Systems and methods for detecting egg fertility and gender

Abstract

An egg analysis system and method is provided. The system includes a light source for illuminating an egg, a hyperspectral imaging camera, a processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to: activate the light source to illuminate the egg, receive an image of the egg from the hyperspectral imaging camera, and analyze the image. The light source can emit light at one of approximately 860 nm, 1050 nm, or 1250 nm.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for detecting egg fertility and gender. [Background technology]

[0002] Egg fertility and hatchability are vital economic factors for hatcheries and poultry breeding farms. Only about 60% to about 90% of incubated eggs are fertile and ultimately hatch in commercial hatcheries. Non-hatching eggs include infertile eggs or fertile eggs with dead embryos. Infertile eggs may account for up to 25% of all eggs set for hatching. These eggs may be useful as commercial egg tables or low grade food stock.

[0003] The sex of fertile eggs is also one of the egg characteristics that is of interest to the poultry industry. In the layer egg industry, chicks are sexed at hatch and the hens (which will lay eggs) are deemed the most important while the roosters are culled. The opposite is the case in the broiler industry where the male species is very important. In both cases, the disposal of unwanted chicks creates a serious bottleneck as far as waste disposal and animal welfare issues are concerned. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] According to one aspect, an egg analysis system is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The system includes a light source that illuminates the eggs, a hyperspectral imaging camera, a processor, and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to: activate the light source to illuminate the eggs, receive an image of the eggs from the hyperspectral imaging camera, and analyze the image.

[0006] According to another embodiment, the light source can emit light at one of approximately 860 nm, 1050 nm, or 1250 nm.

[0007] According to another aspect, a computer-implemented method for determining fertility and sex of an egg is provided, the method including receiving angle, frequency (or wavelength) and intensity data of scattered light from an egg illuminated with a light source, identifying a germinal disc in the egg from the scattered light data, and determining at least one of the fertility or sex of the egg based on the size and structure of the germinal disc.

[0008] According to another aspect, a computer-implemented method for determining fertility and sex of an egg is provided, the computer-implemented method including receiving angle, frequency and intensity data of scattered fluorescent light from an egg illuminated with a laser (i.e., a continuous wave laser, a pulsed laser or a supercontinuum laser), measuring the scattered light data to determine particle size and particle density of the blastocyst of the egg, determining an average scattering size of the blastocyst, determining an average cell / particle size of the blastocyst, structure of the blastocyst, and determining fertility and sex of the egg based on the size and structure of the blastocyst.

[0009] In various further aspects, the present disclosure provides corresponding systems and devices, as well as logic structures, such as machine-executable coded instruction sets, for implementing such systems, devices, and methods.

[0010] In this regard, before describing at least one embodiment in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in application to the details of construction and the arrangements of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings, and it is also to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0011] Many additional features and combinations of features related to the embodiments described herein will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

[0012] Embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a component diagram illustrating an example of a system for analyzing eggs, according to some embodiments. [Figure 1B] FIG. 2 is a component diagram illustrating another example of a system for analyzing eggs, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2A] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system having optical fibers with incident beam angles for acquiring scattering images of eggs, according to some embodiments. [Figure 2B] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system having an LED line light for acquiring a scattering image of an egg, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3A-3E] 1 is a scanned image of a germinal disc within an egg, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for analyzing eggs, according to some embodiments. [Diagram 5] 1 is a flow chart illustrating an example of a protocol (e.g., method) for handling an egg such that the germinal disc of the egg is located at the top (large end) of the egg, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an egg positioned at a 45 degree angle, according to some embodiments. [Figure 6B] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of an egg positioned in a vertical position, according to some embodiments. [Figure 7] 1 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for analyzing light scattering, according to some embodiments. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a computing device, such as a server or other computer in the device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] It is understood that throughout the specification and figures, like features are identified with like reference numerals.

[0015] Embodiments of the method, system, and apparatus are described through reference to the drawings. Applicant emphasizes that the described embodiments and examples are illustrative and not limiting. Actual implementations of features may include combinations of some or all of the above aspects, and features described herein should not be construed as indicative of future or existing product plans.

