Method and system for processing multiple bird eggs

Abstract

A method for processing a plurality of avian eggs, particularly unfertilized eggs, comprising the steps of: conveying at least a first egg (E1) having a first eggshell color and a second egg (E2) having a second eggshell color along a conveying path, the first eggshell color being different from the second eggshell color; illuminating the first egg (E1) with an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light, wherein at least a portion of the near-infrared light is transmitted through the first egg (E1) and detected by a near-infrared light detector (5); and illuminating the second egg (E2) with an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light, wherein at least a portion of the near-infrared light is transmitted through the first egg (E1) and detected by a near-infrared light detector (5). with an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light, wherein at least a portion of the near-infrared light is transmitted through the second egg (E2) and detected by a near-infrared light detector (5); and processing the light detection results of the near-infrared light detector (5) to determine the eggshell condition of each of the first egg and the second egg (E1, E2), wherein the illumination and / or detection of the transmitted light of the first egg and the second egg (E1, E2) are performed under substantially the same illumination conditions and / or detection conditions, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for processing a plurality of avian eggs, such as poultry eggs, particularly unfertilized eggs.

Background Art

[0002] Egg detection systems are known and sold by the present applicant. One example is the MOBA Egg Inspector (see www.moba.com). The MOBA Egg Inspector includes a camera, special lighting, and software, and is used to detect leaking and dirty eggs in the infeed of egg graders.

[0003] Also known are egg processing systems and methods for detecting cracks in eggshells. One method uses acoustic crack detection, where the eggshell is physically disturbed (e.g., by a bouncer), and the resulting acoustic signal is detected and processed to obtain eggshell structure information.

[0004] In yet another known method, optical egg inspection is used. For example, refer to International Publication No. 2019 / 039319, which discloses an egg inspection apparatus having a holding member for holding an egg, an irradiation unit for irradiating the egg with light, an imaging unit for imaging an image of the egg irradiated with light, and a determination unit for determining the surface state of the egg. According to this document, near-infrared (NIR) light can be used for irradiating the egg. However, International Publication No. 2019 / 039319 describes that the color of the eggshell may affect light transmittance, resulting in poor contrast.

[0005] Optical inspection is also known from, for example, U.S. Patent No. 5,615,777. This document discloses an apparatus for detecting flaws in eggs and distinguishing flaws of different natures. This apparatus has a) means for rotating the egg about its longitudinal axis, b) means for forming at least one laser beam and focusing the formed laser beam at a spot focus; c) means for vibrating the laser beam at a speed and amplitude such that the spot focus appears as a geometric figure selected from a closed curve and a straight line; d) means for guiding at least one laser beam along at least one circumferential path around the egg such that during at least one rotation of the egg by the at least one vibrating laser beam, successive geometric figures of the laser beam overlap each other along the circumferential path; e) detecting means for detecting the peak of the intensity of the light emanating from the egg; f) signal processing means for developing the progression of a signal corresponding to the number, size, and characteristics of the peaks of the intensity of the light emanating from the egg; g) computer means for processing the signal and estimating the nature of the defect of the egg from the number, size, and characteristics of the peaks of the intensity.

[0006] The advantage of the acoustic method over the optical method is that the acoustic method does not depend on the color of the eggshell. In particular, by processing eggs with white shells and eggs with brown shells using the same acoustic inspection device, highly reliable crack detection results can be provided.

[0007] On the other hand, the optical inspection method has the advantage that non-contact detection means can be used, which is advantageous from the viewpoints of hygiene and the cleanliness of the detector.

