Communication system for improved machine synergy and method for the same

Abstract

A communication system for improved machine synergy in a meat processing plant having a processing line and meat processing machines installed along the processing line and operable to act upon meat pieces transported along the processing line according to operational parameters is provided. The communication system comprises a monitoring system with data acquisition instruments and a central control unit. The central control unit is configured to receive and analyze the data collected by the data acquisition instruments, define refined operational parameters of the meat processing machines in order to increase yield, define a refined final product to manufacture from the meat pieces, or both, and transmit the refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines. There is also provided a method for improving machine synergy in a meat processing plant using the communication system.

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED MACHINESYNERGY AND METHOD FOR THE SAMETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and methods for improving machine synergy in a meat processing plant, and more particularly relates to a communication system provided with a central control unit for the meat processing plant.BACKGROUND

[0002] The meat packing industry evolves in a highly competitive market. With the ever- increasing world population and the associated demand for food, the pressure on the protein value chain is bound to grow even higher in the coming decades. On one side, the meat packing industry must meet the demand for an affordable source of protein. Meanwhile, on the other side, the farmers supplying the meat packing industry must deal with increasing energy and feed prices. These opposing pulls from the adjoining links of the value chain challenge the meat packers and ask for increased production efficiency as well as additional cost saving opportunities.

[0003] It is common practice in the beef and pork meat packing industry to manage production through batches. When this strategy is adopted, it involves increased storage capacity, either locally in containers on the production floor, or with additional cold room capacity. The additional storage capacity is required to accrue enough work- in-progress (WIP) material to obtain a quantity sufficient for economical batch processing. Under these circumstances, the optimization of material usage can only be done to a limited extent, and in all cases with a WIP and storage capacity trade-off.

[0004] In view of the above, there is a need for a technology which would be able to overcome or at least minimize some of the above-discussed concerns.SUMMARY

[0005] According to an aspect, a communication system for improved machine synergy in a meat processing plant having a processing line and meat processing machines installed along the processing line and operable to act upon meat pieces transported along the processing line according to operational parameters is provided. The communication system includes a monitoring system comprising data acquisition instruments adapted to collect, store and transmit data regarding the meat pieces transported along the processing line; and a central control unit operatively coupled to the meat processing machines and the monitoring system, the central control unit being configured to receive and analyze the data collected by the data acquisition instruments; based on the data analyzed, define refined operational parameters of the meat processing machines in order to increase yield, define a refined final product to manufacture from the meat pieces, or both; and transmit the refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines to implement corresponding corrective actions.

[0006] According to an embodiment, the monitoring system is operable without human intervention.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the central control unit is operable without human intervention.

[0008] According to an embodiment, at least one of the data acquisition instruments of the monitoring system is integrated in at least one of the meat processing machines.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the data acquisition instruments include standalone units provided along the processing line independently from the meat processing machines.

[0010] According to an embodiment, the data acquisition instruments are configured to collect and transmit the data in real time, and wherein the central control unit isconfigured to dynamically define and transmit refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines to dynamically implement the corrective actions.

[0011] According to an embodiment, the data acquisition instruments comprise at least one of a scale operable to determine a weight of the meat pieces and a camera.

[0012] According to an embodiment, the data acquisition instrument comprises a plurality of cameras defining a tracking system operable to track the meat pieces along the processing line.

[0013] According to an embodiment, the data acquisition instruments comprise an ultrasonic measuring device configured to provide at least one of a weight estimation of the meat pieces and a back fat measurement.

[0014] According to an embodiment, at least one of the data acquisition instruments is configured to provide measurements regarding fat quality data, and wherein the central control unit is configured to analyze the fat quality data to classify the meat pieces for a given final product specification.

[0015] According to an embodiment, at least one of the data acquisition instruments is configured to provide dimensional measurements of the meat pieces.

[0016] According to an embodiment, the dimensional measurements include a complete 3D scan of the meat pieces.

[0017] According to an embodiment, the data acquisition instruments are configured to collect data of complete animal carcasses.

[0018] According to an embodiment, the central control unit is configured to receive and analyze the data collected by a given data acquisition instrument along the processing line, and, based on the data analyzed, define and transmit refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines provided upstream of the given data acquisition instrument.

[0019] According to an embodiment, the central control unit is configured to receive and analyze the data collected by a given data acquisition instrument along the processing line, and, based on the data analyzed, define and transmit refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines provided downstream of the given data acquisition instrument.

[0020] According to an embodiment, the central control unit is configured to receive and analyze the data collected by a given data acquisition instrument along the processing line, and, based on the data analyzed, define and transmit a first set of refined operational parameters to one or more meat processing machines provided upstream of the given data acquisition instrument.

[0021] According to an embodiment, the central control unit is configured to define and transmit a second set of refined operational parameters to one or more meat processing machines provided downstream of the given data acquisition instrument.

[0022] According to another aspect, a method for improving machine synergy in a meat processing plant is provided and includes collecting data using a monitoring system regarding meat pieces travelling along a processing line; analyzing the data and defining refined operational parameters of meat processing machines; and including the refined operational parameters in operations of the meat processing machines for implementing corrective actions of the meat processing machines.

[0023] According to an embodiment, the step of collecting data is done without human intervention.

[0024] According to an embodiment, the step of analyzing the data is done without human intervention.

[0025] According to an embodiment, the step of defining refined operational parameters is done without human intervention.

[0026] According to an embodiment, the step of including the refined operational parameters in operations of the meat processing machines is done without human intervention.

[0027] According to an embodiment, the step of collecting data is done at a given location along the processing line, and wherein the refined operational parameters are sent to one or more of the meat processing machines upstream along the processing line relative to the given location.

[0028] According to an embodiment, the step of collecting data is done at a given location along the processing line, and wherein the refined operational parameters are sent to one or more of the meat processing machines downstream along the processing line relative to the given location.

[0029] According to an embodiment, the step of collecting data is done at a given location along the processing line, and wherein the refined operational parameters include a first set of data and a second set of data, the first set of data is sent to at least one of the meat processing machines located downstream along the processing line relative to the given location and the second set of data is sent to at least one of the meat processing machines located upstream along the processing line relative to the given location.