[0016] In some embodiments, in-ovo fertility and sex determination processes have been developed using hyperspectral imaging (i.e., time-resolved hyperspectral imaging, spatially resolved hyperspectral imaging), super-resolution hyperspectral imaging processing and analysis, machine learning techniques, and deep learning techniques to identify and isolate infertile eggs and separate female and male eggs. These processes have been developed based on statistical methods and have shown very promising results for fertility and sex determination of pre-incubated eggs. Such in-ovo fertility and sex detection systems can include the acquisition of high quality hyperspectral images in which a light source can play a role.

[0017] In some embodiments, an in ovo fertility and sex determination technique has been developed that is based on light scattering patterns passing through an ore-incubated egg. The scattered light patterns are then analyzed using a gray-level co-occurrence matrix, statistical methods, and Fourier analysis to determine egg fertility and egg sex.

[0018] In some embodiments, "distinguishing features" in the acquired hyperspectral images and / or light scattering patterns (i.e., hyperspectral images and / or light scattering patterns) are identified that are capable of consistently distinguishing between non-fertile and fertile eggs, and between male and female eggs.

[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates in a component diagram an example 100 of a system for analyzing eggs, according to some embodiments. The system 100 comprises a light source (e.g., a laser) 110 and at least one photon detector 120. In some embodiments, an egg can be illuminated by a beam of the laser 110 (or a beam of another light source), and the variations in the scattered light can be detected by a high-speed photon detector 120 (e.g., a streak camera) at a known scattering angle θ. Cells within the egg scatter light from the beam of the laser 110, and imprint information is detected by the photon detector 120 and used for analysis. This analysis provides information about the cell particles. The intensity variations of the incident beam are characterized by calculating an intensity correlation function. Analysis of this intensity correlation function provides the diffusion coefficient (also known as the diffusion constant) of the particle. Since particles of different sizes scatter with different intensities, different scattering angles can be examined to determine the optimal detection angle for the egg. Other components may be added to the system 100, including a processor 130 and a memory 140 that stores instructions for digitizing and analyzing the imprint information. For example, the memory 140 may include a digitization module and an analysis module.

[0020] 1B illustrates in a component diagram another example of a system 150 for analyzing eggs, according to some embodiments. System 150 includes imaging subsystem 115, detection subsystem 125, and optionally actuation subsystem 105. In some embodiments, actuation subsystem 105 can be external to system 150. Subsystems 115, 125, and 105 can have individual processors 130 and memories 140 or can share processor 130 and memory 140 of a common system 150.

[0021] In some embodiments, the light source of the in ovo fertility and gender detection system 100, 150 can provide uniform illumination with high intensity to the eggs within the field of view (FOV) of the hyperspectral imaging camera. It should be noted that intensity (also called "radiance") is the radiant flux emitted, reflected, transmitted or received by a surface per unit solid angle per unit projected area, while spectral intensity (also called "spectral radiance") is the radiance of a surface per unit wavelength. Intensity is the integral of the spectral intensity over the wavelengths of the light source. The following description lists more specific specifications of the light source. 1. Light that can cover the field of view (FOV) of the hyperspectral camera (e.g., approximately 16 centimeters (cm) by 2.5 cm, or other dimensions as desired). 2. High spectral intensity in the wavelength range of interest. (e.g., at least 120 mW·sr -1 ·cm -2 nm -1 , or other spectral radiance as desired). 3. Uniform illumination of each egg within the FOV (e.g., variance less than 10%, or as desired). 4. "Cool" light that produces very little heat during long periods of operation.

[0022] In addition, the light source can also meet the following specifications to suit industrial applications: 5. High stability during long operation (e.g., more than 8 hours, or as long as desired) 6. Long lamp life (e.g., over 1000 hours, or as long as desired)

[0023] In some embodiments, the light source can be part of the imaging subsystem 115, 200, 250 of the detection system 100, 150, which includes a line-scan spectrometer interconnected with an InGaAs camera (i.e., a hyperspectral imaging camera in the short-wave infrared region), a digitally controlled conveyor, and a custom-designed egg holder. The imaging subsystem 115, 200, 250 functions in a transmission mode. The egg is placed in the egg holder and placed on the conveyor. The light source in the imaging subsystem is positioned to align with the hyperspectral imaging camera and provide backlighting to the egg to facilitate acquisition of the hypercube. The light source can be developed based on various lights as long as it can meet the above-mentioned specifications.

