring system is provided, wherein the cart transport device has means which are designed to set an inclined position of at least one egg.

[0044] In order to be able to set the tilting position of at least one egg or the angle of the reference axis of the egg as simply as possible and compatible with already existing trolley elements, it is advantageous if the trolley transport device is equipped with complementary or interacting components in order to achieve a high degree of compatibility and thus cost savings. For this purpose, it is preferred that the trolley transport device has means for setting the tilting angle of the egg trays in the egg trolley. The means for setting the tilting angle of the egg trays in the egg trolley are preferably designed to engage and / or interact with a tilting device of the egg trolley in order to set the tilting angle of the egg trays in the egg trolley. Thus, for example, the trolley transport device can be designed to tilt the egg trolley as a whole together with the egg trays and eggs located therein, or to engage in an existing tilting device of the egg trolley in order to tilt the egg trays.

[0045] A further development of the invention comprises a measuring system having a measuring arm which accommodates the (at least one) irradiation unit and the (at least one) sensor unit in such a way that at least one egg can be positioned on the (at least one) irradiation unit and / or the (at least one) sensor unit for measurement.

[0046] The advantage of placing the irradiation unit and the sensor unit together in the measuring arm is that the relative positioning of the two units relative to each other and to the egg is facilitated. In addition, the adaptation of the measuring device to the egg tray angle is significantly simplified because only the angle and position of the measuring arm need to be adapted.

[0047] According to another aspect of the invention, the measuring system comprises a first measuring arm accommodating the (at least one) irradiation unit and a second measuring arm accommodating the (at least one) sensor unit, wherein the first measuring arm and the second measuring arm are arranged and constructed such that at least one egg can be positioned between the (at least one) irradiation unit and the (at least one) sensor unit for measurement.

[0048] This arrangement allows the illumination unit to be arranged at the opposite end of the egg relative to the sensor unit. This has the advantage that the measuring system can be configured to measure the egg in transillumination. This allows the brightness to be increased compared to detecting backscattered radiation or sidescattered radiation.

[0049] In another aspect of the present invention, the measuring system has the following device: a measuring column, on which the first measuring arm and the second measuring arm are movably supported, wherein the first measuring arm has a first movement mechanism for setting the vertical position of the first measuring arm, and the second measuring arm has a second movement mechanism for setting the vertical position of the second measuring arm.

[0050] The movable arrangement of the measuring arm enables measurements on a plurality of egg trays without providing a separate measuring arm for each plane. The number of required irradiation units and sensor units can thus be kept small. This enables simple integration into already existing incubation devices in particular.

[0051] A further possible embodiment has a measuring system according to the invention, wherein the first motion mechanism has a first horizontal linear guide and a second horizontal linear guide for setting the horizontal position of the first measuring arm, and the second motion mechanism has a third horizontal linear guide and a fourth horizontal linear guide for setting the horizontal position of the second measuring arm.

[0052] By means of such a linear guide, the irradiation unit and the sensor unit can be freely moved and positioned relative to one another, thereby providing a simple possibility for changing between different egg trays, which not only increases the measurement throughput but also increases the compatibility and thus saves costs.

[0053] A further possible embodiment of the invention is a measuring attachment which accommodates both the irradiation unit and the sensor unit, so that both the irradiation unit and the sensor unit can be arranged above or below the egg tray, in particular for the purpose of measuring. The measuring attachment is designed to be placed on the egg tray during the measurement. For this purpose, the measuring attachment can have a measuring attachment adapter which enables a fixed positioning of the measuring attachment relative to the egg tray.

[0054] Such a measuring attachment has the advantage that it can be placed without great complexity on already used egg trays. This is particularly advantageous because high conversion costs are avoided. Furthermore, the attachment can be moved back and forth between different egg trays, egg trolleys and incubators in a simple manner, both manually and by automated transport devices. Furthermore, such an attachment automatically adapts to the variable angles of the egg tray without the need for reorientation.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the measuring system comprises at least one ventilation opening which is constructed in the measuring attachment, the first measuring arm and / or the second measuring arm and is designed to ensure ventilation of the egg during the measurement.

[0056] For optimal incubation conditions for the eggs, it is necessary that the largest possible surface area of ​​the eggs is in constant heat exchange with the ambient air of the incubator. The ventilation channel according to the invention therefore ensures that even during the measurement a constant flow of incubator air exchanges heat with the surface of the eggs. In this context, a ventilation channel is to be understood as meaning all openings which allow incubator air to come into contact with the eggs during the measurement process. The ventilation openings can in particular be formed by a porous or honeycomb-shaped structure in order to provide the greatest possible air exchange.

[0057] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation unit is configured to output a sex label and an associated confidence level for each egg. The confidence level can also be output to the classification unit.

[0058] Because the gender recognition of embryo just may not be carried out absolutely reliably in the incubation stage in early stage, it is very advantageous to set the confidence level to the division of egg to two sexes.Then the confidence level can be used as selection criteria for example.Therefore for example, the expected value of the male or female embryo of a specific number can be maximized or minimized, or the predetermined probability for the female embryo of a predetermined minimum number can be obtained.The confidence level can be produced by various algorithmic methods based on the measurement spectrum and the reference spectrum in the sorting process.This confidence level represents how to judge the gender division uniquely and is therefore the measure of uncertainty.

[0059] In a further embodiment, the measuring system can have an (externally connected) data storage device, in particular a cloud storage device, which is configured to store external parameters (such as embryo mortality or expected number of births), measurement spectra and reference spectra and / or evaluation results of the measuring system and output them to an evaluation unit or a classification unit.

[0060] This has the advantageous effect that selection decisions can thus be made in a simple manner which also take into account the measurement results of other vehicles or incubators in order to meaningfully control the total output quantity. The external parameters can be predefined and adapted by the operator of the incubator.

[0061] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring system comprises a fastening means which is configured to prevent a change in the orientation of the egg relative to the egg flat.

[0062] Since the angular position of the egg has a large influence on the measured spectrum due to the floating of the embryo, fixing this angle makes it possible to achieve a higher reproducibility and accuracy in all measurements and when presetting or changing this angle. This further improves the accuracy and reliability of the sex determination. In this case, the fastening means can be a component of the measuring arm or the measuring attachment or the measuring attachment adapter, but also a component of a special egg tray provided for this purpose as part of the measuring system.

[0063] A further embodiment of the invention comprises the above-described measuring system, wherein the evaluation unit has a classification unit which classifies the eggs according to sex and / or health status based on the data of the measuring unit and / or data from an externally connected memory, wherein the classification unit is preferably spatially separated from the rest of the evaluation unit. In particular, the classification unit can be formed by a software component on an external server, preferably a cloud server.

[0064] The separation of the evaluation unit and the classification unit can make it easier to control the output of multiple carts or incubators. In this case, only the measured data need to be preprocessed on site, while the actual selection decision is made separately in space and / or time based on the larger data volume.

