System and method for automatically determining the gender of a chick

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for automatically determining the gender of a chick, the system comprising - a conveyor for free transport of the chick, - a device for unbalancing the chick and causing it to voluntarily unfold its wings, - at least one light source (25) for illuminating the thus unfolded wings of the chick, - at least one imaging device (22, 23), - a central unit configured to process the acquired images and determine whether the chick is male or female on the basis of the configuration. According to the invention, the device for unbalancing the chick and causing it to voluntarily unfold its wings comprises at least one rotating cam (19) placed below the conveyor belt (21), the cam being shaped to periodically come into contact with the conveyor belt (21) and thus lift a portion thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a system and method for automatically determining the sex of chicks. Background Technology

[0002] Sex determination of chicks is an important step in the poultry industry, enabling male chicks to be distinguished from females as soon as they hatch.

[0003] By adapting management practices to each group of chicks of the same sex, this early differentiation of chicks is necessary for optimizing their feeding, which helps improve the efficiency and profitability of poultry farms.

[0004] It is well known that experienced operators can discern subtle details, enabling them to distinguish between male and female chicks within hours of hatching.

[0005] The common method for sexing chicks is to observe the wingtip feathers. For reliability reasons, it is preferable to observe chicks that are less than one day old or even two days old.

[0006] Sexing chicks by their wings is actually related to the different arrangement of feathers at the tips of the wings of females and males.

[0007] like Figure 1 (Female) and Figure 2 As shown in the male, the wingtip of a chick contains two rows of feathers: the primary flight feathers and the primary coverts.

[0008] In males, the primary coverts are longer than or about the same size as the primary flight feathers, while in females, the tips of the primary coverts are always shorter than the tips of the primary flight feathers.

[0009] This method of determining the sex of chicks is relatively quick and non-invasive.

[0010] However, when it comes to distinguishing thousands of chicks every hour and day with a low margin for error, as is practiced in intensive laying hen farming, these operations can be tedious and tedious even for skilled operators.

[0011] In addition, it is difficult to find enough professionals in this field nowadays, which makes this necessary step relatively expensive.

[0012] Methods for automatically determining the sex of chicks are also known in the prior art.

[0013] Therefore, the applicant’s patent FR 2 892 599 B1 discloses an automatic chick sex identification system that uses a camera to acquire images of the wingtips of chicks exposed to blue light and analyzes these images to identify the characteristic feather arrangement of males or females.

[0014] To ensure that each chick is checked individually, they are positioned in a row of buckets, with their wings spread out by resting them on the edge of their respective buckets.

[0015] Although this automated method for sexing chicks has yielded good results, there is still room for improvement because wings are stable and therefore easy to image.

[0016] In fact, the machine is relatively troublesome and complicated to maintain.

[0017] In addition, the machine does not support high processing speeds, which are currently being pursued in intensive poultry farming.

[0018] A method for determining the sex of a chick is also known from patent application EP 1 092 347 A1, wherein the chick is disoriented so as to actively spread its wings, then at least one wing so spread is illuminated and photographed to determine the sex of the chick.

[0019] Chick imbalance can be caused by a variety of stimuli, such as prompting chicks to jump, shaking chicks, placing them near sound waves or heat sources, or moving them on a vibrating surface.

[0020] However, and according to the teachings of this document, once the chicks' wings are outstretched, they physically interact with one or more supports to stabilize them in the outstretched position during wingtip illumination and image capture.

[0021] When chicks move quickly past the chick sexing device, this physical interaction with the rigid object increases the risk of potentially fatal chick injuries.

[0022] Furthermore, it has been found that methods involving vibrating conveyor belts transporting chicks to cause the chicks to spread their wings require high vibration frequencies.

[0023] Therefore, animals are subjected not only to vibrations as they move along the conveyor belt, but also to high levels of mechanical noise.

[0024] As a result, the animals' health was severely affected.

[0025] Therefore, there is an urgent need for systems and methods for automatically determining the sex of chicks, whose original design makes it possible to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0026] The subject of this invention

[0027] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by proposing a system and method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, which is simple in its design and operation mode, and makes it possible to ensure the health of animals and maintain their healthy state.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is a system and method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, which supports extremely high processing rates, for example, more than 70,000 chicks per hour.