[0030] According to an embodiment, the step of analyzing the data and defining refined operational parameters is done directly by the meat processing machine receiving the first set of data or the second set of data.

[0031] According to an embodiment, the step of analyzing the data and defining refined operational parameters is done by a central control unit configured to receive the data collected by the monitoring system and transmit the refined operational parameters to corresponding meat processing machines.

[0032] According to an embodiment, the monitoring system is at least partially integrated within one or more of the meat processing machines.

[0033] According to an embodiment, the monitoring system includes standalone components configured to communicate with the meat processing machines.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the standalone components are configured to communicate directly with the meat processing machines.

[0035] According to an embodiment, the collected data includes fat profiles obtained on a harvest floor using an ultrasonic measurement system, and wherein the meat processing machine includes a defatting machine located on a cut floor and adapted to receive refined operational parameters created from the analysis of the fat profiles.

[0036] According to another aspect, a communication system for improved machine synergy in a meat processing plant having a processing line is provided. The communication system includes meat processing machines installed along the processing line and operable to act upon one or more meat pieces transported along the processing line according to operational parameters; and a monitoring system comprising data acquisition instruments operatively coupled to at least some of the meat processing machines and adapted to collect, store and transmit data regarding the meat pieces transported along the processing line, wherein the meat processing machine are configured to receive and analyze the data collected by the data acquisition instruments, and, based on analyzed data, define and implement refined operational parameters in order to act on subsequent meat pieces and : increase yield relative to previously processed meat pieces and / or define a refined final product to manufacture from the meat pieces.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the monitoring system is operable without human intervention.

[0038] According to an embodiment, the meat processing machines are operable without human intervention.

[0039] According to an embodiment, wherein one or more of the meat processing machines comprise at least one of the data acquisition instruments of the monitoring system to define an integrated system.

[0040] According to an embodiment, the meat processing machines are configured to receive and analyze data collected by the data acquisition instruments positioned downstream along the processing line.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the meat processing machines are configured to receive and analyze data collected by the data acquisition instruments positioned upstream along the processing line.

[0042] According to another aspect, a method for improving machine synergy in a meat processing plant is provided. The method includes collecting data using a monitoring system regarding meat pieces travelling along a processing line; analyzing the data to determine if one or more corrective actions are required; if the one or more corrective actions are required : defining refined operational parameters of a meat processing machine; and using the refined operational parameters for implementing the one or more corrective actions of the meat processing machine; if the one or more corrective actions are not required : maintain operational parameters of the meat processing machine.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a processing plant, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0044] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method for improving machine synergy, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0045] Figure 3 is a flowchart of a method for improving machine synergy, in accordance with an alternate embodiment.

[0046] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method for improving machine synergy, in accordance with another alternate embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] As will be explained below in relation to various implementations, the present disclosure describes apparatuses, systems and methods for improving operations and efficiency of devices and machines of a processing plant (also referred to as a processing facility). The devices and machines can be part of a meat processing plant, such as for the processing of animal carcasses for the production of specific pieces and products.

[0048] In some embodiments, the present disclosure describes a communication system for integration within a meat processing plant. The communication system includes a central control unit operatively connected to various machines on the plant floor. The central control unit is configured to collect and analyze data in order to make decisions in an attempt to increase efficiency of the meat processing plant. It is noted that an increase in efficiency can include an increase in throughput, in yield (e.g., by weight), in processing speeds (e.g., units processed per hour or per day), in the quality of the processed parts, in a more efficient use of the raw material, for example, and among others.

[0049] The communication system can make use of existing machines on the plant floor, such as measuring machines (e.g., scans), scales, cutting tools (e.g., saws, knives, lasers, waterjets, etc.), vision systems (e.g., cameras, etc.), for example. These machines can gather data during typical operations and using integrated scanning / measuring capabilities, which is sent to the central control unit for analysis. The central control unit can then communicate with any given machine in order to adjust operational parameters in order to increase efficiency of that particular machine and / or of the corresponding production line. It should thus be noted that the machines can gather data during typical operations while also making use of previously analyzed data such that two different sets of data can be simultaneously manipulated at any giventime. In some embodiments, machines and / or instruments can be installed along the production line which are configured, operable and dedicated to gathering and transmitting data to the central control unit. These data acquisition instruments can be installed in addition and / or proximate to the processing machines installed on the plant floor.

[0050] As will be described further below, the communication system is configured to operate without human intervention such that the various steps, including the data collection, data transmission, data analysis and implementation of corrective actions, are initiated and accomplished automatically and autonomously. This automated configuration can enable the creation of a feedback loop between the central control unit and the various machines. The feedback loop allows for near-constant communication between the central control unit and the machines such that corrective actions can be implemented at any given, desired and / or required moment. It is therefore noted that the feedback loop enables the central control unit to adjust the operational parameters of the machines nearly constantly. As such, the yield of the final product being manufactured can be increased and / or the quality of the final product can be similarly increased. In other words, the automatic feedback loop allows for continuous quality control and instant (or near-instant) feedback from the machines along the production line to enable implementing corrective actions. In some embodiments, machines can be configured to communicate directly with other machines, foregoing the central control unit. For instance, a machine can transmit data to a machine downstream (e.g., a subsequent machine along the processing line) and / or provide feedback to a machine upstream (e.g., a previous machine along the processing line). Corrective actions can thus be implemented via direct communication between machines along the processing line.

[0051] With reference to Figure 1 , a schematic representation of a processing plant 5 is shown. The processing plant 5 includes a processing plant floor provided with various machines 15 mounted along a processing line (or production line) 10 and operable to act upon a workpiece being transported along the production line 10 in order tomanufacture a final product 28. In the present disclosure, the processing plant 5 corresponds to a meat processing plant 20 having machines and tools for the production of meat products, and the processing plant floor corresponds to any section of the processing plant in which operations are made on the meat products (e.g., harvesting floor, cut floor, etc.). However, it should be noted that the devices, systems and methods described herein can be implemented in different plants for the production of different products. It should be noted that, as used herein, the expression “final product” can refer to the product manufactured at the end of the processing line, such as the product meant to be packaged and sold. Alternatively, in relation to a given meat processing machine, the “final product” can refer to the product produced by that specific machine. For instance, for a defatting machine, the final product corresponds to the piece of meat from which it removed the layer of fat. That “final product” can then move down the processing line, e.g., becoming the piece of meat to be processed by another machine.

