Inspection system for egg in process of hatching

Abstract

The present invention inspects the presence or absence of a characteristic portion of an embryo in a commercial egg hatchery by a high-speed and non-invasive method, wherein the detection of the characteristic portion of the embryo is performed on the basis of: first imaging data which is obtained by capturing an image of an egg in the process of hatching from the outside at a first time point in between day 4 and day 8 after the start of hatching; and second imaging data which is obtained by capturing an image of the egg in the process of hatching from the outside at a second time point that is in between day 4 and day 8 after the start of the hatching and is after the first time point.

Description

Inspection System for Eggs During Incubation

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection system for eggs at a point when a predetermined period has elapsed since the start of incubation.

[0002] Eggs produced at a breeding farm are called breeding eggs, and are once collected at a storage location, and then go through a process called preliminary warming before being placed in an incubator at an incubation facility. After about 21 days of warming from the time of placing the eggs in the incubator, chicks hatch. In the case of a laying farm, the economic value of male chicks is poor. Therefore, a method for selecting a collection of eggs with a high proportion of chicks of a specific gender hatching is desired. For example, Patent Document 1 below discriminates between male and female birds based on the color of the eyes of each egg in a group of bird eggs.

[0003] Patent Document 2 discriminates between male and female birds based on the marker genes of each egg in a group of bird eggs. This is a case where a male embryo of a bird constitutively expresses, for example, green fluorescent protein, and a fluorescence detection system is used. Since a fluorescent protein emits fluorescence when irradiated with light of a specific wavelength, the presence of the protein can be confirmed by detecting this fluorescence. It is disclosed that detection can be performed within 1 day or 2 days from egg laying.

[0004] Japanese Patent No. 7493194 Japanese Patent No. 7493940

[0005] When discrimination is performed using the above-described eye characteristics or embryo characteristics including fluorescent protein, there are difficulties in performing non-destructive inspection. As a result of intensive research, the inventors have discovered a new problem that when non-destructively inspecting the characteristic parts of a bird, it is greatly affected by blood vessels and egg yolks.

[0006] Inside the egg, there is an egg yolk at the center, and on top of the egg yolk, there is a blastodisc. When incubation starts, cleavage progresses, and eventually an embryo and blood vessels around it are formed. By the time characteristic parts of the bird, such as the eyes, feathers of the bird, or an embryo containing fluorescent protein, are formed, there are more blood vessels near that characteristic part, and most of the egg yolk remains.

[0007] The present invention aims, at least in a commercial-scale incubation facility, to inspect the presence or absence of characteristic parts of an embryo in a fast and non-invasive manner.

[0008] The present invention provides an inspection system for eggs in the process of hatching, which inspects for the presence or absence of characteristic parts of an embryo in an egg in the process of hatching, and is characterized by comprising: a first imaging data acquisition unit that acquires first imaging data obtained by externally imaging the egg in the process of hatching at a first time point between the fourth and eighth day of incubation; a second imaging data acquisition unit that acquires second imaging data obtained by externally imaging the egg in the process of hatching at a second time point after the first time point between the fourth and eighth day of incubation; and a detection unit that detects characteristic parts of the embryo based on the first imaging data and the second imaging data.

[0009] In this specification, "embryo" may include not only the actual embryo but also the blastodisc and blastodiscal layers that give rise to embryonic development. In the case of a fertilized egg, embryonic development progresses from this blastodisc.

[0010] Such an inspection system for eggs in the incubation stage allows for the rapid and non-invasive inspection of characteristic parts of the embryo in commercial hatcheries. Using only the first imaging data may result in missed detections or inability to detect characteristic parts of the embryo because they have not yet developed. However, this invention detects characteristic parts of the embryo based on first imaging data at a first time point and second imaging data at a second time point between the fourth and eighth days of incubation, enabling highly accurate detection of these features. As a result, it contributes to quality control of eggs in the incubation stage.

[0011] It is desirable that the second imaging data acquisition unit acquires second imaging data for hatching eggs in which the detection unit could not detect characteristic parts of the embryo based on the first imaging data. With this configuration, the number of hatching eggs for which second imaging data is acquired can be minimized. As a result, inspection of hatching eggs can be performed quickly.