[0029] Another object of the present invention is a system and method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, which ensures the highest identification rate and improved reliability in chick sex identification. Summary of the Invention

[0030] Therefore, the present invention relates to a system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the system comprising:

[0031] - A belt conveyor comprising a tensioned conveyor belt for freely transporting the chicks, preferably a flexible conveyor belt, the conveyor belt defining a direction of movement.

[0032] -A device for causing the chick to become unbalanced and actively spread its wings as it moves along at least a portion of the belt conveyor.

[0033] -At least one light source is used to illuminate the chick's outstretched wings.

[0034] - At least one imaging device for capturing one or more images of the wings of a chick thus illuminated.

[0035] - A central unit configured to process images acquired by the at least one imaging device in order to isolate the tip of at least one wing of the chick in at least some of these images, analyze the configuration of the feathers at the at least one tip, and determine, based on the configuration, whether it is a male or female chick, or whether the sex is undetermined.

[0036] According to the invention, the device for causing chicks to become unbalanced and to actively spread their wings includes at least one rotating cam positioned below the conveyor belt, each cam being driven to rotate about an axis placed transversely to or substantially transversely to the direction of travel, the cam being shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt and thus raise a portion of it upon such contact.

[0037] Advantageously, the original design of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks ensures that the chicks can move freely in a low-noise and low-stress environment, which contributes to their health.

[0038] This system advantageously allows for a high rate of automated processing, typically exceeding 70,000 chicks per hour, or even 90,000 chicks per hour.

[0039] The phrase "free transport of the chicks" means that the chicks are transported without restraint, carried solely by the conveyor belt as they move along the conveyor. Therefore, when a chick is balanced, it typically only comes into contact with the belt through its legs.

[0040] Similarly, when chicks spread their wings under the influence of stimuli that cause them to become unbalanced, there is no external support for these spread wings, such as ramps placed on both sides of a conveyor belt.

[0041] Therefore, each rotating cam causes a portion of the conveyor belt to rise temporarily or even instantaneously upon contact with it, forming a high point on the conveyor belt, advantageously localized, such as a ridge, or, depending on the number and corresponding positioning of at least two cams, a platform elevated relative to the rest of the outer surface of the conveyor belt. The configuration of the rest of the conveyor belt surface, spaced a distance from the at least one rotating cam, remains unchanged.

[0042] Of course, depending on the spacing between two adjacent rotating cams, the conveyor belt surface itself, located between the two areas of the belt that are in direct contact with these rotating cams, can be raised.

[0043] Advantageously, the inventors have discovered that the formation or disappearance of such temporary elevations helps to cause the chicks to become unbalanced, thereby enabling them to spread their wings. This objective is achieved while ensuring stress-free transport of the animals and without endangering their health.

[0044] Therefore, the stimulus that causes chicks to spread their wings is due to the imbalance of chicks caused by local changes in the conveyor belt configuration, specifically due to the creation of heights such as raised or elevated platforms, or due to the disappearance of such heights.

[0045] Preferably, the height of the elevation relative to the rest of the outer surface of the conveyor belt is between 10 mm and 35 mm, more preferably between 15 mm and 30 mm, and even more preferably between 17 mm and 25 mm.

[0046] By adjusting the number of cams used and their rotation frequency, the maintenance of the chicks' outstretched wings was observed over a period of time sufficient to illuminate and capture multiple images.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, each cam includes at least one effective contour area, which, when there are several effective contour areas, contacts the conveyor belt one after another during the rotation of the corresponding cam, and the effective contour area of ​​the cam is shaped to ensure that the cam remains uncontacted with the conveyor belt for at least a portion of its rotation.

[0048] Advantageously, each effective contour area can also be equipped with ball bearings to reduce friction with the rotating conveyor belt.

[0049] In another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, each cam has at least one circular effective contour area, such as a semi-cylindrical effective contour area.

[0050] Preferably, the cam is shaped to raise a portion of the conveyor belt to a height between 17 mm and 25 mm.