[0052] In this embodiment, the machines 15 mounted along the processing line 10 correspond to meat processing machines 22 and are operable to act upon the material and / or workpiece 24 being transported. The workpiece 24 can include any one of an animal carcass (e.g., complete or partial) or a piece of meat (e.g., a piece or portion of an animal carcass). The workpiece 24 can be fresh, unprocessed, cut or processed (e.g., partially) prior to being acted upon by the meat processing machines 22. In the present disclosure, the workpieces 24 typically correspond to meat pieces 26, although it is appreciated that other types of workpieces can be used. As such, the meat processing machines 22 can be equipped with any suitable instrument, or combination thereof, including water jets, cutters such as circular saws, reciprocating saws, cutting blades, band saw, cutting wire and jaw cutter, ultrasonic cutters such as ultrasonic knifes and ultrasonic saws, lasers, skinner, grinder, tenderizer, injector, mixer, forming machine, packaging machine, etc. As seen in Figure 1 , a communication system 30 is provided and includes a central control unit (CCU) 32 configured to communicate with the meat processing machines 22 in order to improve the final product 28 being manufactured.

[0053] More specifically, the CCU 32 can be operatively connected to the meat processing machines 22 in order to adjust at least some operational parameters thereof. It is noted that the meat processing machines 22 operate according to operational parameters in order to act upon the workpieces 24 being conveyed along the production line 10. The operational parameters can include, among others, relative positions between the machine and the workpiece, a cutting path, a cutting speed, the desired final product 28 to be obtained from processing the workpiece 24, previous actions performed on the workpiece 24, meat temperature, overall dimensions, weight, physical characteristics such as presence of fat or other tissue types, dimension of a physical feature, prevalence of a tissue type in the meat, presence of a feature (or lack thereof), cut surface aspect, cut surface characteristics, presence of sawdust, characteristics of the sawdust, presence of damage on meat and / or associated parts, presence of damage on specific meat structure, surface aspect, presence of debris on the meat (e.g., meat flap, small pieces of meat or fat, etc.), presence of foreign material (e.g., bone shards, metal shards, gloves and other PPE, knives and other tools), number of units to be produced, etc.

[0054] In this embodiment, the CCU 32 can be adapted to adjust the operational parameters of the meat processing machines 22 in order to refine the final product 28 being manufactured. For example, the yield of the final product 28 can be increased, the quality of the final product 28 can be increased, or both. In some embodiments, an initial product, such as a complete or partial animal carcass, can be scanned and the data fed to a prediction model. The prediction model can use the received data to predict (e.g., estimate) possible dimensions, weights, etc., of one or more final products produceable from the initial product by interpolation. For example, prediction models can use different parameters to estimate primal cut weights, such as bone-in loin weight, from a scanned carcass. Prediction models can use machine-learning software, including Al technology, to better analyze the data and refine the estimates provided.

[0055] It is noted that the meat processing machines 22 are operable to act upon workpieces 24 that are transported along the processing line 10. For instance, the meatprocessing machines 22 can be adapted to transform a carcass into one or more meat pieces 26 based on implemented operational parameters. In some embodiments, the carcass can correspond to a pig carcass, and the meat processing machines 22 can act upon the carcass to produce products such as pork belly, tenderloin, sirloin, ham, bonein loin cuts, ribs, etc. The meat processing machines 22 can be partially- or fully- automated meat processing machines 22. In other words, the meat processing machines 22 can be operable without human intervention. As will be described further below, the communication system 30 is similarly configured to operate without human intervention, thereby defining an automated (e.g., autonomously operated) meat processing protocol or method.

[0056] The communication system 30 can include a monitoring system 34 configured to collect, store and / or transmit data regarding the meat pieces 26 to the CCU 32. The monitoring system 34 is thus operatively connected with the CCU 32 to enable data communication therebetween. In some embodiments, the monitoring system 34 includes data acquisition instruments 36 positioned along the processing line 10 and configured to collect data regarding the meat pieces 26 being conveyed along the processing line 10. The collected data is then transmitted to the CCU 32 for analysis and processing, as will be described further below.

[0057] The data acquisition instruments 36 can be positioned along the processing line 10 in different configurations. For instance, in some embodiments, one or more data acquisition instruments 36 can be in an integrated configuration, where the data acquisition instrument 36 is integrated with one of the meat processing machines 22 (e.g., the data acquisition instrument is a built-in instrument) and is working in collaboration therewith. In other words, one or more of the meat processing machines 22 can include an integrated data acquisition instrument 36. In some embodiments, a meat processing machine 22 can include a plurality of data acquisition instruments 36 configured to collect respective bits of information relative to the meat pieces 26. For example, a meat processing machine 22 can be provided with a first data acquisition instrument 36 configured to gather data regarding the presence of fat on a piece ofmeat. That same meat processing machine can be provided with a second data acquisition instrument 36 configured to gather data regarding the dimensions of a piece of meat. The first and second data acquisition instruments 36 can function in parallel to gather respective bits of information generally at the same time and / or in quick succession. It should be noted that different meat processing machines 22 can include different data acquisition instruments 36, and that each meat processing machine can include any suitable number of data acquisition instruments 36.

[0058] In some embodiments, one or more of the data acquisition instruments 36 can be in a standalone configuration, where the data acquisition instrument 36 is a standalone machine positioned at any suitable location along the processing line 10, for example. The standalone data acquisition instruments 36 can be positioned proximate to and / or spaced from one or more of the meat processing machines 22. The data acquisition instruments 36 can be positioned before or after any given one of the meat processing machines 22. In some embodiments, the standalone machine can be part of a manned station, where a worker would gather data (e.g., make measurements) manually and / or using a tool.

[0059] In some embodiments, one or more of the data acquisition instruments 36 can be in an add-on configuration, where the data acquisition instrument 36 is added (e.g., mounted) to a meat processing machine 22 and is working independently thereof. For example, the add-on configuration can correspond to a standalone data acquisition instrument 36 which is connected directly to a meat processing machine 22.

