Measurement system and method for non-invasive in ovo sexing of avian embryos in eggs during early embryonic development

Abstract

The present invention relates to a measurement system for non-invasive, preferably automated, embryo sex detection in eggs 50 during early embryo development, in particular before day 7 of hatching, in particular during hatching, in particular in an incubator having at least one egg tray 40 for accommodating a plurality of eggs 50 and at least one egg trolley 80 for holding said at least one egg tray 40, said measurement system comprising at least one irradiation unit 10 for irradiating eggs 50 with electromagnetic radiation, at least one sensor unit 20 for detecting said electromagnetic radiation transmitted through said eggs 50, and at least one evaluation unit 30 designed to receive said electromagnetic radiation transmitted through said eggs 50 and to generate a spectrum of said electromagnetic radiation transmitted through said eggs 50. The present invention relates to a measurement system comprising: an evaluation unit (30) having a spectrometer (31), a data processing unit (33) designed to receive spectra generated by the at least one spectrometer (31) and to store said spectra as reference or measurement spectra, an identification unit (23) for generating identification data allowing spectra generated on an egg (50) to be unambiguously assigned to said egg (50), and a classification unit (35), the data processing unit (33) designed to store the spectra generated by the spectrometer (31) and the associated identification data, the classification unit (35) designed to determine the sex of the embryo based on at least one reference spectrum and at least one measurement spectrum. Corresponding methods are also specified within the scope of the present invention.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement system for non-invasive, preferably automated, sex detection of embryos in eggs during early embryonic development, in particular 7 days before hatching, in particular during hatching, according to the subject matter of claim 1, as well as a corresponding method according to the subject matter of claim 19. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems for determining the sex of embryos have been used for some time in the commercial raising of livestock such as chickens. Because it is desirable not to damage the embryos, particularly female embryos, so as not to jeopardize further rearing and to minimize consumables and mechanical effort, non-invasive devices and methods are particularly advantageous.

[0003] What most of these devices have in common is that they determine the sex of the embryo through something known as "candling," in which radiation is passed through the egg. Based on the radiation emitted by the egg, information is gathered about the condition of the egg or embryo.

[0004] However, reliable quantitative descriptions are difficult to make due to the large biological variance in characteristics such as egg size, shape, color, and shell thickness, and the wide range of possible measurements involved. These factors make sex determination particularly challenging during the early stages of embryonic development, when the desired signal is still very weak.

[0005] Therefore, reliable means for detecting the sex of embryos at an early stage are needed. In particular, ethical concerns and resulting legal requirements make it essential to perform sex detection as early as possible, especially before the sensation of pain develops (day 7 of hatching) in order to reduce the animal suffering associated with egg production and to provide incubators. A cost-effective alternative to the resource- and cost-intensive rearing of male layer chicks can only be used as a niche product and may not find buyers, as the meat of layer chicks has a different consistency.

[0006] Commercial egg farming also has large volumes of eggs that need to be identified, so it is also difficult to provide a measurement system that can allow for a correspondingly high throughput without incurring excessive costs due to the large number of sensors required.

[0007] Another difficulty is the frequently encountered need to provide a measurement system that is compatible with existing incubators and egg trays used for storing and hatching eggs, in order to avoid new purchases wherever possible. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] In light of the above, it is an object of the present invention to provide a system and method that allows for testing large numbers of eggs to determine their sex, thereby achieving a high level of accuracy early in the hatching cycle. Furthermore, it should be possible to achieve a high degree of integration into existing rearing systems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object is achieved by a measuring system having the features of claim 1 as well as by a method having the features of claim 19. The dependent claims specify preferred further developments.

[0010] The object is to provide a measurement system for non-invasive, preferably automated, embryo sex detection in eggs, in particular during early embryo development, in particular before hatching on the seventh day, in particular during hatching, in particular in an incubator having at least one egg tray for accommodating a plurality of eggs and at least one egg trolley for holding at least one egg tray, the measurement system comprising: at least one irradiation unit for irradiating the eggs with electromagnetic radiation; at least one sensor unit for detecting electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg; an evaluation unit, at least one spectrometer, preferably connected to the sensor unit and designed to receive the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg and to generate a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg; an evaluation unit comprising a data processing unit designed to receive the spectra generated by the spectrometer and store them as reference spectra or measurement spectra; an identification unit for generating identification data that allows unambiguous assignment of a spectrum generated on an egg to the egg; The classification unit is realized by a measurement system, wherein the data processing unit is designed to store the spectra generated by the spectrometer and the associated identification data, and the classification unit is designed to determine the sex of the embryo based on at least one reference spectrum and at least one measured spectrum.

[0011] The essential idea of ​​the present invention is that an individualized reference spectrum can be assigned to each egg, and this individualized reference spectrum can be used to take into account interfering factors caused by biological variance in the measurement, thus allowing a more accurate determination of the sex of the embryo at an early stage.

[0012] The transmitted data is generated from the (electromagnetic) radiation transmitted through the egg and accumulated into a spectrum. Based on the detected spectrum, which may consist of one or several measurements of the radiation transmitted through the egg (transmission data), conclusions can be drawn about the spectral absorption range of the egg. The information generated by the data processing unit is transferred to a classification unit which performs the final classification.

[0013] The components of the evaluation unit may be provided by separate units communicatively connected to each other. Likewise, some or all of the units of the evaluation unit may be provided as a common structural unit. The data processing unit, the identification unit and the classification unit may be formed by microprocessors or software components that can be stored on a computer device and executed on the computer device to provide the functionality according to the claims.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the measurement system comprises an optical separation element for optically separating the illumination unit and the sensor unit, which optical separation element is preferably designed to come into contact with the egg during the measurement.

[0015] A major interfering factor when measuring spectra, especially transmission spectra, is scattered light, which enters the sensor without first passing through the egg, since the egg is intense but does not carry any relevant spectral information. To prevent this, an optical separation element is used that prevents light from entering the sensor directly from the illumination unit. Such a separation element may have the form of a screen or brush that contacts the eggshell as closely as possible, in order to leave as few gaps as possible open for the passage of scattered light. It is understood that when radiation outside the visible range is used, a suitable sealing screen may be used.

[0016] The separation element may be designed and arranged to shield the at least one irradiation unit from the environment. In particular, the separation element may be arranged and designed such that an egg can be placed on the separation element such that radiation emitted by the irradiation unit is essentially completely directed at the egg. Similarly, the separation element may be designed and arranged to shield the at least one sensor unit from the environment. In particular, the separation element may be arranged and designed such that an egg can be placed on the separation element such that the sensor unit is shielded from the egg's environment.

[0017] Preferably, the measurement system comprises means for determining the angle between a reference axis of the egg and a reference axis of the measurement system. A fixed reference axis, for example a vertical line (i.e. a direction parallel to the direction of gravity), can serve as the reference axis of the measurement system. As the reference axis of the egg, an axis passing through the two extremities of the egg, i.e. an axis about which the eggshell is essentially rotationally symmetric, can be selected.

[0018] Since the embryo orients itself to float on the egg at any position during the first few days of development, knowing the egg's tilt angle or light measurement axis relative to the measurement system's reference axis helps to ensure where the embryo is located relative to the sensor unit's field of view. Furthermore, measurements at different tilt angles result in an increased variance of the detected spectrum. This knowledge of the egg's tilt angle can also be used to improve the subsequent comparability of the reference spectrum with the measurement spectrum, for example, by calculating the embryo's tilt angle by combining different measurements at different tilt positions.

[0019] In this case, it is particularly preferred that the reference axis of the measurement system is formed by a fixed axis, for example a vertical line, which does not change when the measurement system is moved. If the measurement system is designed in such a way that the position and orientation of the egg relative to the radiation source and the sensor unit can be determined, tilting the egg together with the radiation source and the sensor unit will not result in any change in the relative position and orientation of the egg relative to the radiation source and the sensor unit. However, the position of the embryo relative to the radiation source and the sensor unit will change.

[0020] In this case, the tilt can also be determined if a fixed axis, such as the vertical axis, is chosen as the reference axis of the measurement system. The means for determining the angle between the reference axis of the egg and the fixed reference axis of the measurement system, such as the vertical, can be, for example, a gyroscope, which is preferably rigidly connected to a component of the measurement system.