[0008] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-023126 discloses an apparatus and method for inspecting eggs stored in a container and easily detecting defects such as cracks on the surface of the eggs. According to this document, each light source emits infrared rays. In particular, according to Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-126, since infrared rays have the property of passing through the egg white, even if the eggshell is cracked and the contents of the egg E leak into the pack, only the cracked part of the eggshell appears white in the captured image. Also, this document describes that since near-infrared light with a wavelength of 780 nm to 870 nm is used, appropriate images can be captured, and using a wavelength shorter than 780 nm is more likely to be affected by the color of the eggshell.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for processing a plurality of eggs. In particular, an object of the present invention is to provide a method that can reduce the above-described problems of known methods. One object is to efficiently process a plurality of eggs of different colors, for example, by quickly and hygienically processing one or more batches of eggs, in which eggshell defects, such as cracks, can be detected in a reliable, preferably economical way.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0011] Advantageously, a method of processing eggs comprises at least the steps of conveying a first egg having a first eggshell color and a second egg having a second eggshell color along a conveying path, wherein the first eggshell color is different from the second eggshell color; illuminating the first egg with an illumination beam of near-infrared light, wherein at least a part of the near-infrared light passes through the first egg and is detected by a near-infrared light detector; illuminating the second egg with an illumination beam of near-infrared light, wherein at least a part of the near-infrared light passes through the second egg and is detected by a near-infrared light detector; and processing the light detection results of the near-infrared light detector to determine the state of each eggshell of the first egg and the second egg, wherein the illumination of the eggs is performed under substantially the same illumination conditions (i.e., parameters), and the detection of the transmitted light is performed under substantially the same detection conditions (i.e., parameters).

[0012] Surprisingly, near-infrared light can irradiate eggs of mutually different colors (for example, a brown egg having a shell that is optically brown to the human eye and a white egg having a shell that is optically white to the human eye), and the resulting transmitted light has been found to have substantially the same intensity for eggs of different colors. In other words, unexpectedly, it has been found that the color of the eggshell itself does not substantially change the transmissibility of near-infrared light. This means that a detector that detects the transmitted light of near-infrared light can maintain a predetermined light detection state without impairing the detection results (and subsequent processing results) while detecting light generated from eggs having eggshells of different colors from each other.

[0013] For example, the illumination of the first egg can be performed under substantially the same illumination conditions / parameters as the illumination of the second egg. In particular, this means that the same near-infrared illumination beam is used, for example, at the same near-infrared wavelength(s) and the same beam intensity. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, this beam intensity or each beam output is watts per surface area (W / m 2) can be represented by, for example, luminosity. In a further embodiment, the illumination beam includes narrowband light of at least one (preferably only one) predetermined narrowband near-infrared light wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination beam is a light beam of substantially a single wavelength in the NIR spectrum. In one embodiment, the substantially single wavelength can be, for example, the central wavelength of the narrowband spectral portion of the LED emitter (e.g., regarding each spectral line of the light emission of the light-emitting diode), as understood by those skilled in the art.

[0014] Also, according to an advantageous aspect, the detector can have the same predetermined detector state while detecting the light transmitted by the first egg and the light transmitted by the second egg. In particular, the light sensitivity of the detector (especially the light sensitivity with respect to the wavelength of the emitted beam) can remain fixed during the detection of that light.

[0015] More specifically, for example, the detector can include one or more optical sensors configured to generate an electrical sensor signal upon detection of light (this sensor signal can be processed by processing means for determining the state of the eggshell). Further, the detector can include any additional optical means (e.g., one or more optical elements, one or more lenses, and / or one or more optical filters, shutters) for guiding the incident light to the one or more optical sensors detected thereby and optionally filtering it. Thus, such detection means (i.e., one or more optical sensors and any additional detector components) preferably have the same respective operating states during the detection of the light emitted from the first egg and the light emitted from the second egg. Thus, if there is a variable filter in the detector, the state of such a filter is the same while detecting the light emitted from each of the two different eggs. Similarly, the power of any detector sensor, the bias voltage for biasing the detector or the optical sensor(s) respectively, can also be kept constant.

[0016] In summary, a detector that detects transmitted near-infrared light can maintain a specific predetermined light detection state without impairing the detection results (and subsequent processing results) while detecting light generated from eggs having mutually different shell colors. As a result, highly reliable results can be obtained even for a mixture of eggs having different colors, leading to an improvement in egg processing.