[0012] The incubation egg inspection system of the present invention preferably further comprises a classification unit that classifies the incubation eggs based on the detection result of the detection unit based on the first imaging data or the second imaging data. With this configuration, incubation eggs can be classified according to the presence or absence of characteristic parts of the embryo, enabling efficient quality control and sorting based on the inspection results.

[0013] The incubation egg inspection system of the present invention preferably further includes a posture changing unit that changes the posture of the incubation egg from its posture up to the third day of incubation. Furthermore, it is preferable that the first imaging data acquisition unit and the second imaging data acquisition unit acquire imaging data of the incubation egg whose posture has been changed by the posture changing unit. With this configuration, characteristic parts of the embryo can be moved to a position where they can be easily imaged, thereby improving the accuracy of inspection for the presence or absence of characteristic parts of the embryo.

[0014] It is desirable that the first imaging data acquisition unit and the second imaging data acquisition unit are configured using a common inspection device. With this configuration, by using a common inspection device, it becomes possible to centrally manage data acquisition and control of imaging conditions for both imaging units. As a result, the imaging timing can be synchronized and the operation can be simplified, improving data accuracy while simplifying the device configuration.

[0015] The egg inspection system of the present invention inspects for the presence or absence of characteristic parts of the embryo in eggs removed from an incubator. It is desirable that the system includes a return mechanism that returns the setter tray on which the eggs are placed back to the incubator after the first or second imaging data has been acquired. With this configuration, the setter tray can be automatically returned to the incubator after the imaging data has been acquired, reducing the burden on the operator and lowering the risk of damage or contamination due to handling of eggs in the process.

[0016] The egg inspection system for partially hatched eggs of the present invention preferably includes a removal mechanism that removes the setter tray on which the partially hatched eggs are placed from the incubator before acquiring the first or second imaging data. With this configuration, the setter tray can be automatically removed from the incubator, reducing the burden on the operator and lowering the risk of damage or contamination due to handling of partially hatched eggs. Furthermore, by combining this with the return mechanism described above, the process of removing the setter tray from the incubator and transporting it to the imaging data acquisition unit, and the process of transporting the setter tray from the imaging data acquisition unit and returning it to the incubator can be automated.

[0017] According to the present invention, birds with characteristic features and those without can be classified in a fast and non-invasive manner at a commercial-based hatchery.

[0018] The above and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following detailed description relating to this invention, which will be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0019] This is a flowchart showing the process in which the hatching egg inspection system of this embodiment is used. This is a block diagram showing the hatching egg inspection system of the same embodiment. This is a diagram showing the egg turning state on the setter tray of the same embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing an egg changing its posture. This is a diagram showing the state after changing its posture. This is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the inspection device of this embodiment. This is a diagram showing an example of an egg image taken by the imaging unit of this embodiment. This is a flowchart showing the hatching egg inspection process of this embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the hatching egg inspection system of a modified embodiment. This is a schematic diagram showing the hatching egg inspection system of a modified embodiment. This is a table showing the results of a verification experiment. This is a table showing the results of a verification experiment.

[0020] <Verification Experiment> Before describing the egg inspection system 1 of this embodiment, we will explain a verification experiment for one of the hypotheses that led to the present invention, using Figures 11 and 12. First, 101 eggs in the process of hatching E (hereinafter referred to as "egg E") were obtained and placed in an incubator after pre-warming. Every 12 hours after being placed in the incubator (hereinafter referred to as Day 0), the eggs E were placed on the experimental apparatus, and light from an LED light source was shone on them, and the eggs E were photographed from the side of their bodies with a color camera.

[0021] Furthermore, after changing the position of egg E while it was in the incubator's setter tray A, three images were taken consecutively at 1.5 minutes and then at 2 minutes, for a total of six images. When placing the embryo E2 on the experimental apparatus, the approximate position of embryo E2 was confirmed visually, and then it was placed so that embryo E2 was facing the color camera.

