Non-destructive testing apparatus and non-destructive testing method for fertilized eggs

Abstract

To enable the growth of an embryo or the like of a hatching egg to be optically accurately observed.SOLUTION: A nondestructive inspection device of a hatching egg comprises: a first light irradiation unit 2 which irradiates a hatching egg with first light L1 from one side with respect to an equator C of the hatching egg E; an imaging unit 3 which images internal scattered light generated inside the hatching egg irradiated with the first light L1 from the other side with respect to the equator C; an embryo position specification unit 4 which specifies a position of an embryo of the hatching egg E from a photographed image of the internal scattered light obtained by the imaging unit 3; a second light irradiation unit 5 which irradiates the position X of the embryo specified by the embryo position specification unit 4 with second light L2; and a light reception unit 6 which receives diffuse reflection light from the position X of the embryo irradiated with the second light L2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[[Technical Field]]

[0001] The present invention relates to a non-destructive inspection apparatus for breeding eggs and a non-destructive inspection method for breeding eggs. [[Background Art]]

[0002] Conventionally, monitoring of embryonic growth in breeding eggs has been an important research subject in the field of life science. For this monitoring of embryonic growth, it is considered that sensing is performed not only on the shape of the embryo, but also on dynamic information such as heartbeat and the production of substances such as hemoglobin, and research is being conducted on such sensing technologies.

[0003] Furthermore, in the case of laying hens, male chicks have low economic value, and hatched male chicks are disposed of after sex discrimination. On the other hand, in the case of broilers (meat chickens), contrary to laying hens, female chicks have low economic value and are disposed of after sex discrimination. For this reason, it has been considered that performing sex discrimination at the early stage of incubation not only prevents the culling of chicks, but also reduces the energy and cost required for incubation.

[0004] For sex discrimination at the early stage of incubation, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, methods focusing on the difference in growth rate between male and female embryos formed in the early stage of incubation have been proposed. In this sex discrimination method, the degree of formation of blood vessels and / or blood accompanying embryo growth is detected based on transmittance.

[0005] However, Patent Document 1 adopts a configuration where embryonic growth is evaluated via transmission images, and embryonic growth cannot be evaluated unless the embryo grows to a certain size. For this reason, sex discrimination cannot be performed at an earlier stage, and it is also difficult to improve discrimination accuracy. [[Prior Art Literature]] [[Patent Literature]]

[0006] [[Patent Document 1]] International Publication No. 2018 / 101139 [[Summary of the Invention]] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] Therefore, the present invention was made as a result of the above-mentioned studies, and its main objective is to enable optically accurate observation of the growth of the embryo of a fertilized egg. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In other words, the non-destructive testing apparatus for fertilized eggs according to the present invention is characterized by comprising: a first light irradiation unit that irradiates the fertilized egg with first light from one side with respect to the equator of the fertilized egg; an imaging unit that images the internally scattered light generated inside the fertilized egg irradiated with the first light from the other side with respect to the equator; an embryo position identification unit that identifies the position of the embryo of the fertilized egg from the image of the internally scattered light obtained by the imaging unit; a second light irradiation unit that irradiates the position of the embryo identified by the embryo position identification unit with second light; and a light receiving unit that receives diffusely reflected light from the position of the embryo irradiated with the second light.

[0009] With this type of non-destructive testing device for fertilized eggs, the internally scattered light generated inside the fertilized egg when the first light is irradiated acts as a backlight for the embryo, allowing for clear imaging of the embryo in the captured image. Here, the first light irradiation unit irradiates the first light from one side relative to the equator, and the imaging unit captures the internally scattered light from the other side relative to the equator. This prevents the first light from the first light irradiation unit from directly entering the imaging unit, thus preventing problems such as the embryo becoming blurred due to the incidence of the first light. Furthermore, since the embryo is clearly captured in the image, the embryo position identification unit can accurately identify the position of the embryo in the fertilized egg. Here, the equator of the fertilized egg is the major or minor axis portion if the fertilized egg is a spheroid, and the diameter portion if the fertilized egg is spherical. Then, by irradiating the embryo's location, identified by the embryo positioning unit, with a second light and detecting the diffuse reflected light from that location, it becomes possible to understand the changes in diffuse reflected light associated with embryo growth, allowing for optically accurate observation of embryo development.