[0017] Regarding the color of the eggshell, for example, white eggs can have an eggshell that contains substantially no pigment, while other (non-white) eggs can have an eggshell that contains pigment (e.g., containing protoporphyrin), as understood by those skilled in the art. Also, non-white eggshells can have, for example, a uniform or non-uniform (e.g., speckled) color. White eggshells can have a uniform white color.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam is 700 nm or more, preferably 1000 nm or less, for example, preferably 900 nm or less, more preferably 800 nm or less, and is, for example, a wavelength in the range of 700 nm to 800 nm. Good results have been obtained with wavelengths less than 750 nm, particularly wavelengths in the range of 720 nm to 740 nm (e.g., a wavelength of about 720 nm).

[0019] Also, it has been found that by using a wavelength of 800 nm or less (or less than 800 nm), a relatively inexpensive detection means can be utilized as a near-infrared light detector.

[0020] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention provides a system for processing a plurality of bird eggs, particularly unfertilized eggs, and in particular, a system configured to execute the method according to the present invention. This system includes a conveyor configured to convey a plurality of eggs along a conveyance path, particularly in at least one row, at least one beam source for emitting an illumination beam of near-infrared light toward the conveyance path of the eggs to illuminate the eggs during operation, At least one light detector arranged to detect light radiated from the egg conveyance path, particularly light that passes through the eggs during operation, processing means configured to process the light detection results of the near-infrared light detector, particularly processing means for determining the state of the eggshell of each egg during operation, characterized in that it is configured to substantially maintain the illumination conditions and / or detection conditions of the eggs to be substantially the same when processing eggs having different eggshell colors.

[0021] By configuring in this way, the above-mentioned advantages can be achieved.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, both the illumination conditions (parameters) and the detection conditions (parameters) are maintained, but this is not essential.

[0023] As can be seen from the above, the beam source is configured to emit the same illumination beam, i.e., an illumination beam with the same intensity / same beam output, to two different eggs during operation. Similarly, the detector is preferably configured to apply the same predetermined detector state during operation, particularly during the operation period when different eggs (with different eggshell colors) are conveyed along the beam source and the detector (for inspection).

[0024] Further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0026] Next, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIGS. 1-2 show an egg processing system including a conveyor 1 (only a part is shown) configured to convey a plurality of eggs E1, E2 along a conveyance path (in a conveyance direction T), particularly as a plurality of rows of eggs E1, E2. In this example, three parallel rows r1, r2, r3 are shown, but of course, the conveyor 1 may be configured to convey eggs in more or fewer than three rows.

[0028] As shown in the drawings, in use, the eggs can have different eggshell colors. For example, the drawings show each of the first eggs E1 having a first eggshell color that is white, and the eggshell color of each of the second eggs E2 is nonwhite, for example, brown. As will be described below, the system can inspect both types of eggs E1, E2 in a straight-forward manner.

[0029] Preferably, the conveyor 1 is an endless conveyor, for example, an endless roller conveyor 1. The conveyor 1 can be configured to rotate the eggs during conveyance, for example, to rotate about their respective longitudinal egg axes. In particular, the roller conveyor can include egg support members, for example, parallel diabolo-shaped (preferably rotating) rollers 1a, that define nests between them for receiving (and rotating) the eggs E1, E2. The egg support elements (for example, rollers) 1a can be attached to respective shafts 1b that can be driven by suitable drive means (for example, a motor, a transmission belt or chain, etc., not shown) for moving the shafts and the rollers in the conveyance direction T.

[0030] Accordingly, the conveyor 1 can include or define egg receiving nests 1c that are partially open on each lower (egg support) side and that allow light transmission along each egg support element 1a (in this case, along the rollers).

