Systems and methods for analysing separation of poultry backhalve into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg

Abstract

Separation analysing system comprising a detection system comprising: a back detection system configured to detect a left leg separation section and a right leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory, and generate back detector signals; and / or a leg detection system configured to detect the left leg in the left leg trajectory; detect the right leg in the right leg trajectory, and generate leg detector signals; a control unit configured to determine a separation status based on the expected back detection period and the back detector signals, and / or the expected leg detection period and the leg detector signals.

Description

[0001]SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ANALYSING SEPARATION OF POULTRY BACKHALVE INTO A BACK PART, A LEFT LEG, AND A RIGHT LEG The present invention relates to the field of separating meat parts, in particular to systems and methods for analysing the separation of a carcass part into a first meat, a second meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part, and a third meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part. The invention can e.g. be used to analyse the separation a backhalve (sometimes also referred to as back half or backhalf) of a poultry carcass into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg. The invention is in particular advantageous for analysing a separation after the separation has been, or at least should be, completed. In the meat industry, animals are slaughtered and separated into multiple meat parts. Some meat parts can be packaged and sold separately. Other meat parts can be further processed. Yet other meat parts may be considered waste and can e.g. be disposed or used for purposes other than human consumption. An example of a processing step which includes separation, can be found in poultry processing, where a carcass part being a backhalve is separated into three meat parts. The three meat parts include the left leg, the right leg, and the back part. Various systems are known to perform this separation. In some known systems, the carcass part is guided through a system with stationary or rotating knifes, that provide a first cut between the back and the left leg, and a second cut between the back and right leg, respectively. Despite several guiding members in such systems, the accuracy of the cuts is not always guaranteed, e.g. due to varying size of the carcass part. This may result in incorrect separation, e.g. with the back still connected to one of the legs. An incorrect separation may affect processing steps downstream of the separation system. It is an object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art, or at least provide an alternative to the prior art. It is in particular an object of the invention to provide a solution for analysing the separation of a carcass part (e.g. a backhalve of a poultry carcass) into a first meat, a second meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part, and a third meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part. This object is achieved with separation analysing system for analysing a separation system, wherein the separation system: • comprises a separation mechanism configured to separate a backhalve of a poultry carcass into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg, • is configured to guide the back part into a back part trajectory, the left leg into a left leg trajectory, and the right leg into a right leg trajectory, wherein the separation analysing system comprises: • a detection system comprising: • a back detection system configured to • detect a left leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory; • detect a right leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory; • generate one or more back detector signals based on the detection of the left leg separation section and / or the right leg separation section; and / or • a leg detection system configured to • detect the left leg in the left leg trajectory; • detect the right leg in the right leg trajectory, and • generate one or more leg detector signals based on the detection of the left and / or right leg; • a control unit configured to • optionally determine an expected back detection period and / or an expected leg detection period; • receive the one or more back detector signals and / or the one or more leg detector signals, and • determine a separation status based on • the expected back detection period and the back detector signals, and / or • the expected leg detection period and the leg detector signals. The separation analysing system can thus include one or both of the back detection system and a leg detection system. Thus, in some embodiments, the separation analysis system can be summarized as comprising: • a detection system comprising a back detection system configured to: detect a left leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory; detect a right leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory; generate one or more back detector signals based on the detection of the left leg separation section and / or the right leg separation section; and • a control unit configured to: determine an expected back detection period; receive the one or more back detector signals, and determine a separation status based on the expected back detection period and the back detector signals. Thus, in some embodiments, the separation analysis system can be summarized as comprising: • a detection system comprising a leg detection system configured to: detect the left leg in the left leg trajectory; detect the right leg in the right leg trajectory, and generate one or more leg detector signals based on the detection of the left and / or right leg; • a control unit configured to determine an expected leg detection period; receive the one or more leg detector signals, and determine a separation status based on the expected leg detection period and the leg detector signals. The invention thus relates, in embodiments, to a separation analysis system. The invention can be used for analysing a separation system, in particular after the separation has been, or at least should have been, performed. The separation analysis system can be arranged downstream of the separation system. The separation system is a system configured to separate a carcass part into different parts. The carcass part is obtained from a carcass of a slaughtered animal. The carcass can in particular be a poultry carcass, e.g. a chicken carcass, a turkey carcass, a duck carcass. Optionally, the carcass part (of the poultry carcass) comprises at least a backhalve. The carcass part can be a backhalve, but it is also possible that it comprises additional carcass parts. Thus, the carcass part being separated into different parts can refer to a part of a carcass or a complete carcass. The backhalve comprises at least a back part, a left leg (part), and a right leg (part). The left leg e.g. comprises at least a thigh and optionally a drumstick. The right leg e.g. comprises at least thigh and optionally a drumstick. It will be understood, however, that is possible (e.g. when the carcass part is comprises more than the backhalve) that these parts comprise additional parts. The backhalve usually also comprises the joint connecting the legs to the backhalve. Each of the carcass parts referred herein (e.g. backhalve, left leg, right leg) may comprise one or more of: tissue, meat, ligaments, blood, bones, skin. The separation system is configured to separate the backhalve into at least three parts, including the back part, the left leg, and the right leg. Said three parts are guided into respective trajectories after the separation (at least when the separation was successful), i.e. a back part trajectory, a left leg trajectory, and a right leg trajectory. Thus, the back part trajectory, the left leg trajectory, and the right leg trajectory are downstream of the separation of the backhalve into said three parts. Optionally, the left leg trajectory and the right leg trajectory extend parallel to each other. Optionally, the back part trajectory does not extend parallel to the right leg trajectory and / or the left leg trajectory. Optionally, the separation system is configured to (before the separation) guide the backhalve in a transport direction, which extends parallel to the left leg trajectory and / or right leg trajectory. The separation system may e.g. comprise one or more conveyors configured to convey the backhalve, the back part, the left leg, and / or the right leg. The separation system may e.g. comprise one or more (e.g. stationary) guides to guide backhalve, the back part, the left leg, and / or the right leg. The separation system may e.g. comprise one or more (stationary or rotary) blades or knifes to provide a cut or incision in the backhalve (e.g. between the back part and the left and / or right leg, respectively). The separation system may e.g. be configured to