[0024] In some embodiments, the light source is part of an imaging subsystem 115, 200 that includes a line scan spectrometer interconnected with an InGaAs camera (i.e., a camera configured to capture an image (e.g., a spectral image, scattered light)). In one exemplary embodiment, the spectrometer has a near infrared spectral range spanning from about 900 nm to about 1700 nm and a spectral resolution of 2.8 nm. In one embodiment, the image data is collected in transmission mode. In one embodiment, the image data is collected and processed at 100 frames per second. In one embodiment, the imaging system can include a wide field camera, an area scan camera, or a snapshot camera.

[0025] In some embodiments, one or more light sources 110 in the imaging subsystem 115 can be used to provide backlighting to the egg to facilitate image capture of variations in scattered light. In one exemplary embodiment, a single 250 watt quartz tungsten halogen lamp is used as the light source. Such a light source can be connected to an optical fiber (e.g., a liquid light guide) to control the incident beam size. The controllable beam size and incident beam position using optical fibers enhances the accuracy of algorithms that determine the presence and structure of the scutellum.

[0026] 2A shows a schematic diagram of an example of a system 200 having optical fibers with incident beam angles for acquiring scatter images of an egg according to some embodiments. The system includes a light source 210 connected to one or more lenses 220 via an optical fiber / LLG 215, and a detector 230 that receives a focused beam of light that has passed through an egg 225.

[0027] In some embodiments, the light source 110 may consist of optical fibers (or liquid light guides, LLGs) and / or focusing lenses (i.e., optical fibers (or liquid light guides, LLGs) and / or focusing lenses, or both) that control the size of the light beam and the position of the incident beam to generate a good scatter image. The size of the light beam is crucial for the illumination system. A larger beam may provide higher light throughput and a larger scattering area, but may be difficult to quantify the light scattering properties. A smaller beam is desirable for scatter measurements, but may reduce the efficiency of the camera, which may reduce the SNR (i.e., signal-to-noise ratio) of the image. The selected beam size is a trade-off between light efficiency and scatter measurements. In one exemplary embodiment, a liquid light guide (LLG) with a core diameter of 7.6 mm and a numerical aperture of 0.52 is used to guide the incident light to the illumination position, which may be directly underneath the egg. A focusing lens can be placed between the end of the LLG and the egg to form a sharp, focused incident beam on the egg. Multiple optical fibers and focusing lenses can be used to provide higher light throughput with a good balance between light efficiency and scatter measurement. In this case, the fiber / LLG incident angle can be adjusted within a small range (less than 30 degrees) with equal spacing.

[0028] In some embodiments, an optimal light source based on halogen lamps (e.g., quartz tungsten halogen, QTH) can consist of two or three identical light source units, each providing backlighting to a row of eggs. The QTH light source unit can include a 250W QTH lamp, a light source housing, a lamp power supply, a fiber bundle focusing assembly, a liquid light guide, a light guide collimating probe, and all interconnecting cables and components required for operation.

[0029] The QTH lamp can be operated in current, power, or intensity control modes to meet the operating requirements. The lamp power supply is highly regulated for maximum stability. The QTH housing provides a built-in ignitor board and rear reflector for optimal lamp performance. A built-in cooling fan maintains a safe operating temperature of the lamp. A fiber bundle focusing assembly connected to the light housing is used to convert the collimated light source to a fiber optic source, i.e., a liquid light guide (LLG) connected to the focusing assembly. The liquid light guide carries the light from the housing to a location below the egg holder where the light is aligned with the hyperspectral imaging camera. A light guide collimating probe connected to the LLG collimates the highly divergent output of the LLG and provides backlighting to the egg to obtain a high quality hypercube.

