System and method of determining health and gender of chick

Abstract

To quickly and automatically inspect newly hatched chicks to determine the gender of the newly hatched chicks and subsequently separate the newly hatched chicks by sex.SOLUTION: A first system for determining the relative health of a chick has: a first moving platform to support a chick; a first image capture device; a first database having a library of digital images relating to healthy and unhealthy chicks; and a computer processor in communication with the image capture device and database. A second system for determining the gender of a chick includes: a second moving platform; a second image capture device; and means for stimuli directed at the chick to cause the chick to open its wings. The second system also includes: a second database having wing patterns of male and female chicks of the breed of the chick on the second moving platform; and a second computer processor in communication with the second image capture device and the second database.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] (Priority) This application is a continuation of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 254,73, filed November 13, 2015. No. 7 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 349,981, filed June 14, 2016. No. 60 / 699,999, filed on Dec. 1, 2003, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entireties.

[0002] The embodiments described herein are systems for detecting the relative health and sex of newborn chicks. For unhealthy chicks, once illness or injury is detected, They are removed from the flock. Regarding sex determination, once detected, the chicks are separated by sex. It can be done.

[0003] There are essentially three types of poultry processed in modern mass production environments: broilers, breeders, and layers. Broilers are raised for human consumption and are slaughtered at maturity. or are kept for the purpose of breeding laying hens, which produce eggs for human and animal consumption. In either case, once the chicks hatch, they are immediately processed and one of them The chicks are then transferred to the next stage of life. Day old chicks are vulnerable to disease and infection. Due to crowded conditions, chicks born abnormally or sick can infect many other chicks around them. Therefore, they are in a position to carry diseases or congenital abnormalities that may cause illness to other chicks. Removing sick chicks is very important to the health of the flock and can also help prevent serious illnesses. Humanely euthanize sick or disabled chicks before they cause further injury to themselves. It is humane to remove them so that they can be killed and disposed of.

[0004] Day-old broiler chicks are quickly processed in the hatchery and transported to the "growers" where they are The animals are allowed to live and grow to the desired weight for consumption.

[0005] There are two common diseases that afflict some chicks. The first is when the abdominal wall closes after the yolk sac is absorbed. In such cases, the chicks hatch with an open abdominal cavity. This condition is called If left undetected for a long period of time, open wounds can cause unwanted damage to the area. This can attract unwanted bacteria and infections, ultimately causing the death of the chicks.

[0006] The second defect is a deformed or defective leg or foot or a deformed beak or eye. Chicks with legs or feet endure the rigors of large-scale farming and are provided with adequate food and water in "growers." They cannot achieve this and as a result do not grow in the same way as their healthy peers. They need to be removed as quickly as possible.

[0007] Therefore, it is important to quickly and efficiently test day-old chicks to ensure that they can withstand the rigors of the poultry production environment. It is also necessary to determine whether the chicks are healthy enough to be reared. to quickly and efficiently detect and separate such abnormal day-old chicks from otherwise healthy flocks. You need to be able to pull it apart.

[0008] Early sexing of chicks also ensures that sexes are separated as early as possible to allow for proper resource efficiency. It is important in poultry production to ensure sustainable investment. Male laying hens are of no value and The number of breeding males required for breeding is limited. In the case of broilers, male broilers are desirable. The feed conversion ratio (FCR), i.e., the cost of feed per body weight, is higher in broilers. This is the main reason why males are undesirable.

[0009] Sexing day-old chicks has been common in the poultry industry since the early 1900s. Manual anal and feather sexing has been used in the industry for many years to separate male and female chicks. Both methods involve handling the chicks, which can be harmful to the chicks and It is believed to increase the 7-day mortality rate of sexed chicks.