exert a pulling force for pulling the back part and the right and / or left leg, respectively, away from each other. For example, the separation system may comprise a conveying system comprising a holder for the carcass part, e.g. configured to hold backhalve by the left leg and right leg, e.g. suspended. The holder can e.g. have a single holder for both legs, or a separate holder for each leg. The conveying system is configured to convey the carcass part in a transport direction. The separation system is then configured to separate to the carcass part by separating the back part from the left leg and from the right leg, while said left and right leg remain in the holder. After separation, the left and right leg are further conveyed in by the holder into the left leg trajectory and right leg trajectory, which e.g. extend parallel to each other and optionally parallel to the transport direction. The back part, on the other hand, is separated and will now be conveyed in the back part trajectory. It will be understood that this can also be applied differently, wherein the holder is configured to hold the back part. The separation analysing system comprises a detection system and a control unit. The detection system can comprise a back detection system and / or a leg detection system. That is, even when both are mentioned in the following explanation, it is possible that the detection system comprises the back detection system and the leg detection system in combination, or only one of both. The back detection system is configured to detect a left leg separation section of the back part and to detect a right leg separation section of the back part. In both cases, the detection is done at a location of the back part trajectory downstream of the separation of the respective leg. The left leg separation section is the part of the backhalve that used to be connected to the left leg. The right leg separation section is the part of the backhalve that used to be connected to the right leg. In particular, the left leg separation section can be part of a left part of the back part; the right leg separation section can be part of a right part of the back part. Thus, the left and right leg are (or at least should) be separated from the back part at the location in the trajectory where the left or right leg separation section, respectively, is detected. The detection of the left and right leg separation section can e.g. be done downstream or at the end of the separation mechanism. However, it is envisaged that it is possible in some embodiments that one (e.g. the left) leg is separated from the back part at a location upstream of the location where the other (e.g. the right) leg is separated from the back part; in such embodiments, it is possible that the detection of the (left) leg separation section is detected upstream of the separation of said other (right) leg. The back detection system may comprise one or more sensors for detecting the left and right leg separation section, respectively. Said sensors may be any type of suitable sensor. For example, a contact sensor (e.g. configured to be contacted by the respective leg separation section), an image sensor (e.g. comprising camera), a thermal sensor (e.g. comprising an infrared sensor), an acoustic sensor (e.g. sonar sensor), a radar sensor. The back detection system is configured to generate one or more back detector signals based on the detection of the left leg separation section and / or the right leg separation section. In some embodiments, the back detection system (e.g. the one or more sensors) is configured to generate a first back detector signal based on the detection of the left leg separation section; and a second back detector signal based on the detection of the right leg separation section. In some embodiments, the detection of the left and right leg separation section may be combined in a single back detector signal. In some embodiments, the back detection system is configured to generate the back detection signals only when the left and / or right leg separation section is detected. In some embodiments, the back detection system is configured to generate the back detection signals continuously or periodically, wherein e.g. the magnitude of the back detection signals indicates whether or not the left and / or right leg separation section is detected. The leg detection system is configured to detect the left leg in the left leg trajectory and the right leg in the right leg trajectory. In both cases, the detection is done at a location of the left or right leg trajectory, respectively, downstream of the separation of the respective leg. The leg detection system is thus configured to detect the left and right leg after separation from the back part. The detection of the left and right leg can e.g. be done downstream or at the end of the separation mechanism. However, it is envisaged that it is possible in some embodiments that one (e.g. the left) leg is separated from the back part at a location upstream of the location where the other (e.g. the right) leg is separated from the back part; in such embodiments, it is possible that the detection of the (left) leg is detected upstream of the separation of said other (right) leg. The leg detection system may comprise one or more sensors for detecting the left and right leg, respectively. Said sensors may be any type of suitable sensor. For example, a contact sensor (e.g. configured to be contacted by the respective leg), an image sensor (e.g. comprising camera), a thermal sensor (e.g. comprising an infrared sensor), an acoustic sensor (e.g. sonar sensor), a radar sensor. In some embodiments (wherein the detection system comprises the back detection system and the leg detection system), the sensors of the leg detection system and the sensors of the back detection systems may be embodied as similar types of sensors. In other embodiments, the sensors of the leg detection system and the sensors of the back detection systems may be embodied as different types of sensors. The leg detection system (e.g. the one or more sensors) is configured to generate one or more leg detector signals based on the detection of the left leg and / or the right leg. In some embodiments, the leg detection system is configured to generate a first leg detector signal based on the detection of the left leg; and a second leg detector signal based on the detection of the right leg. In some embodiments, the detection of the left and right leg may be combined in a single leg detector signal. In some embodiments, the leg detection system is configured to generate the leg detection signals only when the left and / or right leg is detected. In some embodiments, the leg detection system is configured to generate the leg detection signals continuously or periodically, wherein the magnitude of the leg detection signals indicates whether or not the left and / or right leg is detected. The control unit is optionally configured to determine an expected back detection period and / or an expected leg detection period. The expected back detection period represents a time period in which it is expected that the back detection system will detect the left leg separation section and / or the right leg separation section. It may be possible that the expected back detection period includes an expected left leg separation section period and an expected right leg separation section period (which may be equal to each other or different from each other). The expected leg detection period represents a time period in which it is expected that the leg detection system will detect the left leg and the right leg. It may be possible that the expected leg detection period includes an expected left leg period and an expected right leg period (which may be equal to each other or different from each other). The control unit can determine the expected back detection period and / or an expected leg detection period in several ways. As a first example, the control unit may be configured to receive an upstream detection signal from a detection system (e.g. comprising a sensors) configured to detect the backhalve upstream of the separation, e.g. at the beginning of the separation mechanism or upstream thereof. Based on the detection signal and the conveying speed of the backhalve, the control unit can determine expected back detection period and / or an expected leg detection period. As a second example, the control unit may be configured to determine a time period between subsequent backhalves. The backhalves may e.g. be conveyed with a fixed distance between them, such the back detection system and / or leg detection system should detect the respective separated parts periodically. The control unit may be configured to determine said period based on historic data, or based on data inputted by an operator, or based on data received from a conveying system control system. As a third example, the control unit may be configured to determine the expected back detection period based on the leg detector signals, or vice versa. Depending