[0010] Preferably, the second light irradiation unit irradiates the second light to the position of the embryo identified by the embryo position identification unit, as well as to surrounding positions other than the embryo, and the light receiving unit receives diffusely reflected light from the surrounding positions in addition to diffusely reflected light from the position of the embryo. With this configuration, a second light is shone on the identified embryo's location and its surrounding area, and the diffuse reflected light from these locations is detected. By subtracting the detection signal of the diffuse reflected light from the surrounding area from the detection signal of the diffuse reflected light from the embryo's location, noise caused by the eggshell and eggshell membrane can be canceled out, allowing for optically accurate observation of embryonic growth.

[0011] Regarding the specific arrangement of the imaging unit, it is desirable that the imaging unit be positioned in a location where the irradiation position of the first light irradiation unit on the fertilized egg cannot be imaged.

[0012] The fertilized egg contains an air sac, and depending on the egg's orientation, the embryo and air sac may overlap when imaging the internal scattered light, making it difficult to clearly image the embryo. Therefore, by positioning the fertilized egg with its longest axis horizontal or tilted, the air sac, embryo, and blood vessels can be prevented from overlapping, allowing for clear imaging of the embryo. Therefore, it is desirable that the fertilized eggs are arranged so that their longest diameter is horizontal or inclined, the first light irradiation unit irradiates the portion of the fertilized eggs below their longest diameter, and the imaging unit images the portion of the fertilized eggs above their longest diameter.

[0013] To simplify the configuration of the non-destructive testing device for fertilized eggs, it is desirable that the light-receiving unit be configured using the imaging unit. In this case, the imaging unit is capable of capturing images in both the wavelength range of the first light and the wavelength range of the second light.

[0014] In terms of specific embodiments of the second light irradiation unit and the light receiving unit, it is desirable that the second light irradiation unit irradiates laser light to the position of the embryo and the surrounding position, and that the light receiving unit receives diffusely reflected light from the position of the embryo and diffusely reflected light from the surrounding position to generate a speckle image. With this configuration, dynamic information such as the embryo's heartbeat can be acquired using speckle images.

[0015] Furthermore, it is desirable that the non-destructive testing device for fertilized eggs according to the present invention further comprises an embryo information measurement unit that measures information about the embryo based on the light-receiving signal of the light-receiving unit. With this configuration, dynamic information such as the embryo's heart rate can be automatically measured from light-receiving signals such as speckle images, and the embryo's growth can be accurately observed by monitoring the changes in the embryo's dynamic information over time.

[0016] One possible specific implementation of the second light irradiation unit is that the second light irradiation unit irradiates the embryo's position and surrounding area with laser light using a spatial light modulator. By using a spatial light modulator in this way, it is possible to generate two laser beams from a single laser light source and irradiate the embryo at its location and surrounding areas.

[0017] Furthermore, the non-destructive testing method for fertilized eggs according to the present invention is characterized by irradiating the fertilized egg with a first light from one side relative to the equator of the fertilized egg, capturing the internally scattered light generated inside the fertilized egg from the other side relative to the equator, identifying the position of the embryo in the fertilized egg from the captured image of the internally scattered light, irradiating the identified position of the embryo with a second light, and receiving the diffusely reflected light from the position of the embryo.

[0018] In order to cancel out noise caused by the eggshell and eggshell membrane and to observe embryonic growth with optical precision, it is desirable to irradiate the second light with the peripheral position other than the embryo in addition to the identified embryo position, and to receive diffusely reflected light from the peripheral position in addition to the diffusely reflected light from the embryo position. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the present invention configured as described above, in a non-destructive inspection apparatus for breeding eggs, the growth of an embryo in a breeding egg can be optically observed with high accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] [Figure 1] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a non-destructive inspection apparatus for breeding eggs according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a measurement optical system for measuring the position of an embryo according to a modified embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a measurement optical system for measuring the position of an embryo according to a modified embodiment. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a non-destructive inspection apparatus for breeding eggs according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] <Apparatus Configuration> The non-destructive inspection apparatus 100 for a breeding egg E of the present embodiment observes the growth of an embryo of the breeding egg E during the incubation stage (in the middle of incubation) of the breeding egg E. By observing the growth of the embryo of the breeding egg E in this manner, the sex of a chick hatched from the breeding egg E can be determined non-destructively based on the difference in growth between male and female embryos.