[0010] It is known that the sex of newborn chicks can be determined by their wing feathers. The shape and length of the wings vary between male and female newborn chicks. However, the current method of manually spreading the wings of chicks Manual methods increase the chances of illness and injury to chicks, and manual methods are labor intensive. over time, which can cause repetitive injuries to workers. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] Therefore, it is necessary to quickly separate the day old chicks in order to determine their sex and subsequently separate them by sex. It is necessary to inspect quickly and automatically. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] Embodiments described herein include an apparatus for placing chicks on a moving platform; image capture for capturing at least one electronic image of the chick on the moving platform; The system includes a device for detecting healthy and unhealthy chicks within a range of chick breeds. a database containing electronic images of chicks, and an image capture device and an image capture device communicating with the database; When the captured image of the chick is sent to the image processing device, the data of the chick image is The images of the chicks are compared with the database to determine whether they deviate or become unhealthy from the images of healthy chicks in the database. If the image matches that of a healthy chick or shows abnormalities, the chick is removed from the flock.

[0013] The placement device can be a conveyor. The photographed image of the chick should be a frontal image. The photographed image of the chick can be an image of the chick's body. The photographed image of the chick can be an image of the chick's legs. , face, foot images.

[0014] Embodiments described herein are methods for determining the health status of day-old chicks, comprising: placing a chick on a platform; and moving at least one of the chicks on the moving platform. and capturing an electronic image of the chick. providing a database containing electronic images of healthy chicks in the enclosure; and and providing an image processing device in communication with the database. comparing the captured image with the electronic image in the database and determining whether the captured image matches the image in the database. and determining whether the time deviates from the time of the first pass.

[0015] The embodiments described herein include a device for causing a chick to spread its wings and a method for detecting when the chick's wings are spread. and an image capture device for capturing at least one electronic image of the chick's wing. The system further includes an electronic image of wing patterns of males and females within a range of breeds of chicks. and an image processing device in communication with the image capture device and the database. The captured image of the chick's wing is sent to an image processor, which then processes it to determine the chick's sex. The results are compared with a database of wing patterns from chicks of the breed.

[0016] The device for spreading the wings of the chicks is preferably an inclined conveyor or hinged. The image capture device can be a digital camera. The captured image of the chick can be a frontal image.

[0017] Embodiments herein also provide a method for determining the sex of chicks, comprising: providing a platform for the chicks to spread their wings and allowing the chicks to spread their wings for at least one minute. Introduce two stimuli and capture at least one image of the chick when the chick spreads its wings. The method includes the steps of: acquiring a library of digital images; and providing a database for storing the image data, and a computer communicating with the image capture device and the database. and providing a computer processor. After the chick spreads its wings, the image of the wings is The images of the chick's wings are compared with a library of digital images to determine the chick's sex. are compared. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] Other objects, features, and advantages of the embodiments may be understood by reading the following detailed description and by referring to the drawings. It will be clear by [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of a first inclined conveyor of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 3 is an enlarged schematic side view of a portion of the first embodiment of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the actuator of the first embodiment in both extended and retracted positions. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a second inclined conveyor of the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagrammatic representation of the communication of various elements of the first embodiment. [Figure 8] 7 is a side schematic view of the first embodiment of FIG. 6. The embodiments described herein are not intended to be limiting. The embodiments are intended to include all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as defined herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Embodiments herein provide a system and method for determining the relative health and sex of chicks. The first embodiment 10 shown in Figure 1 is a method for moving chicks 14 in a hatchery. The first conveyor 12 carries the chicks 14, which are previously separated by other conveyors and dividers. It should be understood that the first conveyor 12 is now moving in single file. The conveyor 12 includes a presence sensor 16 for detecting the presence of chicks 14 on the first conveyor. One or more cameras 18 are positioned along the path of the first conveyor 12. The camera 18 is mounted in the same position as the body of the chick 14 so that it can focus on the abdomen, legs and feet of the chick. The camera 18 is preferably positioned at the end of the conveyor at the same height as the chicks. The first conveyor must be positioned so as not to interfere with the movement of chicks along the first conveyor. The term conveyor refers to the object (in this case Any type of handling mechanism capable of transporting a subject (or animal, if applicable) from a first location to a second location The term conveyor is understood to mean conveyor belts, moving platforms, This includes, but is not limited to, forms.