[0065] The object of the present invention is also to provide a method for non-invasively sexing embryos in eggs during early embryonic development, in particular before the seventh hatching day, in particular during the incubation period, the method comprising the following steps:

[0066] • generating at least one reference spectrum by means of irradiating the egg with electromagnetic radiation and detecting radiation passing through the egg before and / or at the start of the incubation, generating identification data for unambiguously identifying the egg and storing the reference spectrum together with the identification data of the egg;

[0067] • generating at least one measurement spectrum during said incubation by irradiating said egg with electromagnetic radiation and detecting radiation passing through said egg;

[0068] • Evaluating the measured spectrum using a stored reference spectrum belonging to the egg to determine the sex of the embryo.

[0069] In the method according to the invention, the reference spectrum and / or the measurement spectrum may be generated from a plurality of individual measurements, preferably from 10 measurements or more, more preferably from 30 measurements or more.

[0070] By combining different measurements, the reliability of the spectrum is increased due to the statistical suppression of random interference factors.

[0071] A further development of the method according to the invention consists in that an irradiation duration of less than 60 μs, preferably less than 40 μs, further preferably less than 20 μs is used for generating the measurement spectrum or the reference spectrum.

[0072] This is advantageous on the one hand because it results in a large time saving when carrying out a possible multiple measurement of a very large number of eggs. On the other hand, the short irradiation duration minimizes the health risks to the embryos.

[0073] According to a further concept of the invention, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the egg and the reference axis of the measuring system is determined. A fixed axis, such as a vertical line, can be used as the reference axis of the measuring system. An axis extending through the two tips of the egg can be selected as the reference axis of the egg, i.e., an axis about which the egg shell is substantially rotationally symmetrical.

[0074] After the embryo floats at the top relative to the direction of gravity in the early incubation stage, the determination and / or adaptation of the tilt angle of the egg can achieve the desired positioning of the embryo relative to the eggshell. In addition, by determining the angle between the reference axis of the egg and the measurement axis of the measurement system, the difference caused by the changing tilt angle of the measurement system together with the egg in the measurement can be significantly reduced. In addition, the knowledge of the tilt angle of the measurement system and the egg can be used to improve the subsequent comparability of the reference spectrum and the measurement spectrum.

[0075] According to a further design possibility of the invention, after the measurement has been made, the angle of the egg (i.e. the angle of the longitudinal axis of the egg relative to the reference axis of the measuring system) is changed and after the egg has reached a state of equilibrium, further measurements are performed with the changed angle of the egg. In order to reach a state of equilibrium, after the angle of the egg has been changed, a predetermined waiting time, for example at least 5 seconds or at least 10 seconds, may be waited before further measurements are performed with the changed angle of the egg.

[0076] This can be advantageous in particular for the purpose of reference measurement, in order to tilt the embryo out of the image area of ​​the sensor unit, for example, which enables a greater contrast than when measuring with the embryo later. This increases the accuracy of sex determination even at an early stage of embryonic development.

[0077] It is further preferred that, in order to generate a reference spectrum and / or a measurement spectrum, a plurality of measurements are performed, wherein the egg is illuminated from (at least) 4 different directions, preferably (at least) 6 different directions, further preferably from 8 or more different directions. Preferably, a measurement is performed for each different illumination direction in order to obtain a different spectrum for the different illumination directions, which spectra can be processed into a reference spectrum or a measurement spectrum.

[0078] This can be achieved, for example, by using an irradiation unit with multiple radiation sources, particularly preferably by using a ring light, wherein the multiple radiation sources are arranged along the circumference of the ring in the ring-shaped irradiation unit and can be controlled or activated independently of each other. It is also conceivable to change the orientation of the irradiation unit relative to the egg.

[0079] The invention furthermore comprises a preferred method in which measurements are taken successively when the egg is illuminated from different directions and the respective intensities of the useful signals in the measurements are determined. Preferably, one or more measurements with the strongest and / or highest useful signal are identified based on the respective intensities of the useful signals.

[0080] This is particularly advantageous since the embryo does not always float on top in the center of the egg, but often has a lateral offset relative to the middle symmetry axis of the egg and grows in a dispersed manner in later developmental stages. The signal quality (and therefore the reliability of the sex determination) can therefore be improved by selecting the measurement with the relatively strongest and / or highest useful signal.

[0081] Furthermore, it is preferred to convert the measurement with the strongest or highest useful signal with one or more measurements with weaker or lower useful signals in order to obtain an (optimized) reference spectrum or measurement spectrum. The conversion can preferably include dividing, subtracting and / or averaging the different measurement results.

[0082] Thus, for example, any subset of multiple measurements with different illumination directions can be converted or compared with each other. For example, all measurements except those with the strongest useful signal can be averaged and the result converted using the measurement with the strongest useful signal. The conversion can be performed in such a way that the measurement with the strongest useful signal is divided by the (average) measurement with a weaker useful signal, or by subtracting the (average) measurement with a weaker useful signal from the measurement with the strongest useful signal. The measurement with the strongest useful signal can be obtained, for example, based on the absolute absorption in a specific spectral range. This improves the signal reliability and credibility of the measurement.

[0083] The invention further comprises a method in which the measured spectrum is normalized according to a stored reference spectrum, wherein the reference spectrum is preferably created before the incubation, further preferably inside the incubator, further preferably before the incubation temperature is reached. The normalization can be performed, for example, by means of subtraction or division.

[0084] Developmental differences in the embryo can be better detected by taking reference measurements in advance. This is also particularly advantageous for identifying the sex of a given embryo as early as possible.

[0085] In a further aspect of the invention, the method comprises calibration measurements for calibrating the sensor unit, wherein the calibration measurements are performed with the sensor covered and / or on a reference object, such as a Teflon reference block, and are preferably performed automatically.

[0086] The accuracy of the measurement can be significantly improved by calibrating the sensor. In this case, the coverage of the sensor enables effective measurement of the so-called "dark noise" characteristics of the detector, i.e. the measurement of events without external inputs causing these events. The use of Teflon reference blocks offers the advantage, inter alia, that Teflon only causes a known attenuation of the amplitude of the incident radiation and the spectral distribution remains essentially unchanged, which can also be used to calibrate the sensor device.

[0087] According to a further aspect of the invention, in order to determine the sex of the embryo, a spectral range of a reference spectrum and a measurement spectrum in a wavelength range between 520 nm and 580 nm, preferably between 540 nm and 575 nm, further preferably between 520 nm and 680 nm, further preferably between 520 nm and 870 nm is used. This spectral range can also be used as a useful signal in the above-mentioned evaluation of successive measurements when irradiated from different directions.

[0088] The selection of the relevant frequency range makes sex identification easier, in particular by more accurately resolving the different absorption ranges. In particular, the hemoglobin absorption spectrum is particularly relevant in the sex identification of the embryo. However, the irradiation range is not essentially limited to the visible spectrum, but can also include the infrared and ultraviolet ranges in particular.

[0089] According to a further possible development, the method comprises acquiring additional data, in particular from a decentralized data cloud, wherein the evaluation of the measured spectrum takes place taking into account the additional data.

[0090] The consideration of such additional data makes it possible, in particular, to also include data that do not originate from the actual measurement in the classification and selection process.

[0091] According to one concept of the invention, a degree of confidence is assigned to the determination of the sex of the egg.

