Method and system for processing multiple bird eggs

Abstract

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

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system for processing a plurality of bird eggs, for example, poultry eggs, particularly unfertilized eggs. Background Technology

[0002] Egg detection systems are known and sold by the applicant. One example is the MOBA egg inspector (see www.moba.com), which includes a camera and special lighting, as well as software, to detect leaked or dirty eggs in the infeed of an egg grader.

[0003] In addition, an egg processing system and method for detecting cracks in eggshells are known. One method uses an acoustic crack detection method, wherein the shell is physically disturbed (by a bouncer) and the resulting sound signal is detected and processed to obtain eggshell structural information.

[0004] Another known method uses an optical egg inspection method, for example, by referring to WO2019039319, which discloses an egg inspection device comprising a fixing member for fixing the egg, an irradiation unit for irradiating the egg with light, an imaging unit for capturing an image of the egg irradiated with light, and a judgment unit for determining the surface condition of the egg. According to this document, near-infrared (NIR) light may be used to illuminate the egg. However, WO'319 specifies that the color of the eggshell can affect light transmission and may cause poor contrast.

[0005] In addition, an optical inspection method is known, for example, from US5615777, which discloses an apparatus for detecting defects in eggs and distinguishing defects of different properties, and the apparatus comprises the following:

[0006] a) a means for rotating the egg around the vertical axis of the egg;

[0007] b) means for forming at least one laser beam and focusing it at a spot focus;

[0008] c) means for vibrating a laser beam at a constant speed and amplitude such that the spot focus appears as a geometric figure selected from closed curves and straight lines;

[0009] d) means for orienting the at least one laser beam to scan the egg along at least one circumferential path around it during at least one rotation of the egg with at least one vibrating laser beam so that sequential geometric shapes of the laser beam overlap each other along the circumferential path;

[0010] e) a detection means for detecting peaks of light intensity emanating from the egg;

[0011] f) signal processing means for developing a signal progression corresponding to the number, size, and characteristics of the peaks of the light intensity emanating from the egg; and

[0012] g) Computer means for processing the above signal and inferring the characteristics of defects in the egg from the number, size, and characteristics of the intensity peaks.

[0013] The advantage of acoustic methods over optical methods is that they do not depend on eggshell color. In particular, eggs with white shells and eggs with brown shells can be processed using the same acoustic testing device to provide reliable crack detection results.

[0014] Meanwhile, optical inspection methods can use non-contact detection means, providing advantages in terms of hygiene and detector cleanliness.

[0015] JP2017023126 discloses an apparatus and method for easily detecting any defects, such as cracks on the surface of an egg, by inspecting an egg stored in a container. According to this document, each light source emits infrared radiation. According to JP'126, in particular, since infrared radiation has the property of passing through egg white, even if the eggshell is cracked and the contents of the egg (E) leak into the pack, only the cracked part of the eggshell is white in the captured image. Furthermore, this document states that it is possible to obtain a suitable image because near-infrared radiation with a wavelength of 780 nm to 870 nm is used, and that if a wavelength shorter than 780 nm is used, it is susceptible to the influence of eggshell color. The problem to be solved

[0016] The present invention aims to provide an improved method for processing multiple eggs. In particular, the present invention aims to provide a method capable of mitigating the aforementioned problems of known methods. One objective is to efficiently process multiple eggs of different colors by processing, for example, one or multiple batches of eggs in a rapid and hygienic manner, and to detect eggshell defects, such as cracks, in a reliable and preferably economical manner. means of solving the problem

[0017] According to one aspect of the present invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1.

[0018] Advantageously, an egg processing method is provided. This method is:

[0019] - A step of transporting a first egg having at least a first eggshell color and a second egg having a second eggshell color along a transport path, wherein the first eggshell color is different from the second eggshell color;

[0020] - A step of illuminating a first egg with a near-infrared light illumination beam, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted through the egg and detected by a near-infrared light detector;

[0021] - A step of illuminating a second egg with a near-infrared light illumination beam, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted through the egg and detected by a near-infrared light detector; and

[0022] - Includes a step of processing the light detection results of an infrared photodetector to determine the shell condition of each egg, and

[0023] Illumination of the egg is performed under substantially identical illumination conditions (i.e., parameters) and / or detection of transmitted light is performed under substantially identical detection conditions (i.e., parameters).