[0021] It is preferable to be able to illuminate the egg from different directions, as embryos float during development but often grow eccentrically on the eggshell during development and are therefore rarely exactly centered, such as on the axis of symmetry of the egg.

[0022] The illumination unit preferably comprises a plurality of radiation sources, particularly preferably formed by a ring light, particularly preferably by a ring LED, with a plurality of radiation sources, preferably a plurality of LEDs, arranged in a ring. Preferably, the diameter of the ring light is selected to be smaller than the diameter of the egg at its thickest point perpendicular to the symmetry axis of the egg. Such a radiation source designed as a ring light can be placed at the blunt end of the egg, allowing irradiation of the egg from different positions or directions arranged radially around the symmetry axis of the egg.

[0023] Preferably, the ring light has exactly or at least four radiation sources (e.g., LEDs), more preferably exactly or at least eight radiation sources, which are preferably evenly distributed along the circumference of the ring light. To clearly separate different irradiation areas of the eggs from each other, it may be useful to use beam limiters around each radiation source. Preferably, the radiation sources of the lighting unit are designed to be independently controllable from each other to enable selective irradiation of the eggs from different directions.

[0024] According to a further embodiment, the illumination unit comprises a plurality of optical waveguides, which are designed to be arranged along a ring at one end of the egg and which can be controlled independently of each other to guide the radiation emitted by the illumination unit from different directions onto the egg.

[0025] The sensor unit may remain statically positioned at one of the two poles or may be positioned opposite the active illumination direction, in either case preferably an optical isolation element may be positioned on the egg in a light-tight manner.

[0026] Preferably, the measurement system is designed to perform multiple measurements, the egg being illuminated in each case from different directions by sequentially activating individual radiation sources or by sequentially directing the radiation emitted by the irradiation units through different optical waveguides onto the egg.

[0027] By comparing successive measurements, the measurement in which the embryo is most strongly irradiated, i.e., the measurement with the relatively highest and / or strongest useful signal, can be identified. Some or all of the remaining measurements in which the useful signal was relatively small and / or relatively weak, can be calculated (e.g., by division or subtraction) relative to the measurement with the relatively highest and / or strongest useful signal to improve the quality of the measurements and the measurement spectrum generated therefrom.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the illumination unit and the sensor unit are arranged and configured to have the same orientation as each other during the measurement relative to two reference points on the egg, such as, for example, the center of gravity of the eggshell or two poles or tips of the egg.

[0029] It is advantageous to ensure that some elements of the measurement system, in particular the illumination unit and the sensor unit, are always positioned in substantially the same relative position and orientation with respect to each other and to the egg, as this can significantly reduce the variability between measurements. In connection with the determination of the angle of the egg axis, additional target measurements can also be performed from different angles.

[0030] A further embodiment of the invention comprises a trolley transport device for transporting an egg trolley with at least one egg tray to at least one irradiation unit, the trolley transport device being preferably arranged in an incubator, more preferably between different incubators and / or trolley positioning devices suitable for unambiguously determining the position of the trolley in the incubator. In this case, the at least one irradiation unit and the at least one sensor unit are preferably mounted on a measuring column that can be fixedly installed in the incubator. As will be explained in more detail below, the at least one irradiation unit and the at least one sensor unit can be fixedly or movably mounted on the measuring column.

[0031] In commercial egg farming, so-called egg trolleys are usually used to accommodate a large number of egg trays and hold them in the incubator. Therefore, it would be advantageous if fully automated or at least partially automated transport of the trolleys to the irradiation and / or sensor units were possible. This offers the advantage that the measurement system can be used in existing incubators without the need to replace the existing equipment. In this case, a solution in which the transport device already knows the positions of all trolleys in the incubator and reaches them in a targeted manner is particularly suitable. For this purpose, the trolley transport device can be designed as a robot with a control unit designed to guide the trolley transport device to a predeterminable position in the incubator in order to transport the egg trolleys from the predeterminable position to the irradiation and / or sensor units for measurement.

[0032] Furthermore, accurate knowledge of the position of the trolley or trolley positioning device also serves to enable identification of individual trolleys, egg trays or eggs for measurement, further observation or sorting purposes. Preferably, the trolley transport device is communicatively connected to the evaluation unit and / or the identification unit and is designed to transmit trolley identification data to the evaluation unit and / or the identification unit which is taken into account when generating the identification data.

[0033] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is achieved by a measurement system comprising transport means for transporting the illumination unit and the sensor unit to eggs, preferably within an incubator, more preferably between different incubators.

[0034] In addition to or as an alternative to the above inventive concept of transporting an egg trolley to the illumination unit and / or sensor unit in order to perform measurements on the eggs, it is also within the meaning of the present invention to configure the measurement system in such a way that the illumination unit and the sensor unit can be transported to the (designated) egg trays. This is particularly advantageous in this embodiment, as the eggs are less disturbed by the measurements in their hatching and therefore less at risk of being damaged or killed during their development process.

[0035] According to one aspect of the invention, a measuring system is provided in which the trolley transport device has means designed to adjust the tilted position of at least one egg.

[0036] In order to make it possible to adjust the tilt position of at least one egg or the angle of the egg reference axis as simply as possible using existing trolley elements, it is advantageous to equip the trolley transport device with additional or interacting components so as to achieve a high level of adaptability and therefore cost savings. For this purpose, the trolley transport device preferably has means for adjusting the tilt angle of the egg trays in the egg trolley. The means for adjusting the tilt angle of the egg trays in the egg trolley are preferably designed to engage and / or interact with the tilting device of the egg trolley in order to adjust the tilt angle of the egg trays in the egg trolley. For example, the trolley transport device can be designed to tilt the egg trolley as a whole with the egg trays and eggs contained therein, or to engage with an existing tilting device of the egg trolley in order to tilt the egg trays.

[0037] A further development of the invention comprises a measurement system with a measurement arm, which accommodates the (at least one) illumination unit and / or the (at least one) sensor unit such that at least one egg can be positioned for measurement with the (at least one) illumination unit and the (at least one) sensor unit.

[0038] The advantage of housing the illumination unit and the sensor unit together in one measuring arm is that it makes it easier to position the two units relative to each other and to the eggs, and this also makes it much easier to adapt the measuring device to the angle of the egg trays, as only the angle and position of the measuring arm needs to be adjusted.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the invention, the measurement system comprises a first measurement arm accommodating the (at least one) illumination unit and a second measurement arm accommodating the (at least one) sensor unit, the first measurement arm and the second measurement arm being arranged and designed such that at least one egg can be positioned for measurement between the (at least one) illumination unit and the (at least one) sensor unit.

[0040] This design allows the illumination unit to be positioned relative to the sensor unit on either side of the egg, which has the advantage that the measurement system can be equipped to measure the egg by passing radiation through the egg, which allows for increased brightness compared to detecting radiation scattered backwards or to the sides.

[0041] In a further aspect of the invention, the measurement system comprises a measurement column to which a first measurement arm and a second measurement arm are movably mounted, the first measurement arm having a first movement mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the first measurement arm, and the second measurement arm having a second movement mechanism for adjusting the vertical position of the second measurement arm.

[0042] The movable arrangement of the measuring arm allows measurements to be performed on multiple egg trays without the need for a separate measuring arm for each level, which makes it possible to keep the total number of illumination and sensor units required small, which among other things allows for easy integration into existing hatchery equipment.

[0043] A further possible embodiment comprises a measuring system according to the invention, wherein the first movement mechanism comprises a first horizontal linear guide and a second horizontal linear guide for adjusting the horizontal position of the first measuring arm, and the second movement mechanism comprises a third horizontal linear guide and a fourth horizontal linear guide for adjusting the horizontal position of the second measuring arm.

[0044] This kind of linear guide allows the illumination unit and the sensor unit to move freely and be positioned relative to each other, which makes it easier to switch between different egg trays, improving both measurement throughput and compatibility and therefore saving costs.

[0045] Furthermore, possible embodiments of the present invention comprise a measurement fixture that accommodates both the illumination unit and the sensor unit, so that both the illumination unit and the sensor unit can be positioned either above or below the egg tray, particularly for the measurement. The measurement fixture is configured to be attached to the egg tray during the measurement. For this purpose, the measurement fixture may have a measurement fixture adapter that allows fixed positioning of the measurement fixture relative to the egg tray.