[0051] The cam may also include two effective profile regions that alternately contact the conveyor belt. For example, the cam may include a body surrounding the shaft and bearing, and a cage comprising front and rear branches connected to the body by arms, each of which has a circular profile.

[0052] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the system includes two rotating cams positioned below the conveyor belt and spaced apart from each other along a direction of travel defined by the conveyor. Each of these cams is driven to rotate about an axis that is laterally or substantially laterally positioned relative to the direction of travel. Each cam is shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt and thus raise a portion of itself upon contact so that the chick actively spreads its wings when it is in the raised portion of the conveyor belt.

[0053] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the cams placed under the same conveyor belt are identical, and the system is configured to operate them synchronously so as to raise a portion of the conveyor belt simultaneously or even synchronously.

[0054] Alternatively, the system can be configured to operate these same rotating cams asynchronously over the same conveyor belt.

[0055] In another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the cams placed under the same conveyor belt are different, and the system is configured to operate them synchronously.

[0056] Alternatively, the system can be configured to operate these rotary cams asynchronously.

[0057] In another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the frame of the belt conveyor is configured such that the conveyor belt is trough-shaped to automatically center the chicks during transport.

[0058] Therefore, when a portion of the conveyor belt is raised by the cam and then lowered again, that portion returns to its groove shape, thereby re-centering the chicks on the conveyor belt and preventing them from physically interacting with the edges of the conveyor.

[0059] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the first cam and the second cam are spaced apart and shaped such that a portion of the conveyor belt positioned between the cams moves between a free or non-contact groove configuration and an elevated flat or substantially flat configuration, such that the chicks at least partially follow a straight or substantially straight trajectory.

[0060] Therefore, these rotating cams can be arranged such that the flexible conveyor belt is tensioned between them.

[0061] Advantageously, it has been observed that this configuration of the conveyor belt, positioned between the cams, ensures optimal acquisition of images of the chicks, specifically images of their wingtips, as the chicks move substantially horizontally, i.e., at a constant or substantially constant height below the camera. The captured images are exceptionally sharp.

[0062] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, each cam is configured to raise a portion of the conveyor belt as it rotates and to transmit pulses to the chicks placed on the conveyor belt portion in order to propel the chicks into the air above the conveyor belt.

[0063] In an advantageous implementation, when the cam raises the conveyor belt, the chicks can jump as little as possible, or even simply cushion the change in conveyor belt configuration with their legs.

[0064] In a particularly advantageous implementation, the chicks can be lifted above the outer surface of the conveyor belt.

[0065] The system's rotating cam is then configured to lift the chicks above the elevated portion of the conveyor belt.

[0066] The term "lift" refers to the chicks adapting to the height variations of the elevated conveyor belt by compensating with their legs and spreading their wings to seek balance in this constant imbalance. This gives the impression of advancing at a substantially constant height on the conveyor, which remains above the minimum level of the elevated conveyor belt.

[0067] In another example of a system used to automatically determine the sex of chicks, the conveyor is horizontal.

[0068] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the light source or at least one light source is configured to emit blue light.

[0069] Advantageously, the light source or at least one of the light sources is configured to emit violet light with a wavelength between 380 nm and 420 nm, and even more preferably, to emit violet light with a wavelength centered at 405 nm.

[0070] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, each imaging device is a matrix camera, which is used to detect at least the visible light reflected by the chick when the chick is illuminated by the at least one light source.

[0071] Preferably, the conveyor includes two rotating cams and two matrix cameras spaced apart along the conveyor. The field of view of the first camera covers a first region of the conveyor belt, at least a majority of which is located downstream of the first rotating cam. The "downstream" position is considered relative to the direction in which the chicks are transported along the conveyor. The field of view of the second camera covers a second region of the conveyor belt that may or may not overlap with a portion of the first conveyor belt region, such that a portion of the second region of the conveyor belt imaged is located downstream of the second rotating cam.

[0072] This allows each chick to be tracked individually until it leaves the conveyor, ensuring that each chick is handled properly.

[0073] In this way, at least the first camera covers most of the section of the conveyor belt between the parts of the conveyor belt that come into contact with the rotating cam.

