Sexing device and sexing method

Abstract

To non-destructively execute sex determination with high accuracy at an early stage of incubation.SOLUTION: A sex determination device 100 comprises: irradiation means of irradiating each hen egg within a predetermined period from the start of incubation with light of a predetermined wavelength; photographing means of photographing each of the irradiated hen eggs; means of generating a sex determination model using the results of separately determining the sex of each of the hen eggs and image data obtained in the photographing of the hen eggs as learning data; and means of determining the sex of a target hen egg by inputting image data obtained by the irradiation means and the photographing means into the sex determination model, regarding the a new target hen egg for sex determination.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sexing device and a sexing method. [Background technology]

[0002] After hatching (21 days after incubation), laying hens are sexed by feather identification. As a result of this sexing, males are usually culled. In recent years, 100 million chickens are culled annually in Japan and 6 billion worldwide. It is estimated that male chicks of 2000 will be culled. The culling of male chicks after hatching is a major problem from the perspective of animal welfare. A known method for determining the sex of eggs before they hatch involves using a laser beam to create a hole of 0.3 mm or less in the eggshell of an egg on the 9th day after incubation, collecting allantoic fluid through the hole, and detecting estrone sulfate in the allantoic fluid by colorimetric detection to determine the sex of the egg.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method for determining the state of eggs using light in the range of 400 to 1500 nm. the wavelength of the light pulses, the width of the light pulses being in the range of about 0.5 to about 500 picoseconds, and the intensity of the light pulses being in the range of about 0.1 to about 100 mJ; detecting reflected light of at least a portion of the light pulses; and analyzing the detected reflected light to classify the detected light into at least one gender. The technique is shown.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a non-invasive method for detecting the current state of a chicken egg, which uses a hyperspectral camera to measure at least one predetermined wavelength corresponding to reflected light or transmitted light from the egg. obtaining a test measurement image by measuring the amount of light emitted from the test measurement image; comparing the test measurement image with a control measurement image; obtaining at least one spectrum of the chicken egg in a predetermined wavelength range using the hyperspectral camera; and calculating the spectrum using a neural network algorithm. The technique includes comparing the traces of the eggs and using the results of the comparison to assess the current condition of the eggs.

[0005] Furthermore, Patent Document 3 discloses a non-destructive testing device for hatching eggs, which includes a light irradiation unit that irradiates light onto the hatching eggs, a light detection unit that detects the intensity of light that has passed through the hatching eggs, and a sex determination unit that performs preliminary sex determination based on the intensity of light that has passed through the hatching eggs at a first time point after a predetermined period of time has passed since the start of incubation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 10,705,066 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 9,435,732 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 6723597 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As described above, methods for sexing chicken eggs before hatching are known. However, conventional sexing methods have several problems. For example, in methods in which a hole is drilled in the eggshell to collect allantoic fluid for sexing, the formation of the hole and / or the collection of allantoic fluid may reduce the hatchability of the egg. On the other hand, the techniques disclosed in Patent Documents 1 to 3 enable sex determination by non-destructive spectroscopic means. However, in the case of the method described in Patent Document 1, the light used is from the visible light range to the near-infrared light range. It is necessary to irradiate light pulses and detect reflected light over a wide wavelength range, which may take a long time to implement. The cost of implementation and implementation may be excessive because it requires specialized methods such as camera measurements and neural network algorithm processing.

[0008] Furthermore, with any non-destructive method, it has been difficult to determine sex with high accuracy before the seventh day after incubation. In the case of chickens, embryos are said to acquire a sense of pain after the seventh day after incubation, so even if conventional non-destructive techniques are adopted, the problem from the perspective of animal welfare remains. In other words, no method has been established for determining sex at the early stage of incubation.

[0009] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique that enables highly accurate sex determination to be performed non-destructively in the early stages of incubation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The sexing device of the present invention, which solves the above-mentioned problems, comprises an irradiation means for irradiating each egg within a predetermined period from the start of incubation with light of a predetermined wavelength, an imaging means for photographing each irradiated egg, a means for generating a sexing model using the results of a separate sex determination for each egg and image data obtained by photographing the eggs as learning data, and a means for determining the sex of a new target egg by inputting image data obtained by the irradiation means and the imaging means into the sexing model. Equipped with , The sex determination means performs the sex determination by employing either an algorithm that immediately determines the egg as a male egg upon determining whether it is male regardless of the date of photography, based on predetermined parameters for the algorithm used for the sex determination, or an algorithm that determines the sex of the egg based on a summary of the results of sex determination on all photography dates. It is characterized by: The sexing method of the present invention includes an irradiation step of irradiating each egg within a predetermined period from the start of incubation with light of a predetermined wavelength; an imaging step of photographing each irradiated egg; a step of generating a sexing model using the results of separately determining the sex of each egg and image data obtained from the imaging of the eggs as learning data; and a step of determining the sex of a new target egg by inputting the image data obtained from the irradiation step and the imaging step into the sexing model. Run , In the sex determination step, the sex determination is performed using either an algorithm that immediately determines the egg as a male egg upon determining whether it is male regardless of the date of photography, based on predetermined parameters for the algorithm used for the sex determination, or an algorithm that determines the sex of the egg based on a summary of the results of sex determination on all photography dates. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to the present invention, highly accurate sex determination can be performed non-destructively in the early stages of incubation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sex determination system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sex determination device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image collection server according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a learning data DB according to the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of threshold parameters according to the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a determination method setting parameter according to the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a determination result DB according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a sex determination method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8B] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a sex determination method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a sex determination method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a sex determination method according to the present embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the flow of a sex determination method according to the present embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] <Example of sex determination system configuration> Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a sexing system 10 including a sexing device 10 of this embodiment. The sexing system 10 shown in FIG. 1 includes, in addition to the sexing device 100, an incubation tray on which a chicken egg 1 is placed and which performs the incubation process. It is composed of a laser 2, a light source 11, a visible light camera 12, a light source 11, a terminal 150, and an image collection server 200.