[0024] Surprisingly, it was found that near-infrared light can illuminate eggs of different colors (brown eggs with visually brown shells and white eggs with visually white shells), and that the resulting transmitted light has nearly the same intensity for the eggs of different colors. In other words, it was surprisingly found that the color of these eggshells does not substantially alter the transmittance of near-infrared light. This means that a detector detecting transmitted near-infrared light can maintain a specific predetermined light detection state without interfering with the detection results (and subsequent processing results) while detecting light emitted from eggs of different shell colors.

[0025] For example, the illumination of the first cell may be performed under substantially the same illumination conditions / parameters as the illumination of the second cell. In particular, this means that, for example, the same near-infrared illumination beam of the same near-infrared wavelength and the same beam intensity is used. As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, this beam intensity or each beam power is watt / surface area (W / m²). 2It may be expressed as ), or luminous intensity, etc. In additional embodiments, the illumination beam comprises at least one (preferably only one) predetermined narrowband light of a narrowband near-infrared light wavelength. In a preferred embodiment, the illumination beam is a light beam of substantially a single wavelength of the NIR spectrum. In one embodiment, substantially a single wavelength may be, for example, the center wavelength of the narrowband spectral portion of an LED light emitter (e.g., regarding each spectral line of light emission of a light-emitting diode), which will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0026] Additionally, according to an advantageous embodiment, the detector may have the same predetermined detector state while detecting light transmitted by the first egg and light transmitted by the second egg. In particular, the light sensitivity of the detector (especially light sensitivity to the wavelength of the emitted beam) may be maintained in a fixed state while detecting the corresponding light.

[0027] More specifically, for example, the detector may include one or more photosensors configured to generate an electrical sensor signal upon detection of light (this sensor signal may be processed by a processing means for determining the eggshell state). Additionally, the detector may optionally include additional optical means, such as one or more optical elements, one or more lenses, and / or one or more optical filters, and shutters, for directing and optionally filtering light entering one or more photosensors to be detected by the photosensors. Accordingly, these detector means (i.e., one or more photosensors and the optional additional detector components) preferably have the same respective operating state during the detection of light from the first egg and light from the second egg. Thus, if the detector has a variable filter (if), the state of this filter is the same during the detection of light from each of the two different eggs. Similarly, any detector sensor power, and a bias voltage for supplying power to bias each of the detector or photosensors, may also be maintained constant.

[0028] In summary, this means that a detector sensing transmitted near-infrared light can maintain a specific predetermined light detection state without interfering with the detection results (and subsequent processing results) while detecting light emitted from eggs with different shell colors. This results in improved egg processing capable of producing reliable results for mixtures of eggs of various colors.

[0029] With respect to the color of the eggshell, for example, white eggs may have substantially uncolored eggshells, whereas other (non-white) eggs may have colored eggshells (e.g., containing protoporphyrin), as will be understood by those skilled in the art. Additionally, non-white eggshells may have a uniform or non-uniform (e.g., mottled) color, for example. White eggshells may have a uniform white color.

[0030] In additional embodiments, the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam is at least 700 nm and preferably up to 1000 nm, e.g., preferably up to 900 nm, more preferably up to 800 nm, e.g., within the range of 700 to 800 nm. Good results were obtained at wavelengths less than 750 nm, particularly within the range of 720 to 740 nm (e.g., a wavelength of about 720 nm).

[0031] In addition, it was found that by using a wavelength of up to 800 nm (or a wavelength of less than 800 nm), a relatively low-cost detection means can be utilized as a near-infrared photodetector.

[0032] In addition, an aspect of the present invention provides a system for processing a plurality of bird eggs, particularly unfertilized eggs, in particular a system configured to perform a method according to the present invention, wherein the system comprises:

[0033] - A conveyor configured to transport multiple eggs along a transport path, particularly in at least one column;

[0034] - At least one beam source for emitting an illumination beam of near-infrared light toward an egg transport path to illuminate the egg during operation;

[0035] - At least one photodetector arranged to detect light coming from the egg transport path, in particular light transmitted through the egg during operation; and

[0036] - In particular, it includes processing means configured to process the light detection results of an infrared photodetector to determine the shell condition of each egg during operation, and

[0037] This system is characterized by being configured to maintain substantially the same egg illumination and / or detection conditions when eggs having different eggshell colors are processed by this system.

[0038] In this way, the aforementioned advantages can be achieved.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, both the illumination condition (parameter) and the detection condition (parameter) are maintained, but this is not essential.

