Meat sorting device based on marbling classification

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of meat sorting, and provides a meat sorting device based on marbling classification, which comprises a conveying mechanism, a sorting mechanism, a sorting mechanism and a sorting mechanism, the camera is used for shooting the meat on the conveying mechanism and generating image data; the master controller is connected with the camera and determines the grade of the meat based on the image data; and the plurality of sorting mechanisms are respectively used for receiving the meat products of the corresponding grades. According to the sorting device provided by the embodiment of the invention, the meat does not need to be manually placed at the shooting position of the camera. On the basis, the sorting mechanism can distinguish the meat products of different grades, the meat products of different grades do not need to be divided manually, and deviation caused by manual sorting is avoided. According to the sorting device, due to the fact that manual inspection and sorting are not needed, a large amount of manpower can be saved, and the meat sorting efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of meat sorting technology, and in particular to a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading. Background Technology

[0002] Marbling, as a form of intramuscular fat in meat, is an important criterion for assessing the intramuscular fat content of meat. The assessment of intramuscular fat is both a primary standard for meat quality grading and a crucial basis for pricing livestock products. Currently, after assessing the marbling pattern, meat is mainly sorted manually into different grades, which is inefficient and requires a large amount of manpower. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading, which solves the problems of time-consuming, labor-intensive and inefficient manual sorting of meat of different marble patterns in the prior art.

[0004] This utility model provides a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading, comprising:

[0005] The conveying mechanism is equipped with multiple supporting components, which are used to hold meat products;

[0006] A camera is used to capture images of the meat products on the conveyor mechanism and generate image data.

[0007] The main controller, connected to the camera, determines the grading of meat products based on the image data;

[0008] Multiple sorting units are used to handle meat products of corresponding grades.

[0009] According to the sorting device of this application embodiment, its conveying mechanism can sequentially deliver multiple meat products to the camera's shooting position. After the camera captures images of different meat products, it sends them to the main controller, eliminating the need for manual placement of meat products at the camera's shooting position. Based on this, the main controller identifies the meat product grading after recognizing the image data captured by the camera. The sorting mechanism can then differentiate between meat products of different grades, avoiding the bias caused by manual sorting. This sorting device, because it eliminates the need for manual inspection and sorting, can save a significant amount of manpower and improve the efficiency of meat sorting.

[0010] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided, wherein a dark box is provided at the inlet end of the conveying mechanism, the camera is installed in the dark box, and a light source is installed in the dark box for illuminating the meat.

[0011] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided, wherein each of the supporting components is respectively equipped with an electronic tag, and the sorting device further includes:

[0012] The first reader / writer is used to write the classification identified by the main controller into the electronic tag corresponding to the carrier component;

[0013] A second reader / writer is installed corresponding to the sorting mechanism and is used to identify the electronic tag on the carrier component that has passed through the sorting mechanism;

[0014] The carrying component is adapted to activate when the grade read by the second reader matches the identifier of the current sorting mechanism, so that the meat on the carrying component enters the sorting mechanism.

[0015] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided, wherein the marking includes a number on the sorting mechanism, and the number includes a grading abnormality number.

[0016] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided. When the sorting device includes a dark box, the first reader / writer is installed in the dark box, or each of the carrying components is equipped with a first reader / writer.

[0017] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided, wherein the light source is an array light source and the camera is located at the center of the array light source.

[0018] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided, wherein a lifting mechanism is provided inside the dark box, the light source and the camera are installed on the lifting mechanism, and the lifting mechanism is used to adjust the relative position of the camera and the supporting component.

[0019] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided, wherein the conveying mechanism includes a conveyor belt, the bearing component includes a tray and a lifting member, one end of the tray is hinged to the conveyor belt, and the second end of the tray is connected to the lifting member.

[0020] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided, wherein the supporting component includes a reset component for driving the tray to reset.

[0021] According to the present invention, a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading is provided, wherein the conveyor belt is circular and the sorting mechanism is disposed on one side of the conveyor belt. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading provided by this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the structure of the meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading provided by this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a structural schematic diagram of the load-bearing component provided by this utility model.