[0060] As seen in Figure 1 , a processing plant 5 can be provided with a plurality of data acquisition instruments 36 in any suitable combination of configurations. In this embodiment, a first data acquisition instrument 36a can be operated in the standalone configuration, a second data acquisition instrument 36b can be operated in the integrated configuration (e.g., integrated with a meat processing machine 22) and a third data acquisition instrument 36c can be operated in the add-on configuration (e.g., mounted to another meat processing machine 22).

[0061] It should be noted that a given processing plant 5 can be provided with any suitable number of data acquisition instruments 36 operated in any suitable configurations. It should also be noted that the number of data acquisition instruments 36 can be greater than, less than or equal to the number of meat processing machines 22. For instance, and as will be described further below, the meat processing machines 22 can be linked to respective data acquisition instruments 36, one meat processing machine 22 can be linked to a plurality of data acquisition instrument 36 and / or one data acquisition instrument 36 can be linked to a plurality of meat processing machines 22, such as via the CCU 32.

[0062] Different types of data can be collected by different types of data acquisition instruments 36. Examples of data acquisition instruments 36 include cameras, scales operable to determine a weight of the meat pieces 26, ultrasonic measuring devices to provide weight estimations and a back fat measurement, among others. Dimensional measurements, including a complete 3D scan of the meat pieces 26 and measurements such as a length, a depth and a height of the meat piece 26 can be performed, along with measurements regarding fat quality. It is understood that other types of data can be obtained via the data acquisition instruments 36 and transmitted to the CCU 32 to refine the operational parameters of the processing machines.

[0063] The data acquisition instruments 36 can also define a tracking system 38 configured to track a position of the meat pieces 26 along the processing line 10. The tracking system 38 can assist in monitoring the position of each one of the meat pieces 26 with respect to its general location along the processing line 10, its relative position with any one of the meat processing machines 22, etc. It is noted that the tracking system 38 can provide the CCU 32 with substantially accurate positional data relating to the pieces of meat 26. As such, information can be gathered and / or determined based on the positional data, such as the most recent operation completed on the meat piece 26, the upcoming operations, etc.

[0064] For example, if the positional data places a piece of meat 26 shortly after a defatting machine - it can be determined that the most recent operation accomplishedon that piece of meat 26 was a defatting operation. This information can be confirmed using another data acquisition instrument 36, such as via a camera (e.g., to visually confirm the removal of the fat), via a scale (e.g., to confirm the removal by measuring a reduced weight), or via any other suitable means. In some embodiments, the tracking system 38 can be adapted to detect features of the pieces of meat 26, such as natural features (e.g., type of carcass, specific part of carcass, etc.) or on added features. The added features can include food-grade edible and / or non-permanent printings provided on the meat pieces 26. The tracking system 38 can be configured to track the pieces of meat 26 by detecting these natural and / or added features, for example.

[0065] In some embodiments, the tracking system 38 can be adapted to recognize specific parts, features and / or characteristics of each piece of meat 26, for instance, to omit using printings. This configuration of the tracking system 38 can be implemented using different algorithms, including, but not limited to, algorithms implementing artificial intelligence and / or algorithms similar to those used for facial recognition, for example. Each piece of meat 26 can be first characterized by the tracking system 38 in order to identify the pieces of meat. The characteristics used to identify a specific piece of meat 26 are stored in a data system. In some embodiments, the characteristics used to identify the pieces of meat can include any one or combination of visual features of the piece of meat. For instance, natural features such as the overall geometry (e.g., the animal in question) and / or the geometry of a given part, such as the shoulder, the head, the legs, etc., can be used by the tracking system. Other exemplary features include, but are not limited to, the color of the meat, contour of muscle structure(s), bone section characteristic(s) and / or shape, bone section position, muscle section contour shape, fat layer thickness at reference points, tool (e.g., knife) marking(s), etc.

[0066] The pieces of meat 26 can be tracked at different tracking points along the production line 10, for example, by identifying the characteristics of the pieces of meat 26 at the different tracking points. It is noted that the identified characteristics can be compared with the data of the different characteristics of different pieces of meat stored in the data system. As such, when the tracking system 38 obtains a match (e.g.,reaches a certain threshold of similar characteristics between the tracked piece of meat and the data stored in the data system), information about the position of the piece of meat 26 on the production line 10 can be updated in the tracking system 38. This information can be transmitted to an external device, such as a computer, a tablet, a smartphone, a smartwatch, etc. Once a piece of meat has been processed through the production line 10, the data regarding this specific piece of meat 26 can be deleted from the data system, stored in another data system and / or simply kept in the data system.

[0067] It should be noted that that tracking system 38 can provide traceability of meat pieces 26 along the processing line 10 without the use of containers or bodies (e.g. tags) attached to the meat pieces. The tracking can be supported by several vision systems (e.g., cameras, scanners, etc.) along the production line 10, either as standalone systems or systems already existing in meat processing machines 22. In some embodiments, the tracking system 38 can use an Al-based software configured to recognize unique characteristics of each meat pieces 26, and track them along the production line 10. This tracking would support the decision making of the CCU 32.

[0068] In some embodiments, the CCU 32 can be configured, among other things, to analyze the data in order to classify the meat pieces 26 accordingly. For example, the fat quality data can be useful in classifying a carcass for a final product specification. The CCU 32 can be configured to communicate with the various instruments and machines to implement corrective actions and / or refined operational parameters in order to obtain the desired final product 28 (e.g., with the previously determined final product specification).

[0069] The CCU 32 is operatively coupled to the meat processing machines 22 and the monitoring system 34. The CCU 32 can be a computer, a processor, a controller or any other controlling device or combination thereof. During operation, the CCU 32 receives data from the meat processing machines 22 (e.g., current operational parameters) and from the monitoring system 34 (e.g., position, size, weight, quality, etc.). The CCU 32 analyzes the data in order to determine an improved or refined final product 28 which can be obtained / manufactured from a given piece of meat and to define and establishcorrective actions at any given step of the process for enabling the manufacturing of the improved or refined final product. It should be noted that the refined final product 28 can be obtained, for example, at least by increasing yield and / or increasing final product quality.

[0070] In order to manufacture the refined final product 28, the CCU 32 refines the operational parameters of one or more of the meat processing machines 22 based on the analysis performed using the data collected. More specifically, the CCU 32, the monitoring system 34 and the meat processing machines 22 can operate in collaboration with one another and according to a processing protocol 100.