[0040] As can be seen from the above, it is desirable that the beam source be configured to emit the same illumination beam, that is, an illumination beam of the same intensity / beam power, to two different eggs during operation. Similarly, it is desirable that the detector be configured to apply the same predetermined detector state during operation, particularly during the operation period when different eggs (of different eggshell colors) are being transported along the source and detector (to be inspected).

[0041] Additionally, further advantageous embodiments of the present invention are provided in dependent claims. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0042] The present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 schematically illustrates a non-limiting example of an egg processing system viewed from above. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view along line II-II of Figure 1. Figure 3 shows the detector results for various beam wavelengths. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0043] FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an egg processing system comprising a conveyor (1) (partially shown) configured to transport a plurality of eggs (E1, E2) along a transport path (in the transport direction (T)), particularly as a plurality of rows of eggs (E1, E2). In this example, three parallel rows (r1, r2, r3) are shown, but of course, the conveyor (1) can be configured to transport eggs in more or fewer rows than three.

[0044] As illustrated in the drawing, the eggs in use may have different eggshell colors. For example, the drawing illustrates that each first egg (E1) has a first eggshell color that is white, and the eggshell color of each second egg (E2) is not white, for example, brown. As described below, the system can inspect the two types of eggs (E1, E2) in a simple manner.

[0045] Preferably, the conveyor (1) is an infinite conveyor, for example, an infinite roller conveyor (1). It may be configured to rotate the eggs during transport, for example, around the longitudinal axis of each egg. In particular, the roller conveyor may include egg support components such as parallel diabolo-shaped (preferably rotating) rollers (1a) that form a nest between the eggs (E1, E2) to receive (and rotate) them. The egg support elements (e.g., rollers) (1a) may be mounted on each shaft (1b) which can be driven by a suitable driving means (e.g., a motor and a transmission belt or chain, etc., not shown) for moving the shaft and the rollers in the transport direction (T).

[0046] Accordingly, the conveyor (1) may include or form an egg receiving nest (1c) that is partially open on each lower (al egg support) side, which may allow light transmission along each egg support element (1a) (in this case, along the roller).

[0047] The system further comprises a plurality of light beam sources (2) for emitting a near-infrared light illumination beam (B) toward an egg transport path to illuminate eggs (E1, E2) during operation. In this example, each NIR light beam source (2) (one is shown) is arranged at a vertical level below the vertical level of the egg transport path (see FIG. 2). The light sources (2) are arranged to emit a light beam upward so that the eggs (E1, E2) passing through each column (r2) are sequentially illuminated by the light beam (B) (in this example, the beam enters each egg receiving nest through each open side of the corresponding nest). The system may include an varying number of light sources (2), and each light source (2) may be configured to emit one or more beams (B) to illuminate eggs passing through one or more conveyor columns (r1, r2, r3), for example. In a non-limiting example, the light source includes one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for emitting the beam (B).

[0048] Preferably, each light source (2) is configured to emit or provide a collimated or focused beam (B) that specifically illuminates only a portion of the outer surface of each eggshell of the eggs (E1, E2) passing through.

[0049] The wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) generated by this light source (2) may be at least 700 nm and preferably up to 1000 nm, for example, a wavelength in the range of 700 to 800 nm and preferably a wavelength smaller than 750 nm, particularly about 720 nm. The wavelength of the near-infrared light is most preferably within the range of 710 to 750 nm, and a range of 720 to 740 nm is also preferred.

[0050] Additionally, preferably, the system is configured to rotate each egg (E1, E2) around its longitudinal axis when illuminated by a light beam (B) during operation (for example, the conveyor transport speed and egg rotation speed are set).

[0051] In the drawing (Fig. 2), the beam source (2) is depicted as emitting a beam toward the detector (5) (see below), but this is not essential (especially if the egg internally diffuses the received light). The source (2) may operate continuously, but it is preferable to emit the beam intermittently. Additionally, in one embodiment, the operation of the beam source (2) may be synchronized with the conveyor (1) (e.g., conveyor speed) to generate a beam (B) to illuminate the egg through which only the source (2) passes, and the source does not generate a beam otherwise (e.g., to save energy and / or to prevent the detector (5) on the opposite side from being directly irradiated by the source (2).