[0026] Figure label:

[0027] 1. Dark box; 2. Main controller; 3. Camera; 4. Light source; 5. Lifting mechanism; 6. Stabilized power supply; 701. First reader / writer; 702. Second reader / writer; 8. Supporting component; 801. Pallet; 802. Lifting component; 9. Conveying mechanism; 10. Sorting mechanism. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0029] The following is combined Figures 1 to 3 This invention describes a meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading (hereinafter referred to as the sorting device), comprising: a conveying mechanism 9, a camera 3, a main controller 2, and multiple sorting mechanisms 10. The conveying mechanism 9 is equipped with multiple supporting components 8 for placing meat products; the camera 3 is used to capture images of the meat products on the conveying mechanism 9 and generate image data; the main controller 2 is connected to the camera 3 and determines the grading of the meat products based on the image data; the multiple sorting mechanisms 10 are respectively used to receive meat products of corresponding grades.

[0030] According to the sorting device of this application embodiment, its conveying mechanism 9 can sequentially deliver multiple meat products to the shooting position of the camera 3. After the camera 3 captures images of different meat products, it sends them to the main controller 2, eliminating the need for manual placement of meat products at the shooting position of the camera 3. Based on this, after the main controller 2 identifies the image data captured by the camera 3, it obtains the grading of the meat products. The sorting mechanism 10 can then differentiate between meat products of different grades, eliminating the need for manual division of meat products of different grades and avoiding deviations caused by manual sorting. This sorting device, because it eliminates the need for manual delivery and sorting, can save a significant amount of manpower and improve the efficiency of meat sorting.

[0031] The meat products are generally commercially available red meat, such as beef, pork, and tuna. To ensure hygiene, the meat products can be fresh or frozen in various forms, such as skin packaging or vacuum packaging. Of course, unpackaged meat products can also be placed in the carrier component 8.

[0032] According to the embodiment of this application, the main controller 2 can use existing quality grading methods to determine the grading of meat products based on the marbled grading standard reference diagram or marbled grading reference index. The marbled standard reference diagrams for each grade are image sets used to guide the evaluation of marbled grades in published or currently effective national, industry, local, group, or national standards. For example, the marbled grading standard reference diagrams can be images used to display different marbled patterns in standards such as GB / T 29392-2022 "Grading of Livestock and Poultry Meat (Beef)", NY / T 676-2010 "Beef Quality Grades", NY / T 821-2019 "Technical Specifications for Pork Quality Determination", Japan's "Beef Marbling Standard", Australia's "AUS-MEAT&MSA Marbling Reference Standards", or the United States' "US Grade Standards for Beef". Similarly, the reference indicators for grading marble patterns at each level can be the sets of indicators used to guide the evaluation of marble pattern grades in published or currently effective national, industry, local, or group standards and currently effective standards of various countries.

[0033] Of course, the main controller 2 in this embodiment can also extract the pattern parameters of the marbling of the meat to be evaluated based on the image data of the camera 3; the pattern parameters include the pattern area, pattern perimeter and number of patterns; determine the index values ​​of each evaluation index corresponding to the meat to be evaluated based on the pattern parameters, and obtain the evaluation index vector of the meat to be evaluated; evaluate the marbling of the meat to be evaluated based on the evaluation index vector, and determine the grade corresponding to the meat to be evaluated.

[0034] The method by which the main controller 2 grades meat products is not limited here, and the grading standards may differ in different countries and regions. This application embodiment only needs to use a main controller that has been disclosed or not disclosed to obtain a grading result.

[0035] According to an embodiment of this application, a dark box 1 is provided at the inlet end of the conveying mechanism 9, and a camera 3 is installed inside the dark box 1. A light source 4 is also installed inside the dark box 1, and the light source 4 is used for illuminating the meat. In this case, interference from an uncertain external light source 4 on the meat image can be avoided, ensuring the accuracy of image data recognition by the main controller 2. The image data here may include static image data or video image data. Of course, if the external environment of the camera 3 allows, the dark box 1 may not be provided.

[0036] According to embodiments of this application, each carrying component 8 is equipped with an electronic tag. The specific placement of the electronic tag on the carrying component 8 is not limited, and the electronic tag can be placed away from the carrying surface of the meat to prevent interference with the data writing of the electronic tag. The sorting device also includes a first reader / writer 701 and a second reader / writer 702. The first reader / writer 701 and the second reader / writer 702 can be connected to the main controller 2 via a data cable, WIFI, or network cable. The first reader / writer 701 obtains the grading result from the main controller 2 and writes the grading into the electronic tag of the corresponding carrying component 8. The second reader / writer 702 is installed correspondingly to the sorting mechanism 10 and is used to read the grading in the electronic tag and compare the read grading with the current identifier of the sorting mechanism 10. Based on the match between the read grading and the current identifier, the carrying component 8 is activated to allow the meat to enter the current sorting mechanism 10. It should be noted that if the carrying component 8 carries different meats and passes through the camera multiple times, the electronic tag of the carrying component 8 is updated in real time, and the grading result written later will overwrite the grading result written earlier.