[0071] In this embodiment, the monitoring system 34 and the CCU 32 can be configured to operate in collaboration with the meat processing machines 22 without human intervention. Referring now to Figure 2, a possible implementation of the processing protocol 100 is shown. In an initial step 102, data relating to meat pieces 26 being conveyed along the processing line 10 is collected using the data acquisition instruments 36. The data can be stored and / or transmitted to the CCU 32 (step 104). The CCU 32 analyzes the data received in order to define refined operational parameters (step 106). Finally, the CCU 32 transmits the refined operational parameters to the appropriate meat processing machine in order to work towards manufacturing a refined final product (step 108).

[0072] In some embodiments, the processing protocol 100 can be used to refine the operations of a given meat processing machine 22 for every different piece of meat 26 conveyed along the processing line 10. More specifically, and for example, prior to reaching a specific meat processing machine 22 (or the station provided with the machine), data can be collected using one or more data acquisition instruments 36 (step 102). The data can include the current state of the piece of meat (e.g., is it a complete carcass? Has it been processed? Etc.) and any other useful information (e.g., dimensions, weight, classification, etc.). The data is sent and analyzed by the CCU 32, which determines the actions which are required in order to manufacture the desired final product 28, including the actions required by the specific meat processing machine22. The CCU 32 then sends refined operational parameters to the specific meat processing machine 22 (step 108) in order to enable the specific meat processing machine 22 to perform the required actions.

[0073] In one exemplary implementation, a data acquisition instrument 36 can be configured to measure fat dimensions on a given piece of meat using precise measuring techniques. The generally exact fat dimensions (e.g., thickness) can be transmitted to the CCU 32 which can provide refined instructions to a defatting machine to improve the accuracy of the cut, thereby removing a refined amount of fat from that specific piece of meat. It is thus noted that the processing protocol 100 can be configured for downstream (or forward) refinement or optimization, where data is collected and analyzed in order to refine parameters and operations of machines located downstream of where the data was collected.

[0074] This implementation of the processing protocol 100 can be repeated for each subsequent piece of meat. It should also be understood that the processing protocol 100 can be implemented, as described above, for each one of the meat processing machines 22 along the processing line 10. In other words, data can be collected regarding each individual piece of meat 26 before and after each meat processing machine 22 in order to refine each step of the processing line 10 and produce individually refined final products 28 (i.e. , machine-specific refined final products).

[0075] In other embodiments, data can be collected at specific locations along the processing line 10. For example, data can be collected regarding the initial (e.g., unprocessed) piece of meat in order to provide initial operational parameters to the different meat processing machines 22. Then, data can be collected again once one or more final products 28 are manufactured. The CCU 32 can receive, analyze and compare the data in order to determine the current performance of the meat processing plant 20. The CCU 32 is then adapted to define and transmit refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines 22 to implement corrective actions in an attempt to improve the quality of the final products 28 being manufactured. The process can then be repeated, thereby defining a feedback loop 110. It is thus noted that theprocessing protocol 100 can be configured for upstream (or backward) refinement or optimization, where data is collected and analyzed in order to refine parameters and operations of machines located upstream of where the data was collected.

[0076] In an exemplary application, a belly trimming machine can be configured to monitor the quality of the side ribs removal step of a processing line, and provide feedback to the side ribs removal machine (e.g., the “Rib Puller”). Similarly, the Rib Puller can be adapted to measure the amount of lean transfer from the loin to the belly (i.e., “belly fingers”) and provide feedback to the loin defatting machine (e.g., the “Loin puller”). A loin back bone cutting machine (e.g., a chine bone saw) can be adapted to measure the width of the back ribs in order to provide feedback to a loin defatting machine. Other examples of backward refinement can include a shoulder neckbone machine (or connected vision system) adapted to analyze a shoulder cut accuracy to provide feedback to the shoulder saw, a middle rib saw (e.g., a scribe saw) can be adapted to measure a tail bone cut to provide feedback to the ham saw, etc.

[0077] This implementation of the processing protocol 100 can be useful, for example, in a scenario where different processing options, or output products can be produced by a meat processing machine 22. One or more data acquisition instruments 36 will gather data regarding the initial workpiece. The data is then sent to the CCU 32 for analysis. A decision about which end product to manufacture is then forwarded to the meat processing machine 22, which will process the workpiece accordingly. The output product can then be scanned and analyzed in order to implement, if required, corrective actions to the meat processing machine 22.

[0078] According to another possible embodiment, the processing protocol 100 can be implemented for the production of batches. For instance, the pieces of meat can be initially classified (e.g., based on collected data) and information relating to the different classes can be stored in the CCU 32. The CCU 32 can then provide general operational parameters to the different meat processing machines 22 based on the class of the upcoming pieces of meat. As such, batches of pieces of meats belonging to the same class can be fed along the processing line 10 to produce batches of final products withminimal adjustments to the operational parameters of the meat processing machines 22.

[0079] It should be appreciated and understood that any of the different implementations of the processing protocol 100 described above can be combined. For instance, when producing batches of final products, various scans and data collection can be accomplished at various locations along the processing line in order to create a feedback loop to continuously refine the final products.

[0080] Since the meat processing machines 22, the monitoring system 34 and the CCU 32 are configured to operate without human intervention, it is appreciated that the processing protocol 100 can similarly be implemented without human intervention. The operational parameters of the meat processing machines can therefore be autonomously and automatically refined. In some embodiments, there is a nearconstant communication between the CCU 32, the meat processing machines 22 and the data acquisition instruments 36. As such, corrective actions can be implemented at any given, desired and / or required moment. In other words, the CCU 32 can be configured to dynamically define and transmit the refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines 22, which in turn enables for dynamically implementing corrective actions. It should also be noted that the feedback loop created between the data acquisition instruments 36 and the CCU 32 allows for continuous quality control of the product being manufactured and provides instant (or near-instant) feedback to enable implementing (e.g., dynamically) corrective actions.