[0014] According to the sexing system 10 or sexing device 100 configured as described above, highly accurate sexing can be performed non-destructively in the early stages of incubation.

[0015] In the system configuration shown in Figure 1, egg 1 is a chicken egg to be sexed. This egg 1 is placed on an incubation tray 2 of an incubator and kept under appropriate conditions. The egg 1 placed on the incubation tray 2 is irradiated with light of an appropriate wavelength from a light source 11.

[0016] The light source 11 is, for example, a light-emitting unit including an LED (Light Emitting Diode) element. The light emitted by this light source 11 is visible light (light that can be captured by the imaging element of the visible light camera 12), and is assumed to be light with a wavelength of, for example, around 520 nm. However, this wavelength is just an example, and the light is not limited as long as it can be captured by the visible light camera 12.

[0017] Other examples of the light source 11 include a halogen lamp and an EverGlo ceramic. A selection of light emitting elements can be envisaged.

[0018] Meanwhile, the light reflected from the light source 11 and generated in the egg 1 is captured by the imaging element of the visible light camera 12. That is, the visible light camera 12 photographs the egg 1. As the imaging element, for example, a CCD (Carge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) may be used, but is not limited to these.

[0019] In the sexing system 10 of this embodiment, the chicken eggs 1 to be sexed are those that are hatched within six days of the start of incubation. From the perspective of animal welfare, it is very meaningful to perform sexing before the seventh day from the start of incubation, when the embryo in the egg 1 is thought to acquire a sense of pain, that is, before the chicken egg 1 (a concept that includes the embryo that has grown in the egg and the subsequent chick) can sense pain.

[0020] 1, the sexing device 100 of this embodiment is communicably connected to a terminal 150 and an image collection server 200 via a network 5. Therefore, these may be collectively referred to as the sexing system 10.

[0021] The sexing device 100 of this embodiment can be said to be a service-providing device that appropriately acquires information from the constituent devices of the sexing system 10 as described above and determines the sex of chicken eggs 1 placed on incubation trays 2.

[0022] On the other hand, the terminal 150 is a device or a terminal of a person in charge that performs highly accurate sex determination using an algorithm different from that of the sex determination device 100 of this embodiment. Specifically, it can be a personal computer, smartphone, tablet terminal, etc. The algorithm for performing this highly accurate sex determination will be described later.

[0023] In addition, the image collection server 200 is a server that acquires image data obtained by photographing a chicken egg 1 using the visible light camera 12 from the visible light camera 12 (or its control system, etc.), and stores and manages the data by linking it to attribute information such as the visible light camera 12 and the photographing conditions.

[0024] This image collection server 200 distributes the obtained image data to the sex determination device 100 via the network 5 immediately every time it obtains image data from the visible light camera 12, or every time it obtains and stores the data within a certain period of time. <Hardware configuration: Sex determination device> The sex determination system 10 of this embodiment includes a sex determination device 100 having a hardware configuration as shown in FIG.

[0025] That is, the sex determination device 100 includes a storage 101, a memory 103, a CPU 104, and a communication device 105. The sex determination device 100 may further include the light source 11 and visible light camera 12 described above.

[0026] Of these, the storage 101 is configured with an appropriate non-volatile storage element such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or a hard disk drive.

[0027] The memory 103 is composed of a volatile storage element such as a RAM.

[0028] The CPU 104 reads out the program 102 stored in the storage 101 into the memory 103 and executes the program, thereby controlling the device itself and performing various types of judgment, calculation and control processing.

[0029] The communication device 105 is assumed to be a network interface card or the like that is connected to the network 5 and handles communication processing with the terminal 150 and the image collection server 200 .

[0030] If the sex determining device 100 is a stand-alone machine, it is preferable to further include an input device for accepting key input or voice input from the user, and an output device such as a display for displaying processed data.

[0031] Furthermore, in addition to a program 102 for implementing the functions required for the sex determination device 100 of this embodiment, the storage 101 also stores at least a learning data DB 1013, a determination result DB 1014, threshold parameters 1015, and determination method setting parameters 1016. However, details of these databases and parameters will be described later.

[0032] The program 102 also includes a model creation engine 1011 and a sexing model 1012. Details will be described later, but the model creation engine 1011 is an engine that performs machine learning using a large amount of photography data (image data, its conditions, etc.) related to eggs and the labels of the photographed eggs (determination results of whether they are male or female) as learning data, and generates a sexing model 1012 that determines the sex of the eggs 1. The sexing model 1012 is a model created by the model creation engine 1011 described above. <Hardware configuration: Image collection server> 3 shows the hardware configuration of the image collection server 200 of this embodiment. The image collection server 200 includes a storage 201, a memory 203, a CPU 204, and a communication device 205.

[0033] Of these, the storage 201 is configured with an appropriate nonvolatile storage element such as an SSD (Solid State Drive) or a hard disk drive.

[0034] The memory 203 is composed of a volatile storage element such as a RAM.

[0035] The CPU 204 reads out the program 202 stored in the storage 201 into the memory 203 and executes the program, thereby controlling the device itself and performing various types of judgment, calculation, and control processing.

[0036] The communication device 205 is assumed to be a network interface card or the like that is connected to the network 5 and is responsible for communication processing with the sex determination device 100 .