[0046] Such a measuring fixture has the advantage that it can be placed on egg trays that are already in use without major complications. This is particularly advantageous as it avoids high retrofitting costs. Furthermore, the fixture can be easily moved back and forth between different egg trays, egg trolleys and incubators, both manually and by automatic transport devices. Furthermore, such a fixture automatically adjusts to variable angles of the egg trays without the need for new positioning.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the measurement system comprises at least one ventilation opening formed in the measurement fixture in the first measuring arm and / or in the second measuring arm and designed to ensure ventilation of the eggs during measurement.

[0048] To ensure optimal hatching conditions for the eggs, it is necessary to maintain as many of the eggs as possible in constant heat exchange with the ambient air of the incubator. Therefore, the ventilation duct according to the present invention ensures that a constant flow of incubator air exchanges heat with the surface of the eggs, even during measurements. The ventilation duct can be understood as any opening that allows incubator air to come into contact with the eggs during the measurement process. In particular, the ventilation openings can be formed by a porous or honeycomb structure to provide the maximum possible air exchange.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the evaluation unit is designed to output a gender label and an associated confidence level for each egg, which may also be output to the classification unit.

[0050] Since identifying the sex of an embryo is not absolutely reliable, especially in the early hatching stage, it is highly advantageous to provide a confidence level for classifying eggs into two genders. The confidence level can then be used, for example, as a selection criterion. For example, the expected value of a certain number of male or female embryos can be maximized or minimized, or a predetermined probability of a predetermined minimum number of female embryos can be determined. The confidence level can be generated by various algorithmic methods based on the measured spectrum and the reference spectrum during the classification process. It indicates how unambiguously the classification into gender can be assessed and is therefore a measure of uncertainty.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the measurement system may comprise an (externally connected) data storage device, in particular a cloud storage device, configured to store external parameters such as embryo mortality rate or desired output quantity, measured and reference spectra, and / or results of the evaluation of the measurement system and to output these external parameters to the evaluation unit or classification unit.

[0052] This has the advantageous effect that the selection decision can be made in a simple way, which also takes into account the measurements of other trolleys or incubators, in particular in order to intelligently control the total output. The external parameters can be specified and adjusted by the incubator operator.

[0053] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the measuring system comprises fixing means designed to prevent changes in the orientation of the eggs relative to the egg tray.

[0054] Since the angular position of the egg has a large effect on the measurement spectrum due to embryo floating, by fixing this angle, greater reproducibility and precision can be achieved in all measurements and when the angle is pre-set or changed, thereby further improving the accuracy and reliability of the sex determination. The fixing means can be a component of one of the measuring arms, the measuring fixture or the measuring fixture adapter, as well as a separate component of a special egg tray specifically provided for this purpose as part of the measuring system.

[0055] A further embodiment according to the invention comprises a measurement system as described above, wherein the evaluation unit has a classification unit which classifies the eggs according to their sex and / or health status based on data from the measurement unit and / or an externally connected data storage device, the classification unit preferably being spatially separated from the rest of the evaluation unit. In particular, the classification unit can be formed by a software component on an external server, preferably a cloud server.

[0056] Separating the evaluation and classification units makes it easier to control the output of several trolleys or incubators, where only pre-processing of the data measured in situ is required, while the actual selection decision is made spatially and / or temporally separately due to the larger amount of data.

[0057] The object of the present invention is further to provide a method for non-invasive sex detection of embryos in eggs during early embryonic development, in particular before day 7 of hatching, in particular during hatching, comprising: generating at least one reference spectrum by irradiating eggs with electromagnetic radiation prior to and / or at the start of hatching and detecting electromagnetic radiation that passes through said eggs, generating identification data for unambiguous identification of said eggs, and storing said reference spectrum together with said identification data of said eggs; generating at least one measured spectrum during incubation by irradiating the eggs with electromagnetic radiation and detecting radiation that passes through the eggs; and evaluating the at least one measured spectrum with a stored reference spectrum associated with the egg to determine the gender of the embryo.

[0058] In the method according to the invention, the reference spectrum and / or the measurement spectrum may be generated from a plurality of individual measurements, preferably from 10 or more measurements, more preferably from 30 or more measurements.

[0059] By combining different measurements, the reliability of the spectrum is increased due to statistical suppression of randomized interfering factors.

[0060] A further development of the method according to the invention consists in that irradiation times of less than 60 μs, preferably less than 40 μs, more preferably less than 20 μs are used to generate the measurement spectrum or the reference spectrum.

[0061] On the one hand, this is an advantage as it saves a lot of time when many measurements are made on a very large number of eggs. The short irradiation time minimizes the health risk to the embryos.

[0062] According to a further aspect of the invention, the angle between the longitudinal axis of the egg and the reference axis of the measurement system is determined. A fixed axis, such as a vertical line, can serve as the reference axis of the measurement system. As the reference axis of the egg, an axis passing through the two ends of the egg, i.e., an axis about which the eggshell is essentially rotationally symmetric, can be selected.

[0063] During the early hatching stage, the embryo floats upward relative to the direction of gravity, so determining and / or adjusting the tilt angle of the egg allows for a desired positioning of the embryo relative to the eggshell. Furthermore, by determining the angle between the reference axis of the egg and the measurement axis of the measurement system, the variability between measurements caused by changing the tilt angle of the measurement system with the egg can be significantly reduced. Knowledge of the tilt angle of the measurement system with the egg can also be used to improve the subsequent comparability of the reference spectrum with the measurement spectrum.

[0064] According to a further embodiment of the invention, after a measurement has been taken, the egg angle (i.e. the angle of the egg's longitudinal axis relative to the reference axis of the measurement system) is changed and an additional measurement is taken at the changed egg angle after the egg has reached equilibrium, which requires a predetermined waiting time to be reached, for example at least 5 seconds or at least 10 seconds, before changing the egg angle and taking another measurement.

[0065] This can be particularly advantageous for reference measurement purposes, for example, to tilt the embryo out of the imaging field of the sensor unit, which allows for greater contrast for subsequent measurements with the embryo, which increases the accuracy of sex determination, especially in the early stages of embryo development.

[0066] It is further preferred that to generate the reference spectrum and / or the measurement spectrum, multiple measurements are carried out in which the egg is illuminated from (at least) four different directions, preferably (at least) six different directions, more preferably eight or more different directions. Preferably, a measurement is carried out for each different illumination direction in order to obtain different spectra for the different illumination directions, which can then be processed into a reference spectrum or a measurement spectrum.

[0067] This can be achieved, for example, by using an illumination unit with several radiation sources, particularly preferably by using a ring-shaped light, in which several radiation sources are arranged around the circumference of a ring in the illumination unit and can be controlled or activated independently of one another. It is also conceivable to change the orientation of the illumination unit relative to the eggs.

[0068] Furthermore, the present invention comprises a preferred method, in which the egg is illuminated from different directions and measurements are taken one after the other and the intensity of each of the useful signals is determined in the measurements. Preferably, the one or more measurements having the strongest and / or highest useful signal are identified based on the intensity of each of the useful signals.

[0069] This is particularly advantageous because the embryo does not necessarily float in the center of the top of the egg, but is often laterally offset relative to the central axis of symmetry of the egg, and grows eccentrically at later stages of development. Thus, signal quality (and thus the reliability of sex determination) can be improved by selecting measurements with relatively the strongest and / or most useful signal.

[0070] Furthermore, the measurement with the strongest or highest useful signal is preferably shifted relative to one or more measurements with a weaker or lower useful signal to obtain an (optimized) reference spectrum or measurement spectrum. This calculation may preferably involve dividing, subtracting, and / or averaging the different measurements.

[0071] This means, for example, that any subset of multiple measurement values ​​with different illumination directions can be calculated or compared together. For example, all measurement values ​​except the measurement value with the strongest useful signal can be averaged, and the result can be calculated using the measurement value with the strongest useful signal. This calculation can be performed by dividing the measurement value with the strongest useful signal by the (averaged) measurement value with a relatively weak useful signal, or by subtracting the (averaged) measurement value with a relatively weak useful signal from the measurement value with the strongest useful signal. The measurement with the strongest useful signal can be determined, for example, based on absolute absorption in a specific spectral range. This increases the reliability of the signal and the reliability of the measurement.

[0072] Furthermore, the present invention comprises a method in which normalization of the measured spectrum is performed based on a stored reference spectrum, the reference spectrum being preferably generated before incubation, more preferably in an incubator, more preferably before reaching the incubation temperature. Normalization can be performed, for example, by subtraction or division.