[0022] (Condition 1) Egg E was placed on its side (with the air cell E1 facing sideways, tilted 90 degrees from its position in setter tray A), light was shone from below E, and the color camera was placed above E. Green light was used as the light source. (Condition 2) Egg E was placed on its side (same as Condition 1), light was shone from below E, and the color camera was placed above E. Red light was used as the light source. (Condition 3) Egg E was placed upside down (with the air cell E1 facing downward, tilted 180 degrees from its position in setter tray A), light was shone from below E, and the color camera was placed to the side of E. Green light was used as the light source. (Condition 4) Egg E was placed upside down (same as Condition 3), light was shone from below E, and the color camera was placed to the side of E. Red light was used as the light source.

[0023] To identify which day the data was collected after being placed in the incubator, data from day N is referred to as Day N. Day 5.5, for example, represents 12 hours after Day 5. Of the 101 samples, those in which a black eye (E3) could be visually confirmed are shown in the tables in Figures 11 and 12.

[0024] From the tables in Figures 11 and 12, it can be seen that the accuracy of the test is improved when multiple tests are conducted at intervals of several hours, such as either Day 5 and Day 5.5, either Day 5.5 and Day 6, either Day 5 and Day 6, or either Day 5, Day 5.5, and Day 6, compared to a single test conducted on Day 5, Day 5.5, and Day 6.

[0025] One factor contributing to this is the individual variation in the growth rate of embryo E2. In embryos with slow E2 growth, the black eye E3 may not yet be visible at relatively early stages such as Day 5. Furthermore, as incubation progresses, it becomes more difficult for embryo E2 to move within the egg, so the time it takes from changing the egg's position until embryo E2 can be examined from the underside increases. For example, in embryos with fast E2 growth, the black eye E3 of embryo E2 may not appear near the eggshell depending on the time elapsed since the position change.

[0026] Another factor is individual differences in the position and movement of embryo E2 at the time of testing. This can occur regardless of the speed of development, as the black eye E3 of embryo E2 may not appear in a testable position at the time of testing.

[0027] In this experiment, the position of embryo E2 was confirmed before imaging, resulting in relatively high accuracy in detecting the black eye E3 of embryo E2 from D5.5 onwards. However, in commercial-scale hatcherys, when performing inspections using high-speed and non-invasive methods, the accuracy of detecting the black eye E3 of embryo E2 is expected to decrease due to the various factors specific to eggs in the incubation stage mentioned above. Therefore, a system that performs multiple inspections at intervals, as described below, is required.

[0028] <Embodiment> An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 8. The hatching egg inspection system 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, in a process as shown in Figure 1, and identifies a bird's eye E3 (the black eye E3 of embryo E2), which is an example of a characteristic part of egg E, from a hatching egg (hereinafter referred to as "egg E") that has been hatching for a predetermined period of time since the start of incubation.

[0029] The incubation egg inspection system 1, as shown in Figure 2, comprises a posture changing unit 2, an inspection device 3, a classification unit 4, and an egg turning unit (not shown). The inspection device 3 comprises a lift unit 5, irradiation units 61 and 62, an imaging unit 7, a identification unit 8, and a detection unit 9.

[0030] As shown in Figure 3, from the start of incubation, the eggs E are placed on a setter tray A in the incubator and turned at predetermined intervals (for example, once every hour) by the action of the egg turning unit described later. The setter tray A has multiple egg seats on which the eggs E are placed. The egg seats have a bottom surface that opens downwards and have protrusions that hold the eggs E.