[0037] The storage 201 also stores at least a captured image DB 2011 in addition to a program 202 for implementing the functions required for the image collection server 200 of this embodiment. However, details of this captured image DB 2011 will be described later. <Data structure example> Next, a description will be given of various types of information used by the sex determining device 100 of this embodiment. Fig. 4 shows an example of the learning data DB 1013 in this embodiment.

[0038] The learning data DB 1013 of this embodiment is a database that links image data distributed from the image collection server 200 with the sex determination results (obtained from the terminal 150) obtained for the chicken eggs that are the subject of the image data, and stores and manages the data as learning data for machine learning, i.e., learning data for the model creation engine 1011.

[0039] This learning data DB 1013 is a collection of records that link data such as the start date of incubation, number of days of incubation, type of egg, file name, camera, light source, light intensity, temperature, and humidity, using, for example, a serial number as a key.

[0040] The incubation days are the number of days elapsed since the start of incubation. The egg type indicates whether the target egg has a white or red shell. The file name indicates the name (and storage location) of the image data of the egg taken by the visible light camera.

[0041] The cameras are also arranged around the incubation trays 2 of the incubator, and indicate the identification information of the cameras that photograph the eggs on the incubation trays 2.

[0042] Furthermore, the light source indicates the identification information of the light source used to photograph the eggs on the incubation tray 2. Furthermore, the light intensity indicates the intensity of the light emitted by the light source. Furthermore, the temperature indicates the temperature near the incubation tray 2 at the time of photographing, and the humidity indicates the humidity in the same area.

[0043] The sex determination is a highly accurate result of sex determination input by the operator of the terminal 150. The details of this sex determination will be described later.

[0044] 5 shows an example of the threshold parameter 1015 in this embodiment. The threshold parameter 1015 in this embodiment is a value that specifies a plurality of patterns of photography methods and photography dates for the chicken egg 1, and defines a judgment threshold and weighting for each of the patterns.

[0045] These threshold parameters 1015 are composed of the values ​​of the photography / data collection method, the day, the female determination threshold, and weighting. Of these, the photography / data collection method indicates the type of visible light camera. The day is a value that specifies the number of days after the start of incubation on which to take the photograph.

[0046] The female determination threshold is a threshold for determining a male as a female when the confidence level of the sex determination model 1012 is equal to or greater than the female determination threshold. The weighting is a weighted determination value (unit: %) in the overall determination described below.

[0047] The female determination threshold mentioned above can be changed, and by operating it in this way, it is possible for this system to contribute to animal welfare while also achieving economic benefits. For example, by setting the female determination threshold lower than a certain standard, it is possible to meet needs such as wanting to determine the sex as quickly as possible, even if there is a certain degree of possibility that male eggs will be mixed in with eggs 1 determined to be female.

[0048] Alternatively, by setting the female determination threshold higher than a certain standard, it is possible to determine whether the females are female after a certain number of days (however, the incubation period is longer). Even if it may take a long time (within 6 days from the start of incubation) to fertilize the eggs, it is possible to meet the needs of those who want to keep the possibility of male eggs being mixed in with eggs determined to be female extremely low.

[0049] Furthermore, by adjusting the weighting values, for example, so that the weighting value for the sex determination results in the period immediately after the start of incubation (for example, up to the third day) is smaller than the weighting value for the sex determination results in the period thereafter (for example, from the fourth day onwards to the sixth day), sex determination can be performed with greater emphasis on accuracy.

[0050] 6 shows an example of the sex determination method setting parameter 1016 in this embodiment. The sex determination method setting parameter 1016 in this embodiment is a value that defines the sex determination algorithm executed in the sex determination device 100.

[0051] This determination method setting parameter 1016 consists of a serial number, a setting value, and a default value. Of these, the setting value indicates the user-specified algorithm used for sex determination. In the example shown in the figure, the value of "overall determination (weighted determination)" is set. This algorithm performs sex determination based on, for example, the sex determination results for all specified shooting dates and the "weighting" value of the threshold parameter 1015.

[0052] Other possible algorithms include instantaneous determination (if a male result is obtained on any photo shoot date, the egg is determined to be a male egg) and comprehensive determination (majority vote).The comprehensive determination (majority vote) algorithm determines the sex of the egg by taking a majority vote on the sex determination results for all specified photo shoot dates, for example.

[0053] 7 shows an example of the configuration of the determination result DB 1014 in this embodiment. This determination result DB 1014 is a database that stores the results of sex determination of the egg 1 by the sex determination model 1012 of the sex determination device 100 of this embodiment.

[0054] This judgment result DB 1014 is made up of records including the serial number, lot number, target egg, photography / data collection method 1...photography / data collection method n, and each value of the final judgment.

[0055] Among these, the lot number is identification information of the lot to which the target egg belongs. The target egg is also a value indicating its position on the incubation tray 2 of the incubator, such as the number of the incubation tray 2 and the coordinates of the egg 1 on the incubation tray 2 of that level (similar to the concept of coordinate values ​​in a coordinate space).

[0056] In addition, the values ​​in the photography / data collection method column indicate the results of sex determination made by the sex determination model 1012 for image data obtained by photography under conditions corresponding to the values ​​in each of the photography / data collection method columns in the threshold parameters 1015 in Figure 5.

[0057] The value in the final judgment column indicates the result of the final judgment made by the sexing algorithm, such as immediate judgment or comprehensive judgment. <Flow example: Model creation> The actual procedure for the sexing method of this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. The various operations corresponding to the sexing method described below are realized by a program that is read into memory or the like and executed by the sexing device 100. This program is composed of code for performing the various operations described below.

[0058] 8A is a diagram showing an example of the flow of the sex determination method according to this embodiment. First, the flow of generating the sex determination model 1012 will be described.

