Apparatus for inspecting incubating egg

Abstract

The present invention is used for classifying a bird having a feature portion and a bird other than the aforementioned bird through a high-speed and non-invasive method at a commercially based incubation site, and comprises an imaging unit for non-destructively imaging an incubating egg from the outside using a camera, an identification unit for identifying an embryo region on the basis of the captured image, and a detection unit for detecting whether a feature portion is present within the embryo region. The detection unit performs detection using another image obtained by imaging the same incubating egg. It is preferable that the present invention furthermore comprises a re-inspection unit for redoing the imaging performed by the imaging unit in cases where the embryo region cannot be identified by the identification unit.

Description

Inspection equipment for eggs in the hatching process

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for inspecting eggs after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of incubation.

[0002] As shown in Figure 1, eggs produced at breeding chicken farms are called hatching eggs. They are first collected in an egg storage area, then undergo a process called pre-warming before being placed in an incubator at a hatchery. After approximately 21 days of warming, the eggs hatch into chicks. In the case of egg farms, male chicks have little economic value. Not only are they unable to be used for egg production, but even if they are used for meat production, their meat-producing ability is inferior to that of broiler chickens. Therefore, hatched male chicks are discarded after sexing. In Japan, more than 100 million male layer chicks are discarded annually, accounting for approximately half of the total. This not only represents an economic loss due to the incubation costs of male chicks, but is also problematic from a bioethical perspective.

[0003] Therefore, a method is desired that can select a group of eggs that have a high rate of hatching chicks of a specific sex, and various attempts have been made to determine the sex of chicks before they hatch (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a method for determining the sex of birds based on the eye color of each egg in a group of avian eggs. The method uses an eye pigment expression gene on the Z chromosome, an avian sex chromosome, to change the eye color of male and female birds, and determines the sex of the birds based on this. It describes eye pigments such as eumelanin (brown to black) or pheomelanin (yellow to red). It also discloses that the eye pigment of one of the male and female birds is suppressed to make it transparent, and that the eye development period in chickens is approximately 72 hours (approximately 3 to 4 days) of incubation.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a method for determining the sex of birds in a group of avian eggs based on a marker gene in each egg within the group. This method utilizes a fluorescence detection system in which male avian embryos constitutively express, for example, green fluorescent protein. Fluorescent proteins emit fluorescence when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, and the presence of the protein can be confirmed by detecting this fluorescence. It is disclosed that detection is possible within one or two days after egg laying.

[0006] Patent No. 7493194 Patent No. 7493940

[0007] When distinguishing between birds using the eye features and embryo features containing fluorescent proteins, non-destructive testing is difficult. As a result of intensive research, the inventors discovered a new problem: when non-destructively testing bird features, blood vessels and egg yolk can have a significant effect.

[0008] The egg contains a yolk in the center, and a germinal disc on top of the yolk. As incubation begins, cleavage progresses, and the embryo and surrounding blood vessels begin to form. By the time distinctive features of a bird, such as eyes, feathers, or embryos containing fluorescent proteins, have formed, blood vessels have grown around those features, and most of the yolk remains.

[0009] The present invention aims at at least at commercial hatcheries to classify birds with distinctive features from other birds in a fast and non-invasive manner.

[0010] The device for inspecting eggs in the process of hatching of the present invention comprises an imaging unit that takes non-destructive external photographs of the eggs in the process of hatching with a camera, an identification unit that identifies the area of ​​the embryo based on the captured image, and a detection unit that detects whether or not there is a characteristic part within the area of ​​the embryo.

[0011] As used herein, the term "embryo" refers not only to the actual "embryo" but also to the "blastocyst" and "blastoderm" from which the embryo develops. In the case of a fertilized egg, embryonic development proceeds from this blastocyst.

[0012] The present invention allows commercial hatcheries to classify birds with distinctive features from those without in a fast and non-invasive manner.

[0013] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a flow diagram showing the chick production process in a typical hatchery. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the chick production system of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing eggs in a setter tray. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing eggs that change position. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an egg image captured by the imaging unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing the chick inspection process of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing the chick production process of the present embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the chick inspection process according to a modified example.

[0015] 2 to 9, one embodiment of the present invention will be described. The chick production system S of this embodiment identifies bird eyes (embryo eyes B1), which are an example of a characteristic part of an egg E, from a partially hatched egg (hereinafter referred to as "egg E") after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the start of incubation, predicts the sex of the chick that will hatch from the pigment of the bird eyes, and non-destructively extracts a group of eggs E with a high incidence of chicks of the undesired sex.