[0031] As shown in Figure 4, the posture changing unit 2 changes the posture of the egg E from the posture it had in the incubator up to the third day of incubation. The posture changing unit 2 transfers the egg E, which has been removed from setter tray A, to inverted setter tray B. The transfer to inverted setter tray B may be done by a dedicated machine or by hand. Inverted setter tray B may have the same structure as setter tray A, or it may be shaped to face setter tray A and be paired with it. It is preferable that the design takes into account the load on the egg E during inspection (for example, collisions of egg E due to rotation or tilting). Inverted setter tray B is provided with walls to prevent contact between adjacent eggs E when the eggs E are transferred from setter tray A. Multiple walls are provided around the storage section where the eggs E are contained. In this embodiment, the posture changing unit 2 uses an inversion unit (not shown) and an inverted setter tray B to invert the posture of the egg E within the setter tray B, and also tilts the entire setter tray B diagonally. When the egg E is upright, the embryo E2 is located near the air sac E1. After inverting, the embryo E2 gradually begins to move from the state shown in Figure 5, and after waiting for a few seconds to a few minutes, the embryo E2 moves away from the air sac E1 and moves laterally or upward in that posture, that is, closer to the eggshell around the body. The angle of the setter tray B can be anything, and may even be horizontal.

[0032] As shown in Figure 6, the lift unit 5 holds the egg E between the support unit 51 and the cap unit 52. The lift unit 5 lifts the egg E from the inverted setter tray B. The lift unit 5 is provided so as to be able to move up and down relative to the inverted setter tray B. With the inverted setter tray B stopped in each shooting area, the lift unit 5 moves from below to above the setter tray B, contacts the bottom of a plurality of eggs E arranged in a predetermined row on the setter tray B, and lifts the plurality of eggs E that it has contacted. Specifically, the lift unit 5 comprises a support unit 51 provided corresponding to each of the plurality of eggs E, a connecting member (not shown) to which the support unit 51 is provided, and an actuator (not shown) that moves the connecting member up and down. The actuator is, for example, an air cylinder. The actuator is controlled by the control unit 53 and moves the plurality of support units 51 up and down relative to the setter tray B.

[0033] As shown in Figure 6, the irradiation units 61 and 62 irradiate the egg E with light from the outside. The irradiation units 61 and 62 can be, for example, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that emit white light. The irradiation units 61 and 62 irradiate each of the multiple eggs E arranged in a row with light from above and below. That is, two irradiation units 61 and 62 are provided for each egg E. The upper irradiation unit 61 is provided above the egg E that is lifted by the lift unit 5. The upper irradiation unit 61 is provided with a cap portion 52 that contacts the upper end of the egg E lifted by the lift unit 5 so as to surround it. The cap portion 52 is made of an elastically deformable material to absorb variations in the shape of the egg E. The upper irradiation unit 61 irradiates the inside of the egg E with light from above via the cap portion 52. The lower irradiation unit 62 is provided inside the support portion 51 of the lift unit 5. The lower irradiation unit 62 irradiates light into the inside of the egg E from below via the contact portion 54 of the support unit 51. In Figure 6, the light irradiated onto the egg E from the upper and lower irradiation units 61 and 62 is indicated by arrows.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the imaging unit 7 takes images from the outside of the eggshell in a non-destructive manner. The imaging unit 7 is positioned above the egg E and directed towards the body of the egg E. The imaging unit 7 takes an image of the egg E, for example, as shown in Figure 7. For example, the image of the egg E is made so that the bird embryo E2 and characteristic parts appear darker than the yolk and blood vessel parts. Therefore, the bird embryo E2 and characteristic parts can be identified based on the grayscale of the image of the egg E. The imaging unit 7 in this embodiment is a color camera. The position of the imaging unit 7 is not limited to that shown in the figure; for example, it may be to the side or directly above. The number of imaging units 7 is not limited to one; there may be multiple units.

[0035] The identification unit 8 and the detection unit 9 are composed of a dedicated or general-purpose computer including a CPU, internal memory, input / output interface, and AD conversion unit. The CPU and other peripheral devices work together according to a program stored in the internal memory to perform the functions of the identification unit 8 and the detection unit 9. The identification unit 8 and the detection unit 9 may be composed of a single physical computer, or they may be composed of separate physical computers.