[0023] The non-destructive inspection apparatus 100 for a breeding egg E includes a measuring device for specifying the position of an embryo in the breeding egg E, and an observation device for observing the growth of the embryo.

[0024] <Measuring Device for Specifying Embryo Position> Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, the non-destructive testing device 100 for fertilized eggs includes a first light irradiation unit 2 that irradiates the fertilized egg E with a first light L1, an imaging unit 3 that captures the internally scattered light generated inside the fertilized egg E irradiated with the first light L1, and an embryo position identification unit 4 that identifies the position of the embryo in the fertilized egg E from the image obtained by the imaging unit 3.

[0025] In this embodiment, the fertilized egg E to be inspected is placed on the measuring platform 10 with its longest axis facing sideways for inspection. Although Figure 1 shows an example of inspecting one fertilized egg E on the measuring platform 10, it is also possible to configure the system so that multiple fertilized eggs E can be placed on a setter tray (not shown) having multiple egg pods and inspected all at once, or to irradiate the fertilized eggs E in transit with light and inspect them one after another.

[0026] The first light irradiation unit 2 irradiates the fertilized egg E with the first light L1 from one side relative to the equator C, which is the longest axis portion of the fertilized egg E. Specifically, the first light irradiation unit 2 irradiates the portion of the fertilized egg E below the longest axis (equator C) with the first light L1. Here, it is configured to irradiate the side surface of the fertilized egg E below the longest axis along the longest axis with the first light L1. In addition, the first light irradiation unit 2 irradiates the fertilized egg E from the obtuse end side (air sac side) to facilitate internal scattering of the first light L1 within the fertilized egg.

[0027] Furthermore, the first light irradiation unit 2 irradiates with first light L1, which has high shell penetration and a wavelength that is easily absorbed by the embryo, blood vessels, or blood. Specifically, wavelengths that are easily absorbed by the embryo, blood vessels, or blood are wavelengths that are easily absorbed by hemoglobin and myoglobin. Specifically, the first light irradiation unit 2 can use a laser light source 21 that irradiates laser light in the green wavelength range (e.g., 570 nm). The first light irradiation unit 2 may also have an irradiation optical fiber that guides the laser light from the laser light source 21 and irradiates it at a desired position on the fertilized egg. In addition, the first light irradiation unit 2 may use a laser light source that irradiates laser light in the red wavelength range (e.g., 700 nm) or the near-infrared wavelength range (e.g., 750 nm or more and less than 1000 nm). Furthermore, the first light irradiation unit 2 may use a light source such as a xenon lamp, which is a type of spectral lamp.

[0028] The imaging unit 3 has a camera 31 that captures internally scattered light from the other side of the equator C, which is the longest axis portion of the fertilized egg E. Specifically, the imaging unit 3 is positioned so that the irradiation position of the first light irradiation unit 2 on the fertilized egg E cannot be captured, and in this embodiment, it is positioned above the fertilized egg E so as to capture the portion above the longest axis of the fertilized egg E. In Figure 1, the imaging axis 3x of the imaging unit 3 is positioned along the vertical direction, but it may also be positioned at an angle to the vertical direction. The imaging unit 3 may also be configured to have a bandpass filter provided in front of the camera 31 to clarify the shape of the embryo.

[0029] The embryo position identification unit 4 identifies the position of the embryo of the fertilized egg E from the image of internally scattered light obtained by the imaging unit 3. In the image captured by the imaging unit 3, the internally scattered light acts as a backlight, and the embryo appears as a shadow.