[0016] 2, the chick production system S according to this embodiment includes an egg inspection device 1, a sorting unit 18, and a generating unit 19. The egg inspection device 1 includes a removal unit 10, a position change unit 11, a lift unit 12, irradiation units 131 and 132, an imaging unit 14, an identification unit 15, a detection unit 16, and a re-inspection unit 17.

[0017] The removal unit 10 removes eggs E from the setter tray T1 (see Figure 3) after incubation has begun. The setter tray T1 has a plurality of egg seats on which the eggs E are placed. The egg seats have a bottom that opens downward and have protrusions that hold the eggs E. The removal unit 10 transfers the eggs E removed from the setter tray T1 to an inverted setter tray T3 (see Figure 4). Transferring to the inverted setter tray T3 may be performed by a dedicated machine or by hand.

[0018] The inverted setter tray T3 may have the same structure as the setter tray T1, or may have a shape that faces the setter tray T1 to form a pair. It is preferable that the inverted setter tray T3 takes into consideration the load applied to the eggs during inspection (for example, collisions of eggs due to rotation or tilting). The inverted setter tray T3 is provided with walls T4 that prevent adjacent eggs from touching each other when the eggs E are transferred from the setter tray T1. A plurality of walls T4 are provided around the storage section in which the eggs E are stored.

[0019] The position changing unit 11 changes the position of the egg E. In this embodiment, an inverting unit (not shown) and an inverting setter tray T3 are used to invert the position of the egg E in the setter tray T3, and the entire setter tray T3 is tilted diagonally as shown in Figures 5 and 6. When the egg E is upright, the embryo B is located near the air cell A (see Figures 3 and 4). After the egg E is inverted, the embryo B gradually begins to move, and after waiting for several seconds to several minutes, the embryo B moves away from the air cell A and moves to the side or upward in that position, i.e., near the eggshell around the body (see Figure 6).

[0020] As shown in FIG. 6 , the lift unit 12 holds the eggs E between the support unit 21 and the cap unit 26. The lift unit 12 lifts the eggs E from the inverted setter tray T3. The lift unit 12 is provided so as to be movable up and down relative to the inverted setter tray T3. When the inverted setter tray T3 is stopped in each imaging area, the lift unit 12 moves from below to above the setter tray T3, contacting the bottoms of the eggs E arranged in a predetermined row on the setter tray T3 and lifting the eggs E. Specifically, the lift unit 12 includes support units 21 provided corresponding to each of the eggs E, connecting members (not shown) to which the support units 21 are provided, and an actuator (not shown) that moves the connecting members up and down. The actuator is, for example, an air cylinder. The actuator is controlled by the control unit 24 to move the support units 21 up and down relative to the setter tray T3.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 6 , the irradiation units 131 and 132 irradiate eggs E with light from the outside. The irradiation units 131 and 132 may be, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit white light. The irradiation units 131 and 132 irradiate each of the eggs E arranged in a row with light from above and below. That is, two irradiation units 131 and 132 are provided, one above the other, for each egg E. The upper irradiation unit 131 is provided above the egg E lifted by the lift unit 12. The upper irradiation unit 131 is provided with a cap unit 26 that surrounds and contacts the upper end of the egg E lifted by the lift unit 12. The cap unit 26 is made of an elastically deformable material to absorb variations in the shape of the egg E. The upper irradiation unit 131 irradiates the interior of the egg E from above via the cap unit 26. The lower irradiation unit 132 is provided inside the support unit 21 of the lift unit 12. The lower irradiation unit 132 irradiates the inside of the egg E with light from below via the contact unit 27 of the support unit 21. In Fig. 6, the light irradiated onto the egg E from the upper and lower irradiation units 131, 132 is indicated by arrows.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 6 , the imaging unit 14 takes images from the outside of the eggshell in a non-destructive manner. The imaging unit 14 is placed above the egg E and is directed toward the girth of the egg E. The imaging unit 14 takes an image of the egg E. For example, the image of the egg E is made so that the bird embryo B and characteristic parts appear darker than the yolk and blood vessels. Therefore, the bird embryo and characteristic parts can be identified based on the shading of the image of the egg E. The imaging unit 14 in this embodiment is a color camera. The location of the imaging unit 14 is not limited to that shown in the figure, and may be, for example, to the side or directly above. The number of imaging units 14 is also not limited to one, and may be multiple.