[0030] 2B shows a schematic diagram of an example of a system 250 with an LED line light for acquiring a scattering image of an egg, according to some embodiments. The system includes an LED line light source 260, a lens 270, and a detector 230 that receives a focused beam of light that has passed through an egg 225.

[0031] A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor that converts electrical energy into light energy. Compared to QTH lamps, LED lamps can provide much higher light output intensity, require lower energy consumption, have a much longer shelf life without reducing light intensity, and generate much less heat. Meanwhile, unlike QTH lamps that generate light in the near-ultraviolet to infrared continuous spectrum, there are only a few wavelengths available for LED lamps, especially in the IR / SWIR region.

[0032] Some wavelengths identified as useful for determining egg fertility and sex include about 860 nm, about 1050 nm, and about 1250 nm. LED line lights are designed to house LED units having carefully tuned ratios of the identified wavelengths that can produce equal light output intensity levels at all wavelengths. The spectral intensity, or radiance, of the light output of a surface per unit wavelength is at least: 120mW·sr -1 ·cm -2 nm -1 Depending on the light output intensity level of the LED unit, the LED light source can be operated in strobe mode to over-drive the LEDs to get a boost in their performance. When the LED light source is operated in strobe mode, the LEDs are strobing simultaneously at all wavelengths. An LED line light is placed under the egg holder and aligned with the FOV of the HSI camera to provide back-illumination to the egg to obtain high quality hypercubes.

[0033] In some embodiments, the photon detectors 120, 230 are part of a detection subsystem 125 that analyzes the received scattering data to detect cellular particles within the egg, including, for example, the germinal disc.

[0034] 3A-3E show scanned images 300A-300E of the germinal disc 310 in an egg 320, according to some embodiments. Detection of the germinal disc 310 was performed in light scattering images 300A-300E acquired with different camera aperture sizes (F#s). The pattern of the germinal disc 310 appears as a circular disc in the light scattering images 300A-300E. An egg handling protocol ensures that the germinal disc 310 moves to the top of the egg 320 within the camera's field of view during scanning. The germinal disc 310 can be identified in all light scattering images, but image 300C with an F# of 2.8 outperforms the other scattering images in having the best contrast and separability.

[0035] In some embodiments, the system 100 can optionally include an actuation system 105 that actuates a conveyor configured to move eggs into the field of view of the photon detector 120, 230 (e.g., camera) optics of the system. In one exemplary embodiment, the conveyor is a Dorner 2200 series conveyor system that includes a belt, rollers, stepper motors, and a programmable logic controller (PLC) touch screen. The speed of the conveyor can be adjustable. For example, the speed of the conveyor can be adjusted based on the speed of the photon detector 120, 230 (e.g., frame rate of the camera optics) to minimize image distortion (e.g., motion blur). The speed of the conveyor can also be adjusted based on other factors, such as the desired detection throughput, the working distance between the detector and the object, and the desired illumination level at the object.

[0036] The conveyor can include trays or racks adapted to receive the eggs. In some embodiments, the trays or racks can then be stored (on or off the conveyor) while holding each egg in a given position (e.g., vertical position, first angular position, second angular position, etc.). In some embodiments, the racks can be rotated such that the eggs in the racks are held in various positions (e.g., vertical position, first angular position, second angular position, etc.).

[0037] In one embodiment, the conveyor may be configured to present multiple eggs to be imaged simultaneously (e.g., two eggs, four eggs, etc.). Thus, in this embodiment, each spectral image data or each scattering data may include data for multiple eggs, and such each image data or each scattering data may be partitioned during processing to separate the scattering data for each egg. The processor 130 may be configured to send control commands to the conveyor that control movement of the conveyor.

[0038] The imaging subsystem 115, 200, 250 may be interconnected with the detection subsystem 125 via a conventional serial or parallel interface. In one embodiment, the imaging subsystem 115, 200, 250 may be interconnected with the detection subsystem 125 via a network comprising a wired link, a wireless link, or a combination thereof. In this embodiment, one or both of the imaging subsystem 115, 200, 250 and the detection subsystem 125 may include a suitable network interface and / or network transceiver (i.e., a network interface and / or a network transceiver). In some embodiments, the detection subsystem 125 may be a cloud service that receives egg scattering data as an input and provides egg sex and / or fertility (i.e., sex and / or fertility) as an output.