[0092] It is pointed out again here that the features and advantages described within the scope of the measuring system according to the invention are also applicable and transferable to the method according to the invention. Likewise, the features and advantages described of the measuring system, in particular the details of its composition, can be applied to the method. The functional features described within the scope of the measuring system according to the invention can be applied as method steps in the method according to the invention. Likewise, the method steps described within the scope of the method according to the invention can be applied in a measuring system, wherein the corresponding components of the measuring system are designed to carry out the method steps according to the invention.

[0093] A preferred development of the method according to the invention is a method in which the confidence level of the sex determination is taken into account in order to determine the expected yield quantity or the expected sex distribution with regard to egg sorting as a function of a plurality of adjustable external parameters, such as the incubation cycle-specific mortality rate of the embryos.

[0094] In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the observation duration is determined as a function of the confidence level and / or further measurements are performed in order to increase the confidence level.

[0095] Measures can thus be taken to increase the confidence level. This is particularly advantageous in the early embryonic stage, since sex determination is still particularly challenging and often subject to error.

[0096] According to a further possible development, the method comprises the simultaneous measurement of a plurality of eggs, in particular the simultaneous generation of a plurality of reference spectra and / or measurement spectra on a plurality of eggs, preferably by means of a plurality of measuring systems.

[0097] In order to ensure that a large number of eggs can be processed as efficiently as possible and to avoid disturbances to the eggs due to repeated or long-lasting measurements, it is advantageous to carry out the measurements as simultaneously as possible. This can be achieved by carrying out a plurality of measurements simultaneously. This can also include, in particular, carrying out a plurality of measurements on the eggs, for example using different sensors or different types of radiation.

[0098] A further (preferred) improvement of the method according to the invention consists in measuring a plurality of eggs simultaneously, which is performed in such a way that interferences between different measuring systems are minimized during the generation of a plurality of reference spectra and / or measurement spectra.

[0099] This avoids unnecessary interfering influences on the measurement due to the parallel measurements and thus increases the accuracy of the individual measurements. At the same time, this reduces the requirements for shielding the measuring unit from interfering influences, which not only leads to a simpler but also more cost-effective design of the entire system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0100] Further features and advantages of the present invention are described below with the aid of exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0101] Figure 1 A measuring assembly of a measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, with a separate illumination unit and a sensor unit;

[0102] Figure 2a A measuring assembly of a measuring system according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, having a combined illumination unit and a sensor unit;

[0103] Figure 2b Show Figure 2a A variant of the measuring assembly in which the measuring assembly has an irradiation unit with a plurality of radiation sources;

[0104] Figure 2c Show Figure 2b a view from below of the irradiation unit in;

[0105] Figure 3 A measuring system having a plurality of irradiation units and sensor units according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0106] Figure 4 A measuring system having a vehicle and a plurality of measuring arms according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0107] Figure 5 The vehicle transport device and the fixed measuring unit are shown;

[0108] Figure 6 A measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown from a bird's eye view;

[0109] Figure 7 shows a measurement column of a measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0110] Figure 8 A further embodiment of a measuring component of a measuring system according to the invention is shown;

[0111] Fig. 9 A detailed view showing a vehicle tilting device of a measuring system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0112] Fig.10 Figures showing further embodiments of an illumination unit and a sensor unit;

[0113] Fig.11 An exemplary embodiment of a vehicle transport device and a measuring unit is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0114] The accompanying drawings are only schematic and serve only to understand the invention. In the description of the exemplary embodiments, elements of the same type are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0115] Figure 1 A schematic view of a measuring assembly as used in a measuring system according to an embodiment of the invention is shown. The embodiment shown is suitable for the case where the measurement is performed in transillumination. The measuring assembly belonging to the measuring system according to the invention has an irradiation unit 10 and a sensor unit 20, between which an egg 50 is arranged for measurement. The sensor unit 20 is arranged on the opposite side of the egg 50 from the irradiation unit 10. The sensor assembly 20 is connected to a spectrometer 31. A sensor for communicating with the spectrometer 31 is provided on the spectrometer 31. Figure 1 The power connections and data connections of the cables and / or data cables are schematically indicated with reference numeral 34 .

[0116] The irradiation unit 10 is designed to output radiation in the direction of an egg 50, which is arranged in the measuring assembly. The radiation is electromagnetic radiation, such as (visible) light, infrared radiation, X-ray radiation or the like. As shown here, the embryo, which can essentially be identified by the blood vessels 52 contained therein, is located below the air inclusion 51 at the upper end of the egg 50 as viewed from the direction of gravity. The irradiation unit 10 is usually formed here by a light source in the visible range, such as an incandescent lamp, an LED or a xenon arc lamp. However, in the sense of the present invention, an irradiation unit is any electromagnetic radiation emitter that is suitable for producing an absorption spectrum of the egg 50. In Figure 1In the embodiment shown in , the irradiation unit 10 comprises a light guide for guiding electromagnetic radiation emitted by a radiation source (not shown) to the egg 50 .

[0117] The egg 50 faces the irradiation unit 10 with its flat end and faces the sensor unit 20 with its tip. The egg 50 is arranged with its tip in an optical decoupling element 43, which prevents radiation from reaching the sensor unit 20 directly without having previously at least partially passed through the egg 50. The optical decoupling element 43 can have the shape of a baffle or a brush, which is designed to lie tightly against the egg shell in order to allow an optimal seal. Preferably, this can be achieved, for example, by an elastic or compliant material for producing the decoupling element, or by a brush-like arrangement that lies against the egg 50. In addition, the decoupling element 43 is adapted to the receptacle of the egg 50 in terms of its basic shape.

[0118] It is also conceivable here, although not necessary, that the decoupling element 43 can also function as a securing means and fix the egg 50 in a certain orientation.

[0119] The egg 50 is surrounded on its side facing the irradiation unit 10 by an egg fixing element 101, which is also used to fix the egg 50 in a predetermined orientation. The orientation of the egg 50 can be defined by an axis that passes through the pointed end and the flat end of the egg 50 and about which the shell of the egg 50 is substantially rotationally symmetrical.

[0120] The radiation emitted from the egg 50 is detected by the sensor unit 20. An optical waveguide 22 is provided to transmit the radiation detected at the sensor unit 20 to the spectrometer 31. It is advantageous, although not necessary, to connect an optical converging element 21 upstream of the optical waveguide 22 leading to the spectrometer 31 in order to amplify the received signal. Examples of such an optical converging element 21 are collimating lenses, mirrors or other optical guiding elements, such as a Fresnel lens.

[0121] After the radiation has been recorded, a measurement spectrum of the detected radiation is generated by means of a spectrometer 31 and forwarded to a data processing unit 33 (not shown) via a data cable 34. The data processing unit 33 (not shown) is communicatively connected to the identification unit 23 (also not shown).

[0122] In this case, identification data which can be uniquely assigned to the egg 50 are likewise generated by the identification unit 23 and forwarded to the data processing unit 33 together with the measurement spectrum.

[0123] In the measuring assembly of the measuring system, the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are arranged such that they are oriented identically with respect to at least one reference point of the egg 50 at each measurement. Such a reference point is given, for example, by the center of gravity of the shell of the egg 50, which is different from the center of gravity of the entire egg which is not affected by the movement of the embryo. Preferably, the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are oriented identically with respect to a reference axis of the egg 50 at each measurement. As a reference axis of the egg 50, the above-mentioned axis of symmetry can be used, which extends through the poles of the egg. A change in the position of the reference axis of the egg 50 manifests itself as a tilt of the egg 50.