[0023] The identification unit 15 and the detection unit 16 are configured by a dedicated or general-purpose computer including a CPU, internal memory, an input / output interface, an AD conversion unit, etc. The functions of the identification unit 15 and the detection unit 16 are fulfilled by the cooperation of the CPU and other peripheral devices in accordance with a program stored in the internal memory. Furthermore, the identification unit 15 and the detection unit 16 may be configured by a physically integrated computer, or may be configured by physically separate computers.

[0024] The identification unit 15 identifies the embryo region based on the captured image (see FIG. 7 ). In this embodiment, the identification unit 15 identifies, from a G image obtained by decomposing the captured color image pixel by pixel, a region within the outline of the egg where the G value of each pixel is smaller than a predetermined threshold as the "embryonic region." If the size of the region exceeds a predetermined threshold for embryo size, it is determined that an embryo is present. This threshold is preferably adjusted according to the characteristics of each egg. For example, because the thickness of the eggshell of egg E varies from individual to individual, the average brightness value within the outline of the egg is calculated, and then the threshold is corrected using this average. On the other hand, if the size of the "embryonic region" is equal to or smaller than the threshold, it is possible that the embryo is in the middle of its developmental stage or that the egg is unfertilized.

[0025] The detection unit 16 detects whether or not a characteristic feature is present within the embryo region. The detection unit 16 non-destructively irradiates light onto the egg E from outside the eggshell after incubation has begun and identifies the region of the embryo's eye B1 based on an image captured. The detection unit 16 estimates the region of the embryo's eye B1, which is a characteristic feature of a bird, in this case, the location of pigments (eumelanin and pheomelanin) traditionally found in bird eyes. To distinguish between the bird's characteristic feature and the yolk, blood vessels, embryo B, and other components within the egg E, the detection unit 16 preferably uses a wavelength that is absorbed by the bird's characteristic feature (a wavelength absorbed by the eumelanin and pheomelanin contained in the embryo's eye B1) but is not easily absorbed by the yolk, blood vessels, and embryo B. A wavelength between 500 nm and 800 nm makes it easy to distinguish between the embryo B and blood vessels and the embryo's eye B1. The irradiation units 131 and 132 preferably use a wavelength that is more easily absorbed by the embryo's eye B1 than by the embryo B and blood vessels. In this embodiment, the detection unit 16 identifies, from the R image obtained by decomposing the captured color image pixel by pixel, an area within the outline of the egg E where the R value of each pixel is smaller than a predetermined threshold as an "eye area." If the size of the area exceeds a predetermined threshold for the size of an eye B1, the detection unit 16 identifies the presence of an eye B1. This threshold is preferably adjusted according to the characteristics of each individual egg. For example, because the thickness of the eggshell varies from egg to egg, the detection unit 16 calculates the average brightness value within the outline of the egg and then uses this average to correct the threshold.

[0026] For example, using the technology of Patent Document 1, if male birds have dark eye colors and female birds have clear or reddish eye colors, the dark eye color is detected as a characteristic feature. When classifying into two groups, male and female, if the eye region of the embryo can be detected, the embryo is classified into a group with a high probability of hatching male chicks, and if the eye region of the embryo cannot be detected, the embryo is classified into a group with a high probability of hatching female chicks. It is also possible to set multiple thresholds and classify into three or more groups, male, female, and unknown. Specifically, the group can be divided into a group with a high probability of hatching male chicks, a group with a possibility of hatching both male and female chicks, and a group with a high probability of hatching female chicks. In addition to the sex of the chicks, the groups can also be divided based on the state of the eggs E, for example, whether they are alive or dead.

[0027] The detection unit 16 detects the position of the pigmented portion of the bird's eye B1 based on an image taken at a first time point from the start of incubation (e.g., the fifth day of incubation, the same applies hereinafter). The first time point is not limited to the fifth day of incubation, but may be before or after that (e.g., any one of the third to sixth days of incubation), or may be the seventh day or later. As another example, the image taken at the first time point from the start of incubation may be compared with an image taken at a second time point different from the first time point.

[0028] The identification unit 15 and the detection unit 16 may have identification rules / detection rules created by a human, or may be a learning model generated using machine learning. One example of machine learning is to use a neural network including an input layer, one or more intermediate layers, and an output layer to perform learning using a learning dataset including images and labels in a learning mode, and then make a judgment in a prediction mode using the parameters. Machine learning may be supervised learning or unsupervised learning.