[0074] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the conveyor includes a chick discharge device in its exit area, which is configured to convey chicks to a first processing conveyor or to a second processing conveyor different from the first processing conveyor, based on the sex of the chicks identified during the processing of the image.

[0075] Preferably, the field of view of the second camera also covers the exit area of ​​the conveyor to ensure that the chicks are tracked individually at least before they arrive at or pass through the discharge device.

[0076] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the system includes at least two belt conveyors arranged parallel to each other for processing a number of chicks at a time. Each conveyor is equipped with one or more rotating cams located below the conveyor belt of the corresponding conveyor. Each cam is driven to rotate about an axis positioned transverse to or substantially transverse to the direction of travel defined by the corresponding conveyor. Each cam is shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt of the corresponding conveyor and thus raise a portion of itself upon such contact.

[0077] According to another embodiment of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the system includes n linear belt conveyors arranged in series, where n is greater than or equal to 2. The outlet of each conveyor thus leads to the inlet of the immediately following conveyor. All these conveyors define a transport path. Each conveyor includes one or more rotating cams positioned below the conveyor belt of the corresponding conveyor. Each cam is driven to rotate about an axis placed transverse to or substantially transverse to the direction of travel defined by the corresponding conveyor. Each cam is shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt of the corresponding conveyor and thereby raise a portion of it upon such contact. Only the downstream conveyor includes the at least one imaging device and the at least one light source. The conveyor positioned upstream of it enables the chicks to be ready for sex determination on the downstream conveyor.

[0078] It is advantageous to note that this training phase of the chicks, which involves passing them over one or more so-called training conveyors, ensures the chicks’ spontaneous response and thus ensures that, at the critical moment of the illumination and image capture operation, the chicks’ wings unfold more quickly on the downstream conveyor to determine their sex.

[0079] The present invention also relates to a method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, wherein the following steps are performed:

[0080] - The chicks are moved on a belt conveyor, which includes a taut conveyor belt and defines the direction of movement of the chicks.

[0081] - Instantly raise at least a portion of the conveyor belt freely transporting chicks to create at least one elevation on the conveyor belt, such as a ridge or platform raised relative to the rest of the conveyor belt, to cause the chicks to become unbalanced and actively spread their wings, the elevation including at least a portion of the belt in direct contact with the chicks.

[0082] - Illuminate at least one of the chick's wings so that it is spread out, and

[0083] - Detect at least a portion of the light reflected by the at least one wing thus illuminated.

[0084] - Process the images thus acquired to isolate the tip of at least one wing of the chick in at least some of these images, analyze the configuration of the feathers at the at least one tip, and determine, based on the configuration, whether it is a male or female chick, or whether the sex is undetermined.

[0085] Preferably, the conveyor belt is flexible.

[0086] According to one embodiment of the method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, at least one section of the conveyor belt is raised by one or more rotating cams positioned below the conveyor belt, each cam being driven to rotate about an axis placed transversely to or substantially transversely to the direction of travel, each cam being shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt and thus raise a portion of itself upon such contact.

[0087] According to another embodiment of the method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, at least one conveyor belt section is raised by two rotating cams positioned below the conveyor belt, the operation of the first cam and the second cam being synchronized.

[0088] Alternatively, the at least one conveyor belt section is raised by two rotating cams positioned below the conveyor belt, the operation of the first and second cams being asynchronous.

[0089] The cams can be or can not be the same.

[0090] In another embodiment of the method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the belt conveyor frame is configured such that the conveyor belt is trough-shaped to automatically center the chicks during transport, and a portion of the conveyor belt rises from a first trough-shaped free configuration to a second flat or substantially flat configuration, wherein the conveyor belt portion is flat or substantially flat.

[0091] According to another embodiment of the method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the portion or each portion of the thus elevated conveyor belt has a height between 8 mm and 16 mm relative to the rest of the outer surface of the conveyor belt.