[0124] The entire assembly consisting of the egg 50 and the measuring assembly can be tilted while the orientation of the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 relative to the above-mentioned reference point or relative to the reference axis of the egg 50 remains unchanged. This enables measurements to be performed at different tilted positions of the egg 50 while the relative arrangement of the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 relative to the egg 50 remains unchanged. The embryo can thus be removed from the irradiation field of the irradiation unit 10 or the field of view of the sensor unit 20 by controlled tilting, for example, in order to perform reference measurements or calibration measurements. The egg 50 is thus tilted together with the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20.

[0125] Alternatively, a plurality of measurements can also be performed in different tilted positions of egg 50. In order to determine the current tilted position of egg 50, the angle between a predefined reference axis of egg 50 and a reference axis of the measuring system is determined. The reference axis of the measuring system is also referred to as reference axis within the scope of this description. Examples of such reference axes are, for example, Figure 1 A connecting line between the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20. Another example is a reference axis in the direction of the gravity field.

[0126] The way in which the angle between the reference axis and the reference axis is determined is unimportant. It is conceivable to detect it mechanically by presetting the angle of the egg tray in which the eggs are fixed, or to determine the angle optically, for example by detecting the egg contour or by a gyroscope mounted on the egg tray.

[0127] Figure 2aA further embodiment of a measuring arrangement of a measuring system according to the invention is shown, in which the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are arranged on the same side of the egg 50. In this embodiment, radiation which has not passed through the egg 50 but is backscattered in the egg 50 is recorded by the sensor unit. The arrangement of the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 on the same side of the egg 50 enables a simpler tilting of the egg tray 40, since the relative position of the irradiation unit and the sensor unit 10, 20 relative to the egg 50 is automatically kept constant. This arrangement is particularly advantageous when the measuring system has a measuring attachment 102, which can be placed on an already existing egg tray 40. In order to minimize the installation effort and, if necessary, also to ensure optical decoupling from adjacent measuring systems, such a measuring attachment 102 can have a measuring attachment adapter 103 which is specially adapted to the egg tray 40.

[0128] The measuring accessory adapter 103 is designed to be embedded in an egg tray or to accommodate a part of an egg tray to achieve a detachable connection between the measuring accessory 102 and the egg tray 40 , or to be placed on the egg tray.

[0129] The measuring attachment adapter additionally serves as an adapter between a plurality of different egg trays commonly used in practice and the measuring attachment 102. The variance required for more complex measuring attachments 102 is thereby minimized.

[0130] The provision of ventilation openings 106 (not shown here) can prevent the eggs 50 from insufficiently exchanging heat with the incubator air.

[0131] Such a measuring attachment can be moved automatically or manually between different egg trays 40 in order to carry out the measurement.

[0132] In order to direct the maximum part of the radiation emitted by the irradiation unit 10 into the egg, it is advantageous to use a beam limiter 14 which prevents an excessively large propagation of the light cone emitted by the irradiation unit 20. Here, the beam limiter can also be realized by a baffle or a brush. In addition, the baffle or brush prevents adjacent measuring systems from being disturbed by scattered light.

[0133] In order to obtain maximum information content even in the case of non-central orientation of the embryo 52, Figure 2a In the embodiment of FIG. 1 , it can be seen that the irradiation unit 10 has a plurality of irradiation units 10 a. This is advantageous for optimally bringing the embryo into the field of view to ensure a large influence of the embryo on the spectrum.

[0134] Because blood vessels 52 often do not grow in the center of egg 50 when it develops, but grow on one side of the flat end of egg 50, such as in Figure 2aAs shown in , it is therefore further advantageous to use an irradiation unit 10 having a plurality of radiation sources 10a, wherein the individual radiation sources 10a can be controlled or activated individually. Figure 2a In the example shown in , a very small useful signal can be expected in the event of activation of the radiation source 10 a on the left, whereas a strong useful signal can be expected with activation of the radiation source 10 a on the right, which is arranged just above the blood vessel 52 .

[0135] In the case of using an irradiation unit 10 with multiple individually activatable radiation sources 10a, a (reference or measurement) spectrum can be generated in such a way that a measurement is first performed in which only one radiation source 10a (or only a part of the radiation source 10a) is activated. Then one or more measurements with a relatively high useful signal can be selected from the obtained measurements. If multiple measurements with relatively high useful signals are selected, these can be converted to each other in a suitable manner, such as averaging, in order to obtain an optimized spectrum. It is also possible to convert measurements with relatively high useful signals with measurements with relatively low useful signals in order to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. For example, it is conceivable that a measurement with a high useful signal is divided by a measurement with a weak useful signal, or a measurement with a weak useful signal is subtracted from a measurement with a high protection signal. As a measurement with a weak useful signal, a measurement with a relatively weakest useful signal can be selected, or a plurality of measurements with relatively weak useful signals can be averaged.

[0136] Figure 2b Show Figure 2a A modification of the embodiment in , in which a ring light is used as the irradiation unit 10, which has a plurality of radiation sources 10a arranged in a ring. This is a structurally simple solution for irradiating the egg 50 from multiple directions. The diameter of the ring light is selected to be smaller than the diameter of the egg 50 at its widest point perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, in order to ensure that each radiation source 10a shines through the egg 50. The use of ring-shaped LEDs is particularly preferred. Figure 2c Schematically shows Figure 2b The ring light has eight radiation sources 10a which are arranged in a ring shape on the ring light.

[0137] Figure 3A further embodiment of the invention is shown, in which the measuring system has a plurality of measuring assemblies. In this context, a respective pair of an irradiation unit with a light source 11 and a sensor unit with an optical converging element 21 can be understood as a measuring assembly. A plurality of measuring assemblies can be operated simultaneously in order to increase the measurement throughput. The converging elements 21 are each provided with an optical waveguide 22, which is connected to a spectrometer 31 for detecting the radiation transmitted through the eggs 50 and generating a corresponding spectrum. The spectrometer 31 is connected to a data processing unit 33, which stores the spectrum generated by the spectrometer 31 together with identification data, which allow the spectrum to be assigned to the individual eggs 50 in the egg tray 40 being measured. The data processing unit has connections for electrical and data cables, which are connected at Figure 3 The data processing unit 33 can be connected to ( Figure 3 The data processing unit 33 is connected to a classification unit 35 (not shown), which is configured to determine the sex of the embryo in each egg 50 based on at least one reference spectrum and at least one measurement spectrum. The classification unit 35 can also be integrated in the data processing unit 33.

[0138] The light source 11 is introduced into the first measuring arm 60 and the focusing element 21 belonging to the sensor unit is introduced into the second measuring arm 70. According to this embodiment, the first measuring arm 60 is positioned above an egg tray 40 in an incubator 80 arranged on an egg tray support 41 and the second measuring arm 70 is positioned below the egg tray 40. Here, the eggs 50 are located in the egg recesses 42 of the egg tray 40. However, it is also conceivable to arrange the measuring arms next to the eggs or in other positions, as long as the mutually associated irradiation unit 10 and sensor unit 20 each hold an egg between themselves and the relative position of the measuring components relative to the eggs remains constant or rotates together when the eggs are tilted.