[0029] If the identification unit 15 cannot identify the region of the embryo, the re-examination unit 17 redoes the image capture using the imaging unit 14. In order to change the examination site of the egg E, for example, the rotation transmission unit 25 is used to rotate the egg E about its long axis while it is clamped by the lift unit 12, and then the next image capture is performed. Alternatively, the re-examination unit 17 may capture the egg E from a different angle using a camera separate from the imaging unit 14.

[0030] The sorting unit 18 sorts eggs E that will hatch into female chicks based on information obtained from the identification unit 15 and the detection unit 16. Eggs E determined to be female by the identification unit 15 and the detection unit 16 are loaded into a setter tray T1 using a transfer device or the like. On the other hand, eggs E determined to be male by the identification unit 15 and the detection unit 16, eggs E determined to be unfertilized by the identification unit 15, and eggs E determined to be other abnormal eggs are not returned to the incubator.

[0031] The hatching unit 19 hatches chicks from the eggs E selected by the sorting unit 18. Eggs E that are determined to be female continue to be incubated in an incubator.

[0032] Next, a chick production method using the chick production system S of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Before being placed in an incubator, an egg E has a yolk in the center, which is surrounded by albumen, and the eggshell further surrounds and protects the outside. A blastocyst is located on top of the yolk, and as incubation begins, cleavage progresses, eventually forming an embryo B and its surrounding blood vessels. In this specification, the term "embryo" may include not only the actual "embryo" but also the "blastocyst" and "blastoderm" that are the source of embryo development. The blastocyst is whitish and, because it has a lighter specific gravity than the yolk, always faces upward within the egg. In the case of a fertilized egg, embryo development progresses from this blastocyst.

[0033] From the third day of incubation, blood vessels can be seen forming around the yolk's germinal disc. The embryo's eye B1 is formed from the fourth day onwards, and the eye becomes black from the fifth day onwards. Note that the illustration of the germinal disc, blood vessels, yolk, etc. is omitted, and although the air cell A, embryo B, and embryo's eye B1 are shown schematically, their positions and sizes are not limited to those shown.

[0034] After the start of incubation, in this embodiment, the eggs E on the fifth day are removed from the setter tray T1 to change their position (step S1). As shown in Figure 2, the eggs E are accommodated in the setter tray T1 with the air chamber A facing upward. As shown in Figure 3, an inverted setter tray T3 (tray for inspection) is placed over the setter tray T1.

[0035] Then, the eggs E sandwiched between the setter tray T1 and the inverted setter tray T3 are inverted so that the inverted setter tray T3 is on the bottom. On the setter tray T1, the eggs E are placed vertically (upright) with their sharp ends facing downwards and their air chambers A facing up, and on the inverted setter tray T3, the eggs are placed vertically (inverted) with their sharp ends facing upwards and their air chambers A facing down (step S2).

[0036] 6 is a schematic diagram showing the process of candling eggs E lifted from a setter tray T3. The apparatus includes a lift unit 12 that lifts multiple eggs E arranged in a predetermined row in a photography area, and irradiation units 131 and 132 that irradiate the multiple eggs E lifted by the lift unit 12 with light.

[0037] Next, the irradiation units 131, 132 irradiate the eggs E with light from above and below, and the imaging unit 14 photographs the eggs E from above (step S3). Two irradiation units 131, 132 are provided for each egg E, and the imaging unit 14 photographs multiple eggs E at once. The irradiation units 131, 132 may be provided for only one row of the holding mechanism, and the imaging unit 14 may photograph one row at a time.

[0038] The identification unit 15 then identifies the embryo region based on the image captured (step S4). If the identification unit 15 can identify the embryo region, the process proceeds to step S7 of the detection unit 16. On the other hand, if the identification unit 15 cannot identify the embryo region, the re-examination unit 17 re-takes the image (step S5). For example, the re-examination unit 17 rotates the egg around its long axis while clamped by the lift unit 12, then irradiates light from above and below the egg using the irradiation units 131 and 132, and captures the egg from above using the imaging unit 14. The identification unit 15 identifies the embryo region based on the image captured in step S5 (step S6). If the identification unit 15 can identify the embryo region, the process proceeds to step S7 of the detection unit 16. On the other hand, if the embryo region cannot be identified even after the re-examination unit 17, the egg is determined to be an "unfertilized egg." If the embryo region identified by the identification unit 15 is small, it may be determined that "embryonic growth is delayed."