[0030] Specifically, the embryo positioning unit 4 identifies the position of the embryo from the captured image by processing the captured image. For example, the embryo positioning unit 4 can identify the position of the embryo by binarizing the captured image. The embryo positioning unit 4 is composed of a dedicated or general-purpose computer (information processing device COM) having a CPU, internal memory, input / output interface, AD conversion unit, etc.

[0031] <Observation equipment for observing embryonic growth> As shown in Figure 1, the non-destructive testing device 100 for the fertilized egg E is an observation device for observing embryo growth and includes a second light irradiation unit 5 that irradiates the embryo position X identified by the embryo position identification unit 4 and the surrounding position Y other than the embryo with second light L2, and a light receiving unit 6 that receives diffusely reflected light from the embryo position X irradiated with second light L2 and diffusely reflected light from the surrounding position Y.

[0032] The second light irradiation unit 5 irradiates the embryo position X and surrounding position Y identified by the embryo position identification unit 4 with the second light L2. Specifically, the second light irradiation unit 5 is configured to irradiate the embryo position X and surrounding position Y from above the fertilized egg E with the second light L2.

[0033] Furthermore, the second light irradiation unit 5 of this embodiment is configured to change its irradiation position so that the second light L2 can be irradiated to the embryo's position X and surrounding position Y based on the embryo's position information identified by the embryo position identification unit 4. Since the embryo formed in the early stages of incubation is located along the inside of the eggshell and eggshell membrane, the second light irradiation unit 5 concentrates the second light L2 inward from the eggshell and eggshell membrane. In other words, the embryo's position X and surrounding position Y are set inward from the eggshell and eggshell membrane.

[0034] Furthermore, the second light irradiation unit 5 irradiates with second light L2, which has high shell penetration and a wavelength that is easily reflected by the embryo, blood vessels, or blood. Specifically, the wavelength that is easily reflected by the embryo, blood vessels, or blood is the wavelength that is easily reflected by hemoglobin or myoglobin. Specifically, the second light irradiation unit 5 can use a laser light source 51 that irradiates laser light in the red wavelength range (e.g., 700 nm). The second light irradiation unit 5 may also have an irradiation optical fiber that guides the laser light from the laser light source 51 and irradiates it at a desired position on the fertilized egg. In addition, the second light irradiation unit 5 may use a laser light source that irradiates laser light in the green wavelength range (e.g., 570 nm) or the near-infrared wavelength range (e.g., 750 nm or more and less than 1000 nm). Furthermore, the second light irradiation unit 5 may use a light source such as a xenon lamp, which is a type of spectral lamp.

[0035] Furthermore, the second light irradiation unit 5 is configured to split the laser light from a single laser light source 51 into two laser beams using a spatial light modulator 52, irradiating one laser beam to position X of the embryo and the other laser beam to position Y of the periphery. In this embodiment, the laser light from the laser light source 51 is guided by an optical fiber 53, and after being parallelized by a collimating lens 54, it is introduced into the spatial light modulator 52. The laser light spatially modulated by the spatial light modulator 52 is focused and irradiated to position X and position Y of the embryo via a focusing lens 55 and a half mirror 56. Here, the second light irradiation unit 5 can irradiate position X and position Y of the embryo with laser light simultaneously, or it can irradiate them alternately.

[0036] The light-receiving unit 6 receives diffusely reflected light from the embryo's position X and peripheral position Y, where the second light L2 is irradiated. In this embodiment, it is configured using the imaging unit 3. The imaging unit 3 receives the diffusely reflected light from the embryo's position X and peripheral position Y to generate a speckle image. The light-receiving unit 6 (imaging unit 3) is configured to receive diffusely reflected light via a half-mirror 56, and the observation device in this embodiment is a coaxial illumination optical system.

[0037] Furthermore, the non-destructive testing device 100 for the fertilized egg E of this embodiment further includes an embryo information measurement unit 7 that measures embryo information based on a speckle image, which is a light-receiving signal from the light-receiving unit 6 (imaging unit 3).