[0139] Since when using multiple light sources, such as LEDs, an increased heat release occurs, which not only has a negative effect on the temperature control of the incubator but also has a negative effect on the service life of the light source, the light source 11 is provided with a cooling element 12. The cooling element 12 can actively or passively contribute to cooling. For example, cooling fins are suitable for promoting faster temperature exchange. The same applies to the cooling element 32 of the spectrometer 31 associated with the measurement of the spectrum.

[0140] Additionally, the measuring arms 60 , 70 can have ventilation openings in order to ensure the best possible ventilation around the egg 50 .

[0141] In addition to the above-mentioned beam limiter, it may also be advantageous if the irradiation unit is already equipped with an optical deflection element 13, such as an aspherical lens, a Fresnel lens or the like, in order to couple as much radiation emitted by the light source 11 as possible into the egg 50. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a beam limiter 14 is provided at a single illumination unit to prevent radiation emitted by a single light source 11 from scattering into adjacent measurement components.

[0142] In order to keep the mutual influence of the measuring systems as small as possible, additional measures can be taken. For example, the measuring system can be configured so that the measurement is carried out in multiple steps, for example two steps, wherein in the first step only every other measuring component is measured and then in the second step the remaining measuring components carry out their measurements, so that there is always at least one egg 50 distance between the active measuring components.

[0143] In order to easily reciprocate the measuring system between a plurality of egg trays located in the cart, the first measuring arm 60 has a first kinematic mechanism 61 and the second measuring arm 70 has a second kinematic mechanism 71. These kinematic mechanisms are used to vertically and / or horizontally move the position of the measuring arms 60, 70 relative to the measuring column 90 carrying the measuring arms. Thus, all egg trays in the cart can be measured in sequence. Preferably, in order to transport the egg trays to the measuring system, a mechanism for removing the egg trays from the egg trolley in the incubator is provided, which can insert the egg trays into the egg trolley again after the measurement. This makes it possible to provide more structural space for the measuring unit.

[0144] In order to determine the current position of the measuring assembly and ensure the clear assignment of the reference spectrum and the measurement spectrum to different eggs, the measuring system has an identification unit 23. The identification unit 23 is designed to identify the egg tray or the cart, for example, by means of a marker or sensor installed. In order to ensure the clear assignment of the measurement spectrum to the egg 50, the identification unit 23 sends data, such as the identifier of the cart, the identifier of the egg tray 40 and the determined egg position in the egg tray 40 to the data processing unit 33, which stores the identification data of the egg 50 together with the measured reference spectrum and / or the measurement spectrum. Each chicken tray 40 can be identified by means of an egg tray identification feature 44, which can be formed by an optically readable code, such as a barcode or a QR code or by an RFID tag. The identification unit 23 is appropriately constructed as an optical reading device or an RFID reader accordingly.

[0145] In another embodiment, the identification of the cart, egg tray 40 or egg 50 can be achieved by forwarding data to the data processing unit 33, which data contain information about the current position of the measuring arm 60, 70 or the kinematic mechanism 61, 71. From the position of the measuring arm 60, 70, it is possible to infer the position of the measuring assembly and thus determine which eggs have been measured.

[0146] Figure 4 Show Figure 3 External view of a measuring system of the type shown in , with which eggs can be measured directly in egg trays arranged in the cart. Figure 4 FIG. 8 shows a cart 80 with a plurality of egg trays 40. The measuring system and the cart 80 are located in an incubator. Figure 4 Indicated by reference numeral 104.

[0147] The measuring system has a first measuring arm 60, a second measuring arm 70 and a measuring column 90. The measuring column 90 is arranged on a column foot 91. The column foot 91 has a transport device 107 for transporting the measuring column 90 between different carts 80 within the incubator 104. It is also conceivable to use the transport device 107 for transporting the measuring system between different incubators. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the evaluation unit 30 is integrated in the measuring column 90 , which evaluation unit may comprise a spectrometer, a data processing unit and / or a classification unit, or communication means to establish a communication connection with said units.

[0148] In order to enable or simplify the positioning of the cart in the incubator, a cart positioning device 85 is provided at the bottom of the incubator, which ensures that each cart 80 is positioned at a predetermined position in the incubator. This can be achieved via a dedicated holding device or otherwise by markings, which allow the user to correctly position the cart 80.

[0149] Figure 5 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which a measuring column 90 is fixed in the incubator so that the egg trolley 80 can move toward the measuring column. A plurality of measuring arms 94 are arranged on the measuring column 90, in which a measuring arm is arranged according to the Figure 1 , 2a , 2b or 3. The eggs are transported to the measuring system by means of a trolley transport device 81, which transports the egg trolley 80 as a whole to the measuring column. The trolley transport device 81 can preferably be in the form of a robot, which independently drives past the trolley position and drives the trolley 80 towards the fixed measuring system. The trolley transport device 81 has a smaller height than the trolley foot 84, so that the trolley transport device 81 can be driven under the trolley 80. A removable lifting mechanism is provided in the trolley transport device, by means of which the egg trolley 80 can be raised and then transported.

[0150] In order to achieve the setting of different tilt angles, the trolley transport device 81 can have a trolley tilting device 82 (not shown here), which sets the tilting state of the egg tray 40. For this purpose, the trolley tilting device either engages in an already existing pivot mechanism of the egg trolley 80 or the trolley tilts the egg trolley 80 as a whole.

[0151] Figure 6The interior of an incubator with a plurality of measuring systems with one or more measuring arms 60, 70 is shown from a bird's eye view. The incubator is delimited by an incubator wall 104 and an incubator door 105. The measuring system in turn has a measuring column 90. Figure 6 The measuring column 90 shown on the right in the figure has both a first horizontal linear guide 92 and a second horizontal linear guide 93. These horizontal linear guides are used to set the position of a measuring arm 94 or a plurality of measuring arms 60, 70 in a plane orthogonal to the measuring column 90. The measuring arm 94 can in turn have a plurality of horizontal linear guides 92 and 93. Figure 1 , 2a , 2b or 3 showing the measuring component of the embodiment.

[0152] The first horizontal linear guide 92 and the second horizontal linear guide 93 can be connected to the first motion mechanism of the first measuring arm 60, and the third horizontal linear guide 92 and the fourth horizontal linear guide 93 (because they are located directly below the first horizontal linear guide and the second horizontal linear guide, they are Figure 6 The first and second measuring arms 70 (not visible) can be connected to the second kinematic mechanism of the second measuring arm 70 in order to be able to set the position of the measuring system in all three spatial directions. In particular, the first and second measuring arms can be positioned independently of each other in order to set the angle between the measuring system and the egg, for example.

[0153] In this way, the measurement system can be moved back and forth between multiple vehicles 80. Figure 6 As shown in FIG, the measuring arm has an identification unit 23 which is designed to read the egg tray identification means 44 on the egg tray 40 in order to be able to make a clear assignment to the egg tray 40 or the cart 80. The clear position of the egg in the previously identified egg tray 40 or the cart 80 can then be determined from the coordinates of the horizontal linear guide in order to assign the egg identification to the measurement.