[0039] In step S7, the detection unit 16 detects the eyes of the embryo inside the egg E after incubation has started from the outside of the eggshell. If the position of the eyes is estimated and the area is black, the embryo is male, and if the area is transparent or reddish, the embryo is female. In other words, if the eyes of the embryo can be detected, the embryo is classified into a group with a high probability of hatching male chicks, and if the eyes of the embryo cannot be detected within the embryo area, the embryo is classified into a group with a high probability of hatching female chicks.

[0040] After classification, eggs E that will hatch as female chicks are selected based on information obtained from the embryo area. Specifically, eggs E that have been classified into a group with a high rate of hatching female chicks are transferred from the holding mechanism to a setter tray T1. They are then placed back into the incubator, where the selected eggs E are allowed to hatch.

[0041] As described above, the inspection device 1 of this embodiment includes an imaging unit 14 that non-destructively photographs eggs E from the outside with a camera, an identification unit 15 that identifies the embryo region based on the captured image, and a detection unit 16 that detects whether a characteristic feature is present within the embryo region. This allows commercial hatcheries to quickly and non-invasively classify birds with characteristic features from other birds. As a result, an egg whose black eye can be detected externally can be determined to be "male," while an egg whose black eye cannot be detected externally can be determined to be "female" or due to other factors. That is, an egg whose black eye cannot be detected within the embryo region despite being sufficiently identified by the identification unit 15 can be determined to be "female." On the other hand, if the identification unit 15 is unable to sufficiently identify the embryo region, possible reasons include the embryo not being present at the detection position, the embryo being small due to delayed growth, or the embryo being unfertilized. Such "unknown group" may be identified after photographing again by the re-inspection unit 17, or may be placed in a setter tray separate from those determined to be "female" and allowed to continue incubation. The "unknown group" returned to the incubator may be identified on another day after the identification unit 15 identifies the embryo area and the detection unit 16 detects the black part of the eye again.

[0042] The detection unit 16 can improve the detection accuracy by performing detection using different images of the same egg E. In other words, because the G image and the R image are used, it is easier to identify the embryo region and detect the eyes than when only the G image or only the R image is used.

[0043] The system further includes a re-examination unit 17 that redoes the image capture by the imaging unit 14 if the identification unit 15 cannot identify the embryo region, making it possible to confirm whether the examination position for the embryo B is undesirable, whether the embryo is growing slowly, or whether the egg is unfertilized. Furthermore, the inspection device 1 can also detect abnormal eggs (for example, rotten eggs, dead eggs, abnormalities in the air cell A, so-called upside-down eggs with the air cell A facing backwards, etc.) using conventional detection methods in this field.

[0044] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

[0045] For example, as shown in Figure 10, the embryo B may be moved while the egg E is tilted using the egg turning mechanism of the incubator. Before testing, the egg E is removed from the setter tray T1, which has been tilted at approximately 45 degrees by the egg turning mechanism, and is supported from below by the support part 21 so that the air chamber A faces diagonally downward. The irradiation part 132 irradiates the egg E with light from below, and the imaging part 14 photographs the egg E from above or to the side. In this way, it is possible to identify the embryo region and detect the embryo's eyes even if the photograph is taken immediately after the orientation is changed.

[0046] In another embodiment, the embryo B may be moved to a desired position while the egg E is tilted, and then the setter tray T1 may be horizontally placed to perform candling. In this case, after the tilt of the setter tray T1 is released, the embryo region may be identified and the embryo's eyes may be detected during the time until the embryo B returns to its initial position on the air chamber A side.

[0047] The removal unit may be, for example, a transfer device equipped with a holding unit (for example, a suction cup) that holds the eggs E on the setter tray T1 from above.

[0048] The detection unit is not limited to detecting the eyes of the embryo using the R image, but may detect the eyes of the embryo using at least one of the original image before filtering, the G image, and the B image. Similarly, the identification unit is not limited to identifying the region of the embryo using the G image, but may identify the region of the embryo using at least one of the original image before filtering, the R image, and the B image.