[0031] The system further includes a plurality of light beam sources 2 for emitting respective illumination beams B of near-infrared light towards the egg conveying path in order to illuminate eggs E1, E2 during operation. In this embodiment, each near-infrared (NIR) light beam source 2 (one is shown in the figure) is arranged at a height lower than the vertical level of the egg conveying path (see Figure 2). This light source 2 is arranged to emit the light beam upward, so that the eggs E1, E2 passing through each row r2 are successively illuminated by the beam B (in this embodiment, the beam incident on each egg receiving nest through the respective opening sides of these nests). The system can include various numbers of light sources 2, and each light source 2 can be configured to emit one or more beams B for illuminating the eggs passing through, for example, one or more conveyor rows r1, r2, r3. In a non-limiting example, the light source includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting the beam B.

[0032] Preferably, each light source 2 is configured to emit or provide a parallel beam B or a focused beam B that illuminates only a part of the outer surface of each eggshell of the passing eggs (E1, E2).

[0033] The wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam B generated by the light source 2 is 700 nm or more, preferably 1000 nm or less. For example, it can be a wavelength in the range of 700 nm to 800 nm, preferably a wavelength less than 750 nm, particularly a wavelength of about 720 nm. The wavelength of the near-infrared light is most preferably in the range of 710 nm to 750 nm, preferably in the range of 720 nm to 740 nm.

[0034] Also, preferably, the system is configured such that during operation, each egg E1, E2 rotates around its respective longitudinal egg axis when illuminated by the light beam B (for example, the conveying speed of the conveyor and the rotation speed of the egg are set accordingly).

[0035] In the drawing (Figure 2), the beam source 2 is depicted as emitting a beam towards the detector 5 (hereinafter referred to), but this is not essential (especially when the light received by the egg is diffused internally). The beam source 2 may operate continuously, but preferably emits the beam intermittently. Also, in one embodiment, the operation of the beam source 2 can be synchronized with the conveyor 1 (e.g., with the conveyor speed) so as to generate only the beam B for illuminating the eggs passing through the beam source 2. In this case, the beam source does not generate a beam in other cases (e.g., to save energy and / or to avoid the opposing detector 5 being directly irradiated by the beam source 2).

[0036] Furthermore, the system includes a plurality of photodetectors 5 arranged to detect light radiated from the egg conveyance path, particularly light transmitted through the eggs E1, E2 during operation. In this embodiment, three photodetectors 5 are illustrated and are arranged at a vertical height above the egg conveyor 1. Thus, contamination of the detector 5 (e.g., contamination by dirt or other substances that may be present on the passing eggs) can be prevented or significantly reduced. Each of these photodetectors 5 can be associated with one of the conveyance rows r1, r2, r3 defined by the conveyor 1, and can be associated with, for example, one of the light beam sources 2. Alternatively, for example, a single detector 5 can be installed to detect light radiated from multiple rows of eggs among the rows r1, r2, r3. In addition, alternatively, one or more detectors 5 may be arranged at a different height, for example, a height below the egg conveyance height, and / or at different positions.

[0037] Each detector 5 can be configured to generate a detection signal, such as a digital image of the egg, for example. In one embodiment, each detector signal or image can encompass the overall contour of the egg (see Figure 3).

[0038] Furthermore, the system includes processing means 8 (shown schematically), which is configured to determine the state of each shell of eggs E1, E2, particularly during operation, in order to process the light detection results of the infrared light detector 5. The processing means 8 can be configured in various ways and can include, for example, processor software, processor hardware, a computer, data processing means, a memory for storing the data to be processed, and the like. Also, the processing means 8 can include or be connected to various communication means that enable communication with the light detector 5 to receive the detection results of the light detector 5, or the processing means 8 and the detector(s) 5 can be integrated with each other. Furthermore, the processing means 8 can include a user interface, for example, to enable interaction between the operator and the central processor and to output data processed by the processor, for example.