[0059] In this case, the sexing device 100 controls the light source 11, for example, to irradiate the eggs on the incubation tray 2 with light of a predetermined wavelength (s1). The wavelength of this light is as already described.

[0060] Next, the sexing device 100 detects light emitted from the egg by the light source 11, which passes through the egg or is reflected within the egg (s2). This detection is performed by a photodetector, for example. This photodetector may be made of silicon, PbS (lead sulfide), The photodetector element is selected from the group consisting of InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) and arsenide.

[0061] Furthermore, during this detection, the sex determining device 100 acquires the visible and near-infrared spectrum of the detected light using a spectrometer.

[0062] The sex determining device 100 also controls the visible light camera 12 to photograph the above-mentioned chicken eggs (s3) and stores the image data in the image collection server 200. Alternatively, the visible light camera 12 stores the photographed image data of the chicken eggs in the image collection server 200 (s4).

[0063] Next, the sexing device 100 determines the sex of the egg based on the image data of the egg and the visible and near-infrared spectrum data obtained up to this point (s5). The determination result here is stored in the "sexing" column in the learning data DB 1013.

[0064] In this case, the sex determining device 100 determines the sex of the egg based on spectral data in the wavelength region of 1700 to 2500 nm in the visible and near-infrared spectrum.

[0065] The details of such a sex determination method based on visible and near-infrared spectra are as follows: it comprises a light irradiation step, a light detection step, a spectrum acquisition step, and a sex determination step.

[0066] The light irradiation step involves irradiating the egg 1 with light having a wavelength ranging from the visible light region to the near-infrared light region. Here, "visible light" refers to light having a wavelength ranging from 400 to 900 nm, which includes the wavelength range of 400 to 750 nm corresponding to visible light. Furthermore, "near-infrared light" refers to light having a wavelength ranging from 900 to 2500 nm.

[0067] For example, "light having a wavelength ranging from the visible light region to the near-infrared light region" means light having a wavelength ranging from 400 to 2500 nm.

[0068] The light irradiated in this step (hereinafter also referred to as "irradiation light") is 400 to 2500 It is preferable that the wavelength of the light be in the wavelength range of 400 to 900 nm. It is more preferable that the wavelength falls within the wavelength range of 170 to 2500 nm.

[0069] The irradiated light may be light having a continuous range of all wavelengths within the wavelength region described above, or light having a portion of the wavelengths within the wavelength region (e.g., specific wavelengths). By irradiating light having wavelengths within the wavelength region described above, highly accurate sex determination can be performed in the sex determination step described below. Furthermore, by selectively irradiating light having specific wavelengths, for example, wavelengths within the range of 400 to 900 nm and the range of 1700 to 2500 nm, the wavelength sweep range can be narrowed, thereby shortening the time required to perform this step.

[0070] In this step, the irradiated light can be applied to the eggs from various directions. For example, in one embodiment, the irradiated light is applied to the eggs so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is perpendicular to the horizontal plane. For the chicken egg placed as above, a slit is formed in any direction (for example, in a direction in the range of 0 to 50° with respect to the long axis, particularly in a vertical plane including the long axis) so as to pass through the animal pole or embryo from above the chicken egg. The light is irradiated onto a parallel surface in a direction parallel to the long axis (hereinafter also referred to as "first embodiment").

[0071] In another embodiment, the irradiated light is irradiated in any direction (for example, in a direction in the range of 0 to 90° with respect to the long axis, particularly in a direction parallel to the horizontal plane including the long axis) so as to pass through the animal pole or embryo from the side of the egg, with respect to a chicken egg placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to the horizontal plane. The light is irradiated onto a plane parallel to the surface in a direction perpendicular to the long axis (hereinafter also referred to as "second or fourth embodiment").

[0072] In another embodiment, the irradiated light is light that is irradiated from above a chicken egg placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane, in any direction so as to pass through the animal pole or embryo (for example, in a direction in the range of 40 to 90° relative to the long axis, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the long axis on a plane parallel to a vertical plane including the long axis) (hereinafter also referred to as the "third or sixth embodiment").

[0073] In another embodiment, the irradiated light is light that is irradiated from below a chicken egg placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane, in any direction so as to pass through the animal pole or embryo (for example, in a direction in the range of 40 to 90° from the long axis, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the long axis on a plane parallel to a vertical plane including the long axis) (hereinafter also referred to as "fifth embodiment").

[0074] In a first preferred embodiment, the irradiated light is light that is irradiated onto a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis line connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and that is irradiated from above the egg in a direction parallel to the long axis line on a plane parallel to the vertical plane that includes the long axis line, so as to pass through the animal pole or embryo.

[0075] In a preferred second or fourth embodiment, the irradiated light is light that is irradiated onto a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis line connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane, in a direction perpendicular to the long axis line on a plane parallel to the horizontal plane that includes the long axis line, so as to pass from the side of the egg through the animal pole or embryo.

[0076] In a preferred third or sixth embodiment, the irradiated light is light that is irradiated onto a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis line connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane, in a direction perpendicular to the long axis line on a plane parallel to a vertical plane including the long axis line, so as to pass from above the egg through the animal pole or embryo.

[0077] In a preferred fifth embodiment, the irradiated light is light that is irradiated onto a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane, in a direction perpendicular to the long axis, on a plane parallel to a vertical plane that includes the long axis, so as to pass from below the egg through the animal pole or embryo.

[0078] In each of the embodiments exemplified above, it is preferable to confirm the position of the animal pole or embryo of the egg in advance using an egg candling device, and to position the egg so that the animal pole or embryo is in the direction of incidence of the irradiated light. By performing this step so that the irradiated light passes through the animal pole or embryo, information on the blood and / or various components contained in the animal pole or embryo can be obtained in each step described below, and sexing can be performed with high accuracy.