on whether the leg detection system or the back detection system should, in normal operation, first detect the respective separated parts, it can be determined that the other detection system should detect the respective separated parts in a known period thereafter. It will be understood that these are just few examples that are provided without limiting the scope. Other examples may be possible, and any combination of the above examples is also possible. The control unit is further configured to receive the one or more back detector signals and / or the one or more leg detector signals. The control unit may be configured to communicatively be connected to the back detection system and / or the leg detection system. The control unit may be configured to communicate with the back detection system and / or the leg detection system according to any of the suitable wired or wireless communication techniques, e.g. including ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, 5G, 6G, LoRa. The control unit, back detection system, and / or leg detection system may comprise one or more communication terminals. The control unit can be any type of suitable type of control unit, e.g. being embodied in a computer, PLC, raspberry pi, or the like. The control unit can be configured to control additional components, such as the conveyor system or the separation system, or be configured to be in communication with additional control units for controlling such additional components. The control unit can e.g. comprise a memory. The control unit can e.g. comprise a processing unit. The control unit is configured to determine a separation status. The separation status can be based on the expected back detection period and the back detector signals, and / or the separation status can be based the expected leg detection period and the leg detector signals. For example, the control unit can determine that the separation was not successful, when one or more of the left leg, right leg, left leg separation section, right leg separation section is not detected in the respective expected detection period. In some cases, the control unit may be able to determine the separation status on the back detector signals and / or the leg detector signals, without taking into account the expected back detection period or expected leg detection period, respectively. This can e.g. be the case if a camera is used as sensor, wherein the analysis of the image can provide sufficient information. Optionally, the separation status is a single separation status for the separation of both the left and right leg. Optionally, the separation status includes a left leg separation status and a right leg separation status. The separation analysis system is thus configured to analyse the separation system, by verifying for both the left leg and the right leg if the separation has been done successfully. This can be achieved with one or both of the back detection system and the leg detection system, since both enable to detect both separations (of the left leg and the right leg). In embodiments, the control unit is configured to determine a subsequent trajectory for the left leg and / or right leg, based on the separation status. The subsequent trajectory is the trajectory of the left and / or right leg downstream of the left leg trajectory and / or the right leg trajectory, respectively. For example, when the separation status indicates a successful separation, the control unit can select a standard trajectory in which the respective leg is further processed as desired. Such further processing can e.g. include deboning the leg, and / or dividing the leg in further sub-parts. When the separation has not been successful, at least a part of the back part is still connected to the left and / or right leg. The size and weight of said leg deviate strongly from the expected size and weight in such case, which could interfere with the processing steps in the standard trajectory. The control unit can select an alternative trajectory when the separation status indicates an unsuccessful separation. The alternative trajectory can e.g. include a manual processing station. An operator may manually complete the separation of the respective leg. The alternative trajectory can e.g. include an unloading station, configured to unload the respective leg from the conveying system. Optionally, the control unit is configured to control a conveying system for guiding the left and / or right leg in the determined subsequent trajectory. In embodiments, the control unit is further configured to determine proposed settings for the separation system based on the separation status. Several settings of the separation system can e.g. be adapted, such as speed of some components and / or relative position (height) between some components (e.g. guides). When, e.g. for a batch of backhalves, it happens too often (e.g. above a predetermined percentage) that the separation status indicates an unsuccessful separation, this may indicate that the separation system is set up incorrectly. The control unit may be configured to indicate to an operator that the settings are suboptimal, e.g. by means of an operator screen. In embodiments, the control unit is further configured to visually present a separation efficiency to an operator, wherein said separation efficiency is based on the separation status, e.g. relating to a percentage of successful separations. The system can e.g. comprise an operator screen configured to display the separation efficiency. An operator can easily read the separation efficiency, and determine that settings of the separation system should be adapted when the separations efficiency is too low. These embodiments provide objective feedback to the operator that is easy to understand, and as such allows timely intervention of the operator when needed. In embodiments, the back detection system comprises a first sensor configured to detect the left leg separation section, and a second sensor configured to detect the right leg separation section. These embodiments thus provide two separate sensors, which allows to individually detect the left or right leg separation section. This allows to detect for each leg individually if the separation has been done successfully. If for one of both legs the separation has not been done successful, it may be possible to determine a different subsequent trajectory for said leg in comparison to the other leg. In embodiments, the back detection system comprises a first contact sensor configured to detect the left leg separation section by physical contact, and a second contact sensor configured to detect the right leg separation section by physical contact. The first and second contact sensor can e.g. be arranged in the back part trajectory. These embodiments thus provide two separate contact sensors. If the left leg has been separated successfully, the first contact sensor will receive physical contact of the left leg separation section. If the separation was not successful, it is likely that the left leg separation section is still connected to the left leg. The left leg separation section then follows the left leg trajectory instead of the back part trajectory. The left leg separation section will thus not be detected by the first contact sensor. The same principle applies for the right leg separation section and the second sensors. Using contact sensors may in particular be advantageous, because the locations where the left and right leg separation sections are expected is relatively well predetermined. Moreover, a contact sensor can provide a back detector signal that is easy to interpret, e.g. being binary (i.e. the left / right leg separation section is either detected or it is not). In embodiments, the first and second contact sensor each comprise a mechanical vane. Each mechanical vane may e.g. comprise a contact end, protruding from a main body into the back part trajectory. Each mechanical vane may e.g. be pivotally connected to a main frame (e.g. part of the separation system), wherein the mechanical vane is configured to be pivoted when being contacted by the left / right leg separation section. Optionally, both vanes may be configured to pivot around a common pivot axis. For example, the first and second vane are both pivotally connected to a pivot shaft, but are configured to move independently of each other. Each vane is configured to be moved, e.g. downwards, when being contacted by the respective leg separation section. The vane is e.g. configured to active a pressure or contact sensors with said movement, e.g. via an intermediate lever, which optionally in turn moves a shaft against the pressure or contact sensor. Said sensors may be configured to generate the leg detector signal, from the control unit can derive that left leg separation section has been detected. In embodiments, the first and second contact sensor comprise a resilient member for positioning the mechanical vane in a detecting position. In the detecting position, a contact end of the first and second contact sensor