[0049] <Method Using R Image / Image Illuminated with Red Light> In the above-described embodiment, white light was irradiated, and the embryo region and eyes were identified and detected using the G image and R image, respectively. However, the embryo region and eyes may be identified and detected using only the R image. In this case, from the R image obtained by decomposing the captured color image pixel by pixel, a region within the egg outline in which the R value of each pixel is smaller than a predetermined threshold value α is identified as the "embryonic region." If the size of that region exceeds a predetermined embryo size threshold, an embryo is identified. Furthermore, a region within the egg outline in which the R value of each pixel is smaller than a predetermined threshold value β (threshold value β is smaller than threshold value α) is identified as the "eye region." If the size of that region exceeds a predetermined eye size threshold, an eye is identified. This threshold is preferably adjusted according to the characteristics of each egg. For example, because the thickness of the eggshell varies from egg to egg, the average brightness within the egg outline is calculated, and then the threshold is corrected using that average value. Similarly, a similar inspection can be performed using an image (at least one of the original image, R image, G image, and B image) obtained by irradiating red light and capturing the image with a monochrome or color camera.

[0050] <Method using G image / image illuminated with green light> In accordance with the above-mentioned method using an R image / image illuminated with red light, the embryo region may be identified and the embryo's eyes may be detected using only the G image, or an image (at least one of the original image, G image, R image, and B image) obtained by illuminating with green light and capturing the image with a monochrome or color camera may be used to identify the embryo region and detect the embryo's eyes. The illumination unit may use green light around 500 nm, and in this case, it is preferable that the light intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined level compared to red light. As long as the light intensity is equal to or greater than a predetermined level, even when green light is used, the identification unit can identify the embryo region and the detection unit can detect the eyes.

[0051] <Method of Using Images Illuminated with Multiple Colors of Light at Different Emission Timings> As another method, images illuminated with multiple colors may be used for one egg. For example, an image illuminated with green light and an image illuminated with red light may be used. A monochrome camera or a color camera is used as the imaging unit. The green light and the red light are preferably illuminated with different emission timings. The green light and the red light may be illuminated toward the same side of the egg or toward different sides. For example, the red light may be illuminated from the end of the egg and the green light from the side of the egg, or the red light may be illuminated from one end of the egg and the green light from the other end of the egg. Images captured using green light can be used to identify the embryo region in a similar manner to the G image described above. On the other hand, images captured using red light can be used to detect eyes in a similar manner to the R image described above.

[0052] The detection unit may perform detection using the same image as the image used in the identification unit, or may perform detection using a different image of the same egg as the image used in the identification unit. The image used in the identification unit and the image used in the detection unit may be taken by the same imaging unit, or may be taken by different imaging units.

[0053] The imaging unit 14 may use the rotation transmission unit 25 to apply a rotational force to the egg E, thereby photographing the egg in a state in which the embryo B is moved toward the side of the egg E. The imaging unit 14 photographs the egg E by rotating the egg around its long axis. The imaging unit 14 may photograph the egg E while it is rotating, or may photograph the egg E after changing the rotation speed. Alternatively, the imaging unit 14 may photograph the egg E after it has stopped rotating. The imaging unit 14 may photograph multiple sides of the egg E while it is rotating. The rotation direction may be unidirectional, or may be one that reverses the rotation direction every predetermined rotation angle. Note that when using such rotational forces, it is not necessary to change the position of the egg E.

[0054] The inspection device 1 may further include a warming unit for suppressing temperature changes of the eggs E during, before, or after the inspection. The warming unit maintains a constant egg temperature. For example, it keeps the eggs at a temperature similar to that of an incubator after their position has been changed. The warming unit may house the holding mechanism in a casing like an incubator, or may provide a cover around the egg holding mechanism that creates a temperature environment different from the outside air.

[0055] The characteristic part of the bird may be a feather other than the bird's eyes. The type of bird is not limited to chickens and can be changed in various ways. Furthermore, using the technology of Patent Document 1, the eye color of female birds may be black and the eye color of male birds may be clear or reddish, and in this case, the black color of the eyes may be specified as the characteristic part.

[0056] <Modifications regarding embryos having a marker gene> The characteristic portion may be a part or all of an embryo having a marker gene. For example, constitutively expressed green fluorescent protein may be detected as the marker gene using eggs produced using the technique of Prior Art Document 2. Since the characteristic portion of a male bird embryo emits fluorescence and the characteristic portion of a female bird embryo does not emit fluorescence, the fluorescence of the embryo may be identified as the characteristic portion.