[0079] In this embodiment, "parallel," "perpendicular," and "orthogonal" mean that a line and / or a surface is completely parallel. This means that the two are in a positional relationship that is parallel, perpendicular, or substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0080] This step is usually carried out with the eggs fixed so that the eggs 1 and the irradiated light are positioned in the positional relationship described above. For this reason, it is preferable to use an incubation tray 2 in this step to position the eggs as described above. When an incubation tray 2 is used, the eggs are placed on the top surface of the incubation tray 2, for example.

[0081] In this embodiment, "passing through the animal pole or embryo" and "passing through the yolk" mean that light passes through at least a portion of the animal pole or embryo, or yolk, in a chicken egg.

[0082] The position passing through the animal pole or embryo means, for example, a range of 15 to 30 mm, typically 17 to 25 mm, from the sharp end of the egg. This refers to the range of 20 to 60 mm, typically 27 to 52 mm, from the sharp end of the egg.

[0083] This step is preferably carried out by irradiating light inside a storage member that stores the eggs and incubation trays. The storage member is preferably a member that can substantially block external light, such as a dark box. By carrying out this step inside the storage member, the influence of external light can be substantially suppressed, allowing for more accurate sex determination.

[0084] In addition, in the light detection process, the light emitted from the egg by passing through the egg 1 after being irradiated in the light irradiation process described above may be referred to as "transmitted light," and the light emitted from the egg by being reflected within the egg after being irradiated in the light irradiation process may be referred to as "reflected light."

[0085] Although the transmitted light and the reflected light can be selected based on a combination of the light irradiation position in the light irradiation step and the light detection position in this step, it is difficult to strictly separate the transmitted light and the reflected light from each other. Therefore, in this embodiment, the transmitted light may contain a certain proportion of the reflected light, and the reflected light may contain a certain proportion of the transmitted light.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, an embodiment in which sexing is performed by detecting transmitted light emitted outside the egg may be referred to as the "transmission method," and an embodiment in which sexing is performed by detecting reflected light emitted outside the egg may be referred to as the "reflection method."

[0087] The transmitted or reflected light detected in this step preferably has a wavelength in the wavelength range of 400 to 2500 nm, more preferably in the range of 400 to 900 nm and the range of 1700 to 2500 nm.

[0088] The transmitted light or reflected light may be light having a continuous range of all wavelengths within the wavelength region described above, or may be light having only a portion of the wavelengths (e.g., a specific wavelength) within the wavelength region described above.

[0089] By detecting transmitted or reflected light having wavelengths within the above-mentioned wavelength ranges, sex determination can be performed with high accuracy in the sex determination step described below. Furthermore, by selectively detecting transmitted or reflected light having specific wavelengths, for example, wavelengths within the ranges of 400 to 900 nm and 1700 to 2500 nm, the wavelength sweep range can be narrowed, thereby shortening the time required to perform this step.

[0090] In this step, light emitted in various directions relative to the egg can be detected. For example, in one embodiment, the detected light is light emitted to the side of the egg by passing through the egg, which is positioned so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is perpendicular to the horizontal plane (transmitted light). The light (transmitted light) is emitted in any direction so as to pass through the yolk of the egg (for example, in a direction within a range of 40 to 90° relative to the long axis, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the long axis on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the long axis) (hereinafter, also referred to as "first embodiment").

[0091] In another embodiment, the detected light is light (transmitted light) that passes through a chicken egg placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane, and is emitted downward from the egg, and is light (transmitted light) that passes through the yolk of the egg in any direction (for example, in a direction in the range of 40 to 90° from the long axis, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the long axis on a plane parallel to a vertical plane including the long axis) (hereinafter, also referred to as "second or third embodiment").

[0092] In another embodiment, the detected light is light (transmitted light) that passes through a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to the horizontal plane and is emitted laterally from the egg, and is oriented in any direction (for example, in a direction in the range of 0 to 90° with respect to the long axis, particularly in a plane that includes the long axis and is parallel to the horizontal plane) so as to pass through the yolk of the egg. The light emitted is in a direction perpendicular to the line (hereinafter also referred to as "fourth embodiment").

[0093] In another embodiment, the detected light is light (reflected light) that is reflected inside a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane and is emitted downward from the egg, and that passes through the yolk of the egg in any direction (for example, in a direction in the range of 40 to 90° from the long axis, particularly in a direction at 45° from the long axis on a plane parallel to a vertical plane that includes the long axis) (hereinafter, also referred to as the "fifth embodiment").

[0094] In another embodiment, the detected light is light (reflected light) that is reflected inside a chicken egg placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane and is emitted upward from the egg, and that passes through the yolk of the egg in any direction (for example, in a direction in the range of 40 to 90° from the long axis, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the long axis on a plane parallel to a vertical plane including the long axis) (hereinafter, also referred to as the "sixth embodiment").

[0095] In a first preferred embodiment, the detected light is light (transmitted light) that passes through a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis line connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is perpendicular to a horizontal plane, and is emitted laterally from the egg, and is light (transmitted light) that is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the long axis line on a horizontal plane perpendicular to the long axis line so as to pass through the yolk of the chicken egg.

[0096] In a preferred second or third embodiment, the detected light is light (transmitted light) that passes through a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane and is emitted downward from the egg, and is also light (transmitted light) that passes through the yolk of the egg, in a direction perpendicular to the long axis on a plane parallel to a vertical plane that includes the long axis.

[0097] In a fourth preferred embodiment, the detected light is light (transmitted light) that passes through a chicken egg that is placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to the horizontal plane, and is emitted laterally from the egg, and is light that is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the long axis on a plane that is parallel to the horizontal plane and includes the long axis, so as to pass through the yolk of the egg.