[0039] In some embodiments, the detection subsystem 125 or system 100 can be connected to an actuation subsystem 105 that triggers the actuation of an apparatus based on the results calculated by the detection subsystem 125. The actuation subsystem 105 is operable to send control signals to actuate an apparatus according to the classified unhatched eggs. The actuation subsystem 105 is operable to generate data signals, for example, of the sex and fertility rate of the unhatched eggs. The actuation subsystem 100 is operable to send output data signals to a hardware or device that triggers its actuation. For example, the actuation subsystem 105 can move or separate the unhatched eggs.

[0040] In some embodiments, the actuation subsystem 105 can receive the classification result data signal from the detection subsystem 125 and can use one or more devices that physically contact the eggs to remove unwanted eggs (unfertilized eggs and / or male eggs (i.e., unfertilized eggs and / or male eggs) from the assembly line or can otherwise trigger egg movement or separation. For example, the actuation subsystem 105 can include or interface with one or more robotic arms having end effectors (robot hands) that can be used to grasp and drop or replace eggs that are indicated as unfertilized eggs and / or male eggs by the classification signal from the detection subsystem. There can be other devices that can perform egg separation or movement based on the classification signal from the detection subsystem, and this is only an illustrative example. Thus, the actuation subsystem 105 triggers the actuation of hardware components based on the classification signal from the detection subsystem 125. In an example embodiment, this actuation can involve physical movement of the eggs, for example, separating the eggs into different streams. As another example, a conveyor can be triggered or controlled to move the eggs. The detection subsystem 125 generates output signals for the actuation subsystem 105 to provide control commands that trigger the actuation of various devices.

[0041] FIG. 4 illustrates in a flow chart an example 400 of a method for analyzing an egg, according to some embodiments. The method 400 includes illuminating an egg using a beam of a light source (e.g., a laser) 110 (410) and detecting variations in scattered light emanating from the egg using a fast photon detector 120 (420). The variations, i.e., imprint information, detected by the photon detector 120 are then digitized (430), and the digitized information is analyzed for cellular particulars (440). For example, an intensity correlation function can be performed to determine the diffusion coefficient (i.e., diffusion constant) of the particles. Other steps can also be performed by the method 400, including determining an optimal detection angle for the egg.

[0042] The shape and size of the germinal disc floating on the egg yolk differs between fertilized and unfertilized eggs. The germinal disc (also called blastoderm) of a fertilized egg is visually seen as a symmetrical circular ring, while the germinal disc (also called blastodisc) of an unfertilized egg appears as an asymmetrical solid spot. Several studies have been carried out to identify possible characteristics to distinguish the sex before incubation. It is known that there may be about 40,000 to about 60,000 blastodermal cells available in the germinal disc of a chicken egg. Hens are heterogametes with one Z and one W sex chromosome, whereas roosters have two Z chromosomes. The Z chromosome has about three times more DNA content than the W chromosome. Thus, the total DNA content in cells from roosters is greater than in cells from hens.

[0043] The application of multivariate methods for spectral feature selection has provided promising results in areas such as tumor identification or classification of different cell types. Furthermore, considering that the germinal disc of male eggs is denser than that of female eggs, the spectral scattering patterns are expected to be different, which may explain the statistical differences observed by the spectral and image features extracted from hyperspectral images. Thus, differential features for fertility and gender detection can be found based on light scattering measurements.

[0044] Light scattering occurs when light "hits" a small object (particle or molecule) and thereby changes its direction. The ability of a scattering particle to scatter light depends on the density and size of the scattering particle. Light scattering is the process when the energy of the incident light is absorbed by an object and then released. The angle, frequency and intensity (i.e., power) of the light scattering can be measured to determine the particle size and density of the material. Angle-resolved scattering measurements capture the light as a function of the scattering angle, invert the angle, and estimate the average size of the scattering object through a computational light scattering model such as Mie scattering theory, which predicts the angle based on the size of the scattering sphere. The combination of these techniques allows the measurement of the average scattering size and average particle size of the object. In addition, multiple scattering characteristics, which can be calculated by the average of single sphere scattering efficiencies obtained from Mie scattering theory, are also used to predict the structure of the object. Thus, a method for detecting egg fertility and sex has been developed based on the predicted size and structure of the germinal disc using different light scattering measurements and light scattering patterns.