[0039] Preferably, the processing means 8 is configured to process the light detection results for detecting any cracks in the eggshells of eggs E1, E2. Such processing can be carried out in various ways, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, the processing means 8 can be configured to compare the detection results with predetermined threshold data or calibration data that is stored in or available to the processing means 8. For example, the processing means 8 can be configured to classify the egg under inspection as "good" (uncracked) when, as a result of the comparison, each detection signal is less than a predetermined threshold or each detection image substantially matches the egg calibration image data of an intact eggshell. Similarly, the processing means 8 can be configured to classify the egg under inspection as "bad" (cracked) when, as a result of the comparison, each detection signal exceeds a predetermined threshold or each detection image substantially matches one or more calibration data images for cracked eggshells. Furthermore, the system can be configured to remove eggs classified as "bad" (cracked) by the processing means via, for example, egg removal means (not shown) for removing such eggs from the conveyor path.

[0040] In a non-limiting example, each image processing means can include a neural network. This neural network can be based, for example, on machine learning from previous calibration detection results (utilizing detector 5 and beam source 2) on the one hand, and on the other hand, human (visual) inspection, for a plurality of eggs including eggs of different colors, where a part of the plurality of eggs includes cracked eggshells (or other physical shell abnormalities).

[0041] In this embodiment, the processing means can apply the same (i.e., no need to change the processing parameters) signal processing method to process the detection signals (e.g., the generated images) of the detectors regarding the first egg E1 and the second egg E2. Thereby, signal processing can be realized in a simple way.

[0042] As described above, it is preferable that the system is configured to maintain substantially the same lighting conditions / parameters for eggs when eggs E1, E2 having different eggshell colors are being processed thereby. In particular, the same lighting beam B (having the same or constant beam intensity and the same spectrum) is generated by the beam source to illuminate the first egg E1 and the second egg E2. Also, each detector 5 is preferably not adjusted during its operation (regardless of whether the detector 5 detects the light transmitted through the first egg or the light transmitted through the second egg) to detect the light radiated from a plurality of eggs E1, E2 (the same, respective passing columns r1, r2, r3).

[0043] During operation, the system executes a method for processing a plurality of eggs E1, E2, especially unfertilized (e.g., poultry) eggs.

[0044] The eggs can be supplied in various ways, for example, via an upstream egg supplier (not shown), i.e., supplied to conveyor 1.

[0045] The conveyor 1 conveys the eggs E1, E2 along respective conveying paths, in particular by holding each egg in a nest 1c of each conveyor. In use, the first egg E1 (having a first eggshell color) and the second egg E2 (having a second eggshell color) are conveyed along the conveying path. The first eggshell color is significantly different from the second eggshell color.

[0046] All the eggs E1, E2 are illuminated. In particular, this includes illuminating each first egg E1 with an illumination beam B. At least a part of the light received by the egg E1 passes through the egg E1 (i.e., at least a part of the light incident on the egg through the eggshell is diffused or scattered by the contents of the egg E1 and at least partially released again outside the egg through the eggshell), and is detected by the near-infrared light detector 5 (for example, by taking one or more digital images of the egg). Also, each second egg E2 is illuminated with the illumination beam B, and at least a part of the light passes through each second egg E2 (i.e., at least a part of the light incident on the egg through the eggshell is diffused or scattered by the contents of the egg E2 and at least partially released again outside the egg through the eggshell), and is detected by the near-infrared light detector (again, for example, by taking one or more images of the egg). As can be seen from FIG. 1, the row of eggs can pass through the beam source 2 and the detector 5 such that each of the respective eggs E1, E2 is sequentially illuminated (and detected / imaged) one by one.

[0047] Preferably, as described above, the illumination beam can be a parallel beam or a focused beam, and in particular, it can illuminate only a part of the outer surface of each eggshell of the passing eggs (E1, E2).

[0048] For example, as in this embodiment, the illumination beam B of near-infrared light is passed along a predetermined beam path, and each of the first and second eggs E1, E2 is conveyed through the same beam path of the illumination beam and thereby illuminated.