[0154] Figure 7Once again, an embodiment of the invention is shown, in which a measuring column 90 is fixed in the incubator so that the vehicle 80 can be moved toward the measuring column. In order to achieve different tilt angle settings, the vehicle transport device 81 engages in the vehicle tilting device 82 after it has been positioned close to the vehicle foot 84. In the embodiment shown, the egg tray 40 is pivoted upward about an axis at the distal end of the egg tray about a tilting mechanism 86 similar to a tilting bearing. Since the relative orientation of the measuring assembly and the egg 50 should remain unchanged here, the measuring arm 94 is also supported pivotably. The storage position of the measuring arm 94 is matched to the position of the tilting mechanism 86, so that when the vehicle 80 is placed on the measuring column 90, the axis of the bearing of the measuring arm and the axis of the tilting mechanism are superimposed on each other as much as possible, so that a joint tilting of the measuring arm 94 and the egg tray 40 can be achieved. It is also conceivable to tilt the egg tray to the side or in other ways and methods, as long as the relative position relative to the measuring assembly does not change here.

[0155] Figure 8 Show Figure 2a and 2b A further embodiment of a measuring arrangement of a measuring system according to the invention of the type shown in FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 2 , in which the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are arranged on the same side of the egg 50. The equilateral design here enables a simpler tilting of the egg tray 40, since the relative position of the irradiation unit and the sensor unit 10, 20 relative to the egg 50 is automatically kept constant. This arrangement is particularly advantageous for a measuring attachment 102, which can be simply placed on an already existing egg tray 40. In order to minimize the installation effort and, if necessary, also to ensure optical decoupling from adjacent measuring systems, such a measuring attachment 102 has a measuring attachment adapter 103 specifically adapted to the egg tray 40. Here, as shown, it is advantageous if the components of the measuring arrangement and the egg tray 40 are designed as frame-like and / or honeycomb-like as possible, so that ventilation openings 106 that are as large as possible are formed, through which the eggs 50 are in heat exchange with the incubator air.

[0156] Fig. 9 2 and 3. A further possibility for realizing a tilting mechanism 86 for an egg tray is shown. Here, by raising and lowering the egg tray 40 at one end by means of a schematically shown tilting device 8, a rotation about the tilting mechanism 86 designed as a tilting bearing is caused. In particular, when using the tilting mechanism according to FIGS. 2 and 3, the tilting mechanism 86 is rotated. Figure 8 When measuring the attachment 102 in one of the exemplary embodiments shown in FIG. 8 , it should be ensured that the vertical distance of the egg trays is large enough to prevent jamming and also to prevent collisions with the outer wall of the cart 80 .

[0157] exist Fig.10A further embodiment is shown in . Here, the arrangement of the light source 11 is designed so that the light beam is incident on the egg 50 at an angle inclined relative to the vertical and thus enters at least partially laterally. Here, the light beam emitted from the light source 11, which is emitted substantially radially in all directions, is focused (or bundled) by the first convex lens 111 and the second convex lens 112 so that the generated light cone 113 has its tip on the eggshell. The first convex lens 111 and the second convex lens 112 are correspondingly arranged so that the light output from the light source 11 enters the egg 50 obliquely; preferably at an angle greater than 20° to the vertical.

[0158] The light emerging from the egg 50 then takes the form of a diffuse light beam 114 , which is focused again by an optical focusing element 21 , here a collimator lens, and coupled into the optical waveguide 22 .

[0159] Here, the light source 11 and the optical waveguide 22 are held by a measuring head housing 110. An arrangement is particularly preferred in which the light source 11 is arranged as follows: Figure 2c , wherein the respective light cone 113 is then each inclined inwardly toward the center of the annular arrangement.

[0160] exist Fig.11 , which shows an egg trolley 80 in an incubator. Here, the egg trolley 80 is located on the incubator wall 104, opposite a mobile egg measuring unit 122, which can be moved as a whole between different incubators. Of course, the mobile egg measuring unit 122 can also be arranged behind the egg trolley 80 in the incubator. It is only decisive that the mobile egg measuring unit 122 is arranged next to the egg trolley 80.

[0161] The mobile egg measuring unit 122 is positioned here so that the tray carriage 127 can be moved along the (substantially horizontal) x-axis in order to remove egg trays 40 from the egg trolley 80 and subsequently place them in a buffer tray 125 of the mobile egg measuring unit 122 provided for this purpose.

[0162] In the measuring unit 122, the sensor unit 20 can be moved not only along the x-axis, in particular along the second horizontal linear guide / measuring arm 93 / 60, but also along the (substantially vertical) z-axis, so that the sensor unit 20 can be moved to each egg of the uppermost buffer tray 125 for measurement. The movement along the x-axis takes place here along the linear guide or along the second measuring arm 70. Once the uppermost egg tray 40 has been measured, it can be replaced by another tray from the egg trolley 80 or from one of the buffer trays 125.

[0163] In order to prevent the egg trolley 80 from sliding, Fig.11In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , a cart fastening 120 is provided, which detachably connects the egg cart 80 to a mobile measuring unit 122 .

[0164] The advantage of the described embodiment is that the mobile measuring unit 122 can be "parked" in a closed incubator and then automatically transports the egg trays 40 to be measured to an empty buffer tray 125 in order to carry out the measurement. This avoids having to open the incubator door 105 (not shown) too frequently, which could lead to unfavorable temperature fluctuations. At the same time, the mobile measuring unit 122 can be moved back and forth between different incubators as required.

[0165] All of the above-described embodiments have in common that the evaluation unit is configured to output a gender label based on the measured spectrum of the egg 50 and to determine and output a confidence level for the gender label. The confidence level here gives an estimated probability that the gender label is correct.

[0166] In addition, based on the confidence level, it can be decided that a specific egg or eggs 50 are subjected to further measurements in order to thereby increase the confidence level to a desired value based on the existing statistics. At the same time, the observation period of the egg 50 can also be extended based on the confidence level in order to increase the confidence level.

[0167] In this case, the spectrum can be composed of any number of possibly weighted individual measurements. The use of a plurality of measurements (e.g. 10 or more) enables better statistics and thus a higher accuracy of the spectrum, which in turn has an effect on the confidence level of the resulting gender label. In order to keep the duration of the measurement process short, an individual measurement preferably lasts no longer than 60 μs, more preferably less than 40 μs, and even more preferably less than 20 μs.

[0168] According to the invention, the angle between an absolute reference axis, for example a vertical line and an optical measurement axis is determined during measurement. The inclination or inclination angle of the measurement axis can be achieved, for example, by reading the motor position of a tilting mechanism, by a Hall sensor or a potentiometer on the tilting axis of the egg tray, or by measuring the distance between the outer edge of the lowest egg tray and a fixed reference point. After the embryo always floats up relative to the direction of gravity, the change in angle can be used to influence the orientation of the embryo in the measurement assembly.

[0169] In particular, in order to better evaluate, a plurality of measurements corresponding to different positions of the embryo can be performed. For example, it is conceivable that, in order to generate a reference spectrum, the embryo is "tilted out" from the field of view of the sensor unit in order to have a measurement without the embryo as a reference. It is important here to wait for a sufficiently long time between measurements at different inclination angles so that the embryo is brought into an initial position or equilibrium state. This prevents the embryo from accidentally changing position during the measurement. In addition, when using an irradiation unit with multiple radiation sources, as described above with respect to Figure 2a-2c As described, the measurements can be performed using different radiation sources to better take into account the different positions of the embryo in the egg. The scheme of multiple measurements with different activated light sources can be combined with the scheme of setting the tilt angle in order to further improve the quality of the measurements.