[0092] Another method for automatically determining the sex of chicks involves adjusting the rotation frequency of a rotating cam located below the conveyor belt of a linear belt conveyor at a given travel speed to achieve maximum spontaneous wing development of the chick. Attached Figure Description

[0093] Other advantages, objects, and specific features of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are for illustrative purposes and not in any way limiting, wherein:

[0094] Figure 1

[0095] [ Figure 1 This shows a view of the wingtip of a female chick;

[0096] Figure 2

[0097] [ Figure 2 This shows a view of the wingtip of a male chick;

[0098] Figure 3

[0099] [ Figure 3 [Illustration 1] is a partial schematic diagram of a system for automatically determining the sex of chicks according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0100] Figure 4

[0101] [ Figure 4 ]yes Figure 3 Another partial view of the system for automatically determining the sex of chicks is shown, in which the conveyor belt is partially shown to highlight the rotating cam;

[0102] Figure 5

[0103] [ Figure 5 ]yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial cross-sectional view of only the conveyor of the system used to determine the sex of chicks.

[0104] Figure 6

[0105] [ Figure 6 ]yes Figure 3 The diagram shows a partial top view of a system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, illustrating the system's exit area, with a conveyor belt partially shown to highlight the rotating cam. Detailed Implementation

[0106] The accompanying drawings and the following description essentially contain elements of a certain nature. Therefore, they are not only used to better understand the invention, but also, where appropriate, to help define the invention.

[0107] First, it should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not drawn to scale.

[0108] Figures 3 to 6 A system for automatically determining the sex of chicks according to a particular embodiment of the invention is illustrated schematically and in part.

[0109] The system comprises several identical processing lines 10 arranged in parallel to simultaneously determine the sex of multiple chicks. There is no limit to the number of these processing lines 10.

[0110] In addition, each processing line 10 of the system includes several linear conveyors arranged in series, thus defining the direction of movement or transport axis of the chicks 11 toward the evacuation conveyors 12, 13, each of which is designed to transport chicks of the same sex after distinguishing and separating them according to their sex.

[0111] On each processing line 10, a first conveyor 14 located upstream of the line is configured such that chicks delivered in batches at the entrance of the first conveyor 14 can be organized and placed in a single queue.

[0112] The outlet of the first conveyor 14 leads to a second conveyor 15, which is called a separation conveyor. The second conveyor has a higher conveying speed than the first conveyor 14 to ensure spatial separation of the chicks.

[0113] The exit of the second conveyor 15 leads to the entrance of a third linear conveyor 16, referred to as the "chick training" conveyor. A single training conveyor is shown here, but the system may include one or more other so-called chick training conveyors 16 to enhance the latter's training.

[0114] The exit of the third conveyor 16 leads to the entrance of a fourth conveyor 17, which is called a "chick sex determination" conveyor. The fourth belt conveyor 17 is configured to actually capture one or more images of at least one outstretched wing of each chick transported by the conveyor.

[0115] The exit of the fourth conveyor 17 leads to a station 18 for classifying chicks according to their sex, which was previously identified by capturing images and processing them with appropriate algorithms in order to evacuate them to processing stations appropriate to the sex of the chicks 11.

[0116] Each of these belt conveyors comprises a taut, flexible conveyor belt. These belt conveyors are horizontal.

[0117] The frames of the second, third, and fourth belt conveyors 15-17 are configured such that their conveyor belts are trough-shaped to automatically center the chicks during transport. When the chick 11 is balanced on the corresponding conveyor belt, the chick is free and supported only by its legs.

[0118] The third conveyor 16 and the fourth conveyor 17 also each include two rotating cams 19, which are positioned below their conveyor belts 20 and spaced apart from each other. These rotating cams 19 are driven to rotate about an axis 20 positioned perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0119] These rotating cams 19 are also identical and synchronized on each conveyor 16, 17. Therefore, each rotating cam 19 includes a semi-cylindrical effective profile area, with the circular portion facing outwards. The configuration of the cam's effective profile area ensures periodic contact with the conveyor belt 21 of the corresponding conveyor 16, 17, in this case, with each rotation.

[0120] This arrangement of the effective contour area of ​​each rotating cam 19 in contact allows a portion of the conveyor belt 21 to be temporarily raised so that when the chick 11 is located on such a raised portion of the conveyor belt, it actively spreads its wings.