may e.g. be positioned in the back part trajectory. The resilient member can advantageously ensure that the mechanical vane is returned to the detecting position after being moved out of the detecting position by contact of a left / right separation section. The resilient member may e.g. be a spring, pneumatic cylinder, or hydraulic cylinder. The back detection system may e.g. comprise a first resilient member for the mechanical vane of the first contact sensor and a second resilient member for the mechanical vane of the second contact sensor. The back detection system may e.g. comprise a single resilient member for both the mechanical vane of the first contact sensor and the mechanical vane of the second contact sensor. In embodiments, the leg detection system comprises a left-leg sensor configured to detect the left leg, and a right-leg sensor configured to detect the right leg. By providing separate sensors, the separation each leg can be assessed individually. In embodiments, the leg detection system comprises one or more non-contact sensors, for example two non-contact sensor, e.g. a left-leg non-contact sensor and a right-leg non-contact sensor. The non-contact sensor can e.g. be visual sensor such as a camera, an x-ray sensor, a radiation sensor. The visual sensor may e.g. be configured to obtain an image of the left or right leg. The leg detection system may e.g. be configured to analyse said image, e.g. for determining if the separation of the respective leg has been performed successfully. In case the separation was not successful, a part of the back part (e.g. including the left / right leg separation section) may still be attached to the respective leg, which may be detected by the leg detection system from said image. In embodiments, the invention relates to a separation system, comprising: • a separation mechanism configured to separate a backhalve of a poultry carcass into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg; and • a separation analysing system according to any of the embodiments described herein, e.g. configured to determine a separation status. The separation mechanism may e.g. comprise any of the feature described herein, such as one or more conveyors, one or more guides, one or more blades or knifes. In embodiments, the separation system further comprises a main conveying system configured to convey the backhalve in a transport direction prior to separation, and a back part conveying system configured to guide the back part into a back part trajectory after separation. The main conveying system may e.g. be an overhead conveyor. The main conveying system may e.g. comprise a plurality of shackles, wherein each shackle is configured to hold a backhalve suspended by the legs. To separate the back part from the legs, the separation system may be configured to pull the back part away from the legs (e.g. after providing an incision). The back part trajectory may thus extend in a direction diverging from the left and right leg trajectories. The back part conveying system may e.g. comprise a rotating wheel. The rotating wheel may e.g. be configured to dislocate a hip of the backhalve. This may advantageously facilitate the separation of the legs. In embodiments, the main conveying system is configured to guide the left leg into a left leg trajectory, and the right leg into a right leg trajectory. For example, the left and right leg can remain in the shackle(s) after the separation. Optionally, the left and / or right leg trajectory extends parallel to the transport direction. Although the description above at various points describes the carcass part as being a backhalve of a poultry carcass being separated into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg; it will be understood that the invention can also be applied to other applications. Therefore, the invention can also be summarized as a separation analysing system for analysing a separation system, wherein the separation system: • comprises a separation mechanism configured to separate a carcass part of an animal carcass into a first meat part, a second meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part, and a third meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part, • is configured to guide the first meat part into a first meat part trajectory, the second meat part into a second meat part trajectory, and the third meat part into a third meat part trajectory, wherein the separation analysing system comprises: • a detection system comprising: • a first meat part detection system configured to • detect a second meat part separation section of the first meat part in the first meat part trajectory; • detect a third meat part separation section of the first meat part in the first meat part trajectory; • generate one or more first meat part detector signals based on the detection of the second meat part separation section and the third meat part separation section; and / or • a second and / or third meat part detection system configured to • detect the second meat part in the second meat part trajectory; • detect the third meat part in the third meat part trajectory, and • generate one or more second and / or third meat part detector signals based on the detection of the second and third meat part; • a control unit configured to • determine an expected first meat part detection period and / or an expected second and / or third meat part detection period; • receive the one or more first meat part detector signals and / or the one or more second and / or third meat part detector signals, and • determine a separation status based on • the expected first meat part detection period and the first meat part detector signals, and / or • the expected second and / or third meat part detection period and the second and / or third meat part detector signals. It will be understood that any of the features and / or embodiments described herein can be applied to said separation system, mutatis mutandis, to achieve similar advantages. For example, any reference to the backhalve can be replaced by carcass part, any reference to the back part can be replaced by first meat part, any reference to left leg can be replaced by second meat part, any reference to right leg can be replaced by third meat part. For example, the carcass can be a poultry carcass, a bovine carcass, a porcine carcass. The invention further relates to a method for analysing a separation system. Although the method can be performed with the system according to the invention; neither the system, nor the method is limited thereto. Features explained herein with reference to the system have the same meaning with respect to the method unless explicitly defined otherwise. Features explained with reference to the system can be applied mutatis mutandis to the method to achieve the similar advantages, and vice versa. One or more objects of the invention can be achieved with a method for analysing a separation system, comprising a step of using a system according to any of the preceding claims. The method may e.g. comprise a step of determining a separation status using said system. One or more objects of the invention can be achieved with a method for analysing a separation system, comprising the following steps: • separating a backhalve of a poultry carcass into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg, • guiding the back part into a back part trajectory, the left leg into a left leg trajectory, and the right leg into a right leg trajectory, • detecting • a left leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory, and a right leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory, and / or • the left leg in the left leg trajectory; and the right leg in the right leg trajectory • determining an expected back detection period and / or an expected leg detection period; • determine a separation status based on • the expected back detection period and detection of the left leg separation section and the right leg separation section, and / or • the expected leg detection period and detection of the left leg and the right leg. One or more objects of the invention can be achieved with a method for analysing a separation system, comprising the following steps: • separating a carcass part of an animal carcass into a first meat part, a second meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part, and a third meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part, • guiding the first meat part into a first meat part trajectory, the second meat part into a second meat part leg trajectory, and the third meat part into a third meat part trajectory, • detecting • a second meat part separation section of the first meat part in the first meat part trajectory, and a third meat part separation section of the first meat part in the first meat part trajectory, and / or • the second meat part in the second meat part trajectory; and the third meat part in the third meat part trajectory • determining an expected first meat part detection period and / or an expected second and / or third meat part detection period; • determine a separation status based on • the expected first meat part detection period and detection of the second meat part separation section and the third meat part separation section, and / or • the expected second and / or third meat part detection period and detection of the second and / or third meat part. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described using the figures. It is to be understood that these figures merely serve as example of how the invention can be implemented and are in no way intended to be construed as limiting for the scope of the invention and the claims. Like features are indicated by like reference numerals along the figures. In the figures: Fig. 1A: schematically illustrates an animal carcass which is a poultry carcass, in particular from a chicken; Fig.1B: illustrates the backhalve in more detail; Fig.2: schematically illustrated a separation system; Fig. 3: schematically illustrates a detection system according to a first embodiment, comprising a back detection system; Fig. 4 illustrates a detection system according to a second embodiment, comprising a leg detection system; Fig.5 illustrates a detection system according to a third embodiment, comprising a leg detection system: Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a functional diagram of a separation analysing system; Fig.7 illustrates a method for analysing a separation system. Fig. 1A schematically illustrates an animal carcass 1 which is a poultry carcass 1, in particular from a chicken 1. The poultry carcass 1 comprises a backhalve 4 and a fronthalve 6. The backhalve 4 comprises two legs 2 (including a left leg 2 and a right leg 2), and a back part 3. The back part 3 comprises meat parts 5 that are also referred to as saddle meat parts 5. Although the description that follows is mostly focussed on the backhalve 4, it will be understood that the invention is not limited thereto, and that the explained principles can also be applied to other parts of a poultry carcass 1 or even carcasses of other animals. Fig.1B illustrates the backhalve 4 in more detail, having a back part 3 to which a left leg 2a and a right leg 2b are connected. A separation system may be used separate the backhalve 3 into separated parts, including the back part 3, the left leg 2a and the right leg 2b. The working principle of the separation system is schematically illustrated. Said working principle may e.g. be to move the backhalve 4 into a transport direction 12. The backhalve 4 is moved towards a stationary knife 11 which makes an incision 7 in the left leg 2a. A similar incision is made in the right leg 2b by another stationary knife (not shown). Further downstream, the left leg 2a and the back part 3 will be pulled in different directions to cause the separation, during which the incision 7 will function as tear off location. After the left leg 2a and the back part 3 are separated from each other, a left leg separation section 3a of the back part 3 can be defined close to the incision 7. Similarly, a back part separation section 2.1 of the left leg 2a can be detected close to the incision 7. In the shown example, the incision 7 is not made at a border 8 between the left leg 2a and the back part 3. The left leg separation section 3a of the back part 3 can therefore comprise a small part of the left leg 2a. Fig.2 schematically illustrates a separation system 10. The separation system 10 is configured to separate the backhalve 4 into the back part 3, left leg 2, and right leg 2. The backhalve 4 is transported in a transport direction 12 indicated by arrow 12, which in fig. 2 is from the right-hand side to the left-hand side. A main conveying system conveys the backhalve 4 in said transport direction 12. The main conveying system is an overhead conveyor 17a (schematically illustrated) comprising a plurality of shackles 17. The shackles 17 hold the backhalve 4 by the legs 2. The separation system 10 comprises a first guide 14, which has a converging inlet portion 14a. The back part 3 is guided by the inlet portion 14a into back part spacing 16 between the first guide 14 and a moving second guide 15. When arranged in the back part spacing 16, a first side of the back part 3 is in contact with the first guide 14. A second side of the back part 3 (opposite of the first part) is in contact with the second guide 15. Although not illustrated in fig.2, it may be advantageous to provide a first incision between the left leg 2 and the back part 3 (as e.g. illustrated in fig. 1A), and a second incision between the right leg 2 and the back part 3. It may be possible to provide a blade of knife for making said incision upstream of the inlet portion 14a. Fig.2 illustrates that the first and second guide 14, 15 and thus also the back part spacing 16 have a curved portion 14b, 15b, 16b. In said curved portion 14b, 15b, 16b, the back part 3 is forced to move in a curved trajectory. Meanwhile, the legs 2 are still being moved in transport direction 12 by the shackles 17. The legs 2 and the back part 3 are thus being pulled in different directions, which causes the separation (at the incision that was previously made). To make sure that the back part 3 is moved in a back part trajectory 13 during and after the separation, the second guide 15 can be a moving guide. The second guide 15 can e.g. be a conveyor belt in the shown embodiment. In another embodiment, a rotating wheel can be used, e.g. being toothed. The shackles 17 will move the left leg 2 in a left leg trajectory and the right leg 2 in a right leg trajectory after separation, which is initially parallel to the transport direction 12. It will be understood that fig. 2 serves as a schematic example to illustrate a separation system, but many variations hereof may be possible. The inventors have found that a possible issue in conventional separation systems relates to incorrect separation. It may e.g. be the case that one or both legs is / are not separated from the back part 3, and is e.g. also guided along the back part trajectory 13. In such cases, it can e.g. have occurred that the respective leg(s) is pulled out of the shackle 17. It may also happen that the back part 3 (or a part thereof) is still connected to one of the legs 2 and is moving along with said leg 2 in the shackle 17 downstream of separation system 10. Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a detection system according to a first embodiment, comprising a back detection system 40. Fig. 3 also schematically illustrates a separating system 20, which comprises various stationary guides 21a, 21b, 22, 23, 24, 25 for guiding the backhalve at the inlet of the separation system 20. Said guides 21a, 21b, 22, 23, 24, 25can e.g. guide the legs and the back part towards the positions for optimizing the separation. The shown embodiment comprises a first moving guide 27 The first moving guide 27 has teeth that are moving in the transport direction to guide the back part towards a second moving guide 31 which is embodied as a wheel 31. The wheel 31 is arranged on a shaft 32 which is driven to rotate the wheel 31. The wheel 31 is furthermore toothed with teeth 33, which improves the guiding force exerted onto the back part. A back part spacing is defined between a counter-guide 26 and the wheel 31. The back part spacing defines the back part trajectory of the back part. The rotation of the wheel 31 causes the back part to be moved in back part trajectory 13, while the legs are moving in the left and right leg trajectories 12 (e.g. parallel to transport direction 12). Being moved in different directions causes the legs and back part to be pulled in different direction, until the separation occurs. The back detection system 40 is configured to detect the back part in the back part trajectory 13. In particular, the back detection system 40 is configured to detect the left leg separation section and the right leg separation section. The left leg separation section is the part of the back part from which the left leg was (or should be) separated (see also fig. 1A). Similarly, the right leg separation section is the part of the back part from which the right leg was (or should be) separated. To achieve this, the back detection system 40 comprises a first contact sensor and a second contact sensor. The first contact sensor comprises a first vane 42a. The first vane 42a is configured to be physically contacted by the left leg separation section as the back part moves through the back part trajectory 13, and downstream of the separation. Similarly, the second contact sensor comprises a second vane 42b configured to be physically contacted by the right leg separation section. The first and second vane 42a,b are both pivotally connected to pivot shaft 41, but can move independently of each other. When the left leg separation section contacts the first vane 42a, the first vane 42a is moved downwards. This causes a lever 43a to move, which in turn moves shaft 44a against pressure sensor 45a. The pressure sensor 45a will generate a leg detector signal, from which it can