[0049] The illumination of the eggs E1, E2 is carried out under substantially the same illumination parameters. In particular, for this purpose, the beam intensity (W / m of the illumination beam B 2) remains substantially the same for the illumination of each egg. Also, the wavelength (or spectrum) of the beam remains the same.

[0050] In this example, the detector 5 has the same respective operating state (e.g., the same light sensitivity) during the detection of the light emitted from the first egg E1 and the light emitted from the second egg E2. Therefore, if there is a variable filter in the detector (if any), the state of such a filter is the same while detecting the light emitted from each of the two different eggs. Similarly, the power of any detector sensor, the bias voltage for biasing the detector or the light sensor(s) respectively can also be kept constant. Similarly, for example, the shutter speed of the shutter of the detector (if available) can also be kept constant.

[0051] Next, after the light detection, the processing means 8 can process the light detection results (e.g., images) received from each of the near-infrared light detectors 5 to determine the state of the shell of each of the eggs E1, E2. The processing for each of the received data / images is preferably performed in the same way, for example, by the same algorithm or image processing method, regardless of the eggshell color related to the detected / imaged eggs.

[0052] The light detection results can be processed to detect cracks in the eggshell, and the eggs having the detected cracks are preferably removed from the conveying path.

[0053] Therefore, a large number of eggs can be inspected using substantially the same system components 2, 5, 8, and there is no need to adjust the operating parameters even when eggs of different eggshell colors are supplied (into) the system.

[0054] The example illustrated here relates in particular to a system operation that may include inspecting a single batch of eggs, where the batch includes a mixture of the first egg E1 and the second egg E2, for example, a random mixture as seen along the conveying direction T.

[0055] In another embodiment, the method can include successively inspecting a batch of first eggs E1 (a first batch not including the second eggs E2) and a batch of second eggs E2 (not including the first eggs E1), where each egg of each batch is preferably illuminated by an illumination beam B under substantially the same illumination conditions / parameters and is preferably inspected using substantially the same detection conditions. Thus, also as described above, the operating parameters of other system components such as the detector(s) and the processing means 8 can remain the same.

[0056] Thus, also, different batches can be successively processed by the system using the same signal processing (e.g., the same data processing method) by the processing means 8 without changing or adjusting the detector(s) 5 and without adjusting the processing parameters.

[0057] Figure 3 shows the results of the detector when illuminating white and brown eggs at different wavelengths λ (in the range of 430 - 720 nm). The images were taken using a monochrome camera (sensitive to a broad spectrum including these wavelengths). As a result, it was found that brown eggs do not transmit light of low wavelengths (contrary to white eggs), but surprisingly, light at λ = 720 nm is transmitted substantially equally by brown and white eggs.

[0058] It is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Various changes are possible within the framework of the present invention described in the appended claims.

[0059] In the present application, the eggs to be processed are, in particular, non-living, dead eggs, i.e., edible eggs that are unfertilized (and do not contain any embryos). Avian / bird eggs can be poultry eggs, for example, chicken eggs.

[0060] Also, in a preferred embodiment, the detector that detects the transmitted light of near-infrared light maintains a specific predetermined light detection state without impairing the detection results (and subsequent processing results) while detecting the light generated from eggs having different shell colors. However, this is not essential. Alternatively, for example, at least a part of the detector may change each state with respect to detecting the light emitted from various (e.g., different) eggs.

[0061] Also, each detector can be arranged at various positions. For example, it will be apparent that it can be configured to detect the light propagated from a single egg or the light propagated from a plurality of eggs. For example, the system can include a plurality of detectors for observing eggs from different observation directions. For example, at least one camera-type detector can be provided, and each camera can be arranged to simultaneously capture images of one or more eggs to be inspected.