[0020] The camera 18 preferably captures each chick 14 as it moves along the first conveyor 12. The camera 18 is a video camera that can capture live video footage of the chicks 14. Communicating with the master system controller 44 and computer processor 32 (FIG. 7) The computer processor 32 receives data on images of healthy chicks 14 and unhealthy chicks 14. The computer processor 32 receives and processes images from the camera 18. to determine whether the chick images show signs of abnormalities or irregularities that require further attention. This process is described in more detail below.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, an inclined conveyor 20 is adjacent to and in contact with the first conveyor 12. The first inclined conveyor 20 is positioned below the conveyor 12. The first inclined conveyor 20 is oriented at an angle θ with respect to the horizontal. will be done.

[0022] The first inclined conveyor 20 has a proximal end 22 and a distal end 24. The inclined conveyor 20 has a frame 26 that supports the inclined conveyor (FIG. 4). The frame 26 is attached at its proximal end 22 to a fixed structure such as a frame structure for the entire system. The frame 26 prevents the chicks from falling off the inclined conveyor 20. The support supports a pair of rails 28.

[0023] The actuator 30 shown in FIGS. 3-5 is attached to the frame 26 of the inclined conveyor 20. The actuator is fixedly connected to a support structure such as the frame structure of the entire system. 30 is normally positioned to support the inclined conveyor 20 in the extended position. 2, the actuator 30 contracts to move the frame 26 of the inclined conveyor 20 to its proximal end 2 2 and pivot the distal end 24 further downward to increase the angle θ. The actuator 30 communicates with a computer processor 32 that remotely controls the actuator. do.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 2, a third conveyor 34 is positioned below the inclined conveyor 20 and The conveyor is arranged to receive chicks 14 from the inclined conveyor 20 when the conveyor is in its extended position. A fourth conveyor 36 is positioned further below the inclined conveyor 20 and conveys the retracted The fourth conveyor 36 is oriented perpendicular to the inclined conveyor 20. When the conveyor 20 is retracted by the actuator 30, the inclined conveyor 20 The chicks are then accepted into the breeding facility. This is explained in more detail below.

[0025] A second inclined conveyor 38, shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, is positioned immediately below the third conveyor 34. , receives chicks 14 from the third conveyor 34. A second presence sensor 40 detects the presence of the chicks 14 on the third conveyor 34. A second presence sensor 40 is located at the end of the second inclined conveyor 38. Along the way, it senses the presence of Hatchling 14.

[0026] The camera 18 is positioned at the end of the third conveyor 34 and along the path of the second inclined conveyor 38. The cameras 18 are placed at one or more locations along the route (Fig. 6). The images are positioned to focus on the pattern on the wings of the bird.

[0027] A fan 42 is positioned along the path of the second inclined conveyor 38 (FIG. 6). 2 is positioned to direct air upward as chicks 14 pass through. It is controlled by the star control system 44. The master control system , in communication with a computer processor 32 (FIG. 7).

[0028] A vibrating mechanism 46, shown in Figure 6, is secured to the second inclined conveyor 38. In use, the vibrating mechanism 46 vibrates the second inclined conveyor 38. The vibration mechanism 46 is connected to the master control A strobe light 47 is directed toward the end of the conveyor 38. A strobe light 47 is also located above the path of the bearer 38. Communicate with 44.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, a fifth conveyor 48 is disposed at the end of the second inclined conveyor 38. The fifth conveyor 48 receives these chicks 14 descending from the second inclined conveyor 38. A sixth conveyor 50 is located immediately below and in front of the second inclined conveyor 38. The sixth conveyor 50 is disposed perpendicular to the second inclined conveyor 38. When in the retracted position, the second inclined conveyor 38 is moved away from the These chicks 14 are accepted. This process is described in more detail below.

[0030] The computer processor 32 stores the wings of various chicken breeds. A database containing a library of digital images of the pattern. The sensor 32 (FIG. 7) also communicates with the second presence sensor 44 via the master control system 44. 40, the camera 18, and the actuator 30 (FIG. 6). Processor 32 controls the speed of the conveyor and is the master controller that controls the overall operational functions. The master control system 44 communicates with the aforementioned The start and stop of each can be controlled by the master control system. As described above, the camera 18, the fan 42, and the vibration mechanism 46 (FIG. 6) are in electronic communication. A schematic representation of the communication between elements is shown in Figure 7.