be derived that left leg separation section has been detected. Similarly, the second contact sensor comprises the second vane 42b, a lever 43b, an axis 44b, and a pressure sensor 45b which generates a leg detector signal. Although not illustrated in fig.3, the first and second contact sensor may comprise a resilient member for biasing the first and second vane 42a, 42b in a detecting position. The detecting position is the position as shown in fig.3, where the respective vane 42a, 42b is arranged in the back part trajectory. In the detecting position, the left or right leg separation section can be detected by the respective vane. The embodiment illustrated in fig. 3 thus provides individual detection of the left leg separation section and the right leg separation section. This allows to analyse the separation of the left and right leg individually. Fig. 3 further schematically illustrates an upstream sensor 39 which may be part of an upstream detection system and be configured to generate an upstream detection signal. The upstream sensor 39 detects the backhalve upstream of the separation. The upstream sensor 39 can be any type of suitable sensor, and it may be possible that the upstream sensor 39 has further functionalities. Fig. 4 illustrates a detection system according to a second embodiment, comprising a leg detection system 50 which is schematically illustrated. In this embodiment, the leg detection system 50 comprises a first contact sensor 51configured to detect the left leg by physical contact of the left leg. Similarly, the leg detection system 50 comprises a second contact sensor (not shown) configured to detect the right leg by physical contact of the right leg. The first contact sensor comprises a contact member 51 which is configured to be moved by contact of the left leg and generate a contact signal 52. The second contact sensor is not visible in fig.4, but functions similarly to the first contact sensor. The leg detection system 50 thus comprises a left-leg sensor and a right-leg sensor, arranged in the left leg trajectory and the right leg trajectory, respectively, both being arranged downstream of the separation. This allows to detect the presence of the left and right leg individually. If either of the legs has not been separated correctly and is still connected to the back part, said leg will not be detected by the leg detection system 50. The left-leg sensor and the right-leg sensor both generate a leg detector signal, which represent whether the left or right leg, respectively, are detected. Based on said leg detector signals, it can be determined whether the respective separation was successful. Fig.5 illustrates a detection system according to a third embodiment, comprising a leg detection system 60. In this embodiment, the leg detection system 60 comprises a first camera 61a and a second camera 61b. The first and second camera 61a, 61b are non-contact sensors, in particular visual sensors. Although cameras 61a, 61b are illustrated as examples, other (visual) non-contact sensors are also possible, e.g. x-ray sensors or radiations sensors. The cameras 61a, 61b capture an image within their capture field 62a, 62b. The capture field 62a of the first camera 61a includes a part of the left leg trajectory, such that the left leg can be detected. The capture field 62b of the second camera 61b includes a part of the right leg trajectory, such that the right leg can be detected. The first and second camera 61a, 61b generate leg detector signals. The leg detector signals include or are based on the image the respective camera 61a, 61b captures. Based on the leg detector signals, it is possible to determine the presence of the left or right leg in their respective trajectory. The leg detector signals may be further analysed. In particular, these signals can be analysed to detect whether a back part is connected to one of the legs. This would indicate an unsuccessful separation, even if the legs themselves are detected. In the embodiments shown in fig. 4 and fig. 5, the detection system does not comprise a back detection system. However, it is also possible to combine a leg detection system (e.g. as shown in fig. 4 or fig.5) and a back detection system (e.g. as shown in fig. 3). Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a functional diagram of a separation analysing system, and fig.7 illustrates a method for analysing a separation system. With reference to these figures, a possible implementation of the embodiments shown in previous figures will be elaborated on. In step 101, the upstream sensor 39 may detect the backhalve. The upstream sensor 39 may comprise an upstream sensor control unit 399 for processing the signals generated by the upstream sensor 39. The upstream sensor 39 generates an upstream detection signal 392, which is transmitted to a control unit 70 via communication terminals 391 and 701. In step 102, the control unit 70 determines an expected back detection period and / or an expected leg detection period. Whether the control unit 70 determines one or both, depends on whether the detection system comprises the back detection system and / or the leg detection system. For the following explanation it assumed that both the back and leg detection system are present, but other implementations are possible. The expected back detection period represents a time window in which it is expected the back detection system should detect the left leg separation section and the right leg separation section. The expected leg detection period represents a time window in which it is expected the leg detection system should detect the left leg and the right leg. The control unit 70 can determine the expected back and leg detection periods based on the upstream detection signal 392. The control unit 70 can determine from the upstream detection signal 392 when the backhalve passes the upstream sensor 39. The control unit 70 can further know the location of the upstream sensor 39, or at least the distance between the upstream sensor 39 and the sensors of the back detection system and the leg detection system. If it is then further known how fast the backhalve, left and right leg, and back part are being conveyed before (and optionally after) separation, the control unit 70 can determine the expected back and leg detection period. Although the upstream sensor 39 was illustrated in the previous figures at the separation system, it also possible that the upstream sensor 30 is arranged further upstream, e.g. at a processing station upstream of the separation system. The control unit 70 comprises a processing unit 71 for processing signals and / or data. The control unit 70 further comprises a memory 72 for storing e.g. data and computer-readable instructions. The control unit 70 can have the conveying speed(s) of the conveying system(s) stored on the memory 72. It is also possible that the control unit 70 is configured to establish a communicative connection with a conveyor control unit (which control the conveying system) to receive information relating to the conveying speed. It is also possible that the control unit 70 itself controls the conveying system, and optionally other components of the processing line in which the separation system is arranged. Other ways of determining the expected back and / or leg detection period are also possible. For example, if the shackles of the conveying system are spaced at a fixed distance of each other and move at a predetermined speed, the expected back and leg detection period can be determined as periodic time periods. In step 103a, the back detection system 40 generates a back detector signal 402. In particular, the pressure sensor 45a generates a signal 441a representing detection of the left leg separation section and the pressure sensor 45b generates a signal 441b representing detection of the right leg separation section. The back detection system 40 comprises a back detection control unit 49 which processes the signals 441a, 441b and generates the back detector signal 402. The back detector signal 402 is transmitted to the control unit 70 via communication terminals 401 and 702. In step 104a, the control unit 70 receives the back detector signal 402 and analyses if the left and right leg separation sections have been detected in the expected back detection period. In step 103b, the leg detection system 60 generates a leg detector signal 602. Although in fig. 6 and fig. 7 reference numeral 60 is used with reference to the leg detection system illustrated in fig. 5, it will be understood that the leg detection system 50 illustrated in fig.4 can be used similarly, mutatis mutandis. In the leg detection system 60, the first camera 61a generates a signal 611a representing detection of the left leg and the second camera 61b generates a signal 611b representing detection of the right leg. The leg detection system 60 comprises a leg detection control unit 69 which processes the signals 611a, 611b and generates the leg detector signal 602. The leg detector signal 602 is transmitted to the control unit 70 