[0037] When the sorting device includes the aforementioned dark box 1, a first reader / writer 701 can be installed at a specific location in the dark box 1. This ensures that the first reader / writer 701 can accurately write the grading identified by the main controller 2 into the correct electronic tag. Since the first reader / writer 701 is located in the dark box 1, only one first reader / writer 701 is needed to write the grading into the electronic tags on all carrying components 8, thus saving costs. Specifically, the first reader / writer 701 can be positioned directly opposite the camera 3 in the dark box 1. When a carrying component 8 carrying meat enters the camera's field of view, the camera 3 captures an image and sends it to the main controller 2. After recognizing the image data, the main controller 2 obtains the grading result and sends it to the first reader / writer 701, which then writes the grading into the electronic tag of the corresponding carrying component 8 for the meat product. Afterwards, the conveying mechanism 9 transports the current carrying component 8 to the outside of the dark box 1 and moves the next carrying component 8 into the dark box 1, repeating the above steps of shooting, identifying and reading, so that the grading of each meat product is written into its corresponding electronic tag in sequence before the meat product leaves the dark box.

[0038] Alternatively, a first reader / writer 701 can be provided for each carrier component 8. When the first reader / writer 701 enters the camera area of ​​the camera 3, it is also in the communication connection area of ​​the main controller 2. This allows the first reader / writer 701 to receive the grading information from the main controller 2 and write the obtained grading information into the electronic tag of the current carrier component 8. In this case, since the relative positions of the first reader / writer 701 and the electronic tag are fixed, it can prevent the grading information of one meat product from being written into the electronic tag of another meat product.

[0039] According to embodiments of this application, in conjunction with Figure 2 Each sorting unit 10 is equipped with a second reader 702, which is pre-written with identifiers corresponding to the meat grading for sorting. The identifiers pre-written by the second reader 702 can be adaptively adjusted to correspond to different grading standards. For example, if regions A and B use different grading standards, and the sorting device is used in region A, then the identifiers corresponding to the grading standards of region A can be pre-stored in the second reader 702. If the sorting device is used in region B, then the identifiers corresponding to the grading standards of region B can be pre-stored in the second reader 702. In other words, the second reader 702 only needs to pre-write the corresponding identifiers to match different grading standards, ensuring that sorting is not affected by different grading standards and improving the adaptability of the sorting device.

[0040] It is worth mentioning that, Figure 2In this configuration, the second reader 702 is positioned on the conveying mechanism corresponding to the sorting mechanism 10. At this point, the second reader 702 is close to the electronic tag, thus ensuring accurate reading. Alternatively, the second reader 702 can be directly positioned on the sorting mechanism 10, as long as it can read the electronic tag on the carrying component 8 passing through the current sorting mechanism 10.

[0041] Of course, besides using the first reader / writer 701, the second reader / writer 702, and electronic tags to package the meat, the main controller 2 can also set up corresponding logic circuits. Then, when the conveyor 9 reaches the corresponding sorting mechanism 10, the output signal of the logic circuit controls the carrier component 8 to start, so that the meat falls into the current sorting mechanism 10. For example, taking the meat as having three different grading results, the main controller 2 can include an image recognition module and logic circuits. Based on the different results of the image recognition module, the logic circuit outputs a high level, a low level, or a low impedance state. The drive mechanism of the carrier component 8, based on the high level, low level, or low impedance state, controls the carrier component 8 to move different distances from the camera position of the camera 3 to stop at different positions in the sorting mechanism 10. The main controller 2 can also include a timer. Then, based on the different output results of the logic circuit, the timer is triggered to count to a first preset duration, a second preset duration, or a third preset duration. When the timer reaches the corresponding preset duration, the drive mechanism drives the carrier component 8 to move, so that the meat falls into the corresponding sorting mechanism 10.