[0036] The identification unit 8 identifies the "region near the embryo" based on the captured image. The region near the embryo refers to a characteristic area where the embryo is located at the center of the extension of blood vessels. The approximate position of the embryo can be determined from the arrangement of blood vessels. In this embodiment, the identification unit 8 identifies the region near the embryo from the G image obtained by decomposing the captured color image pixel by pixel, where the pixel value within the outline of egg E is smaller than a predetermined threshold. If the size of that region exceeds a predetermined threshold for the size of embryo E2, it identifies the presence of embryo E2. Preferably, this threshold is adjusted according to the characteristics of each individual egg E. For example, since there are individual differences in the thickness of the eggshell of egg E, the threshold is corrected using the average value of the brightness within the outline of egg E after calculating the average value. On the other hand, if the size of the "region near the embryo" is less than or equal to the threshold, it may be that embryo E2 is in the middle of its growth stage or that it is an unfertilized egg E.

[0037] The detection unit 9 detects whether or not there is a characteristic area within the region near the embryo. The detection unit 9 identifies the black eye region of embryo E2 based on an image taken by irradiating the egg E after incubation has started from the outside of the eggshell in a non-destructive manner. The detection unit 9 estimates the location where the pigments (eumelanin and pheomelanin) conventionally present in the bird's eye E3 are located in the black eye region of embryo E2, which is a characteristic area of ​​the bird. In order to distinguish the characteristic area of ​​the bird from the yolk, blood vessels, embryo E2, etc., the detection unit 9 preferably uses a wavelength that is absorbed by the characteristic area of ​​the bird (a wavelength absorbed by eumelanin and pheomelanin contained in the eye E3 of embryo E2), and is not easily absorbed by the yolk, blood vessels, and embryo E2. Between 500 nm and 800 nm, it is easy to distinguish between embryo E2, blood vessels, and the black eye E3. It is preferable to use wavelengths for the irradiation units 61 and 62 that are more easily absorbed by the black eye E3 than by embryo E2 and blood vessels. In this embodiment, the detection unit 9 identifies an area within the outline of egg E where the pixel value is smaller than a predetermined threshold from the R image obtained by decomposing the captured color image pixel by pixel as the "eye area". If the size of that area exceeds a predetermined threshold for the size of the black eye E3, it identifies that there is a black eye E3. Preferably, this threshold is adjusted according to the characteristics of each individual egg E. For example, since there are individual differences in the thickness of the eggshell of egg E, the threshold is corrected using the average value of the brightness within the outline of egg E after calculating the average value.

[0038] The identification unit 8 and the detection unit 9 may use rules for identification / detection created by a human, or they may be learning models generated using machine learning. One example of machine learning is a neural network having an input layer, one or more hidden layers, and an output layer, which learns using a training dataset containing images and labels in learning mode, and makes decisions in prediction mode using its parameters. Machine learning may be supervised learning or unsupervised learning.

[0039] The classification unit 4 classifies the eggs E based on the information obtained from the identification unit 8 and the detection unit 9. The classification unit 4 may remove the eggs from setter tray A or inverted setter tray B that have detected the black eye E3 of embryo E2, print the classification result directly on the eggs E, or display the classification result on a management screen.

[0040] The egg turning unit turns the eggs E placed on the setter tray A. In this embodiment, the egg turning unit tilts the eggs E once every hour, except during the first inspection process, the second inspection process, and the egg inspection process which is performed around Day 18.

[0041] The inspection device 3 of this embodiment takes external photographs of the egg E at different timings between the 4th and 8th day of incubation to check for the presence or absence of the black eye E3 of the embryo E2. The inspection device 3 performs the second inspection step after a time interval following the first inspection step. Here, "a time interval" means after incubation has been continued by the incubator for a predetermined time following the first inspection step, which is several hours, for example, 6 hours, preferably 12 hours (half a day), 24 hours (one day), etc. The inspection content of the first inspection step and the second inspection step is the same.

[0042] In other words, the inspection device 3 of this embodiment functions as a first imaging data acquisition unit that acquires first imaging data of egg E taken from the outside at a first time point (first inspection process) between the fourth and eighth day of incubation, and a second imaging data acquisition unit that acquires second imaging data of egg E taken from the outside at a second time point (second inspection process) after the first time point between the fourth and eighth day of incubation.