[0038] This embryo information measurement unit 7 is composed of a dedicated or general-purpose computer (information processing device COM) having a CPU, internal memory, input / output interface, AD conversion unit, etc.

[0039] The embryo information measurement unit 7 of this embodiment generates a speckle image related to embryo growth by taking the difference between a speckle image obtained from diffusely reflected light from the embryo's position X and a speckle image obtained from diffusely reflected light from the surrounding position Y, thereby canceling out noise caused by the eggshell and eggshell membrane. The embryo information measurement unit 7 then uses the speckle image related to embryo growth to calculate dynamic information such as the embryo's heart rate and heart rate amplitude. Here, the embryo information measurement unit 7 can calculate dynamic information, for example, by performing a Fourier transform on the signal intensity of a predetermined region in the speckle image.

[0040] <Effects of this embodiment> According to the non-destructive testing device 100 for fertilized eggs configured in this way, the internally scattered light generated inside the fertilized egg E irradiated with the first light L1 acts as a backlight for the embryo, allowing the embryo to be clearly imaged in the captured image.

[0041] Here, the first light irradiation unit 2 irradiates the first light L1 from one side relative to the equator C (the longest axis portion of the fertilized egg), and the imaging unit 3 captures the internally scattered light from the other side relative to the equator C. This prevents the first light L1 from the first light irradiation unit 2 from directly entering the imaging unit 3, thus preventing problems such as the embryo becoming blurred due to the incidence of the first light L1. Furthermore, since the embryo is clearly captured in the image, the embryo position identification unit 4 can accurately identify the position of the embryo in the fertilized egg.

[0042] Then, the second light L2 is irradiated onto the identified embryo position X and its surrounding position Y, and the diffusely reflected light from these locations is detected. By subtracting the received signal of the diffusely reflected light from the surrounding position Y from the received signal of the diffusely reflected light from the embryo position X, noise caused by the eggshell and eggshell membrane can be canceled, allowing for optically accurate observation of embryonic growth.

[0043] <Other Embodiments> However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0044] For example, the system may have a position-changing mechanism that changes the relative position between the egg measuring platform 10 and the second light irradiation unit 5 and light receiving unit 6 based on the position information of the embryo identified by the embryo position identification unit 4 of the above embodiment. In this case, the position-changing mechanism may move the measuring platform 10, or it may move the second light irradiation unit 5 and light receiving unit 6.

[0045] Furthermore, although the light-receiving unit 6 in the above embodiment is configured using the imaging unit 3, the light-receiving unit 6 may also be configured to have a separate camera from the imaging unit 3.

[0046] Furthermore, the laser light source 21 of the first light irradiation unit 2 and the laser light source 51 of the second light irradiation unit 5 in the above embodiment may be the same.

[0047] In addition, in the above embodiment, the fertilized egg E is arranged so that its major axis is horizontal, but as shown in Figure 2, it may also be arranged so that its major axis is inclined with respect to the vertical direction. Figure 2 shows an example in which, similar to the above embodiment, the major axis is the equator C, the first light L1 is irradiated on one side of the equator C, and the internal scattered light is imaged from the other side of the equator C.

[0048] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the major axis portion of the fertilized egg E is considered the equator C, and the first light L1 is irradiated onto one side of the equator C, while the internal scattered light is imaged from the other side of the equator C. However, as shown in Figure 3, the minor axis portion of the fertilized egg E may be considered the equator C, and the first light L1 may be irradiated onto one side of the equator C, while the internal scattered light is imaged from the other side of the equator C. Note that in Figure 3, the fertilized egg E is arranged so that its major axis is horizontal, but it may also be arranged so that its major axis is inclined with respect to the vertical direction.

[0049] Furthermore, although the light-receiving unit 6 in the above embodiment generated an image, it may also receive diffusely reflected light and generate reflected light intensity or reflected light spectrum in a predetermined wavelength range. Even with a configuration that generates reflected light intensity or reflected light spectrum in a predetermined wavelength range, by taking the difference between the reflected light intensity or reflected light spectrum at the embryo's position and the reflected light intensity or reflected light spectrum at the surrounding position, it is possible to obtain the reflected light intensity or reflected light spectrum in a predetermined wavelength range related to embryo growth, and based on the time-dependent changes in the reflected light intensity or reflected light spectrum in the predetermined wavelength range, embryo growth can be observed with high accuracy.