[0081] In some embodiments, the CCU is optional and can be omitted from the operations of the processing plant. In this embodiment, the meat processing machines can be configured to communicate directly with at least one other meat processing machine in order to implement the processing protocol (e.g., in order to implement corrective actions along the processing line). With reference to Figure 3, an alternate processing protocol 200 is shown. The alternate processing protocol 200 includes an initial step of collecting data regarding the meat pieces (step 202). This step is done using the monitoring system, which can include integrated data acquisition instruments(e.g., integrated in any given meat processing machine), standalone data acquisition instruments adapted to send the data to the meat processing machines, or both. The collected data can be gathered before and / or after the meat processing machine. In other words, the data can be collected before and / or after operating the meat processing machine and modifying the piece of meat.

[0082] The data is then transmitted to one or more meat processing machines (step 204). In this embodiment, the data is transmitted from one meat processing machine to another. The data can be sent from a first meat processing machine to a second meat processing machine located downstream relative to the first meat processing machine, or to a third meat processing machine located upstream relative to the first meat processing. The present embodiment of the processing protocol 200 can thus be configured for upstream and / or downstream refinement or optimization. The second and / or third meat processing machines can be equipped with components enabling the analysis of the data received and the refinement of their operational parameters (step 206). Using the refined operational parameters, the second and / or third meat processing machines can implement corrective actions for upcoming meat pieces, for example (step 208).

[0083] The processing protocol 200 can then be repeated, thereby defining a feedback loop 210 between at least two meat processing machines. It is noted that any one of the meat processing machines can communicate with any other meat processing machine. Therefore, a web of communication can be established to assist in refining the operational parameters of the meat processing machines disposed along the processing line. For instance, a first meat processing machine can help refine the operation of a second meat processing machine, which can in turn help refine the operation of a third meat processing machine (e.g., chained refinement). In another example, the first meat processing machine can help refine the operation of the second meat processing machine, and the second meat processing machine can help refine the operation of the first meat processing machine (e.g., mutual refinement).

[0084] With reference to Figure 4, yet another alternate processing protocol 300 is shown. In this embodiment, the meat processing machine which gathers the data (at step 302) is also configured to analyze the data and define refined operational parameters of at least one other meat processing machine (step 304). Then, the refined operational parameters are transmitted to the at least one other meat processing machine (step 306) which uses the received parameters to implement corrective actions (step 308). The processing protocol 300 can then be repeated, thereby defining a feedback loop 310 between at least two meat processing machines. It is noted that, in the present processing protocol 300, the refined operational parameters corresponds to the data being transmitted between machines, whereas, in the previous processing protocol 200, the gathered data (e.g., raw data) corresponds to the data being transmitted between machines.

[0085] In some embodiments, a meat processing machine can be configured to: 1 ) collect data regarding a piece of meat upstream to its position; 2) perform an action on the piece of meat; and 3) collect data regarding the piece of meat downstream of its position. The meat processing machine can then analyze the data in order to define refined operational parameters for itself (e.g., self refinement). It is thus appreciated that the feedback loop is shortened by enabling the meat processing machines to “selfrefine”. In some embodiments, a standalone auditing system can be installed proximate a machine, after a cut, to similarly shorten the feedback loop. If the processing plant is not equipped with fully automated equipment, the auditing system and / or available automated equipment can be adapted to provide cut quality information to manual operators through a dashboard or monitor. The operators can then analyze the data for improvement purposes.

[0086] In some embodiments, the data acquisition instruments can alternatively, or additionally, be configured to provide information regarding equipment wear and the general state of the tools and machine parts. It should be understood that worn out tools affect the quality of the actions performed, thus impacting the quality of the final product. With the monitoring system 34, it is possible to obtain data about the quality of the cutsand therefore the state of the cutting tools. Upon the detection of worn out tools and / or poor quality cuts, a signal can be sent to trigger a tool replacement or maintenance with minimal delay. It is noted that timely replacement and / or repair of tools benefits overall production quality.

[0087] It is worth mentioning that whereas existing optimization technology can increase the yield of an individual input material piece, the proposed solution allows for whole carcass optimization. For example, during processing operations of a pig carcass: the tenderloin may be removed prior to the main table landing for carcasses selected for boneless loin production; the carcass yield can be increased / refined by adjusting the ham cut depending on the selected loin final product (i.e.: bone-in or boneless) and the respective values of the meat parts; the shoulder cut can be adjusted based on a previous cut (e.g., center cut), based on shoulder / loin / belly / side ribs / back ribs values, etc.; the pork middle can be scribed (i.e., pre-cutting of ribs) to a different specification when the loin must be boned; the fat can be trimmed off the loin differently when the loin is to be boned, whereas the common practice in pork meat packing plants is to trim all loins the same way, regardless of the presence of bones; etc.

[0088] In an exemplary embodiment, the proposed solution can include the following steps : An ultrasonic backfat measurement system scans a complete or partial pig carcass; Scales provide weight measurement of the pig carcass; CCU (or meat processing machine) receives and analyzes data from previous steps to predict primal weights (e.g., bone-in and boneless loin) and stores loin fat thickness;A backfinning machine receives signal from the CCU (or the meat processing machine) if it should cut or not a carcass (i.e. , cut = boneless loin, no cut = bonein loin); o Depending on if the loin is intended for bone-in or boneless, the tenderloin is removed. A boneless loin will be made out of a carcass previously backfinned; the carcass yield can be increased / refined by adjusting the ham cut depending on the selected loin final product (i.e.: bone-in or boneless) and the respective values of the meat parts; the shoulder cut can be adjusted based on a previous cut (e.g., center cut), based on shoulder / loin / belly / side ribs / back ribs values, etc.; the pork middle can be scribed (i.e., pre-cutting of ribs) to a different specification when the loin must be boned; the fat can be trimmed off the loin differently when the loin is to be boned, whereas the common practice in pork meat packing plants is to trim all loins the same way, regardless of the presence of bones; o the fat measurements acquired by the CCU (or meat processing machine) can be reused for a more accurate blade control method.

[0089] It will be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure that there is provided a processing plant communication system configured to refine, in real-time (e.g., dynamically), a production line throughput and material use. The central control unit of the communication system uses data and information acquired from machines on the production line and / or from standalone monitoring systems. The CCU analyzes the data and the information to make a decision regarding whether corrective actions are required at different parts of the production line. The corrective actions, if any, are then implemented to refine the product being manufactured, such as by increasing its yield or quality.