[0073] An early baseline measurement makes it easier to detect developmental differences in the embryo, which is also highly advantageous, especially for determining the sex of a given embryo as early as possible.

[0074] In a further aspect of the invention, the method comprises a calibration measurement for calibrating the sensor unit, the calibration measurement being performed, preferably automatically, while the sensor is covered by and / or resting on a reference object, for example a polytetrafluoroethylene reference block.

[0075] The accuracy of the measurements can be significantly increased by calibrating the sensor. Covering the sensor allows for an effective measurement of the so-called "dark noise" behavior of the detector, i.e., the measurement of events without causal external input. The use of a polytetrafluoroethylene reference block offers the particular advantage that the polytetrafluoroethylene only causes a known attenuation of the amplitude of the incident radiation, while the spectral distribution remains essentially unchanged, which can also be useful for calibrating the sensor.

[0076] According to a further aspect of the invention, for determining the sex of an embryo, a reference spectrum and a measurement spectrum are used in the wavelength range between 520 nm and 580 nm, preferably in the wavelength range between 540 nm and 575 nm, more preferably in the wavelength range between 520 nm and 680 nm, more preferably in the wavelength range between 520 nm and 870 nm. This spectral range can also be used as a useful signal in the evaluation of successive measurements when illuminated from different directions as described above.

[0077] The selection of relevant frequency ranges facilitates gender detection, in particular through a more accurate resolution of characteristic absorption ranges. In particular, the hemoglobin absorption spectrum is particularly relevant for determining the gender of an embryo. However, in principle, the illumination range is not limited to the visible spectrum, but can include the infrared and ultraviolet ranges.

[0078] According to a further possible development, the method comprises obtaining additional data, in particular from a distributed data cloud, and the evaluation of the measured spectrum is carried out taking into account the additional data.

[0079] Considering such additional data also allows for the inclusion of data that do not result from actual measurements in the classification and selection process.

[0080] According to one concept of the present invention, a confidence level is assigned to the determination of the sex of an egg.

[0081] In this respect, it should be pointed out again that the features and advantages described in connection with the measurement system according to the invention also apply and are transferable to the method according to the invention. Similarly, the described features and advantages of the measurement system, in particular the details of its components, are applicable to this method. Functional features described in connection with the measurement system according to the invention can be used as method steps in the method according to the invention. Similarly, method steps described within the scope of the method according to the invention can be applied to the measurement system by designing the corresponding components of the measurement system to perform the method steps according to the invention.

[0082] A preferred development of the method according to the invention is one in which the confidence level of the sex determination is taken into account in order to determine the sorting of eggs based on a number of adjustable external parameters, such as the hatching cycle-specific mortality rate of embryos, the desired yield or the desired sex distribution.

[0083] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the observation period is determined based on the confidence level and / or additional measurements are performed to increase the confidence level.

[0084] Therefore, steps can be taken to increase the level of confidence, which is particularly advantageous at the early embryonic stage, where sex determination is particularly difficult and prone to error.

[0085] According to a further possible development, the method comprises the simultaneous measurement of a plurality of eggs, in particular the simultaneous generation of a plurality of reference and / or measurement spectra on a plurality of eggs, preferably by means of a plurality of measurement systems.

[0086] To ensure the most efficient processing of a large number of eggs and to avoid disturbing the eggs through repeated or prolonged measurements, it is advantageous to perform measurements as simultaneously as possible. This can be achieved by performing multiple measurements simultaneously. In particular, this can involve various measurements on one egg, for example using different sensors or different types of radiation.

[0087] A further (preferred) development of the method according to the invention consists in the simultaneous measurement of several eggs, which is carried out in such a way that interference between different measurement systems is minimized during the generation of several reference and / or measurement spectra.

[0088] This avoids unnecessary interference with the measurements due to parallel measurements, thus increasing the accuracy of the individual measurements. At the same time, it reduces the requirements for shielding the measurement units from interference, resulting in a simpler and more cost-effective design of the overall system.

[0089] The invention is also explained below with respect to further features and advantages using embodiments that are explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0090] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a measurement configuration of a measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention, with separate illumination and sensor units. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a shows a measurement device of a measurement system according to one embodiment of the present invention, combining an illumination unit and a sensor unit. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b shows a variant of the measuring device from FIG. 2a with an irradiation unit having several radiation sources. [Figure 2c] FIG. 2c shows a bottom view of the illumination unit of FIG. 2b. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising several illumination units and sensor units. [Figure 4]FIG. 4 shows a measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention, comprising a trolley and several measurement arms. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows the trolley transport device and the stationary measurement unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a bird's-eye view of a measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a measurement column of a measurement system according to an embodiment of the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of the measuring device of the measuring system according to the invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of a trolley tilting device of a measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram of another embodiment of the illumination unit and sensor unit. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows an embodiment of a trolley transport device and a measuring unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0091] The drawings are only schematic in nature and serve only to facilitate understanding of the invention. In the description of the embodiments, similar elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0092] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a measurement device used in a measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The embodiment shown is suitable for measurements made by passing through an egg. The measurement device associated with a measurement system according to the present invention comprises an illumination unit 10 and a sensor unit 20, between which an egg 50 is positioned for measurement. The sensor unit 20 is positioned on the opposite side of the egg 50 from the illumination unit 10. The sensor device 20 is connected to a spectrometer 31. Power and data connections are provided on the spectrometer 31 for connection to power and / or data cables, and are shown schematically in Figure 1 with reference numeral 34.

[0093] The illumination unit 10 is designed to emit radiation in the direction of an egg 50 placed in the measurement device. The radiation may be electromagnetic radiation, such as (visible) light, infrared light, or X-rays. As shown here, the embryo is essentially identifiable by the blood vessels 52 contained therein and is located, in the direction of gravity, at the upper end of the egg 50 below an air pocket 51. The illumination unit 10 is typically formed by a light source in the visible range, such as a light bulb, an LED, or a xenon arc lamp. However, an illumination unit within the meaning of the present invention is any emitter of electromagnetic radiation suitable for generating the absorption spectrum of the egg 50. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the illumination unit 10 comprises a light guide that serves to guide the electromagnetic radiation emitted by a radiation source (not shown) towards the egg 50.

[0094] The egg 50 has a blunt end facing the irradiation unit 10 and a pointed end facing the sensor unit 20. With its pointed end, the egg 50 is placed in an optical separation element 43, which prevents radiation from reaching the sensor unit 20 directly without first passing at least partially through the egg 50. The optical separation element 43 can take the form of a cover or brush designed to come into close contact with the eggshell to allow optimal sealing. Preferably, this can be made possible, for example, by an elastic or flexible material for manufacturing the separation element or by a brush-like configuration that comes into contact with the egg 50. Even more preferably, the separation element 43 is adapted to the basic shape of the egg 50 to accommodate it.

[0095] Although not required, it is also contemplated that the separating element 43 may also function as a fixing means, fixing the egg 50 in a particular orientation.

[0096] On the side facing the irradiation unit 10, the egg 50 is surrounded by an egg fixation element 101 which also serves to fix the egg 50 in a predetermined orientation. The orientation of the egg 50 can be determined by an axis which passes through the pointed and blunt ends of the egg 50 and about which the shell of the egg 50 is essentially rotationally symmetric.

[0097] The radiation emanating from the egg 50 is detected by the sensor unit 20. An optical waveguide 22 is provided for transmitting the radiation detected by the sensor unit 20 to the spectrometer 31. Although not necessary, it is advantageous to connect a focusing element 21 upstream of the optical waveguide 22 leading to the spectrometer 31 in order to amplify the received signal. Examples of such a focusing element 21 are a collimation lens, a mirror or other optical guiding element such as a Fresnel lens.

[0098] After the radiation has been recorded, a measured spectrum of the detected radiation is produced by the spectrometer 31 and sent via a data cable 34 to a data processing unit 33 (not shown), which is in communication with the identification unit 23 (not shown).

[0099] In this case, identification data that can be unambiguously assigned to the egg 50 are also generated by the identification unit 23 and transferred to the data processing unit 33 together with the measured spectrum.