[0057] The inspection device for identifying the fluorescence of an embryo includes, for example, an imaging unit that takes a non-destructive external image of an egg during hatching using a camera, an identification unit that identifies the region of the embryo based on the captured image, and a detection unit that detects whether or not a characteristic part is present within the region of the embryo. The imaging unit and the identification unit are the same as or equivalent to those in the above-described embodiment, and therefore detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0058] The detection unit may be a spectroscopic analysis means that performs spectroscopic analysis of at least one of transmitted light and reflected light, the above-mentioned light receiving means (e.g., a photodiode), or the above-mentioned imaging unit (e.g., a camera). The detection unit detects fluorescence from characteristic parts of the embryo from the egg illuminated by the illumination unit. The detection unit detects / images green fluorescence (light with a wavelength different from that of the excitation light) excited by the excitation light. The detection unit is preferably positioned as close as possible to the embryo moved by the position change unit.

[0059] Depending on the age of the embryo, it always faces upward in the egg, especially in the blastodisc state, where its specific gravity is lighter than that of the yolk and it always faces upward in the egg. The position of the egg at the time of detection may be any of the following: vertical (upright, with the sharp end facing downward and the air cell facing upward), vertical (inverted, with the sharp end facing upward and the air cell facing downward), oblique, and horizontal (with the sharp end facing horizontal). The day of embryonic development at which detection is performed can be determined in accordance with the method described in Patent Document 2.

[0060] The irradiation unit irradiates the egg with excitation light. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit irradiates, for example, ultraviolet light as the excitation light. The excitation light includes a wavelength that can excite electrons in a characteristic portion of the embryo (e.g., green fluorescent protein) within the eggshell. For example, it is an ultraviolet LED that emits light having a peak wavelength around 400 nm. The irradiation unit may be provided adjacent to the detection unit (e.g., both the irradiation unit and the detection unit are disposed above the egg), or may be disposed opposite the detection unit across the egg (e.g., the irradiation unit is disposed below the egg and the detection unit is disposed above the egg).

[0061] Note that the excitation light may contain wavelengths that can excite electrons in the eggshell pigment (protoporphyrin), so the influence of the eggshell pigment must be taken into consideration when non-destructively detecting fluorescence from inside an egg. Specifically, when excited by ultraviolet light, an eggshell emits red fluorescence with emission peaks at wavelengths of 600 nm to 700 nm, specifically around 610 nm and 670 nm. Therefore, a light adjustment unit that distinguishes between light emitted by characteristic parts of the embryo inside the egg upon excitation with the excitation light and light emitted by the eggshell surface upon excitation with the excitation light, among the light traveling from the egg side to the detection unit side, is preferred. Even more preferably, the light adjustment unit distinguishes between light emitted by characteristic parts of the embryo inside the egg upon excitation with the excitation light, light emitted by the eggshell surface upon excitation with the excitation light, and light at the wavelength of the excitation light.

[0062] Furthermore, since eggshell pigments have unique absorption spectra (for example, wavelengths around 412 nm, 557 nm, and 601 nm in the case of protoporphyrin), it is preferable that the light emitted by the characteristic parts of the embryo inside the egg upon excitation by the excitation light has an absorption spectrum different from that of the eggshell pigments.

[0063] The embodiments disclosed herein are examples and are not intended to be limiting. The present invention is defined not by the scope of the above description but by the scope of the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of the claims.

[0064] The present invention can be used in commercial hatcheries to sort birds that have the characteristic feature from those that do not in a fast and non-invasive manner.

[0065] S...Chick production system 1...Inspection device 10...Removal section 11...Position change section 12...Lift section 131, 132...Irradiation section 14...Imaging section 15...Identification section 16...Detection section 17...Re-inspection section 18...Sorting section 19...Generation section 21...Support section 24...Control section 25...Rotation transmission section 26...Cap section 27...Contact section E...Egg T1...Setter tray T2...Tray for inspection T3...Inverted setter tray T4...Wall A...Air cell B...Embryo B1...Embryo's eye

Claims

1. An inspection device for hatching eggs, comprising an imaging unit that takes non-destructive external photographs of the eggs using a camera, an identification unit that identifies the area of ​​the embryo based on the captured image, and a detection unit that detects whether or not there is a characteristic part within the area of ​​the embryo.

2. The device for inspecting eggs in the process of hatching according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit performs detection using another image taken of the same eggs in the process of hatching.

3. The device for inspecting eggs in the middle of hatching according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a re-inspection unit that redoes the imaging with the imaging unit if the region of the embryo cannot be identified by the identification unit.

Images