via communication terminals 601 and 703. In step 104b, the control unit 70 receives the leg detector signal 602 and analyses if the left and right leg have been detected in the expected leg detection period. In this embodiment wherein the leg detection system 60 comprises cameras 61a, 61b, the control unit 70 may further analyse the images received via the leg detector signal 602. In particular, the control unit 70 can analyse if a part of the back part is still attached to the left or right leg. In step 105, the control unit 70 determines a separation status. The separation status represents whether the separation of the backhalve into the left leg, right leg, and back part was successful. Based on the analysis done in the previous steps, the control unit 70 can determine whether the separation was successful. If for example no left leg was detected during the leg detection period, the respective separation was not successful. If for example no left leg separation section was detected during the back detection period, the respective separation was no successful. The control unit 70 can optionally determine a left leg separation status in step 105.1 and a right leg separation status in step 105.2. In step 106.1, the control unit 70 is configured to determine a subsequent trajectory for the left leg. In step 106.2, the control unit 70 is configured to determine a subsequent trajectory for the right leg. The respective subsequent trajectory is based on the respective separation status. For example, if the separation status was successful, the leg can be conveyed in the normal trajectory to be subjected to the standard processing steps that follow. However, if the separation status was not successful, it is possible that the leg is not present in the shackle or that (a part of) the back part is still connected to the leg. This could cause issues in the standard processing steps that would follow in the normal trajectory. The leg can, therefore, be transported in an alternative trajectory, e.g. towards an unloading station or a manual separation station. If the conveying system comprises individual shackles for the left leg and the right leg, each leg can be transported in an individual subsequent trajectory. If a single shackle holds both legs, they will usually be transported in the same subsequent trajectory. Fig.6 illustrates that the control unit 70 can communicate with a conveyor system unit 170. The conveyor control unit 170 controls the conveying system, in particular the overhead conveying system which conveys the left leg and the right leg with shackles. The control unit 70 generates a subsequent trajectory signal 711. The subsequent trajectory signal 711 is transmitted to the conveyor control unit 170 via communication terminals 704 and 171. Based on the subsequent trajectory signal 711, the conveyor control unit 170 controls a left leg shackle 17a in step 107.1 and a right leg shackle 17b in step 107.2, to convey the respective legs in the respective subsequent trajectory. The control unit 70 may furthermore determine a separation efficiency in step 108. The separation efficiency can e.g. represent a percentage of successful separations. The control unit 70 can transmit the separation efficiency to an operator screen 190 by means of screen signal 721 via communication terminals 705 and 191. The operator screen 190 is configured to display the separation efficiency to an operator. The operator can easily read the separation efficiency, and determine that settings of the separation system should be adapted when the separations efficiency is too low. In step 109, the control unit 70 may determine proposed settings for the separation system, e.g. based on the separation status. The settings of the separation system can e.g. relate to relative positions of components such as guides, blades, etc. These settings can usually be adapted manually by the operators. When many separations fail, this may be an indication that the settings are not optimal. The control unit 70 may then determine how the settings should be adapted, and transmit this to the operator screen 190 by means of screen signal 721. The screen signal 721 can present this to the operator, who can adapt the settings accordingly. The communication between different components in fig.6 can be implemented according to any of the suitable communications methods or protocols. For example, one or more of communication signals 392, 402, 602, 711, 721 can be achieved by a wired connection, e.g. an ethernet connection. For example, one or more of communication signals 392, 402, 602, 711, 721 can be achieved by a wireless connection, e.g. using LoRa, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4G, 5G, or 6G. Although the description above at various points describes the carcass part as being a backhalve of a poultry carcass being separated into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg; it will be understood that the invention can also be applied to other applications. As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the invention, which may be embodied in various ways. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to practice the present invention in various ways in virtually any suitable detailed structure. Not all of the objectives described need be achieved with particular embodiments. Furthermore, the terms and expressions used herein are not intended to limit the invention, but to provide an understandable description of the invention. The words “a”, “an”, or "one" used herein mean one or more than one, unless otherwise indicated. The terms "a multiple of", “a plurality” or "several" mean two or more than two. The words "comprise", "include", “contain” and "have" have an open meaning and do not exclude the presence of additional elements. Reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the invention. The mere fact that certain technical features are described in different dependent claims still allows the possibility that a combination of these technical measures can be used advantageously. A single processor or other unit can perform the functions of various components mentioned in the description and claims, e.g. of processing units or control units, or the functionality of a single processing unit or control unit described herein can in practice be distributed over multiple components, optionally physically separated of each other. Any communication between components can be wired or wireless by known methods. The actions performed by the control unit can be implemented as a program, for example computer program, software application, or the like. The program can be executed using computer readable instructions. The program may include a subroutine, a function, a procedure, an object method, an object implementation, an executable application, a source code, an object code, a shared library / dynamic load library and / or other set of instructions designed for execution on a computer system. A computer program or computer-readable instructions can be stored and / or distributed on a suitable medium, such as an optical storage medium or a solid-state medium supplied with or as part of other hardware, but can also be distributed in other forms, such as via internet or other wired or wireless telecommunication systems.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A separation analysing system for analysing a separation system, wherein the separation system: • comprises a separation mechanism configured to separate a backhalve of a poultry carcass into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg, • is configured to guide the back part into a back part trajectory, the left leg into a left leg trajectory, and the right leg into a right leg trajectory, wherein the separation analysing system comprises: • a detection system comprising: • a back detection system configured to • detect a left leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory; • detect a right leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory; • generate one or more back detector signals based on the detection of the left leg separation section and / or the right leg separation section; and / or • a leg detection system configured to • detect the left leg in the left leg trajectory; • detect the right leg in the right leg trajectory, and • generate one or more leg detector signals based on the detection of the left and / or right leg; • a control unit configured to • determine an expected back detection period and / or an expected leg detection period; • receive the one or more back detector signals and / or the one or more leg detector signals, and • determine a separation status based on • the expected back detection period and the back detector signals, and / or • the expected leg detection period and the leg detector signals.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the separation analysing system is configured to analyse the separation performed by the separation system after said separation has been performed, or at least should have been performed.