[0100] In the measurement configuration of the measurement system, the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are arranged so that they are aligned with at least one reference point of the egg 50 for each measurement. Such a reference point is provided, for example, by the center of gravity of the shell of the egg 50, which, unlike the center of gravity of the entire egg, is not affected by displacement of the embryo. Preferably, the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are aligned with a reference axis of the egg 50 during each measurement. The above-mentioned axis of symmetry passing through the pole of the egg can be used as the reference axis of the egg 50. A change in the position of the reference axis of the egg 50 is expressed as a tilt of the egg 50.

[0101] The entire setup consisting of the egg 50 and the measurement device can be tilted while maintaining a constant alignment of the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 with respect to the aforementioned reference point or reference axis of the egg 50. This allows measurements to be taken at different tilt positions of the egg 50 while maintaining the same relative positioning of the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 with respect to the egg 50. This allows the embryo to be removed from the illumination field of the illumination unit 10 or the field of view of the sensor unit 20 by controlled tilting, for example to perform reference or calibration measurements. The egg 50, together with the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20, is therefore always tilted.

[0102] Alternatively, multiple measurements can be taken at different tilt positions of the egg 50. To determine the current tilt position of the egg 50, the angle between a predetermined reference axis of the egg 50 and a reference axis of the measurement system is determined. The reference axis of the measurement system is also referred to herein as the axis of reference. An example of such an axis of reference is the connection line between the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 in FIG. 1. Another example is the axis of reference of the direction of the gravitational field.

[0103] It is not important how the angle between the reference axes is determined: it is conceivable to use mechanical detection, by presetting the angle of the egg tray on which the eggs are fixed, or by determining the angle optically, for example by recognizing the egg contour, or by using a gyroscope attached to the egg tray.

[0104] FIG. 2a shows a measurement device of a measurement system according to a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are arranged on the same side of the egg 50. In this embodiment, the sensor unit does not record radiation that has passed through the egg 50, but rather records radiation that is backscattered within the egg 50. Arranging the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 on the same side of the egg 50 allows for easier tilting of the egg tray 40, as the relative positions of the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 with respect to the egg 50 automatically remain constant. This configuration is particularly advantageous when the measurement system has a measurement fixture 102 that can be placed on an existing egg tray 40. To minimize installation efforts and, if necessary, ensure optical isolation from adjacent measurement systems, such a measurement fixture 102 can have a measurement fixture adapter 103 specially adapted to the egg tray 40.

[0105] The measurement fixture adapter 103 is designed to engage or partially accommodate the egg tray or is positioned on the egg tray to allow a removable connection between the measurement fixture 102 and the egg tray 40.

[0106] The measurement fixture adapter also functions as an adapter between the different egg trays commonly used in practice and the measurement fixture 102, thereby minimizing the necessary distribution of the more complex measurement fixture 102.

[0107] The provision of ventilation openings 106 (not shown here) prevents the eggs 50 from experiencing insufficient heat exchange with the incubator air.

[0108] Such a measurement fixture can be automatically or manually moved between different egg trays 40 to take measurements.

[0109] In order to introduce the maximum proportion of the radiation emitted by the illumination unit 10 into the eggs, it is advantageous to use a beam limiter 14 which prevents excessive broadening of the light cone emitted by the illumination unit 10. The beam limiter can also be provided by a screen or a brush. The beam limiter also prevents adjacent measurement systems from being disturbed by scattered light.

[0110] In order to obtain the maximum amount of information even when the embryo 52 is not centrally aligned, it can be seen that in the embodiment according to Fig. 2a the illumination unit 10 comprises several illumination units 10. This is advantageous to obtain an optimal view of the embryo in order to ensure that the embryo has a large influence on the spectrum.

[0111] As shown in Figure 2a, because during the development of an egg 50, blood vessels 52 often grow not in the center but rather to one side of the blunt end of the egg 50, it is further advantageous to use an irradiation unit 10 having multiple radiation sources 10a, each of which can be controlled or activated individually. In the example shown in Figure 2a, a very low useful signal is expected upon activation of the left radiation source 10a, while a strong useful signal is expected upon activation of the right radiation source 10a, which is positioned directly above the blood vessel 52.

[0112] When using an irradiation unit 10 having multiple individually operable radiation sources 10a, the generation of a spectrum (reference or measurement) can be performed so that a measurement is first performed in which only one radiation source 10a (or only a portion of the radiation sources 10a) is activated. Then, one or more measurement values ​​with a relatively high useful signal can be selected from the obtained measurement values. If several measurement values ​​with a relatively high useful signal are selected, they can be calculated together in an appropriate manner, for example by averaging, to obtain an optimized spectrum. To improve the signal-to-noise behavior, it is also possible to calculate a measurement with a relatively high useful signal with a measurement with a relatively low useful signal. For example, it is conceivable to divide a measurement with a high useful signal by a measurement with a weak useful signal, or to subtract a measurement with a weak useful signal from a measurement with a high useful signal. The measurement value with the weakest useful signal can be selected as the measurement with the weakest useful signal, or several measurement values ​​with relatively weak useful signals can be averaged.

[0113] FIG. 2b shows a variant of the embodiment of FIG. 2a, in which a ring lamp is used as the illumination unit 10, with multiple radiation sources 10a arranged in a ring. This represents a structurally simple solution for illuminating the egg 50 from various directions. The diameter of the ring lamp is selected to be smaller than the diameter of the egg 50 at its widest point perpendicular to the axis of symmetry, to ensure that each radiation source 10a illuminates the egg 50. The use of ring LEDs is particularly preferred. FIG. 2c shows a schematic structure of the ring lamp from FIG. 2b. The ring lamp has eight radiation sources 10a arranged in a ring on the ring lamp.

[0114] FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, in which the measurement system includes several measurement devices. Each pair of an illumination unit with a light source 11 and a sensor unit with a light-collecting element 21 is understood to be a measurement device. Multiple measurement devices can be operated simultaneously to increase measurement throughput. Each light-collecting element 21 includes an optical waveguide 22 connected to a spectrometer 31 for detecting radiation transmitted through the eggs 50 and generating a corresponding spectrum. The spectrometers 31 are connected to a data processing unit 33, which stores the spectra generated by the spectrometers 31 together with their identification data, allowing the spectra to be assigned to individual eggs 50 in the measured egg tray 40. The data processing unit is shown schematically in FIG. 3 and has connections for power and data cables, indicated by the reference numeral 34. Via the connection 34, the data processing unit 33 can be connected to a classification unit 35 (not shown in FIG. 3 ) designed to determine the sex of the embryo in each egg 50 based on at least one reference spectrum and at least one measured spectrum. The classification unit 35 may also be integrated into the data processing unit 33 .

[0115] The light source 11 is integrated into a first measuring arm 60, and the light collecting element 21 associated with the sensor unit is integrated into a second measuring arm 70. According to this embodiment, the first measuring arm 60 is positioned above and the second measuring arm 70 is positioned below an egg tray 40 mounted on an egg tray support 41 in an incubator 80. An egg 50 is placed in an egg recess 42 of the egg tray 40. However, it is also conceivable to mount the measuring arms adjacent to the egg or at another position, as long as the associated illumination unit 10 and sensor unit 20 accommodate the egg between them and the relative position of the measuring device with respect to the egg remains constant or is rotated when the egg is tilted.

[0116] Because the use of multiple light sources, such as LEDs, can lead to increased heat generation, which can have a detrimental effect on both the incubator temperature and the light source's service life, the light source 11 is provided with a cooling element 12. The cooling element 12 can contribute to cooling actively or passively. For example, cooling fins are suitable to promote faster temperature exchange. The same applies to the cooling element 32 of the spectrometer 31 used to measure the spectrum.

[0117] In addition, the measuring arms 60 , 70 may have ventilation openings to ensure the best possible ventilation around the egg 50 .

[0118] In addition to the beam limiters mentioned above, it may be advantageous to equip the illumination units with optical guiding elements 13, e.g. aspherical lenses, Fresnel lenses, etc., in order to couple as much of the radiation emitted by the light sources 11 as possible onto the egg 50. Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, beam limiters 14 are provided in the individual illumination units in order to prevent the radiation emitted by the individual light sources 11 from scattering onto adjacent measuring devices.

[0119] Additional measures can be taken to keep the mutual influence of the measurement systems as low as possible. For example, the measurement system can be configured so that measurements are performed in several steps, for example in two steps, whereby in a first step only every other measurement device performs a measurement, then in a second step the remaining measurement devices perform their measurements, so that there is always a distance of at least one egg 50 between the active measurement devices.