[0042] According to an embodiment of this application, when a second reader / writer 702 is correspondingly provided in the sorting mechanism 10, the second reader / writer 702 can write the identifier of the current sorting mechanism 10. This identifier can be a number, or an image or text that corresponds to the meat grade. For example, for a sorting mechanism 10 that needs to collect meat with abnormal grading, the identifier pre-stored in its second reader / writer 702 can include the word "abnormal," the number "zero," or an image of "×," etc. Then, when the main controller 2 identifies the abnormally graded meat, it writes the grading result into the electronic tag of the corresponding carrier component 8. Abnormally graded meat generally refers to the lowest grade meat; of course, it can also be meat whose grade cannot be detected. When the grading result read by the second reader / writer 702 matches the currently pre-stored identifier, the drive mechanism of the carrier component 8 is controlled to start the carrier component 8, causing the meat to fall into the current sorting mechanism 10. The phrase "matching the grading result read by the second reader 702 with the currently stored identifier" includes both cases where the grading read by the second reader 702 matches the identifier of the current sorting mechanism 10, and cases where the grading read by the second reader 702 and the identifier of the current sorting mechanism 10 have a corresponding relationship indicating the same meaning. Specifically, in the case where the grading read by the second reader 702 matches the identifier of the current sorting mechanism 10, the identifier in the second reader 702 is the grading number, which may include, for example, grade I, grade II, etc. Additionally, the grading number may include grade anomalies. If the grading read by the second reader 702 does not match the currently stored identifier, the conveyor 9 drives the carrying component 8 to continue moving until the second reader finds the sorting mechanism 10 corresponding to the grading of the meat product to be sorted.

[0043] According to embodiments of this application, when the sorting device includes a light source 4, the light source 4 can be in the form of an array of light sources, such as an array of LED lights, and the camera 3 is positioned at the center of the array of light sources 4 to ensure the imaging effect of the camera 3. For example, a mounting hole is provided at the center of the array of light sources 4, and the shape of the mounting hole is adapted to the installation of the camera 3. Of course, the light source 4 can also adopt other distribution methods, and the position of the camera 3 is not limited to the examples given here. To ensure the imaging effect, a lifting mechanism 5 can be provided in the dark box 1, and the light source 4 and the camera 3 are mounted on the lifting mechanism 5. The lifting mechanism 5 is used to adjust the relative position of the camera 3 and the supporting component 8 to ensure that the camera 3 can capture a panoramic view of the meat and ensure the clarity of the image. To avoid adjusting the angle of the camera 3, the meat is placed in the central area of ​​the supporting component 8 to avoid deviation in the placement position.

[0044] Camera 3 can be connected to the main controller 2 via data cable, WIFI or network cable.

[0045] According to an embodiment of this application, the sorting device includes a regulated power supply 6, and the main controller 2, light source 4, and lifting mechanism 5 mentioned above can all be powered by the regulated power supply 6.

[0046] According to an embodiment of this application, the conveying mechanism 9 includes a conveyor belt, which sequentially moves the carrying component 8 to the imaging area of ​​the camera 3 and the corresponding position of the sorting mechanism 10. (In conjunction with...) Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conveyor belt can be circular to achieve a cyclical transmission within a limited space, allowing the sorted carrier component 8 to return to the inlet end of the conveyor mechanism 9. When the conveyor belt is circular, the sorting mechanism 10 can be positioned on one side of the conveyor belt to prevent it from interfering with the conveyor belt.

[0047] Of course, the conveying mechanism 9 can be a chain conveying mechanism, an electromagnetic conveying mechanism, or a pneumatic conveying mechanism, etc., and the specific conveying structure is not limited.

[0048] The carrier component 8 of the conveying mechanism 9 can be any component that can unload meat products onto the sorting mechanism 10 under the drive of the driving mechanism; the specific form of the carrier component 8 is not limited. For example, combined with... Figure 3 The carrying component 8 may include a flippable tray 801. For example, one end of the tray 801 is hinged to the conveying mechanism 9, and the second end of the tray 801 is connected to a lifting member 802. The lifting member 802 then lifts the second end of the tray 801, causing the tray 801 to flip and unload the meat into the sorting mechanism 10. Multiple carrying components 8 distributed along the conveying mechanism 9 may have adjacent trays 801 flipping in opposite directions to ensure uniform force distribution on the conveying mechanism 9 and prevent the conveying mechanism 9 from tipping over when multiple trays 801 flip simultaneously. Correspondingly, different sorting mechanisms 10 are arranged on both sides of the conveying mechanism 9. Alternatively, all trays 801 may be configured to flip in the same direction, and all sorting mechanisms 10 may be arranged on the same side of the conveying mechanism 9. Figure 3 The image shows, from top to bottom, the state of the tray 801 in its initial position and the state of the tray 801 in its flipped position. From left to right, it shows the front view, left view, and top view of the supporting component 8. The lifting component 802 can be a cylinder or a magnetic component, which causes the second end of the tray 801 to be lifted, allowing the meat to fall into the corresponding sorting mechanism 10.