[0098] In a fifth preferred embodiment, the detected light is emitted downward from an egg by being reflected inside the egg, which is placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to the horizontal plane. The light emitted (reflected light) is light that passes through the yolk of the egg and is emitted in a direction at 45 degrees to the long axis on a plane parallel to a vertical plane containing the long axis.

[0099] In a sixth preferred embodiment, the detected light is light (reflected light) that is reflected inside a chicken egg placed so that the long axis connecting the blunt end and the sharp end is parallel to a horizontal plane and is emitted upward from the egg, and that is emitted in a direction perpendicular to the long axis on a plane parallel to a vertical plane containing the long axis so as to pass through the yolk of the egg.

[0100] In each of the embodiments exemplified above, it is preferable to confirm the position of the yolk of the egg in advance using an egg candling device, and to position the egg so that transmitted or reflected light passes through the yolk. By carrying out this step so that transmitted or reflected light passes through the yolk, information on the blood and / or various components contained in the animal pole or embryo can be obtained in each step described below, and sexing can be performed with high accuracy. Furthermore, the above-mentioned step is preferably carried out by detecting light inside the container described above. By carrying out this step inside the container, the influence of external light can be substantially suppressed, and sex determination can be carried out with higher accuracy.

[0101] Next, the spectrum acquisition step is a step of acquiring the visible and near-infrared spectrum of the light detected in the light detection step described above.

[0102] This step is carried out by generating a visible and near-infrared spectrum based on the light detected in the light detection step. A means for generating a visible and near-infrared spectrum can include a visible and near-infrared spectrometer commonly used in the art.

[0103] A visible and near-infrared spectrometer is usually connected to a data analyzer that stores a program for analyzing spectral data in addition to a program for controlling the visible and near-infrared spectrometer. Therefore, by using the visible and near-infrared spectrometer, it is possible to generate visible and near-infrared spectra and analyze the spectral data in a short time.

[0104] The visible and near-infrared spectra acquired in this step may be the spectra as they are, or may be second-derivative spectra obtained by second-derivatively processing the spectra. Second-derivative spectra are preferred because they can reduce the effects of baseline shifts, etc. By acquiring second-derivative spectra in this step, sexing can be performed with high accuracy.

[0105] Next, the sex determining step is a step of determining the sex of the egg 1 based on the spectral data of the visible and near-infrared spectrum acquired in the spectrum acquiring step described above.

[0106] In this step, as a means for determining the sex of the chicken egg 1 based on the spectral data, for example, multivariate analysis known in the technical field can be applied. Examples of multivariate analysis include principal component analysis and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS). Examples include PLS-DA analysis.

[0107] When this step is carried out using principal component analysis, the following procedure may be followed: First, a sexing model is created; A predetermined number of chicken eggs of known sex are used to carry out the light irradiation step, light detection step, and spectrum acquisition step to acquire standard visible and near-infrared spectra for each sex; The acquired visible and near-infrared spectra are preferably second derivative spectra; Sexing of the chicken eggs used to acquire the standard visible and near-infrared spectra may be carried out using a sexing means known in the technical field. Known sexing means include: For example, chicken egg embryos and blood samples are collected, and DNA extracted from the collected samples is used to identify female A genetic analysis method for determining sex using multiplex PCR with male-specific primers, and For example, the collected sample is subjected to instrumental analysis to determine the sex based on the concentration of components in the sample (for example, hormone concentration).

[0108] The sexing method exemplified above can be carried out by breaking the eggs used after acquiring the standard visible and near-infrared spectra and collecting samples. Next, principal component analysis is performed on the standard spectral data sets for each sex. It is preferable to detect outliers in the standard principal component space for each sex using Mahalanobis distance and obtain a principal component score plot with the outliers removed. The obtained principal component score plot can be used as a sexing model.

[0109] Next, the egg to be measured is subjected to a light irradiation step, a light detection step, and a spectrum acquisition step to acquire visible and near-infrared spectra. The acquired visible and near-infrared spectra are preferably second-derivative spectra. Principal component analysis is performed on the acquired visible and near-infrared spectrum data, and the obtained principal component scores are applied to the principal component space of the sexing model to determine the sex.

[0110] In this case, methods for applying the principal component scores of the egg being measured to the principal component space of the sex determination model include, for example, the residual variance method in the principal component space, the maximum distance method by wavelength, and the Mahalanobis distance in the principal component space.

[0111] In this step, the creation of a sexing model by multivariate analysis and the sexing of the measurement subject may be performed using, for example, a data analysis device such as a computer installed with commercially available multivariate analysis software commonly used in the technical field, or may be performed using a data analysis device such as a computer connected to the visible and near-infrared spectrometer used in the spectrum acquisition step. The data analysis device connected to the visible and near-infrared spectrometer usually stores a program for performing multivariate analysis of spectral data. Therefore, by performing this step using a data analysis device connected to the visible and near-infrared spectrometer, sexing can be performed at low cost.

[0112] In this step, the sexing model may be created by multivariate analysis each time this step is performed. However, it is preferable to store the data of the sexing model created in advance in the storage 101 of the sexing device 100 and to call it up and use it when this step is performed on the eggs to be measured. In this embodiment, the time required for sexing can be shortened.

[0113] In this process, sex determination is performed based on spectral data in the wavelength range of 1700 to 2500 nm. It has been found that sex determination can be performed with high accuracy by performing this measurement. The wavelength region of the spectral data used in this step is in the range of 1700 to 2500 nm, preferably in the range of 1700 to 2200 nm or 1800 to 2500 nm, and more preferably in the range of 1800 to 2200 nm. is more preferable.