[0120] In order to easily move the measuring system back and forth between multiple egg trays arranged in the trolley, the first measuring arm 60 has a first movement mechanism 61, and the second measuring arm 70 has a second movement mechanism 71. These movement mechanisms serve to move the positions of the measuring arms 60, 70 vertically and / or horizontally relative to the measuring column 90 that supports the measuring arms. This means that all egg trays in the trolley can be measured one after another. In order to transport the egg trays to the measuring system, a mechanism is provided for removing the egg trays from the egg trolley, preferably in the incubator, and this mechanism can also reinsert the egg trays into the egg trolley after measurement. This makes it possible to make more installation space available for the measuring unit.

[0121] To determine the current position of the measurement device and ensure unambiguous assignment of the reference and measurement spectra to different eggs, the measurement system comprises an identification unit 23. The identification unit 23 is designed to identify the egg tray or trolley, for example via an attached marker or sensor. To ensure unambiguous assignment of the measurement spectrum to an egg 50, the identification unit 23 transmits data, such as the identifier of the trolley, the identifier of the egg tray 40, and the identifier of the specific egg position within the egg tray 40, to a data processing unit 33, which stores the identification data of the egg 50 together with the measured reference and / or measurement spectra. The individual egg trays 40 can be identified by egg tray identification means 44, which can be formed by an optically readable code, for example a barcode or QR code, or by an RFID tag. The identification unit 23 is correspondingly designed as an optical reader or an RFID reader.

[0122] In another embodiment, the trolley, egg tray 40 or egg 50 can be identified by transferring data containing information about the current position of the measuring arm 60, 70 or the moving mechanism 61, 71 to the data processing unit 33. From the position of the measuring arm 60, 70 the position of the measuring device can be deduced and therefore which egg has been measured can be determined.

[0123] Figure 4 shows an external view of a measurement system of the type shown in Figure 3, which is capable of measuring eggs directly in egg trays placed on a trolley. Figure 4 shows a trolley 80 having a number of egg trays 40. The measurement system and trolley 80 are placed inside an incubator. The incubator wall is designated by the reference numeral 104 in Figure 4.

[0124] The measurement system comprises a first measuring arm 60, a second measuring arm 70 and a measurement column 90. The measurement column 90 is arranged on a column base 91. The column base 91 comprises a transport device 107 for transporting the measurement column 90 between different trolleys 80 within an incubator 104. It is also conceivable to use the transport device 107 for transporting the measurement system between different incubators. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the evaluation unit 30 is integrated in the measurement column 90, which may comprise a spectrometer, a data processing unit and / or a classification unit or communication means for establishing a communication connection to the aforementioned units.

[0125] To enable or simplify placement of the trolleys within the incubator, a trolley positioning device 85 is provided on the floor of the incubator to ensure that each trolley 80 is positioned at a predetermined location within the incubator. This can be done using a special mounting device or by using markings that allow the user to correctly position the trolley 80.

[0126] FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the invention, in which a measuring column 90 is fixed in an incubator so that an egg trolley 80 can be moved to the measuring column. A plurality of measuring arms 94, on which measuring devices according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, 2a, 2b or 3 are attached, are attached to the measuring column 90. The eggs are transported to the measuring system by a trolley transport device 81, which transports the egg trolley 80 as a whole to the measuring column. The trolley transport device 81 can preferably be configured in the form of a robot that moves independently to the trolley position and moves the trolley 80 to the fixed measuring system. The trolley transport device 81 has a height that is lower than the trolley foot 84 so that the trolley transport device 81 can move under the trolley 80. The trolley transport device comprises a lifting means by which the egg trolley 80 can be lifted and then transported.

[0127] To achieve adjustment of different tilt angles, the trolley transport device 81 may have a trolley tilt device 82 (not shown here) that adjusts the tilt state of the egg trays 40. To do this, the trolley tilt device 82 either engages with the existing pivot mechanism of the egg trolley 80 or tilts the entire egg trolley 80.

[0128] FIG. 6 shows a bird's-eye view of the interior of an incubator having a multiple measurement system with one or more measurement arms 60, 70. The incubator is defined by an incubator wall 104 and an incubator door 105. The measurement system also includes a measurement column 90. The measurement column 90, shown on the right side of FIG. 6, includes both a first horizontal linear guide 92 and a second horizontal linear guide 93, which serve to adjust the position of the measurement arm 94 or the measurement arms 60, 70 in a plane perpendicular to the measurement column 90. The measurement arm 94 may include a measurement device according to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, 2a, 2b, or 3.

[0129] The first and second horizontal linear guides 92, 93 can be connected to a first movement mechanism of the first measuring arm 60, and the third and fourth horizontal linear guides 92, 93 (which are not visible in Figure 6 as they are located exactly below the first and second horizontal linear guides) can be connected to a second movement mechanism of the second measuring arm 70 in order to allow adjustment of the position of the measurement system in all three spatial directions. In particular, the first and second measuring arms can be positioned independently of each other, for example to adjust the angle between the measurement system and the egg.

[0130] In this way, the measurement system can move back and forth between several trolleys 80. As shown in Figure 6, the measurement arm has an identification unit 23 designed to read the egg tray identification means 44 on the egg trays 40 so that an unambiguous assignment of the egg tray 40 or trolley 80 can be made. From the coordinates of the horizontal linear guide, the unambiguous position of an egg in a previously identified egg tray 40 or trolley 80 can be determined in order to assign the egg's identity to the measurement.

[0131] FIG. 7 again shows an embodiment of the invention in which a measuring column 90 is fixed within an incubator so that the trolley 80 can be moved into the measuring column. To achieve different tilt angle adjustments, the trolley transport device 81 is positioned next to the trolley foot 84 and then engages with the trolley tilt device 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the egg trays 40 are pivoted upward about the axis of the distal end of the egg tray around a tilt mechanism 86, such as a pivot bearing. Since the relative alignment of the measuring device to the eggs 50 should remain the same, the measuring arm 94 is similarly pivotally mounted. To allow both the measuring arm 94 and the egg trays 40 to tilt together, the bearing position of the measuring arm 94 is adjusted with the position of the tilt mechanism 86 so that the axis of the bearing of the measuring arm and the axis of the tilt mechanism are as close to one another as possible when the trolley 80 is positioned on the measuring column 90. It is also conceivable to tilt the egg trays sideways or in other ways, as long as their relative position to the measuring device is not changed.

[0132] 8 shows a further embodiment of a measuring device of a measuring system according to the invention of the type shown in FIGS. 2 a and 2 b, in which the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are arranged on the same side of the eggs 50. The equilateral design allows for easier tilting of the egg trays 40, since the relative positions of the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 with respect to the eggs 50 automatically remain constant. Such an arrangement is particularly advantageous for a measuring fixture 102, which can be easily placed on existing egg trays 40. To minimize installation costs, and if necessary to ensure optical isolation from adjacent measuring systems, this type of measuring fixture 102 has a measuring fixture adapter 103 specially adapted to the egg trays 40. As shown, it is advantageous if the components of the measuring device and the egg trays 40 are designed as scaffold-like and / or honeycomb-like as possible, forming the largest possible ventilation openings 106 through which the eggs 50 can exchange heat with the incubator air.

[0133] 9 shows another possibility for implementing a tilting mechanism 86 for the egg trays. In this case, the egg trays 40 are raised and lowered at one end by a diagrammatically illustrated tilting device 82, causing rotation about a tilting mechanism 86 designed as a pivot bearing. In particular, when a measuring fixture 102 according to one of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 8 is used, care must be taken to ensure that the distance between the egg trays in the vertical direction is large enough to prevent blocking and also collisions with the outer wall of the trolley 80.

[0134] 10 shows another embodiment. The positioning of light source 11 is designed so that light rays encounter egg 50 at an oblique angle relative to the vertical, and therefore enter at least partially from the side. The light rays emitted from light source 11 are emitted radially in essentially all directions and are focused (or bundled) by first convex lens 111 and second convex lens 112 so that the resulting light cone 113 has its apex on the egg shell. First convex lens 111 and second convex lens 112 are positioned so that the light emitted from light source 11 is incident on egg 50 obliquely, preferably at an angle greater than 20° relative to the vertical.