[0045] Light scattering can vary with the size and / or density of the particles (i.e. size or density or both). The intensity of the scattered light in different directions can strongly depend on the wavelength of the incident light as well as the size, shape and composition of the particles. The effectiveness of scattering depends on the size parameter x, defined as x=2π·r / λ, where r is the radius of a spherical particle (or particle size) and λ is the wavelength of the incident light. The blastocyst, which usually contains 40000-60000 blastodermal cells, appears as a single small white mass in the case of an unfertile egg and as a double ring and a larger white disk in the case of a fertile egg. The diameter of the blastocyst can vary from less than 1 mm to 4 mm. This indicates that the size parameter of the blastocyst is greater than 1500, which means that Mie scattering (for x=0.2-2000) or geometric optics (for x>2000) may be effective depending on the size of the GD. The light intensity in a scattering image can be a function of the scattering angle, which can be inverted to estimate the average size of the scattering objects, i.e., the scattering size, which can also be measured using the scattering cross section, which can be determined by dividing the power of the scattered light by the intensity of the incident light.

[0046] As mentioned above, in some embodiments, the prediction of egg fertility and gender of unincubated eggs is based on identifying and characterizing the light scattering pattern of the egg's germinal disc (or other cell in the mitochondrial DNA). Thus, the germinal disc will be within the field of view (FOV) of the camera during scanning. The egg can be scanned with its "big" (i.e., large) end facing up. The "big" or "large" end is determined to be the larger diameter of the two ends of the egg. It is desirable to ensure that the germinal disc is located at the top, which is the large / large end of the egg, so that the light scattering pattern of the egg is properly recorded and measured. Normally, the germinal disc within an egg can be located randomly anywhere on the surface of the egg's yolk. In some embodiments, the egg handling protocol results in the germinal disc being located at the top (large / large end) of the egg and within the field of view of the camera.

[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates in a flow chart an example of a protocol (e.g., method) 500 for handling eggs such that the blastodisc of the eggs is located at the top (large end) of the eggs, according to some embodiments. The method 500 can be performed by an egg processing system. Eggs can be placed in a tray with their large end facing up (510). For example, the egg processing system can be configured to house the eggs in a manner that the eggs fit into the correct position within a rack of an egg holding device. The eggs can then be stored at about 18 degrees Celsius to about 20 degrees Celsius for at least three days (520). The eggs (e.g., the rack holding the eggs) can be positioned at a first angle (e.g., about a 45 degree angle) for a first period of time (e.g., about the first 24 hours) (522). For example, an actuator of the egg processing system can rotate the rack to an angle of about 45 degrees. FIG. 6A illustrates an example of eggs 600 positioned at a 45 degree angle, according to some embodiments. The eggs (e.g., a rack holding the eggs) are then positioned (524) at a second angle (e.g., flat; the rack can be in a horizontal position so that the eggs are in a vertical position with the "large" end up) for a second period of time (e.g., about the next 48 hours). For example, a timer can indicate that the rack has been at about 45 degrees for a first period of time (e.g., about 24 hours), which triggers an actuator to rotate the rack to a horizontal (flat) position. Alternatively, the rack can be set to rotate at a predetermined time. It should be appreciated that the eggs can be left at about a 45 degree angle for more than 24 hours and then in a vertical position (i.e., flat rack) for more than 48 hours. Alternatively, the rack or tray can hold the eggs at a desired first angle when the rack or tray is flat, and then rotated to an angle such that the eggs are then in a vertical position within the rack or tray. Other angles of rack and tray can also be used. FIG. 6B shows an example of eggs 650 positioned in a vertical position, according to some embodiments. The blastocyst is now located at the top (larger end) of the egg.