[0052] Additionally, the system includes a plurality of light detectors (5) arranged to detect light coming from the egg transport path, particularly light transmitted through the eggs (E1, E2) during operation. In this example, three light detectors (5) are shown located at a vertical level above the egg conveyor (1). Thus, contamination of the detectors (5) (e.g., by dust or other substances that may be present in the passing eggs) can be prevented or significantly reduced. Each of these light detectors (5) can be associated with one of the transport columns (r1, r2, r3) formed by the conveyor (1) and, for example, one of the light beam sources (2). Alternatively, a single detector (5) may be installed to detect light coming from eggs in multiple columns (r1, r2, r3). ​​Furthermore, as an alternative, one or more detectors (5) may be placed at different levels, for example, at or below the egg transport level, and / or at different locations.

[0053] Each detector (5) is configured to generate, for example, a detection signal, such as a digital image of an egg. In one embodiment, each detector signal or image may include the entire outline of an egg (see FIG. 3).

[0054] Additionally, the system includes a processing means (8) (schematically illustrated) configured to process the light detection results of an infrared light detector (5), which determines the shell condition of each egg (E1, E2) in particular during operation. The processing means (8) may be configured in various ways and may include, for example, processor software, processor hardware, a computer, a data processing means, a memory for storing data to be processed, etc. Additionally, the processing means (8) may include or be connected to various individual communication means that enable communication with the light detector (5) to receive the detection results, or the processing means (8) and the detector(s) (5) may be integrated with each other. Furthermore, the processing means (8) may include a user interface that, for example, allows an operator to interact with a central processor and outputs data processed by the processor.

[0055] The processing means (8) is preferably configured to process the light detection results for detecting any eggshell cracks of eggs (E1, E2). As understood by those skilled in the art, such processing may be performed in various ways. For example, the processing means (8) may be configured to compare the detection results with predetermined threshold data or calibration data that may be stored within the processing means (8) or otherwise available to the processing means. For example, the processing means (8) may be configured to classify the inspected egg as 'good' (no cracks) if, from the comparison, each detection signal is below a predetermined threshold, or if each detection image matches egg calibration image data of an unbroken eggshell. Similarly, the processing means (8) may be configured to classify the inspected egg as 'bad' (broken) if, from the comparison, each detection signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, or if each detection image substantially matches one or more calibration data images regarding a substantially broken eggshell. In addition, this system can be configured to reject eggs classified as 'defective' (broken) by a processing means, for example, through an egg removal means (not shown) for removing such eggs from a transport path.

[0056] In a non-limiting example, each image processing means may include a neural network that can be based on machine learning from a plurality of eggs, for example, including eggs of different colors, on the one hand from previous calibration detection results (using detector (5) and beam source (2)) and on the other hand from visual inspection, wherein some of the plurality of eggs have broken eggshells (or other physical shell defects).

[0057] In the present example, the processing means may apply a signal processing method that remains the same (i.e., does not require changes to processing parameters) to process detector detection signals (e.g., generated images) regarding the first egg (E1) and the second egg (E2). Thus, signal processing can be achieved in a simple manner.

[0058] As mentioned above, this system is preferably configured to maintain substantially the same egg illumination conditions / parameters when eggs (E1, E2) having different eggshell colors are processed by the system. In particular, the same illumination beam (B) (having the same or constant beam intensity and the same spectrum) is generated by a source to illuminate the first egg (E1) and the second egg (E2). Additionally, it is preferable that each detector (5) is not controlled during its operation (regardless of whether the detector (5) is detecting light transmitted through the first egg or the second egg) in order to detect light coming from a plurality of eggs (E1, E2) (of the same, respective passing columns (r1, r2, r3)).

[0059] During operation, this system performs a method for processing multiple eggs (E1, E2), particularly unfertilized eggs (e.g., poultry eggs).

[0060] The eggs can be fed to the conveyor (1) in various ways, for example, through an unillustrated upstream egg feeder.

[0061] The conveyor (1) transports eggs (E1, E2) along each transport path by holding eggs specifically within each conveyor nest (1c). During use, the first egg (E1) (having a first eggshell color) and the second egg (E2) (having a second eggshell color) are transported along the transport path. The first eggshell color is significantly different from the second eggshell color.