[0135] The light exiting the egg 50 then takes the form of a divergent beam 114 which is again converged by the light collecting element 21 , here a collimating lens, and coupled into the light guide 22 .

[0136] The light sources 11 and the light guides 22 are held in a measurement head housing 110. As shown in Figure 2c, an arrangement in which the light sources 11 are arranged in a ring shape and the corresponding light cones 113 slope inwards towards the centre of the ring-shaped arrangement is particularly preferred.

[0137] 11 shows a further embodiment showing an egg trolley 80 in an incubator. The egg trolley 80 is arranged on the incubator wall 104 opposite a mobile egg measuring unit 122, which can be moved as a whole between different incubators. Naturally, it is also possible to arrange the mobile egg measuring unit 122 behind the egg trolley 80 in the incubator. It is only important that the mobile egg measuring unit 122 is arranged next to the egg trolley 80.

[0138] The mobile egg measuring unit 122 is positioned so that the tray carriage 127 can move along the x-axis (which is substantially horizontal) to remove the egg trays 40 from the egg trolley 80, which are then placed in a buffer tray 125 provided in the mobile egg measuring unit 122 for this purpose.

[0139] Within the measurement unit 122, the sensor unit 20 is movable along the x-axis, in particular along the second horizontal linear guide / measuring arm 93 / 60, and along the (essentially vertical) z-axis, so that the sensor unit 20 can be moved to each egg in the top egg tray 125 for measurement. The movement along the x-axis is performed along the linear guide or along the second measuring arm 70. As soon as the top egg tray 40 has been completely measured, it can be exchanged for another tray from the egg trolley 80 or from one of the buffer trays 125.

[0140] To prevent the egg trolley 80 from slipping, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 11, a trolley fixture 120 is provided, which removably connects the egg trolley 80 to a mobile measuring unit 122.

[0141] An advantage of the described embodiment is that the mobile measuring unit 122 can be "parked" in a closed incubator and then independently transfer the egg trays 40 to be measured into an empty buffer tray 125 for measurement. This avoids having to open the incubator door 105 (not shown) too frequently, which could cause harmful temperature fluctuations. At the same time, the mobile measuring unit 122 can be moved back and forth between different incubators as needed.

[0142] What all of the above embodiments have in common is that the evaluation unit is designed to output a gender label based on the measured spectrum of the egg 50 and to determine and output a confidence level for the gender label, which indicates the estimated probability that the gender label is correct.

[0143] Based on the confidence level, it may be decided to subject a particular egg or eggs to 50 additional measurements in order to increase the confidence level above a desired value based on available statistics. At the same time, the observation period for the eggs 50 may also be extended based on the confidence level in order to increase it.

[0144] The spectrum can be composed of any number of individual measurements, possibly weighted. Using multiple measurements, e.g., 10 or more, allows for better statistics and therefore greater precision of the spectrum, which affects the confidence level of the resulting gender label. To keep the duration of the measurement process as short as possible, a single measurement preferably lasts 60 μs or less, more preferably less than 40 μs, and even more preferably less than 20 μs.

[0145] According to the present invention, during measurement, the angle between an absolute reference axis, e.g., vertical, and the optical measurement axis is determined. The tilt of the measurement axis or tilt angle can be determined, for example, by reading the motor position of the tilt mechanism using a Hall sensor or potentiometer on the tilt axis of the egg tray, or by measuring the distance between the outer edge of the lowest egg tray and a fixed reference point. Since embryos always float upwards relative to the direction of gravity, changing the angle can be used to influence the position of the embryo within the measurement device.

[0146] In particular, for better evaluation, several measurements corresponding to different positions of the embryo can be performed. For example, the embryo can be "tilted out" of the field of view of the sensor unit to perform measurements without using the embryo as a reference to generate a reference spectrum. It is important to have a sufficiently long interval between measurements at different tilt angles to allow the embryo to reach a resting position or equilibrium state. This prevents the embryo from accidentally changing position during the measurement. Furthermore, as described above with respect to Figures 2a-2c, if an irradiation unit with multiple radiation sources is used, additional measurements can be performed using different radiation sources to better account for different positions of the embryo within the egg. The concept of multiple measurements using different operating light sources can be combined with the concept of adjusting the tilt angle to further improve the quality of the measurements.

[0147] Normalization of the measured spectrum can be performed using a stored reference spectrum. For example, the signal of the reference spectrum is subtracted from the signal of the measured spectrum to record actual changes and filter out deviations resulting from fluctuations in the egg itself. To ensure the best possible reference function, it is advantageous to perform the reference measurement at a very early stage of embryo development. In particular, it is advantageous to perform the reference measurement before the start of hatching in order to obtain a good baseline value.

[0148] It may also be provided to calibrate the sensor unit during operation by means of calibration measurements. For this purpose, reference objects, such as blocks made of polytetrafluoroethylene, are typically used, which affect the spectrum of the radiation source in a known manner and thus allow conclusions to be drawn about possible measurement errors. In embodiments in which the illumination unit 10 and the sensor unit 20 are designed to be mobile, the above-mentioned calibration measurements can be automated by having the measurement system perform measurements on reference objects at fixed intervals.

[0149] It is also conceivable to place the reference object on a specific trolley 80 on the egg trays 40 in order to automate the calibration measurement using the trolley transport device 81. In the case of the measurement fixture 102, the sensor unit is calibrated using the reference tray before being mounted.

[0150] The calibration measurements may also comprise measurements in which the sensor unit is intentionally covered to ascertain the "background noise" of the spectrometer.

[0151] The wavelength range used for gender determination may be, but is not limited to, the absorption range of hemoglobin, ie, 500 nm to 900 nm.

[0152] The evaluation of the measurement data can take place directly on the data processing unit 33. The final classification is carried out by a classification unit 35, which is potentially an external unit.

[0153] The classification unit 35 receives pre-processed measurement data from the data processing unit 33. The classification unit 35 also has access to externally stored data which is taken into account when classifying the eggs.

[0154] In particular, in the method according to the invention, so-called additional data beyond the pure spectrum can be taken into account during classification or in determining the confidence level. Examples of this include, inter alia, egg size (diameter, height), egg shape, egg weight, egg color, storage time since hatching, parent age, animal breed, origin, egg orientation, orientation of air bubbles in the egg, or signs of damage to the egg. The additional data is received by the data processing unit 33 or the classification unit 35 and included in determining the sex or confidence level. For example, if the egg orientation is suboptimal or if the egg is damaged, the confidence level can be increased or decreased. Damaged eggs can also be assigned an (unfavorable) sex for later sorting.

[0155] The additional data may also include further information such as sensor temperature / humidity at at least one point in time, incubator temperature / humidity at at least one point in time, or error messages from the incubation process.

[0156] Additionally, the additional data may include regulatory requirements or user-defined classification rules and / or classification rules that allow for planned maximum or minimum output amounts to be taken into account in the classification. For example, if a minimum output level for a certain gender is not expected to be exceeded, the confidence level requirement for classification in that gender may be lowered to ensure there is sufficient output. Thus, the additional data may include classification results or confidence level results from other eggs to achieve appropriate expectations for overall output.

[0157] The additional data may be stored distributed in the cloud or locally in the data processing unit 33.