[0050] Furthermore, although the second light irradiation unit in the above embodiment irradiates the second light to the embryo position identified by the embryo position identification unit and to surrounding positions other than the embryo, it may also be configured to irradiate only the embryo position identified by the embryo position identification unit with the second light. In this case, the light receiving unit will be configured to receive only diffusely reflected light from the embryo position.

[0051] Furthermore, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its spirit. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0052] 100... Non-destructive testing device for fertilized eggs X ···Embryo position Y ··· Peripheral position other than the embryo C...equator 2...First light irradiation section L1...first light 21 ···First laser light source 3. Imaging Unit 3x ··· imaging axis 4 ... Embryo location identification part 5...Second light irradiation section L2...Second light 51 ···Second laser light source 52...Spatial modulator 53... Fiber Optic 54...Collimating lenses 55 ···Concentrating lens 56 ···Half mirror 6... Light receiving section 7 ···Embryo Information Measurement Unit

Claims

1. A first light irradiation unit that irradiates the fertilized egg with first light from one side relative to the equator of the fertilized egg, An imaging unit that images the internally scattered light generated inside the fertilized egg irradiated with the first light from the other side of the equator so as to prevent the first light from directly incident on it, An embryo position identification unit that identifies the position of the embryo of the fertilized egg from the image of the internally scattered light obtained by the imaging unit, A second light irradiation unit irradiates the embryo's position identified by the embryo position identification unit with a second light, A light-receiving unit that receives diffusely reflected light from the position of the embryo irradiated with the second light, A non-destructive testing device for fertilized eggs equipped with the following features.

2. The second light irradiation unit irradiates the second light not only to the position of the embryo identified by the embryo position identification unit, but also to surrounding positions other than the embryo. The light-receiving unit receives diffusely reflected light from the surrounding area in addition to the diffusely reflected light from the embryo's position. The non-destructive testing apparatus for fertilized eggs according to claim 1.

3. The imaging unit is positioned so that the irradiation position of the first light irradiation unit on the fertilized egg cannot be imaged. A non-destructive testing apparatus for fertilized eggs according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned fertilized eggs are arranged so that their longest axis is horizontal or inclined. The first light irradiation unit irradiates the portion of the fertilized egg below its major axis with the first light. The imaging unit captures images of the portion of the fertilized egg that is above its longest diameter. A non-destructive testing apparatus for fertilized eggs according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The light-receiving unit is configured using the imaging unit. A non-destructive testing apparatus for fertilized eggs according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The second light irradiation unit irradiates laser light to the position of the embryo and to surrounding positions other than the embryo. The light-receiving unit receives diffusely reflected light from the embryo's position and diffusely reflected light from the surrounding position to generate a speckle image. A non-destructive testing apparatus for fertilized eggs according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The system further includes an embryo information measurement unit that measures information about the embryo based on the light received signal from the light receiving unit. The non-destructive testing apparatus for fertilized eggs according to claim 6.

8. The second light irradiation unit irradiates the embryo's position and surrounding area with laser light using a spatial light modulator. The non-destructive testing apparatus for fertilized eggs according to claim 6.

9. First light is shone onto the fertilized egg from one side relative to the equator, and the internally scattered light generated inside the fertilized egg is captured by the imaging unit from the other side relative to the equator, such that the first light does not directly enter the imaging unit. The position of the embryo in the fertilized egg is identified from the image of the internally scattered light. The second light is shone on the location of the identified embryo, and the diffusely reflected light from the location of the embryo is received. Non-destructive testing methods for fertilized eggs.

10. In addition to the identified embryo location, the second light is irradiated onto surrounding locations other than the embryo. In addition to the diffusely reflected light from the aforementioned embryonic position, diffusely reflected light from the aforementioned peripheral position is received. The non-destructive testing method for fertilized eggs according to claim 9.

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