[0062] All eggs (E1, E2) are illuminated. In particular, this includes illuminating each first egg (E1) with an illumination beam (B). At least a portion of the light received by the first egg (E1) is transmitted through the first egg (E1) (i.e., at least a portion of the light that enters the egg through the shell is diffused or scattered by the contents of the egg (E1) and is at least partially emitted back out of the egg through the eggshell), and is detected by a near-infrared light detector (5) (e.g., by taking one or more digital images of the eggs). Additionally, each second egg (E2) is illuminated with an illumination beam (B), and at least a portion of the light is transmitted through each second egg (E2) (i.e., at least a portion of the light that enters the egg through the shell is diffused or scattered by the contents of the egg (E2) and is at least partially emitted back out of the egg through the eggshell), and is detected by a near-infrared light detector (e.g., by taking one or more images of the eggs). As can be seen from FIG. 1, heat from the eggs passes through the source (2) and detector (5) so that each egg (E1, E2) can be sequentially illuminated (and detected / imagined).

[0063] Preferably, as previously mentioned, the illumination beam may be a beam collimated or focused to illuminate only a portion of the outer surface of each eggshell of the passing eggs (E1, E2).

[0064] For example, as in this embodiment, an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light passes along a predetermined beam path, and each of the first and second al (E1, E2) is transmitted through the beam path of the same illumination beam and is illuminated by it.

[0065] The illumination of the eggs (E1, E2) is performed under substantially the same illumination parameters. In particular, for this purpose, the beam intensity (W / m²) of the illumination beam (B) 2 ) remains substantially the same for each al illumination. In addition, the wavelength (or spectrum) of the beam remains the same.

[0066] In this example, the detector (5) has the same operating state (e.g., same light sensitivity) during the detection of light from the first egg (E1) and light from the second egg (E2). Thus, if the detector has a variable filter (if), the state of this filter is the same during the detection of light from each of the two different eggs. Similarly, any detector sensor power, the bias voltage supplying power to bias each detector or photo-sensor(s), can also be kept constant. Similarly, for example, the shutter speed of the detector shutter can be kept constant (if available).

[0067] Next, after light detection, the processing means (8) can process the light detection results (e.g., images) received from each near-infrared light detector (5) to determine the shell condition of each egg (E1, E2). Processing for each of the received data / images is preferably performed in the same manner, regardless of the eggshell color associated with the detected / imaged egg, for example, by the same algorithm or image processing method.

[0068] The light detection results can be processed to detect eggshell cracks, and it is desirable to remove eggs with detected cracks from the transport route.

[0069] Therefore, when eggs with different shell colors are supplied to the system, a large number of eggs can be inspected using substantially the same system components (2, 5, 8) without the need to adjust operation parameters.

[0070] The illustrated example relates to a system operation that may particularly involve inspecting a single batch of eggs, said batch comprising a mixture of a first egg (E1) and a second egg (E2), for example, a random mixture when viewed along the transport direction (T).

[0071] In another embodiment, the method may include the step of sequentially inspecting a batch of the first egg (E1) (excluding the second egg (E2)) and a batch of the second egg (E2) (excluding the first egg (E1)), preferably, each egg of each batch is illuminated by one or the illumination beam (B) under substantially the same illumination conditions / parameters and is also inspected using substantially the same detection conditions. Thus, as described above, the operating parameters of other system components, such as the detector(s) and the processing means (8), can be kept the same.

[0072] Therefore, different batches can be processed sequentially by the system using the same signal processing (e.g., the same data processing method) by the processing means (8) without the need to change or adjust the detector(s) (5) or adjust the processing parameters.

[0073] Figure 3 shows detector results related to illuminating white and brown eggs at different wavelengths λ (ranging from 430 to 720 nm). This image was taken with a monochrome camera (sensitive to a broad spectrum including these wavelengths). Accordingly, brown eggs do not transmit low-wavelength light (unlike white eggs), but surprisingly, light at λ = 720 nm is transmitted substantially equally by brown and white eggs.

[0074] It is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Various modifications are possible within the framework of the invention as described in the appended claims.

[0075] In this application, the eggs to be processed are, in particular, dead eggs that are not alive, i.e., unfertilized (and not containing any embryo) eggs for sale. The bird eggs may be poultry eggs, for example, chicken eggs.

[0076] Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the detector detecting transmitted near-infrared light maintains a specific predetermined light detection state while detecting light originating from eggs having different shell colors without interfering with the detection results (and subsequent processing results). However, this is not essential. Alternatively, for example, at least part of the detector may change its respective state in relation to detecting light emitted from various (e.g., different) eggs.

[0077] In addition, it will be apparent that each detector may be positioned at various locations and configured, for example, to detect light transmitted from a single egg or light transmitted from multiple eggs. For example, the system may include multiple detectors to observe eggs from various observation directions. For example, at least one camera-type detector may be provided, and each camera is arranged to simultaneously capture images of one or more eggs to be inspected.