[0048] An experiment was conducted to investigate the efficacy of this protocol 500 with respect to the location of the germinal disc within the egg. A total of 100 freshly laid fertile eggs were received over a one month period from a local chicken farm. Upon arrival, the eggs were stored for three days. During the three days at the same room temperature, 50 eggs were stored according to the protocol while the remaining 50 eggs were stored only in a vertical orientation with the large end facing up. After three days of storage, the eggshell of each egg was carefully peeled from the center of the top (large end) of the egg to the border side defined by the camera's FOV to assess the location of the corresponding germinal disc. For eggs stored according to the protocol, 43 out of 44 eggs (98%) showed the germinal disc directly above the egg when the eggs were opened and inspected. For eggs stored for three days without 45 degree positioning, 38 out of 43 eggs (88%) had their germinal disc at the top of the egg. Thus, this experiment demonstrated that it is possible to increase the likelihood of locating the blastocyst at the top of the egg and within the FOV of the camera by applying egg handling protocol 500. Protocol 500 can therefore improve the performance of egg fertility and sex detection methods developed based on detecting the light scattering properties of the blastocyst.

[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates in a flow chart an example 700 of a method for analyzing light scattering, according to some embodiments. The method includes receiving 710 from a photon detector 120 angle, frequency, and intensity data of light scattering obtained from an egg illuminated using a light source 110. For example, the egg may be placed in an egg holder and placed on a conveyor. The light source 110 may be positioned to align with the photon detector 120 (e.g., an HSI camera). The light source 110 illuminates the small end of the egg while the large / large end of the egg is located within the FOV of the photon detector. The light scattering data may then be analyzed to identify the scutellum (720). The light scattering data is analyzed to identify characteristics of materials present (722). The characteristics of each material in the light scattering data (e.g., size, shape, orientation, etc.) are then compared (724) to known characteristics of the scutellum to identify the scutellum in the light scattering data from any other materials or particles present. The fertility and / or sex of the egg (i.e., fertility and / or sex or both) is then determined based on the size and structure of the identified germinal disc (730). The identified germinal disc features are compared to known fertility features of the germinal disc (732). For example, in an infertile egg, the scattered image data of the germinal disc egg may show a feature associated with the blastoderm that looks like a white pimple, while in a fertilized egg, the scattered image data of the germinal disc may show a feature associated with the blastoderm that looks like a white hollow disk with a white pimple in the middle. Similarly, the identified germinal disc features are compared to known sex features of the germinal disc (734). In this manner, the identified germinal disc data is compared to known germinal disc features to distinguish between fertilized and infertile eggs, as well as to distinguish between male and female eggs. Other steps may be added to the method, including following the germinal disc placement protocol 500 and separating the differentiated eggs based on egg type using a conveyor subsystem.

[0050] 8 is a schematic diagram of a computing device 800, such as a server or other computer in a device. As shown, the computing device includes at least one processor 802, memory 804, at least one I / O interface 806, and at least one network interface 808.

[0051] The processor 802 may be an Intel or AMD x86 or x64, PowerPC, ARM processor, etc. The memory 804 may include any suitable combination of computer memory, either internally or externally located, such as, for example, random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), etc.

[0052] Each I / O interface 806 allows computing device 800 to interconnect with one or more input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, camera, touch screen, and microphone, or one or more output devices, such as a display screen and speakers.

[0053] Each network interface 808 enables computing device 800 to communicate with, exchange data with, and access and connect to network resources, serve applications, and run other computing applications by connecting to a network (or networks) capable of carrying data, including the Internet, Ethernet, plain old telephone service (POTS) lines, public switched telephone network (PSTN), integrated services digital network (ISDN), digital subscriber line (DSL), coaxial cable, fiber optic, satellite, mobile, wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, WiMAX), SS7 signaling networks, fixed-line, local area networks, wide area networks, and the like.

[0054] The above discussion provides exemplary embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, the inventive subject matter is considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0055] The device, system and method embodiments described herein may be implemented using a combination of both hardware and software. These embodiments may be implemented on programmable computers, each computer including at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile or non-volatile memory or other data storage elements or a combination thereof), and at least one communication interface.