[0158] This allows for precise adjustment of external parameters such as desired sex distribution, minimum quotas for each sex, desired yield, etc. Other known, estimated, or determined parameters such as embryo mortality rate can also be taken into account when determining egg classification based on sex labels and confidence levels. [Explanation of symbols]

[0159] 10 Irradiation unit 11 Light source (LED) 12 (LED) cooling elements 13 Optical guide element (aspheric or Fresnel lens) 14 Beam Limiter 20 Sensor Unit 21 Condenser element (collimating lens) 22 Optical waveguide 23 Identification unit (identification and positioning unit) 24 Optical isolation element (sealing ring, so far only visible in Figure 2) 30 evaluation units 31 Spectrometer 32 cooling element 33 Data Processing Unit 34 Connections (power and data cables) 35 classification units 40 (integrated) egg trays 41 Egg tray support 42 Egg recess 43 Optical isolation element (rubber coating) 44 Egg tray identification means (ID tag) 45 Fixing means 50 eggs 51 Air pocket 52 Blood vessels 60 First measuring arm 61 First moving mechanism 70 Second measuring arm 71 Second moving mechanism 80 Egg trolley 81 Trolley transport device 82 Trolley tilting device 83 Trolley guide elements 84 Trolley foot 85 Trolley positioning device 86 Tilt mechanism 90 (for linear guided measuring arms) measuring column 91 Column base 92 First horizontal linear guide 93 Second horizontal linear guide 94 Measuring Arm 101 Egg fixation element 102 Measuring fixture 103 Measurement fixture adapter 104 Incubator Wall 105 Incubator Door 106 Ventilation vent 107 Means of transport 110 Measuring head housing 111 First convex lens 112 Second convex lens 113 Focused Light Cone 114 Diffused Light 120 Trolley Fixture 122 Mobile Measuring Unit 125 Buffer Tray 127 Tray Carriage

Claims

1. In an incubator having at least one egg tray (40) for accommodating multiple eggs (50) and at least one egg trolley (80) for holding the at least one egg tray (40), in a non-invasive, preferably automated, measurement system for detecting the sex of an embryo in an egg (50), particularly during early embryonic development, especially seven days before hatching, and particularly during hatching, The aforementioned measurement system is An irradiation unit (10) for irradiating an egg (50) with electromagnetic radiation, At least one sensor unit (20) for detecting the electromagnetic radiation that has passed through the egg (50), The evaluation unit (30) is A spectrometer (31) designed to receive the electromagnetic radiation that has passed through the egg (50) and to generate a spectrum of the electromagnetic radiation that has passed through the egg (50), An evaluation unit (30) includes a data processing unit (33) designed to receive a spectrum generated by at least one spectrometer (31) and store the spectrum as a reference spectrum or a measurement spectrum, An identification unit (23) generates identification data that can clearly assign the spectrum generated on the egg (50) to the egg (50), A measurement system comprising a classification unit (35), wherein the data processing unit (33) is designed to store spectra generated by the spectrometer (31) and associated identification data, and the classification unit (35) is designed to determine the sex of the embryo based on at least one reference spectrum and at least one measurement spectrum.

2. The measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising an optical separation element (43) for optically separating the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20), wherein the optical separation element (43) is preferably designed to contact the egg (50) during measurement.

3. The measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising means for determining the angle between the reference axis of the egg (50) and the reference axis of the measurement system.

4. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit (10) has a plurality of radiation sources (10a), and preferably the plurality of radiation sources (10a) are arranged in a ring shape, and is designed as a ring-shaped light.

5. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) are arranged and configured to have the same orientation to each other during measurement with respect to a reference point of the egg (50), for example, the center of gravity of the eggshell (50).

6. The aforementioned measurement system is A trolley transport device (81) for transporting an egg trolley (80) equipped with at least one egg tray (40) to the at least one irradiation unit (10) preferably located inside the incubator, and / or The measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising a trolley positioning device (85) suitable for clearly determining the position of the egg trolley (80) within the incubator.

7. The measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising a transport means (107) for transporting the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) to an egg (50), preferably located inside the incubator, more preferably between different incubators.

8. The measuring system according to claim 6, wherein the trolley conveying device (81) has means designed to adjust the inclined position of the at least one egg (50).

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

10. The measurement system according to claim 1, comprising a first measuring arm (60) for housing the irradiation unit (10) and a second measuring arm (70) for housing the sensor unit (20), wherein the first measuring arm (60) and the second measuring arm (70) are arranged and designed so that an egg can be positioned between the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) for measurement.

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

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

13. The measurement system according to claim 10, wherein the measurement system has a measuring mounting fixture (102) that houses both the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) so that both the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) can be positioned above or below the egg tray (80), and the measuring mounting fixture (102) is composed of a measuring mounting fixture adapter (103) that is positioned on the egg tray (80) during measurement.

14. The measurement system according to claim 13, further comprising at least one ventilation opening (106) designed in the measuring mounting fixture (102), the first measuring arm (60), and / or the second measuring arm (70), and configured to ensure ventilation of the egg (50) during measurement.

15. The measurement system according to claim 1, wherein the evaluation unit (30) is designed to output a sex label and associated confidence level for each egg (50).

16. The measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising an external data storage device, particularly a cloud storage device, wherein the external data storage device is configured to store external parameters such as embryo mortality rate or desired output volume, measurement spectrum and reference spectrum, and / or the results of an evaluation of the measurement system, and to output these external parameters to a classification unit (35).

17. The measurement system according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing means (45) designed to prevent changes in the orientation of the egg (50).

18. The measurement system according to claim 16, wherein the classification unit (35) is designed to classify eggs (50) according to sex and / or health status based on data from the measurement unit (20) and / or data from the externally connected data storage device, the classification unit (35) is preferably spatially separated from the rest of the evaluation unit (30), and is particularly preferably formed by software components on an external server, preferably a cloud server.

19. In a method for non-invasive sex detection of embryos in eggs (50) during early embryonic development, particularly 7 days before hatching, and especially during hatching, The aforementioned method, A step of generating at least one reference spectrum by irradiating an egg (50) with electromagnetic radiation before and / or at the start of hatching, detecting the electromagnetic radiation that has passed through the egg (50), generating identification data for clear identification of the egg (50), and storing a reference spectrum together with the identification data of the egg (50), The steps include: generating at least one measurement spectrum during incubation by irradiating the egg (50) with electromagnetic radiation and detecting the radiation that has passed through the egg; A method comprising the step of evaluating the at least one measurement spectrum using a stored reference spectrum associated with the egg (50) in order to determine the sex of the embryo.

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

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein an irradiation time of less than 60 μs, preferably less than 40 μs, and more preferably less than 20 μs, is used to generate a measurement spectrum or a reference spectrum.

22. The method according to claim 19, wherein after the measurement is performed, the angle of the egg (50) with respect to the vertical line is changed, and after the egg (50) reaches an equilibrium state, additional measurements are performed using the changed angle of the egg (50) so that the irradiation unit (10) and the sensor unit (20) maintain their relative positions with respect to the egg (50).

23. The method according to claim 19, wherein generating the at least one reference spectrum and / or the at least one measurement spectrum comprises a plurality of measurements, wherein the egg (50) is irradiated from different directions, preferably from at least four different directions, more preferably from at least six different directions, and more preferably from eight or more different directions.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the intensity of each useful signal is determined in order to find the measurement having the strongest and / or the most useful signal among the plurality of measurements when the egg (50) is irradiated from different directions.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the measurement having the strongest signal and / or the weakest useful signal is calculated together to obtain an optimized reference spectrum and / or measurement spectrum.

26. The method according to claim 19, wherein the normalization of the measurement spectrum is performed based on a stored reference spectrum, the reference spectrum is preferably generated before hatching, more preferably outside the incubator, and more preferably before reaching the hatching temperature.

27. The method according to claim 19, comprising a calibration measurement for calibrating a sensor unit (20), the calibration measurement being performed while the sensor is covered with and / or on a reference object, for example, a reference block made of polytetrafluoroethylene, and the calibration measurement being performed preferably automatically.

28. The method according to claim 19, wherein, in order to determine the sex of the embryo, a reference spectrum and a measurement spectrum in the wavelength range between 520 nm and 580 nm, preferably a reference spectrum and a measurement spectrum in the wavelength range between 540 nm and 575 nm, more preferably a reference spectrum and a measurement spectrum in the wavelength range between 520 nm and 680 nm, and more preferably a reference spectrum and a measurement spectrum in the wavelength range between 520 nm and 870 nm are used.

29. The method according to claim 19, further comprising acquiring additional data from a distributed data cloud, and performing an evaluation of the measurement spectrum taking the additional data into consideration.

30. The method according to claim 19, wherein a confidence level is assigned to the determination of the sex of the egg (50).

31. The method according to claim 26, wherein a confidence level of sex determination is taken into consideration in order to determine egg sorting based on several adjustable external parameters, such as embryo hatching cycle-specific mortality, desired yield, or sex distribution.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the observation period is determined based on the confidence level and / or additional measurements are performed to increase the confidence level.

33. The method according to any one of claims 19 to 32, wherein the method comprises simultaneous measurement of a plurality of eggs (50), preferably by a plurality of measuring devices, and in particular, simultaneous generation of a plurality of reference spectra and / or a plurality of measurement spectra on a plurality of eggs (50).

34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the simultaneous measurement of multiple eggs (50) is carried out such that interference between different measuring devices during the generation of the multiple reference spectra and / or the multiple measurement spectra is minimized.

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