[0114] The spectral data used in this step may be spectral data of light having a continuous range of all wavelengths belonging to the wavelength region, or may be spectral data of light having some wavelengths (e.g., specific wavelengths) belonging to the wavelength region.

[0115] The wavelength range belongs to the long wavelength near-infrared light range. From the spectral data in the long wavelength range, information on various components such as proteins and fats contained in the eggshell and inside the egg can be obtained. The various components contained inside the egg, particularly in the animal pole of the yolk or the embryo, vary depending on the sex. Therefore, by carrying out this step based on spectral data in the near-infrared region on the long wavelength side of the above range, it is possible to determine the sex of an egg with high accuracy based on slight differences in the composition of the various components contained in the eggshell and inside the egg.

[0116] Next, the processing by the model creation engine 1011 in the sexing device 100 will be described based on the flow in Fig. 8B. In this case, the sexing device 100 links the sexing result (highly accurate using a different algorithm) obtained in s5 as a label to the image data of the egg 1 obtained in s3 and s4 in the flow in Fig. 8A (s10).

[0117] Next, the sexing device 100 performs appropriate processing on the image data associated with the labels in s10, such as deleting unnecessary data and emphasizing feature data, to create learning data (s11). The sexing device 100 stores the created learning data in the learning data DB 1013.

[0118] The sexing device 100 then provides the learning data obtained in s11 to the model creation engine 1011 to carry out machine learning, thereby creating a sexing model 1012 (s12), and terminates the process. The sexing device 100 stores and retains the sexing model 1012 created here in the storage 101. <Flow example: Sex determination> The processing according to the flow shown in Figures 8A and 8B described above was performed on a large number of chicken eggs within six days of the start of incubation, in order to generate the sexing model 1012. Meanwhile, a flow for accurately sexing chicken eggs 1 in the early stages of incubation using such sexing model 1012 will be described with reference to Figures 9 to 11.

[0119] Here, the sexing device 100 executes this flow for each of the eggs 1 on the incubation tray 2 for all the days for which photography is to be performed (that is, for a total of six days from the start of incubation to the sixth day).

[0120] The sex determination device 100 detects, for example, whether the eggs on the incubation tray 2 have reached a specified number of incubation days, such as the second or third day since the start of incubation, by obtaining information on the number of incubation days from an incubation management system or the like (s30).

[0121] Next, the sexing device 100 transmits an instruction to the visible light camera 12 to collect data on the image of the egg (photography and data collection methods 1 to n) (s31). In response, the visible light camera 12 photographs the egg 1 using each method (s32) and obtains image data.

[0122] The sexing device 100 also acquires image data of the egg 1 from the visible light camera (s33). In this case, it is possible to imagine an operation in which the management system for the visible light camera 12 distributes the image data to the sexing device 100 via the network 5.

[0123] Next, the sex determining device 100 refers to the setting value of the determining method setting parameter 1016 and specifies the algorithm for determining the sex (s34).

[0124] As a result of the above determination, if the algorithm to be adopted is "instant determination" (s34: YES), the sexing device 100 executes a series of instant determination processes shown in the flow of FIG. 10 (s35).

[0125] In this case, the sexing device 100 inputs image data of the chicken egg 1 taken by the corresponding visible light camera 12 for the corresponding number of days of incubation into the sexing model 1012, in accordance with the specified values ​​in the fields of the photography / data collection method and day of the threshold parameter 1015 shown in FIG. 5, and determines the sex of the chicken egg 1. Male determination is performed (s351, s354, s357).

[0126] If the result of the determination is that the sex of the egg 1 is female (determined as "female" in s352, s355, and s358), the sex determination device 100 stores the sex determination result of the egg 1 on that day in the corresponding column in the determination result DB 1014 and terminates the process.

[0127] On the other hand, if the sex of the egg 1 is determined to be male as a result of the above determination (determined to be "male" in s352, s355, and s358), the sexing device 100 similarly performs sexing using the sexing model 1012 on the next day or on the image data obtained by the photography and data collection method. If the result of this series of sexing determinations is "male" on any day, the egg 1 is marked as not to be incubated or is removed from the incubation tray 2, and the process ends.

[0128] Returning now to the explanation of the flow in Fig. 9. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in s34 above indicates that the algorithm to be adopted is "comprehensive determination" (s34: NO), the sexing device 100 executes a series of comprehensive determination processes shown in the flow in Fig. 11 (s36).

[0129] In this case, the sexing device 100 inputs the image data obtained by each photographing and data collection method on each day into the sexing model 1012 as shown in the flow in Figure 10, and obtains the sexing results (s361 to s363).

[0130] The sexing device 100 then performs a comprehensive sexing process (s364) for each sexing result obtained up to s363, in accordance with the "female determination threshold" and "weighting" defined by the threshold parameter 1015 in Fig. 5. This process determines sex based on whether the image data for the third day is 90% or more in terms of femininity, and multiplies the result of the sexing process (e.g., "1" for female, "0" for male) by a weighting value, for example, for each image data obtained up to the third day. If, for example, the average value of the multiplication results obtained for each day is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, the sex of the egg 1 is determined to be female (s365: female), and the process ends.

[0131] On the other hand, if the average value is below a predetermined threshold as a result of the above judgment, the sex of the egg 1 is judged to be male (s365: male), and the egg 1 is either marked as not to be incubated or removed from the incubation tray 2 (s367), and the process is terminated.

[0132] The best mode for carrying out the present invention has been specifically described above, but the present invention is not limited to this and can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0133] According to this embodiment, sex determination becomes possible by the seventh day after incubation, when embryos in chicken eggs are thought to acquire pain sensation. Therefore, eggs that are likely to become male can be removed early before hatching (without feeling pain), and the culling of male chicks can be substantially avoided.