[0090] The performance of the machines along the production line can thus be increased, refined and / or optimized by improving, refining or optimizing their operationalparameters. The operational parameters can be refined based on one or more factors, including initial workpiece specifications (e.g., type of product being processed, size of initial workpiece, quality of initial workpiece, temperature of initial workpiece, etc.), final product specifications (e.g., type of product to produce, size of final product, quality requirement of final product, etc.), equipment wear and / or damage, work environment characteristics (e.g., temperature, humidity, lighting conditions, etc.), among others.

[0091] The real-time adjustments of the operational parameters of the machines along the production line allows for the removal of buffer zones (e.g., cold storage rooms) where workpieces to be processed are stored based on product specifications. The dynamic (e.g., real-time) adjustments enable each individual workpiece to be processed according to refined parameters, thereby increasing the plant’s throughput. The removal of buffer zones facilitates tracking performance of the workpieces since it is no longer required to maintain a classification system so that the graded workpieces (e.g., animal carcasses or parts thereof) may be retrieved later for further processing. Buffer zones also require additional footprint on the production floor, increase throughput time and involves more material movement, which can correspond to a waste of energy and / or additional risks to workers.

[0092] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the subject matter of the claims. The described example embodiments are to be considered in all respects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. For example, the system disclosed herein analyzes the gathered data to refine operational parameters of various machines to increase the value of the products being manufactured. In other words, the various machines of a processing plant can be configured to synergize to use value-based optimization (Value Grading®) in order to select the most profitable cuts and / or breakdown recipe for a carcass and / or primals. However, in some embodiments, the best value / top tier products (obtained from valuebased optimization) do not correspond to what a customer has ordered and / or what a customer can afford. Therefore, the analysis and optimization process can be definedconsidering sales orders that need to be achieved, which can result in predetermined parameters being used as a baseline to guide the operations of the various machines.

[0093] In the present disclosure, an embodiment is an example or implementation of the described devices, systems and methods. The various appearances of “one embodiment,” “an embodiment” or “some embodiments” do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiments. Although various features may be described in the context of a single embodiment, the features may also be provided separately or in any suitable combination. Conversely, although the described devices, systems and methods may be described herein in the context of separate embodiments for clarity, it may also be embodied in a single embodiment. Reference in the specification to “some embodiments”, “an embodiment”, “one embodiment”, or “other embodiments”, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiments is included in at least some embodiments, but not necessarily in all embodiments.

[0094] As used herein, the terms “coupled”, “coupling”, “attached”, ’’connected” or variants thereof as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled, coupling, connected or attached can have a mechanical connotation. For example, as used herein, the terms coupled, coupling or attached can indicate that two elements or devices are directly connected to one another or connected to one another through one or more intermediate elements or devices via a mechanical element depending on the particular context.

[0095] Similarly, positional descriptions such as “top”, “bottom”, “above”, “under”, “below”, “left”, “right”, “front”, “rear”, “parallel”, “perpendicular”, “transverse”, “inner”, “outer”, “internal”, “external”, and the like should, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of the figures and should not be considered limiting.

[0096] In the above description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements. Furthermore, for the sake of simplicity and clarity, namely so as to not undulyburden the figures with several references numbers, not all figures contain references to all the components and features, and references to some components and features may be found in only one figure, and components and features of the present disclosure which are illustrated in other figures can be easily inferred therefrom. The implementations, geometrical configurations, materials mentioned and / or dimensions shown in the figures are optional, and are given for exemplification purposes only.

[0097] In addition, although the optional configurations as illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises various components and although the optional configurations of the described devices and systems as shown may consist of certain geometrical configurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of these components and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken in their restrictive sense, i.e. should not be taken as to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other suitable components and cooperations thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometrical configurations may be used for the implementation and use of the described devices and systems, and corresponding parts, as briefly explained and as can be easily inferred herefrom, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A communication system for improved machine synergy in a pork or beef processing plant having a processing line and meat processing machines for pork or beef installed along the processing line, the meat processing machines being operable to act upon meat pieces transported along the processing line according to operational parameters, the communication system comprising: a monitoring system comprising data acquisition instruments adapted to collect, store and transmit data regarding the meat pieces transported along the processing line; and a central control unit operatively coupled to the meat processing machines and the monitoring system, the central control unit being configured to: receive and analyze the data collected by the data acquisition instruments; based on the data analyzed, define refined operational parameters of the meat processing machines in order to: A) increase yield; or B) define a refined final product to manufacture from the meat pieces, or both; and transmit the refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines to enable the meat processing machines to implement corresponding corrective actions.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the monitoring system is operable without human intervention.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the central control unit is operable without human intervention.

4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one of the data acquisition instruments of the monitoring system is integrated in at least one of the meat processing machines.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the data acquisition instruments include at least one standalone unit provided along the processing line, the at least one standalone unit being independent from the meat processing machines.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the data acquisition instruments are configured to collect and transmit the data in real time, and wherein the central control unit is configured to dynamically define and transmit refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines to enable dynamically implementing the corrective actions.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the data acquisition instruments comprise at least one of a scale operable to determine a weight of the meat pieces and a camera.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the data acquisition instrument comprises a vision system defining a tracking system operable to track the meat pieces along the processing line.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the tracking system is configured to monitor the position of the meat pieces relative to the processing line, relative to the meat processing machines and / or relative to other meat pieces.

10. The system of claim 8 or 9, wherein the tracking system is adapted to detect visual features of the pieces of meat.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the visual features include natural features and / or added features including food-grade edible ink and / or non-permanent printings provided on the meat pieces.

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the natural features include at least one of a type of carcass from which originates the piece of meat, a specific part of the carcass and / or of the piece of meat, a geometry of the carcass or specific part thereof and a color of the carcass or specific part thereof.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the data acquisition instruments comprise an ultrasonic measuring device configured to provide at least one of a weight estimation of the meat pieces and a back fat measurement.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at least one of the data acquisition instruments is configured to provide measurements regarding fat quality data and / or meat quality data, and wherein the central control unit is configured to analyze the fat quality data and / or the meat quality data to classify the meat pieces for a given final product specification.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein at least one of the data acquisition instruments is configured to provide dimensional measurements of the meat pieces.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the dimensional measurements include a complete 3D scan of the meat pieces.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the data acquisition instruments are configured to collect data of complete animal carcasses.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the central control unit is configured to receive and analyze the data collected by a given data acquisition instrument along the processing line, and, based on the data analyzed, define and transmit refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines provided upstream of the given data acquisition instrument.