[0056] Program code that performs the functions described herein and generates output information is applied to input data. The output information is applied to one or more output devices. In some embodiments, the communication interface may be a network communication interface. In embodiments where elements may be combined, the communication interface may be a software communication interface, such as a communication interface for inter-process communication. In yet other embodiments, there may be a combination of a communication interface implemented as hardware, software, and combinations thereof.

[0057] Throughout the above discussion, numerous references are made to servers, services, interfaces, portals, platforms, or other systems formed from computing devices. It should be understood that use of such terms is considered to represent one or more computing devices having at least one processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a computer-readable tangible non-transitory medium. For example, a server may include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server to perform the roles, responsibilities, or functions described.

[0058] The technical solutions of the embodiments can take the form of a software product. The software product can be stored in a non-volatile storage medium or a non-transitory storage medium, which can be a compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a USB flash disk, or a removable hard disk. The software product includes a number of instructions that enable a computer device (personal computer, server, or network device) to execute the method provided by the embodiments.

[0059] The embodiments described herein are implemented by physical computer hardware, including computing devices, servers, receivers, transmitters, processors, memories, displays, and networks. The embodiments described herein provide useful physical machines and detailed computer hardware apparatus.

[0060] Although embodiments have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein.

[0061] Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification.

[0062] As can be understood, the above-described and illustrated examples are for illustrative purposes only.

Claims

1. A light source for illuminating the egg; a hyperspectral imaging camera; A processor; A memory for storing instructions; Equipped with 1. An egg analysis system comprising: an egg analysis system comprising: a processor configured to: activate the light source to illuminate the egg; receive an image of the egg from the hyperspectral imaging camera; and analyze the image.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source provides light that can cover a field of view (FOV) of the hyperspectral camera.

3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the FOV is approximately 16 centimeters by 2.5 centimeters.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source provides a high spectral intensity light source at the wavelength of the light source.

5. The range of wavelengths has a spectral intensity of at least 120 mW·sr －１ ・cm －２ ・nm －１ The system of claim 4 .

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source provides uniform illumination to each egg within the FOV.

7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the variance of the uniform illumination is less than 10 percent.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source provides a "cool" light that produces little heat during extended operation.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source provides high stability during long term operation.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the extended operation is about 8 hours or more.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source provides a long lamp life.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the long life is greater than 1000 hours.

13. The light source comprises two or more halogen lamps, each of which has: A 250W QTH lamp, A light source housing; a lamp power supply; a fiber bundle focusing assembly; A liquid light guide; Light guide collimation probe and The system of claim 1 , comprising:

14. The light source is About 860 nanometers, About 1050 nanometers, About 1250 nanometers The system of claim 1 , comprising a light emitting node that emits light at wavelengths including one of:

15. a photon detector for detecting variations in scattered light emitted from the egg; 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one processor is configured to receive scattered light data from the photon detector, digitize the scattered light data, and analyze the digitized scattered light data.

16. The at least one processor receiving angle, frequency and intensity data of the scattered light; identifying the germinal disc of the egg; determining at least one of the fertilization rate or the sex of the egg based on the size and structure of the blastodisc; The system of claim 15 configured to:

17. to identify the germinal disc of the egg, the at least one processor: analyzing the light scattering data to identify characteristics of materials present; comparing the identified characteristics of the present material with known characteristics of the scutellum; The system of claim 16 configured to:

18. 17. The system of claim 16, wherein the at least one processor is configured to compare the identified blastocyst characteristics to known fertility characteristics of blastocysts to determine the fertility of the egg.

19. To identify the scutellum, the at least one processor: placing the eggs in a tray; actuating the tray to position the eggs at a first angle for a first period of time with a large end of the egg higher than a small end of the egg; actuating the tray to position the eggs in a vertical position with the large end up for a second period of time; The system of claim 16 , further configured to:

20. the first angle being approximately 45 degrees; the first period of time being about 24 hours; said second period of time being about 48 hours; 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one of

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