[0134] Furthermore, it is possible to accurately select and incubate eggs that have a high probability of producing female eggs, thereby reducing the cost required for incubation and improving the efficiency of egg-laying hens production.

[0135] This will ultimately make it possible to solve issues facing the egg production industry, such as a shortage of sex determination workers, animal welfare measures for the culling of male chicks, and reduced egg hatching and culling costs.

[0136] The description of this specification makes at least the following clear: In the sexing device of this embodiment, the irradiating means irradiates light of a wavelength ranging from the visible light region to the near-infrared light region. The imaging means may be a visible light camera.

[0137] This allows for simple, low-cost operation using a visible light camera, which is a common imaging method, and ultimately enables non-destructive, high-precision, low-cost sex determination at an early stage of incubation.

[0138] Furthermore, the sexing device of this embodiment may further include a light detection means for detecting light emitted outside the egg when light irradiated by the irradiation means passes through or is reflected within the egg, a spectrum acquisition means for acquiring the visible and near-infrared spectrum of the light detected by the light detection means, and a sexing means for determining the sex of the egg based on spectral data in the wavelength region of 1700 to 2500 nm in the visible and near-infrared spectrum acquired by the spectrum acquisition means, and the determination result by the sexing means may be used as the result of the separate determination.

[0139] This leads to a highly accurate sex determination model, which in turn makes it possible to perform highly accurate non-destructive sex determination in the early stages of incubation.

[0140] Furthermore, in the sex determination method of this embodiment, the irradiating step may involve irradiating light of a wavelength ranging from the visible light region to the near-infrared light region, and the photographing step may involve photographing using a visible light camera.

[0141] Furthermore, the sexing method of this embodiment further comprises a light detection step of detecting light emitted outside the egg when the light irradiated in the irradiation step passes through or is reflected within the egg; a spectrum acquisition step of acquiring the visible and near-infrared spectrum of the light detected in the light detection step; and a sexing step of determining the sex of the egg based on spectral data in the wavelength region of 1700 to 2500 nm in the visible and near-infrared spectrum acquired in the spectrum acquisition step, and the determination result from the sexing step may be used as the result of the separate determination. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1 chicken egg 2 egg incubation trays 5. Network 10 Sexing System 11 Light source (irradiation means) 12 Visible light camera (photography means) 100 Sex determination device 101 Storage 1011 Model Building Engine 1012 Sex determination model 1013 Learning Data DB 1014 Judgment result DB 1015 Threshold Parameter 1016 Judgment method setting parameters 102 Programs 103 memory 104 CPU 105 Communication equipment 150 devices 200 Image Collection Server 201 Storage 2011 Photo Database 202 Program 203 memory 204 CPU 205 Communication equipment

Claims

1. an irradiation means for irradiating each egg with light of a predetermined wavelength within a predetermined period from the start of incubation; an imaging means for photographing each of the irradiated eggs; a means for generating a sex determination model using the results of separate sex determination of each of the eggs and the image data obtained by photographing the eggs as learning data; a means for determining the sex of a new target egg by inputting image data obtained by the irradiation means and the photographing means into the sex determination model, The sex determination means performs the sex determination by employing either an algorithm that immediately determines the egg as a male egg upon determining whether it is male regardless of the date of photography, based on predetermined parameters for the algorithm used for the sex determination, or an algorithm that determines the sex of the egg based on a summary of the results of sex determination on all photography dates. A sex determination device.

2. the irradiation means irradiates light with a wavelength ranging from the visible light region to the near-infrared light region, The photographing means is a visible light camera.

2. The sex determination device according to claim 1.

3. a light detection means for detecting light emitted outside the egg as a result of the light irradiated by the irradiation means passing through the egg or being reflected within the egg; a spectrum acquisition means for acquiring the visible and near-infrared spectrum of the light detected by the light detection means; a sex determining means for determining the sex of the egg based on the spectral data in the wavelength region of 1700 to 2500 nm in the visible and near-infrared spectrum acquired by the spectrum acquiring means; The result of the sex determination means is used as the result of the separate determination.

3. The sex determination device according to claim 2.

4. an irradiation step of irradiating each egg with light of a predetermined wavelength within a predetermined period from the start of incubation; an imaging step of photographing each of the irradiated eggs; a step of generating a sex determination model using the results of separately determining the sex of each of the eggs and the image data obtained by photographing the eggs as learning data; and (b) performing a step of determining the sex of a new target egg by inputting image data obtained by the irradiation step and the photographing step into the sex determination model. In the sex determination step, the sex determination is performed using either an algorithm that immediately determines the egg as a male egg upon determining whether it is male regardless of the date of photography, based on predetermined parameters for the algorithm used for the sex determination, or an algorithm that determines the sex of the egg based on a summary of the results of sex determination on all photography dates. A method for determining the sex of an animal.

5. the irradiation step involves irradiating with light having a wavelength ranging from the visible light region to the near-infrared light region, The photographing step involves photographing using a visible light camera.

5. The method for determining the sex of an animal according to claim 4.

6. a light detection step of detecting light emitted outside the egg as a result of the light irradiated in the irradiation step passing through the egg or being reflected within the egg; a spectrum acquisition step of acquiring the visible and near-infrared spectra of the light detected in the light detection step; a sexing step of determining the sex of the chicken eggs based on the spectral data in the wavelength region of 1700 to 2500 nm in the visible and near-infrared spectrum acquired in the spectrum acquisition step; The result of the sex determination step is used as the result of the separate determination. The method for determining the sex of an animal according to claim 5 .

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