[0049] Alternatively, the supporting component 8 may include a base plate that can move horizontally, thereby allowing the meat to fall into the sorting mechanism 10 through the translation of the base plate.

[0050] For different motion forms of the carrying component 8, the sorting mechanism 10 can be located on the side of the conveying mechanism 9 or at the bottom of the conveying mechanism 9. For example, when the carrying component 8 flips to unload meat, the sorting mechanism 10 can be located on the side of the conveying mechanism 9; when the carrying component 8 moves horizontally by controlling the bottom plate, the sorting mechanism 10 can be located at the bottom of the conveying mechanism 9.

[0051] According to an embodiment of this application, the sorting mechanism 10 can be a sorting chute, so that after the meat falls into the sorting chute, it can eventually move into the corresponding sorting container. Of course, the sorting mechanism 10 can also be a sorting container directly.

[0052] There are no special requirements for the order of the multiple sorting mechanisms 10. For example, the sorting mechanism 10 corresponding to the graded abnormal meat can be set upstream in the conveying direction, or it can be set midway or downstream in the conveying direction. For grade I and grade II meat, the sorting mechanisms 10 can be set adjacently or at intervals.

[0053] According to an embodiment of this application, the carrying component includes a reset component for resetting the tray 801. This reset component can be a return spring, a motor, a cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or a magnetic suction device, etc. Furthermore, after the carrying component 8 has finished unloading, it automatically resets to re-enter a standby state. For example, when the conveying mechanism 9 includes a circular conveyor belt, the reset carrying component 8 re-enters the inlet end of the conveying mechanism 9. Specifically, after the carrying component 8 starts to unload the meat, after a set delay, the cylinder or magnetic suction device can reset the tray 801. The reset component and the aforementioned lifting component can be an integrated unit; for example, a cylinder can be used to lift the tray 801 and also to reset it. Of course, the reset component and the lifting component can also be separate components.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading, characterized in that, include: The conveying mechanism is equipped with multiple supporting components, which are used to hold meat products; A camera is used to capture images of the meat products on the conveyor mechanism and generate image data. The main controller, connected to the camera, determines the grading of meat products based on the image data; Multiple sorting units are used to handle meat products of corresponding grades.

2. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inlet of the conveying mechanism is equipped with a dark box, the camera is installed inside the dark box, and a light source is installed inside the dark box for illuminating the meat.

3. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned carrier components is equipped with an electronic tag, and the sorting device further includes: The first reader / writer is used to write the classification identified by the main controller into the electronic tag corresponding to the carrier component; A second reader / writer is installed corresponding to the sorting mechanism and is used to identify the electronic tag on the carrier component that has passed through the sorting mechanism; The carrying component is adapted to activate when the grade read by the second reader matches the identifier of the current sorting mechanism, so that the meat on the carrying component enters the sorting mechanism.

4. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to claim 3, characterized in that, The identifier includes a number on the sorting mechanism, and the number includes a graded exception number.

5. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the sorting device includes a dark box, the first reader / writer is installed in the dark box, or each of the carrier components is equipped with a first reader / writer.

6. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light source is an array light source, and the camera is located at the center of the array light source.

7. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to claim 6, characterized in that, The darkroom is equipped with a lifting mechanism, on which the light source and the camera are mounted. The lifting mechanism is used to adjust the relative position of the camera and the supporting component.

8. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to any one of claims 1, 2, 6, and 7, characterized in that, The conveying mechanism includes a conveyor belt, and the carrying component includes a tray and a lifting member. One end of the tray is hinged to the conveyor belt, and the second end of the tray is connected to the lifting member.

9. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to claim 8, characterized in that, The supporting component includes a reset element for driving the tray to reset.

10. The meat sorting device based on marble pattern grading according to claim 8, characterized in that, The conveyor belt is circular, and the sorting mechanism is located on one side of the conveyor belt.

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