[0062] Also, each of the above-described near-infrared (NIR) light sources can be arranged at various positions, such as, for example, a position lower than, the same as, and / or higher than the vertical height of the egg(s). Further, a plurality of light sources can be implemented to illuminate a single egg E1, E2 from the same direction or different directions (e.g., simultaneously).

[0063] Also, for example, the color of the eggshell can be a color perceived by the naked eye (human eye), as understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A method for processing a plurality of bird eggs, particularly unfertilized eggs, comprising: transporting at least a first egg (E1) having a first eggshell color and a second egg (E2) having a second eggshell color along a transport path, wherein the first eggshell color is different from the second eggshell color; illuminating the first egg (E1) with an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light, wherein at least a part of the near-infrared light passes through the first egg (E1) and is detected by a near-infrared light detector (5); illuminating the second egg (E2) with the illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light, wherein at least a part of the near-infrared light passes through the second egg (E2) and is detected by the near-infrared light detector (5); processing the light detection results of the near-infrared light detector (5) to determine the state of the eggshell of each of the first egg and the second egg (E1, E2); comprising the illumination and / or detection of the transmitted light of the first egg and the second egg (E1, E2) are each carried out under substantially the same illumination conditions and / or detection conditions; the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) is 700 nm or more and less than 750 nm; a method.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) is in the range of 710 nm to 750 nm.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) is in the range of 720 nm to 740 nm.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light is passed along a predetermined beam path, and each of the first egg and the second egg (E1, E2) is illuminated by being transported through the same beam path of the illumination beam.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the beam intensity of the illumination beam (B) remains the same for the illumination of each egg, and the intensity of the illumination beam (B) when illuminating the first egg (E1) is the same as the intensity of the illumination beam (B) when illuminating the second egg (E2).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first eggshell color is white and the second eggshell color is brown.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the illumination beam is a parallel beam or a converging beam and illuminates only a part of the outer surface of each eggshell of the eggs (E1, E2) passing therethrough.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light detection result is processed to detect cracks in the eggshell, and eggs having the detected cracks are removed from the conveyance path.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising successively inspecting a first batch of eggs (E1) and a second batch of eggs (E2), each egg of each batch being illuminated by an illumination beam (B) under substantially the same illumination conditions and / or inspected using substantially the same detection conditions.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising inspecting a single batch of eggs, the batch comprising a random mixture of a first egg and a second egg as seen along the conveyance direction (T).

11. A system for processing eggs of a plurality of birds, in particular unfertilized eggs, configured to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a conveyor (1) configured to convey a plurality of eggs (E1, E2) along a conveyance path, in particular in at least one row, at least one beam source for emitting an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light towards the conveyance path of the eggs for illuminating the eggs during operation, at least one light detector (5) arranged to detect light radiated from the conveyance path of the eggs, in particular light transmitted through the eggs during operation, processing means (8) configured to process the light detection result of the near-infrared light detector (5), in particular processing means for determining the state of the eggshell of each of the eggs (E1, E2) during operation, comprising, configured to substantially maintain the illumination conditions and / or detection conditions of the eggs to be substantially the same when processing eggs (E1, E2) having different eggshell colors, the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) being 700 nm or more and less than 750 nm, system.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the wavelength of the near-infrared light is in the range of 710 nm to 750 nm.

13. The system according to claim 11, wherein the wavelength of the near-infrared light is in the range of 720 nm to 740 nm.

14. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the processing means (8) is configured to process a light detection result for detecting any crack in the eggshell of the eggs (E1, E2).

15. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 14, comprising at least one roller conveyor (1) for conveying the eggs in at least one row along respective conveying paths.

16. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, comprising a plurality of light beam sources (2) that emit respective illumination beams (B).

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each of the first eggs (E1) has an eggshell that is substantially free of pigment or substantially free of protoporphyrin, and each of the second eggs (E2) has an eggshell that contains substantially pigment or contains protoporphyrin.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein each of the first eggs (E1) has a uniform white color.

19. The system according to any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein the processing means (8) includes a neural network.

Images