[0170] The measured spectrum can be normalized based on the stored reference spectrum. For example, the signal of the reference spectrum is subtracted from the signal of the measured spectrum in order to detect actual changes and filter out deviations due to changes in the egg itself. In order to ensure the best possible reference function, it is advantageous to carry out the reference measurement at a very early stage of embryonic development. In particular, for good reference values, it is advantageous to carry out the reference measurement before the start of incubation.

[0171] Furthermore, it can be provided that the sensor unit is calibrated during operation by means of calibration measurements. For this purpose, reference objects, such as Teflon blocks, are usually used, since these influence the spectrum of the radiation source in a known manner and thus allow possible measurement errors to be inferred. In those embodiments in which the irradiation unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are designed to be mobile, such calibration measurements can be automated in that the measuring system performs measurements on the reference object at defined intervals.

[0172] It is also conceivable to place the reference object on the egg tray 40 in a stationary cart 80 in order to automate the calibration measurement by means of the cart transport device 81. In the case of the measuring attachment 102, the sensor unit is calibrated by means of the reference tray before placement.

[0173] In this case, the calibration measurement can also include a measurement in which the sensor unit is intentionally covered in order to check the “dark noise” of the spectrometer.

[0174] The wavelength range used for determining the sex can lie in the absorption range of hemoglobin, ie between 500 nm and 900 nm, but is not limited thereto.

[0175] The measured data can be evaluated directly in the data processing unit 33. The final classification is carried out by the classification unit 35 which is optionally called up.

[0176] The sorting unit 35 receives the pre-processed measurement data from the data processing unit 33. In addition, the sorting unit 35 accesses externally stored data which are taken into account in the sorting of the eggs.

[0177] Especially in the method according to the present invention, in addition to pure spectrum, so-called additional data are considered when classifying or determining confidence. Examples thereof include egg size (diameter, height), egg shape, egg weight, egg color, storage time after hatching, age of parent animals, animal breed, source, egg orientation, orientation of the air sac in the egg or damage signs at the relevant egg place. Additional data are received by data processing unit 33 or classification unit 35 at this and enter the determination of gender or confidence. For example, confidence can be reduced or increased when suboptimal egg orientation or egg destruction. In principle, eggs with damage can also be assigned to (not preferred) gender so that they can be sorted subsequently.

[0178] The additional data may also include further information, for example sensor temperature / humidity at at least one point in time, incubator temperature / humidity at at least one point in time or error messages of the incubation process.

[0179] The additional data may also additionally include regulatory provisions or manually defined classification provisions and / or sorting provisions. These provisions allow the planned maximum or minimum output quantity to be taken into account during the sorting. For example, it is provided that when the minimum output quantity of a sex is about to be lowered, the requirements for the confidence level of being classified into the sex are reduced in order to ensure that there is sufficient output. In this case, the additional data may also include in particular the classification results or confidence results of other eggs in order to achieve a suitable expected value for the total output.

[0180] The storage of the additional data can take place in this case decentralized in the cloud or locally in the data processing unit 33 .

[0181] This allows precise setting of external parameters when sorting eggs by sex labeling and confidence level, such as desired sex distribution, minimum quota of a single sex, desired yield quantity, etc. Other known estimated or determined parameters, such as embryonic mortality, can also be taken into account here.

[0182] List of reference numerals:

[0183] 10 irradiation units

[0184] 11 Light source (LED)

[0185] 12 (LED) cooling element

[0186] 13 Optical steering element (aspherical lens or Fresnel lens)

[0187] 14 Beam Limiter

[0188] 20 sensor units

[0189] 21 Optical converging element (collimating lens)

[0190] 22 Optical waveguide

[0191] 23 Identification unit (recognition and location determination unit)

[0192] 24 Optical decoupling element (sealing ring, so far only visible in Figure 2)

[0193] 30 evaluation units

[0194] 31 Spectrometer

[0195] 32 Cooling elements

[0196] 33Data processing unit

[0197] 34 connectors (electrical and data cables)

[0198] 35 taxa

[0199] 40 (integrated) egg tray

[0200] 41 Egg tray support

[0201] 42 egg blank

[0202] 43 Optical decoupling element (glue coating part)

[0203] 44 Egg tray identification features (ID tags)

[0204] 45 Fastening devices

[0205] 50 eggs

[0206] 51 Air inclusion

[0207] 52 Blood vessels

[0208] 60 First measuring arm

[0209] 61 First Movement Mechanism

[0210] 70 Second measuring arm

[0211] 71 Second Movement Mechanism

[0212] 80 Egg Cart

[0213] 81 car transport device

[0214] 82 Car tilting device

[0215] 83 Car guide element

[0216] 84 car feet

[0217] 85 car positioning device

[0218] 86 tilt mechanism

[0219] 90 measuring column (for measuring arms with linear guide)

[0220] 91 Column Base

[0221] 92 first horizontal linear guide

[0222] 93 second horizontal linear guide

[0223] 94 measuring arm

[0224] 101 Egg Fixing Components

[0225] 102 Measurement accessories

[0226] 103 Measurement Accessory Adapter

[0227] 104 Incubator Wall

[0228] 105 Incubator Door

[0229] 106 ventilation openings

[0230] 107 Transport Devices

[0231] 110 measuring head housing

[0232] 111 First convex lens

[0233] 112 Second convex lens

[0234] 113 Focused Light Cone

[0235] 114 Diffuse Beam

[0236] 120 car fixing parts

[0237] 122 Mobile measuring unit

[0238] 125 buffer tray

[0239] 127 plate slide

Claims

1. A measuring system for non-invasively, preferably automatically, sexing embryos in eggs (50) during early embryonic development, in particular before the seventh hatching day, in particular during incubation, in particular in an incubator having at least one egg tray (40) for accommodating a plurality of eggs (50) and at least one egg trolley (80) for holding at least one egg tray (40), the measuring system comprising: - at least one irradiation unit (10) for irradiating eggs (50) with electromagnetic radiation; - at least one sensor unit (20) for detecting electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg (50); - Evaluation unit (30) having: o at least one spectrometer (31) configured to receive radiation transmitted through the egg (50) and to generate a spectrum of the radiation transmitted through the egg (50); and a data processing unit (33) configured to receive a spectrum generated by the spectrometer (31) and store the spectrum as a reference spectrum or a measured spectrum; - an identification unit (23) for generating identification data, by means of which a spectrum generated on an egg (50) can be uniquely assigned to the egg (50); - Taxa (35); in, The data processing unit (33) is configured to store the spectrum generated by the spectrometer (31) and the associated identification data, and the classification unit (35) is configured to determine the sex of the embryo based on at least one reference spectrum and at least one measured spectrum.

2. The measuring system according to claim 1, comprising an optical decoupling element (43) for optically decoupling the irradiation unit (10) from the sensor unit (20), the optical decoupling element preferably being designed to rest against the egg (50) during measurement.