[0031] In use, after the chicks 14 hatch, they are processed first and then finally delivered to the first conveyor. -12. Used to move newly hatched chicks 14 onto the conveyor 12 There may be a series of other conveyors, dividers, etc. (not shown) that can It should be noted, however, that such equipment and detailed implementations are not described here.

[0032] As the chicks 14 move along the first conveyor 12, the first presence sensor 16 detects the presence of the first The presence sensor 16 detects the presence of chicks moving along the conveyor 12 (Fig. 2). The first conveyor is in communication with a computer processor 32, the computer processor 32 At the end of the path of the first conveyor 12 and above the path of the first conveyor 12 and along the inclined conveyor 20 The camera 18 is operated by placing the camera 18 in the vicinity of the chick (Fig. 3). The camera 18 captures at least one image of the chick. Preferably, the camera 18 captures video images of the chick's abdomen, legs, facial features and feet. You can take a photo of it.

[0033] The image or images are electronically transmitted to a computer processor 32 (FIG. 7). The computer processor 32 processes the images and compares them with healthy chicks of the same breed. The camera images are compared with images in a database of unhealthy chicks. When comparing the image with the standard image in the database, the computer processor 32 Anomalies or deviations in the captured image can be detected. If so, the computer processor 32 may identify this as an anomaly or fault that requires further attention. Register such deviations.

[0034] The computer processor then transmits the results to the master control system. 44, which in turn activates the actuator 30. (FIG. 4). This causes the proximal end 22 of the first inclined conveyor 20 to pivot and the distal end 24 to At an angle θ, the chicks 14 are positioned on the first inclined conveyor. and are dropped onto the fourth conveyor 36 (Fig. 2) for further manual inspection. If the chicks are not healthy, they are separated from the rest of the healthy flock. If so, the chicks are returned to the flock for further processing.

[0035] Once the chicks are transferred to the fourth conveyor 36, the actuator 30 (FIG. 5) is reversed, and the fourth 1. Return the first inclined conveyor 20 to its extended position. This allows the first inclined conveyor 20 to return to its extended position. The distal end 24 of the pivot pin 24 swings upward as the proximal end 22 pivots about itself, and the angle θ When the actuator returns the first inclined conveyor 20 to its original position, another chick In this way, only healthy chicks can be admitted to the third conveyor 34. is allowed to proceed.

[0036] As healthy chicks advance onto the third conveyor 34, a second presence sensor 40 (FIG. 6) detects the presence of the chicks on the third conveyor. The second presence sensor 40 detects the presence of chicks on the yard 34. 32 and the master control system 44 (FIG. 7) to control the second inclined conveyor 3 Activating the camera 18 adjacent to the camera 8, the fan 42, the strobe light 47, and the vibration mechanism 46. do.

[0037] At the end of their journey along the third conveyor 34, the chicks move onto a second inclined conveyor 38. At this point, the chick faces the second inclined conveyor 38, which moves the chick's feet down to the chick's face and head. The air blowing upward is generated by the fan 42. Also, the vibration mechanism 46 is activated. As a result of this, the surface of the second inclined conveyor 38 is vibrating. The side that makes the chick feel like it has lost its balance. The bird lifts its wings and begins to flap, at which point camera 18 captures an image of the pattern on its open wings. Flashing strobe lights47 are also expected to have a similar stimulating effect on chicks.

[0038] The image is communicated to a computer processor 32 (FIG. 7), 32 processes the images and matches them with images of wing patterns of both sexes in a database of chicks of that breed. By comparing the images, the computer can determine the sex of the chick. If the computer processor 32 determines that the chick is female, the chick is transferred to the fifth conveyor 4 At conveyor no. 5 48 the chicks are packed into crates and taken to the grow-out area. If the chick is determined to be male, the computer processor 32 activates the actuator 30 is activated, the actuator 30 contracts and rotates the second inclined conveyor 38; The distal end 20 is swung downward to increase the angle θ. At some angle θ, the chick 14 is in the second inclined position. The debris cannot stay on the conveyor 38 and falls onto another conveyor 50 for further processing. The chicks are separated by sex and processed separately.