19. The system of any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the central control unit is configured to receive and analyze the data collected by a given data acquisition instrument along the processing line, and, based on the data analyzed, define and transmit refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines provided downstream of the given data acquisition instrument.

20. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the central control unit is configured to receive and analyze the data collected by a given data acquisition instrument along the processing line, and, based on the data analyzed, define and transmit a first set of refined operational parameters to one or more meat processing machines provided upstream of the given data acquisition instrument.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein the central control unit is configured to define and transmit a second set of refined operational parameters to one or more meat processing machines provided downstream of the given data acquisition instrument.

22. A method for improving machine synergy in a meat processing plant, the method comprising: collecting data using a monitoring system regarding meat pieces travelling along a processing line;analyzing the data and defining refined operational parameters of meat processing machines; and including the refined operational parameters in operations of the meat processing machines for implementing corrective actions of the meat processing machines.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the step of collecting data is done without human intervention.

24. The method of claim 22 or 23, wherein the step of analyzing the data is done without human intervention.

25. The method of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the step of defining refined operational parameters is done without human intervention.

26. The method of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the step of including the refined operational parameters in operations of the meat processing machines is done without human intervention.

27. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the step of collecting data is done at a given location along the processing line, and wherein the refined operational parameters are sent to one or more of the meat processing machines upstream along the processing line relative to the given location.

28. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the step of collecting data is done at a given location along the processing line, and wherein the refined operational parameters are sent to one or more of the meat processing machines downstream along the processing line relative to the given location.

29. The method of any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the step of collecting data is done at a given location along the processing line, and wherein the refinedoperational parameters include a first set of data and a second set of data, the first set of data is sent to at least one of the meat processing machines located downstream along the processing line relative to the given location and the second set of data is sent to at least one of the meat processing machines located upstream along the processing line relative to the given location.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the step of analyzing the data and defining refined operational parameters is done directly by the meat processing machine receiving the first set of data or the second set of data.31 . The method of claim 29, wherein the step of analyzing the data and defining refined operational parameters is done by a central control unit configured to receive the data collected by the monitoring system and transmit the refined operational parameters to corresponding meat processing machines.

32. The method of any one of claims 22 to 31 , wherein the monitoring system is at least partially integrated within one or more of the meat processing machines.

33. The method of any one of claims 22 to 32, wherein the monitoring system includes standalone components configured to communicate with the meat processing machines.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein the standalone components are configured to communicate directly with the meat processing machines.

35. The method of any one of claims 22 to 34, wherein the collected data includes fat profiles obtained on a harvest floor using an ultrasonic measurement system, and wherein the meat processing machine includes a defatting machine located on a cut floor and adapted to receive refined operational parameters created from the analysis of the fat profiles.

36. A communication system for improved machine synergy in a pork or beef processing plant having a processing line, the communication system comprising: meat processing machines installed along the processing line and operable to act upon one or more pork or beef meat pieces transported along the processing line according to operational parameters; and a monitoring system comprising data acquisition instruments operatively coupled to at least some of the meat processing machines and adapted to collect, store and transmit data regarding the meat pieces transported along the processing line, wherein the meat processing machine are configured to receive and analyze the data collected by the data acquisition instruments, and, based on analyzed data, define and implement refined operational parameters in order to act on subsequent meat pieces and; increase yield relative to previously processed meat pieces and / or define a refined final product to manufacture from the meat pieces.

37. The system of claim 36, wherein the monitoring system is operable without human intervention.

38. The system of claim 36 or 37, wherein the meat processing machines are operable without human intervention.

39. The system of any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein one or more of the meat processing machines comprise at least one of the data acquisition instruments of the monitoring system to define an integrated system.

40. The system of any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the meat processing machines are configured to receive and analyze data collected by the data acquisition instruments positioned downstream along the processing line.

41. The system of any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the meat processing machines are configured to receive and analyze data collected by the data acquisition instruments positioned upstream along the processing line.

42. A method for improving machine synergy in a meat processing plant, the method comprising: collecting data using a monitoring system regarding meat pieces travelling along a processing line; analyzing the data to determine if one or more corrective actions are required; if the one or more corrective actions are required: defining refined operational parameters of a meat processing machine; and using the refined operational parameters for implementing the one or more corrective actions of the meat processing machine; if the one or more corrective actions are not required: maintain operational parameters of the meat processing machine.

43. The method of claim 42, further comprising the features of any one of claims 22 to 35.

44. The method of claim 42 or 43, wherein the meat processing machine is part of the system of any one of claims 1 to 21 and 36 to 41 .

45. A communication system for improved machine synergy in a meat processing plant having a processing line and meat processing machines installed along the processing line, the meat processing machine being operable to act upon meat pieces transported along the processing line according to operational parameters, the communication system comprising: a monitoring system comprising data acquisition instruments adapted to collect, store and transmit data regarding the meat pieces transported along the processing line; and a central control unit operatively coupled to the meat processing machines and the monitoring system, the central control unit being configured to: receive and analyze the data collected by the data acquisition instruments; based on the data analyzed, define refined operational parameters of the meat processing machines in order to: A) increase yield; or B) define a refined final product to manufacture from the meat pieces, or both; and transmit the refined operational parameters to the meat processing machines to enable the meat processing machines to implement corresponding corrective actions.

46. A communication system for improved machine synergy in a meat processing plant having a processing line, the communication system comprising: meat processing machines installed along the processing line and operable to act upon one or more meat pieces transported along the processing line according to operational parameters; and a monitoring system comprising data acquisition instruments operatively coupled to at least some of the meat processing machinesand adapted to collect, store and transmit data regarding the meat pieces transported along the processing line, wherein the meat processing machine are configured to receive and analyze the data collected by the data acquisition instruments, and, based on analyzed data, define and implement refined operational parameters in order to act on subsequent meat pieces and; increase yield relative to previously processed meat pieces and / or define a refined final product to manufacture from the meat pieces.

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