3. The measuring system according to claim 1 or 2, having means for determining the angle between a reference axis of the egg (50) and a reference axis of the measuring system.

4. A measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The irradiation unit (10) has a plurality of radiation sources (10a) and is preferably designed as a ring light, wherein the plurality of radiation sources (10a) are arranged in a ring.

5. A measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The illumination unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) are arranged and configured such that they have the same orientation relative to a reference point of the egg (50), for example relative to the center of gravity of the shell of the egg (50), in each measurement.

6. The measuring system according to claim 1 , comprising a trolley transport device (81) for transporting an egg trolley (80) having at least one egg tray (40) to at least one irradiation unit (10) preferably arranged in the incubator, and / or a trolley positioning device (85) suitable for unambiguously determining the position of the trolley (80) in the incubator.

7. The measuring system according to claim 1, comprising a transport device (107) for transporting the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) to the eggs (50), preferably within the incubator, further preferably between different incubators.

8. The measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 6, wherein: The cart transport device (81) has means which are configured to set an inclined position of at least one egg (50).

9. The measuring system according to claim 1, comprising a measuring arm (94) which accommodates the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) in such a way that an egg (50) can be positioned on the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) for measurement.

10. The measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a first measuring arm (60) accommodating the illumination unit (10) and a second measuring arm (70) accommodating the sensor unit (20), wherein: The first measuring arm (60) and the second measuring arm (70) are arranged and configured such that an egg can be positioned between the illumination unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) for measurement.

11. The measuring system according to claim 10, comprising a measuring column (90), on which the first measuring arm (60) and the second measuring arm (70) are movably mounted, wherein: The first measuring arm (60) has a first movement mechanism (61) for setting the vertical position of the first measuring arm, and the second measuring arm (70) has a second movement mechanism (71) for setting the vertical position of the second measuring arm.

12. The measurement system according to claim 11, wherein: The first motion mechanism (61) has a first horizontal linear guide (92) and a second horizontal linear guide (93) for setting the horizontal position of the first measuring arm (60), and the second motion mechanism (71) has a third horizontal linear guide (92) and a fourth horizontal linear guide (93) for setting the horizontal position of the second measuring arm (70).

13. The measuring system according to claim 1 , comprising a measuring attachment ( 102 ) which accommodates both the irradiation unit ( 10 ) and the sensor unit ( 20 ) so that both the irradiation unit ( 10 ) and the sensor unit ( 20 ) can be arranged above or below the egg tray ( 80 ), wherein: The measuring accessory (102) is designed to be placed on the egg tray (80) during the measurement via a measuring accessory adapter (103).

14. The measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 13, comprises at least one ventilation opening (106), which is constructed in the measuring attachment (102), the first measuring arm (60) and / or the second measuring arm (70) and is designed to ensure ventilation of the egg (50) during measurement.

15. A measuring system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The evaluation unit (30) is designed to output a sex label and an associated confidence level for each egg (50).

16. The measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising an externally connected data storage device, in particular a cloud storage device, which is configured to store external parameters, such as embryo mortality or expected number of outputs, measurement spectra and reference spectra, and / or evaluation results of the measuring system, and output the external parameters to the classification unit (35).

17. The measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening means (45) configured to prevent a change in the orientation of the egg (50).

18. The measuring system according to any of the preceding claims, in particular according to claim 16, wherein: The classification unit (35) is designed to classify the eggs (50) according to sex and / or health status based on the data of the measuring unit (20) and / or data from an externally connected memory, wherein the classification unit (35) is preferably spatially separated from the rest of the evaluation unit (30) and is particularly preferably formed by a software component on an external server, preferably a cloud server.

19. A method for non-invasively sexing an embryo in an egg (50) during early embryonic development, in particular before the seventh hatching day, in particular during incubation, comprising the following steps: - generating at least one reference spectrum before and / or at the beginning of the incubation by irradiating the egg (50) with electromagnetic radiation and detecting the radiation passing through the egg (50), generating identification data for unambiguously identifying the egg (50) and storing the reference spectrum together with the identification data of the egg (50); - generating at least one measurement spectrum during said incubation by irradiating said egg (50) with electromagnetic radiation and detecting the radiation that passes through said egg; - Using a stored reference spectrum belonging to the egg (50) to evaluate the measured spectrum to determine the sex of the embryo.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The reference spectrum and / or the measurement spectrum are generated from a plurality of individual measurements, preferably from 10 measurements or more, more preferably from 30 measurements or more.

21. The method according to any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein: To generate a measuring spectrum or a reference spectrum, an irradiation duration of less than 60 μs, preferably less than 40 μs, further preferably less than 20 μs is used.

22. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The angle of the egg (50) to the vertical line is changed after the measurement is completed, and after the egg (50) reaches a balanced state, another measurement is performed using the changed angle of the egg (50), wherein the illumination unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) maintain their relative positions relative to the egg (50).

23. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein: Generating the at least one reference spectrum and / or generating the at least one measurement spectrum comprises a plurality of measurements, in which the egg (50) is illuminated from different directions, preferably from at least 4 different directions, further preferably from at least 6 different directions, further preferably from 8 or more different directions.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein: In the plurality of measurements, the respective intensities of the useful signal are ascertained when the egg (50) is illuminated from different directions in order to find the measurement with the strongest and / or useful signal.

25. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 24, in particular according to claim 24, wherein The measurements with the strongest and / or weakest useful signals are converted to one another in order to obtain an optimized reference spectrum and / or measurement spectrum.

26. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 25, wherein: The normalization of the measured spectrum is performed according to a stored reference spectrum, wherein the reference spectrum is preferably created before the incubation, further preferably outside the incubator, further preferably before the incubation temperature is reached.

27. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 26, comprising calibration measurements for calibrating the sensor unit (20), wherein: The calibration measurement is performed with the sensor covered and / or on a reference object, such as a Teflon reference block, and preferably automatically.

28. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 27, wherein: To determine the sex of the embryo, a spectral range of the reference and measurement spectra in a wavelength range between 520 nm and 580 nm, preferably between 540 nm and 575 nm, further preferably between 520 nm and 680 nm, further preferably between 520 nm and 870 nm is used.

29. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 28, comprising acquiring additional data, in particular from a decentralized data cloud, wherein: The measured spectrum is evaluated taking into account the additional data.

30. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein: A confidence level is assigned to the sex determination of the egg (50).

31. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 30, in particular according to claim 26, wherein: The confidence level of the sex determination is taken into account in order to determine the expected yield quantity or sex distribution in the context of egg sorting as a function of a plurality of external parameters that can be set, such as, for example, the mortality rate of the embryos specific to the incubation period.

32. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 31, wherein: Depending on the confidence level, an observation duration is determined and / or further measurements are performed in order to increase the confidence level.

33. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 32, comprising, preferably by means of a plurality of measuring assemblies, simultaneously measuring a plurality of eggs (50), in particular simultaneously generating a plurality of reference spectra and / or measurement spectra on a plurality of eggs (50).

34. The method of claim 33, wherein: Simultaneous measurement of multiple eggs (50) is performed in this way so that interference between different measurement components during the generation of multiple reference spectra and / or measurement spectra is minimized.

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