[0039] When male chick 14 was transferred to another platform, Master Control System 44 This stops the actuator 30 (FIG. 6). This causes the second inclined conveyor 38 to This causes the distal end 20 of the second inclined conveyor 38 to return to its extended position, so that the proximal end 18 As it pivots around itself, it swings upward, decreasing the angle θ. 30 returns the second inclined conveyor 38 to its original position so that it can accept another chick. do.

[0040] Thus, the embodiments herein fully satisfy the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. Obviously, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. It is therefore understood that the present invention is within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. It is intended to include all such alternatives, modifications and variances.

Claims

1. A system for determining the sex of chicks, comprising: a moving platform for supporting the chicks; at least one stimulus means for causing said chick to open its wings; an image capture device for capturing at least one image of the chick; a database having a library of digital images; a computer processor in communication with the image capture device and the database; whereby the image of the chick is scanned using a laser scanner to determine the sex of the chick. A computer processor compared to a library A system including:

2. The camera, the mobile platform, the database, the computer processor, and the mobile 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising a master control system in communication with the operating platform. The system.

3. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the stimulation means is an inclined conveyor belt.

4. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the stimulation means is a vibrating conveyor belt.

5. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the stimulus means is a strobe light.

6. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the stimulation means is a stream of air blown onto the chicks.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the library of digital images is specific to a breed of chick.

8. The system of claim 5 , wherein the digital image is a wing pattern.

9. A system for determining the health status of newborn chicks, a moving platform on which chicks are placed; an imaging device for capturing at least one electronic image of said chick on said moving platform; an image capture device; a database containing electronic images of healthy and unhealthy chicks within said chick breed range; a computerized image processor in communication with the image capture device and the database; a computerized image processing device, by which the image of the chick captured is processed by the computerized image processing device; The image is sent to an image processing device where it is compared with the database and the image of the chick is If the moving chick deviates from the image in the database, the moving chick is separated from the flock. Image processing device and A system including:

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the images are images of feet, faces, and legs.

11. The system of claim 9 , wherein the captured image is an abdominal image.

12. 10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a device for changing the position of the platform. Tem.

13. A system for determining the health and sex of day-old chicks, comprising: a first moving platform on which chicks are placed; capturing at least one digital image of the chick on the first moving platform; a first image capture device for a first database containing digital images of healthy and unhealthy chicks within said chick breed range; Su and a second mobile platform; and at least one stimulation means applied to said second mobile platform; a second camera for capturing a second digital image of the chick on the second moving platform; an image capture device; a second database containing digital images of wing patterns by sex of chicks; a computer in communication with the first and second image capture devices and the first and second databases; computerized image processing device and whereby the captured first image of the chick is processed by the computerized image processing The data are then processed by a processing device where they are compared with the first database to determine whether healthy chicks are unhealthy. The healthy chicks are then separated from the chicks and moved to the second mobile platform where they are captured. A second image of the healthy chick is processed by the computerized image processor. and comparing the chick to the second database to determine the chick's sex, Divided by different, systems.

14. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the chicks are separated by a repositioning device.

15. The position change device includes an inclined conveyor, and the inclined conveyor - Centered on one end so that the chicks on top can no longer stay on it and fall to a different surface 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the system is actuated to pivot.

16. The stimulus means may include forced air applied to the second moving platform, strobe lighting, 14. The system of claim 13, including, but not limited to, vibration.

17. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the first image capture device captures an image of the abdomen, legs, or feet of the chick. The system described in

18. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the chicks are less than one day old.

19. 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the first or second moving platform is tilted. 。

20. the digital image captured by the second image capture device is of the chick's wing. The system of claim 13.

Images