[0121] A portion of the conveyor belt 21 is temporarily raised, but only for the duration during which the effective contour area of ​​the rotating cam 19 contacts the conveyor belt 21.

[0122] When the effective contour area moves away from the conveyor belt 21 due to the rotation of the corresponding cam 19, the conveyor belt no longer contacts the rotating cam and thus returns to its initial slot configuration.

[0123] On each of the third conveyor 16 and the fourth conveyor 17, two rotating cams 19 are arranged to elevate a portion of the conveyor belt 21, which has a flat longitudinal section (ascending, platforming, descending) with a generally trapezoidal shape. In this case, the height of a portion of the conveyor belt is between 17 mm and 25 mm.

[0124] The purpose of the third linear conveyor 16 is to train chicks to spread their wings more effectively and impulsively when they encounter the same height on the fourth linear conveyor 17.

[0125] Advantageously, this ensures that the wings of chick 11 unfold spontaneously when lighting and image capture operations are performed to determine its sex.

[0126] The system includes light sources 25 positioned on both sides and above the conveyor belt to illuminate the outstretched wings of chicks. These light sources 25 are configured to emit violet light with wavelengths between 380 nm and 420 nm, and even more preferably, to emit violet light with a wavelength centered at 405 nm.

[0127] The system also includes two matrix cameras 22 and 23, which are positioned above the downstream portion of the fourth conveyor 17 and spaced apart from each other along the conveyor.

[0128] The matrix cameras 22 and 23 are arranged such that the field of view of the first camera 22 covers a first region of the conveyor belt 21, at least most of which is located downstream of the first rotating cam 19, while the field of view of the other matrix camera 23 covers a second region of the conveyor belt 21 located downstream of the first region.

[0129] More precisely, the second region of the conveyor belt 21 covered by the field of view 24 of the second matrix camera 23 includes the end of the first conveyor belt region imaged by the first matrix camera 22 and the region of the conveyor belt downstream of the second rotating cam 19, such that there is an overlap between the two imaging regions of the conveyor belt 21.

[0130] In addition, the field of view of the second matrix camera 23 covers the exit area of ​​the fourth linear conveyor 17.

[0131] In this way, each chick 11 can be tracked individually from the moment it enters the elevated conveyor section until it leaves the fourth linear conveyor 17.

[0132] In the exit area of ​​the fourth linear conveyor 17, the discharge device 18 is positioned and configured to transport the departing chicks 11 to either the first processing conveyor 12 or a second processing conveyor 13 separate from the first processing conveyor, based on the sex of the chicks identified after processing images acquired by matrix cameras 22 and 23.

[0133] The discharge device here includes one or more air guns (not shown), or a device for generating a pressurized air jet to guide or turn the chicks 11 toward a pre-established discharge path according to their sex.

[0134] Of course, the distance between the second rotating cam 19 and the discharge device 18 is determined so that the algorithm processing the captured images of the chick's wings has enough time to identify the sex of the chick 11.

[0135] The system has been tested to demonstrate its effectiveness in determining the sex of chick 11.

[0136] According to the first embodiment, a rotating cam 19 located below the conveyor belt 21 of the linear "image acquisition" conveyor is configured to raise a portion of the corresponding conveyor belt by a maximum height of 33 mm relative to the rest of the outer surface of the conveyor belt.

[0137] The rotational speed (revolutions per minute = rpm) of these rotary cams 19 is set to 1800 rpm.

[0138] Each of these rotary cams 19 has a single effective profile area, which has a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0139] The advantage of this implementation scheme is that the average error rate for identifying the sex of chicks is very low.

[0140] According to another embodiment, a pair of rotating cams 19 located below the conveyor belt of a first linear belt conveyor known as a "chick training" conveyor and a pair of rotating cams 19 located below the conveyor belt 21 of a second linear belt conveyor known as an "image acquisition" conveyor are identical and configured such that the first rotating cam in each pair, located upstream of the corresponding conveyor, is configured to raise a portion of the corresponding conveyor belt about 25 mm above the rest of the outer surface of the conveyor belt, while the other cam in the pair, located downstream, is configured to raise a portion of the corresponding conveyor belt about 33 mm above the rest of the conveyor belt.