3. The system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the back part trajectory is in a different direction compared to the right leg trajectory and / or the left leg trajectory.

4. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured to determine a subsequent trajectory for the left leg and / or right leg, based on the separation status.

5. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is further configured to determine proposed settings for the separation system based on the separation status.

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is further configured to visually present a separation efficiency to an operator, wherein said separation efficiency is based on the separation status, e.g. relating to a percentage of successful separations.

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein back detection system comprises one or more sensors for detecting the left and right leg separation section, respectively; and / or wherein leg detection system comprises one or more sensors for detecting the left and right leg, respectively.

8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the separation status includes that the control nit is configured to determine that the separation was not successful, when one or more of: • the left leg is not detected in the expected leg detection period; and / or • the right leg is not detected in the expected leg detection period; and / or • the left leg separation section is not detected in the expected back detection period; and / or • the right leg separation section is not detected in the expected back detection period.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the back detection system comprises • a first contact sensor configured to detect the left leg separation section by physical contact, and • a second contact sensor configured to detect the right leg separation section by physical contact.

10. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second contact sensor each comprise a mechanical vane.

11. The system according to the preceding claim, wherein the first and second contact sensor comprise a resilient member for positioning the mechanical vane in a detecting position.

12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the leg detection system comprises a left-leg sensor configured to detect the left leg, and a right-leg sensor configured to detect the right leg.

13. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the leg detection system comprises one or more non-contact sensors, e.g. visual sensor such as a camera, an x-ray sensor, a radiation sensor.

14. A separation system, comprising: • a separation mechanism configured to separate a backhalve of a poultry carcass into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg; and • a separation analysing system according to any of the preceding claims, configured to determine a separation status.

15. The separation system according to the preceding claim, further comprising a main conveying system configured to convey the backhalve in a transport direction prior to separation, and a back part conveying system configured to guide the back part into a back part trajectory after separation.

16. The separation system according to the preceding claim, wherein the main conveying system is configured to guide the left leg into a left leg trajectory, and the right leg into a right leg trajectory.

17. A separation analysing system for analysing a separation system, wherein the separation system: • comprises a separation mechanism configured to separate a carcass part of an animal carcass into a first meat part, a second meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part, and a third meat part that was previously connected to the first meat part, • is configured to guide the first meat part into a first meat part trajectory, the second meat part into a second meat part trajectory, and the third meat part into a third meat part trajectory, wherein the separation analysing system comprises: • a detection system comprising: • a first meat part detection system configured to • detect a second meat part separation section of the first meat part in the first meat part trajectory; • detect a third meat part separation section of the first meat part in the first meat part trajectory; • generate one or more first meat part detector signals based on the detection of the second meat partseparation section and the third meat part separation section; and / or • a second and / or third meat part detection system configured to • detect the second meat part in the second meat part trajectory; • detect the third meat part in the third meat part trajectory, and • generate one or more second and / or third meat part detector signals based on the detection of the second and third meat part; • a control unit configured to • determine an expected first meat part detection period and / or an expected second and / or third meat part detection period; • receive the one or more first meat part detector signals and / or the one or more second and / or third meat part detector signals, and • determine a separation status based on • the expected first meat part detection period and the first meat part detector signals, and / or • the expected second and / or third meat part detection period and the second and / or third meat part detector signals.

18. A method for analysing a separation system, comprising a step of using a system according to any of the preceding claims.

19. A method for analysing a separation system, comprising the following steps: • separating a backhalve of a poultry carcass into a back part, a left leg, and a right leg, • guiding the back part into a back part trajectory, the left leg into a left leg trajectory, and the right leg into a right leg trajectory, • detecting • a left leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory, and a right leg separation section of the back part in the back part trajectory, and / or • the left leg in the left leg trajectory; and the right leg in the right leg trajectory • determining an expected back detection period and / or an expected leg detection period; • determine a separation status based on • the expected back detection period and detection of the left leg separation section and the right leg separation section, and / or• the expected leg detection period and detection of the left leg and the right leg.

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