[0078] Additionally, each of the above NIR light sources may be arranged at various positions, for example, at the vertical level of the egg(s), below, and / or above. Additionally, multiple light sources may be implemented to illuminate a single egg (E1, E2) from the same direction or different directions (e.g., simultaneously).

[0079] In addition, for example, the color of the eggshell may be a color perceived by the naked eye, as recognized by a person skilled in the art.

Claims

Claim 1 A method for processing a plurality of bird eggs, particularly unfertilized eggs, comprising: a step of transporting a first egg (E1) having a first eggshell color and a second egg (E2) having a second eggshell color along a transport path, wherein the first eggshell color is different from the second eggshell color; a step of illuminating the first egg (E1) with an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted through the egg (E1) and detected by a near-infrared light detector (5); a step of illuminating the second egg (E2) with an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light, wherein at least a portion of the light is transmitted through the egg (E2) and detected by a near-infrared light detector (5); and- a method comprising the step of processing the light detection results of the near-infrared light detector (5) to determine the shell condition of each of the eggs (E1, E2), wherein the illumination and / or detection of transmitted light of the eggs (E1, E2) is performed under substantially the same illumination and / or detection conditions. Claim 2 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) is less than 800 nm. Claim 3 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) is less than 750 nm. Claim 4 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) is in the range of 710 to 750 nm. Claim 5 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam (B) is in the range of 720 to 740 nm. Claim 6 A method according to claim 1, wherein a near-infrared light illumination beam (B) passes along a predetermined beam path, and each of the first and second eggs (E1, E2) is transmitted through the same beam path of the illumination beam and is illuminated by the illumination beam. Claim 7 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the beam intensity of the illumination beam (B) is maintained equally for each al illumination. Claim 8 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam is at least 700 nm and at most 1000 nm. Claim 9 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam is in the range of 700 to 800 nm. Claim 10 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam is less than 750 nm. Claim 11 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam is 720 nm. Claim 12 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the first eggshell color is white and the second eggshell color is not white. Claim 13 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the illumination beam is a collimated or focused beam. Claim 14 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the light detection result is processed to detect eggshell cracks. Claim 15 A method according to claim 1, comprising the step of sequentially inspecting a batch of a first egg (E1) and a batch of a second egg (E2), wherein each egg of each batch is illuminated by an illumination beam (B) under substantially the same illumination conditions and / or inspected using substantially the same detection conditions. Claim 16 A method according to claim 1, comprising the step of inspecting a single batch of eggs, wherein the batch comprises a mixture of a first egg and a second egg. Claim 17 A system for processing a plurality of bird eggs, particularly unfertilized eggs, configured to perform the method according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises: - a conveyor (1) configured to transport a plurality of eggs (E1, E2) along a transport path in at least one column; - at least one beam source for emitting an illumination beam (B) of near-infrared light toward the egg transport path to illuminate the eggs during operation; - at least one near-infrared light detector (5) arranged to detect light coming from the egg transport path and light transmitted through the eggs during operation; and - a processing means (8) configured to process the light detection results of the near-infrared light detector (5) to determine the shell condition of each egg (E1, E2) during operation, wherein the system is configured to maintain substantially the same egg illumination conditions and / or detection conditions when eggs (E1, E2) having different eggshell colors are processed by the system. Claim 18 A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam is at least 700 nm and at most 1000 nm. Claim 19 A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light of the illumination beam is in the range of 700 to 800 nm. Claim 20 A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light is in the range of 710 to 750 nm. Claim 21 A system according to claim 17, characterized in that the wavelength of the near-infrared light is in the range of 720 to 740 nm. Claim 22 In claim 17, the system is characterized in that the processing means (8) is configured to process light detection results to detect any eggshell crack of the eggs (E1, E2). Claim 23 A system according to claim 17, characterized by including at least one roller conveyor (1) for transporting eggs in at least one column along each transport path. Claim 24 A system characterized by including a plurality of light beam sources (2) for emitting each illumination beam (B) in claim 17. Claim 25 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that each first egg (E1) has a substantially uncolored eggshell, while each second egg (E2) has a substantially colored eggshell. Claim 26 A method according to claim 1, characterized in that each first egg (E1) has a uniform white color. Claim 27 A system characterized in that, in claim 17, the processing means (8) includes a neural network.

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