[0141] In addition, the rotational speed (revolutions per minute = rpm) of the rotating cam 19 of the "chick training" conveyor is set to 1500 rpm, while the rotational speed of the rotating cam 19 of the second "image acquisition" conveyor is set to 2400 rpm.

[0142] Similarly, in this implementation scheme, the average error rate for identifying the sex of chicks is very low.

[0143] According to another embodiment of the invention, a pair of rotating cams 19 located below the conveyor belt of a first linear belt conveyor, referred to as a "chick training" conveyor, and a pair of rotating cams 19 located below the conveyor belt 21 of a second linear belt conveyor, referred to as an "image acquisition" conveyor, are identical and configured such that the first cam in each pair, positioned upstream of the corresponding conveyor, is configured to raise a portion of the corresponding conveyor belt about 25 mm above the rest of the outer surface of the conveyor belt, while the other cam in the pair, positioned downstream, is configured to raise a portion of the corresponding conveyor belt about 17 mm above the rest of the conveyor belt.

[0144] In addition, the rotational speed (revolutions per minute = rpm) of the first conveyor's rotating cam 19 is set to 1800 rpm, while the rotational speed of the second conveyor's rotating cam 19 is set to 3000 rpm.

[0145] Furthermore, in this implementation, the average error rate for identifying the sex of chicks is very low.

[0146] It should be noted that the frequency of the rotating cam 19 on the second linear conveyor (referred to as the image acquisition conveyor or the image capture conveyor for capturing images of outstretched wings) is always higher than the frequency of the rotating cam on the first conveyor (referred to as the "training" conveyor) because it is expected to cause the greatest imbalance in the area where one or more images of the chick's outstretched wings are captured.

Claims

1. A system for automatically determining the sex of chicks, the system comprising: - A belt conveyor, the belt conveyor comprising a conveyor belt (21) in a taut state to freely transport the chicks, the conveyor belt (21) defining a direction of movement, -A device for causing the chick to become unbalanced and actively spread its wings as it moves along at least a portion of the belt conveyor. - At least one light source (25) for illuminating the chick's wings thus spread out. - At least one imaging device (22, 23) for capturing one or more images of the wings of the chick thus illuminated, - A central unit configured to process the images acquired by the at least one imaging device (22, 23) to isolate the tip of at least one wing of the chick in at least some of these images, analyze the configuration of the feathers at the at least one tip, and determine, based on the configuration, whether the chick is male or female, or whether the sex is undetermined. Its features are, The device for causing the chick to become unbalanced and to actively spread its wings has at least one rotating cam (19) positioned below the conveyor belt (21), each cam rotating about an axis (20) positioned laterally or substantially laterally relative to the direction of movement, the cam being shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt (21) and thus raise a portion of it during the contact.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each rotating cam (19) includes at least one effective profile area that contacts the conveyor belt (21) one after another during the rotation of the corresponding cam, and the effective profile area of ​​the cam is shaped to ensure that the cam remains not in contact with the conveyor belt (21) during at least a portion of its rotation.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each rotating cam (19) has at least one circular effective profile area, such as a semi-cylindrical effective profile area.

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The system includes two rotating cams (19) positioned below the conveyor belt (21) and spaced apart from each other along a direction of travel defined by the conveyor. Each of these cams is driven to rotate about an axis (20) that is laterally or substantially laterally positioned relative to the direction of travel. Each cam is shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt (21) and thus raise a portion of it upon contact so that the chick actively spreads its wings when it is in the raised portion of the conveyor belt (21).

5. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The rotating cam (19) is identical, and the system is configured to operate the rotating cam synchronously or asynchronously.

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The frame of the belt conveyor is configured such that the conveyor belt (21) is trough-shaped to automatically center the chicks when transporting them.

7. The system according to claim 4 or 5 and 6, characterized in that, The first cam and the second cam are spaced apart and shaped such that the portion of the conveyor belt (21) positioned between the cams moves between a free or non-contact groove configuration and an elevated flat or substantially flat configuration, such that the chicks at least partially follow a straight or substantially straight trajectory.

8. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, Each rotating cam (19) is configured to raise a portion of the conveyor belt (21) as it rotates and to transmit pulses to the chicks (11) placed on the portion of the conveyor belt (21) in order to propel the chicks into the air above the conveyor belt (21).

9. The system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The conveyor includes two rotating cams (19) and at least two matrix cameras (22, 23) spaced apart along the conveyor. The field of view of the first camera (22) covers a first region of the conveyor belt (21), at least a majority of which is located downstream of the first rotating cam (19). The field of view (24) of the second camera (23) covers a second region of the conveyor belt (21), which may or may not overlap with a portion of the first conveyor belt region (21), such that a portion of the imaged second conveyor belt region (21) is located downstream of the second rotating cam (19).

10. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The conveyor includes a chick discharge device (18) in its outlet area, which is configured to convey the chick to a first processing conveyor (12) or a second processing conveyor (13) different from the first processing conveyor, based on the sex of the chick identified during the processing of the image.

11. The system according to claims 9 and 10, characterized in that, The field of view of the second matrix camera (23) also covers the exit area of ​​the conveyor to ensure that the chicks are tracked individually at least before they arrive at or pass through the discharge device (18).

12. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The system includes at least two belt conveyors arranged parallel to each other for processing a number of chicks at a time. Each conveyor is equipped with one or more rotating cams (19) positioned below the conveyor belt (21) of the corresponding conveyor. Each cam is driven to rotate about an axis (20) positioned transversely to or substantially transversely to the direction of travel defined by the corresponding conveyor. Each cam is shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt (21) of the corresponding conveyor and thus raise a portion of itself upon contact.

13. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The system comprises n linear belt conveyors arranged in series, where n is greater than or equal to 2, with the outlet of each conveyor leading to the inlet of the next conveyor. All these conveyors define a transport path. Each conveyor includes one or more rotating cams positioned below the conveyor belt (21) of the corresponding conveyor. Each cam is driven to rotate about an axis (20) placed transversely to or substantially transversely to the direction of travel. Each rotating cam (19) is shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt (21) of the corresponding conveyor and thereby raise a portion of the conveyor belt (21) upon contact. Only the downstream conveyor includes the at least one imaging device (22, 23) and the at least one light source (25). The belt conveyor positioned upstream of it allows the chicks to be prepared for sex determination on the downstream linear conveyor.

14. A method for automatically determining the sex of chicks, wherein the following steps are performed: - The chicks are moved on a belt conveyor including a tensioned conveyor belt (21), which defines the direction of movement of the chicks. - Instantly raise at least a portion of the conveyor belt (21) freely transporting the chicks to create at least one elevation on the conveyor belt (21), such as a ridge or platform raised relative to the rest of the conveyor belt (21), to cause the chicks to become unbalanced and actively spread their wings, the elevation including the at least a portion of the belt in direct contact with the chicks. - Illuminate at least one of the chick's wings so that it is spread out, and - Detect the light reflected by the wings so as to illuminate at least one of them. - Process the images thus acquired to isolate the tip of at least one wing of the chick in at least some of these images, analyze the configuration of the feathers at the at least one tip, and determine, based on the configuration, whether it is a male or female chick, or whether the sex is undetermined.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that, The at least one conveyor belt section (21) is raised by one or more rotating cams (19) positioned below the conveyor belt (21), each cam being driven to rotate about an axis (20) placed transversely to or substantially transversely to the direction of travel, each cam being shaped to periodically contact the conveyor belt (21) and thus raise a portion of it upon contact.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The at least one conveyor belt section (21) is raised by two rotating cams (19) located below the conveyor belt (21), the operation of the first cam and the second cam being synchronized.

17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that, The frame of the belt conveyor is configured such that the conveyor belt (21) is trough-shaped so as to automatically center the chicks when transporting them, and a portion of the conveyor belt (21) rises from a first trough-shaped free configuration to a second flat or substantially flat configuration, wherein the conveyor belt portion (21) is flat or substantially flat.

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