[0043] In this embodiment, the identification unit 8 and the detection unit 9 detect the location of the pigment in the bird's eye E3 based on an image (first imaging data) taken at a first time point (for example, the 5th day of incubation) from the start of incubation. Note that the first time point is not limited to the 5th day of incubation, but may be before or after that (for example, any of the 4th to 6th days of incubation), or from the 7th day onward.

[0044] Also, in the second inspection step, the specific part 8 and the detection part 9 detect the position having the pigment of the bird's eye E3 based on the image (second imaging data) at the second time point (for example, the 5.5th day of incubation) from the start of incubation. Note that the second time point is not limited to the 5.5th day of incubation, and it is sufficient that several hours or more have passed since the first inspection step or the classification step.

[0045] The inspection device 3 performs imaging in the first inspection step after the posture change step in the posture change part 2 is completed (first imaging data acquisition). When the black eye E3 of the embryo E2 is detected in the first inspection step, the egg E is not an inspection target in the second inspection step. The second inspection step is performed after a predetermined time has passed since the classification step in the classification part 4 is completed in the first inspection step. Note that the egg E is rotated several times in the incubator between the first inspection step and the second inspection step. Imaging in the second inspection step is performed after the posture change step in the posture change part 2 is completed (second imaging data acquisition). That is, the inspection device 3 acquires second imaging data for the egg E for which the black eye E3 of the embryo E2 could not be detected based on the first imaging data.

[0046] Next, an example of an inspection method using the inspection system 1 for eggs during incubation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 8.

[0047] Before the egg E is placed in the incubator, there is a yolk in the central part, the egg white wraps the yolk, and further the eggshell wraps and protects the outside thereof. On the yolk, there is a blastodisc. When incubation starts, cleavage progresses, and eventually the embryo E2 and the blood vessels around it are formed. In this specification, the "embryo" may include not only the actual "embryo" but also the "blastodisc" and "blastoderm" which are the basis for the development of the embryo. The blastodisc has a whitish color and is lighter in specific gravity than the yolk, so it always faces upward in the egg. In the case of a fertilized egg, the development of the embryo proceeds from this blastodisc.

[0048] From the 3rd day of incubation, the generation of blood vessels can be seen around the blastodisc of the yolk. The eye E3 of the embryo E2 is formed after the 4th day of incubation, and the eye E3 becomes black after the 5th day of incubation. Note that in the figure, the illustration of the blastodisc, blood vessels, yolk, etc. is omitted, and even when the air chamber E1, the embryo E2, and the eye E3 are shown schematically, their positions and sizes are not limited to those shown in the figure.

[0049] First, in the first inspection step after incubation has started, in this embodiment, the setter tray A on which the 5-day-old egg E is placed is removed from the incubator (removal step). Then, the 5-day-old egg E is removed from the setter tray A in order to change its orientation (step S1). The egg E is contained in the setter tray A with the air chamber E1 facing upwards. An inverted setter tray B (inspection tray) is placed over the setter tray A.

[0050] From a position where egg E is sandwiched between setter tray A and inverted setter tray B, the tray is inverted so that inverted setter tray B is on the bottom. On setter tray A, egg E is placed vertically (upright) with its sharp end facing downwards and air cell E1 facing upwards, while on inverted setter tray B, egg E is placed vertically (inverted) with its sharp end facing upwards and air cell E1 facing downwards (step S2).

[0051] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating how eggs E, lifted from setter tray B, are inspected. The system includes a lift unit 5 that lifts multiple eggs E arranged in a predetermined row in the shooting area, and illumination units 61 and 62 that irradiate the multiple eggs E lifted by the lift unit 5 with light.

[0052] Next, the illumination units 61 and 62 illuminate the egg E from above and below, and the imaging unit 7 photographs the egg E from above to acquire first imaging data (step S3). Two illumination units 61 and 62 are provided for each egg E, and the imaging unit 7 photographs multiple eggs E at once. Alternatively, the illumination units 61 and 62 may be provided for only one row of the holding mechanism, and the imaging unit 7 may photograph one row at a time. It is preferable that the imaging unit 7 takes the photograph after a predetermined time has elapsed (for example, after 1.5 or 2 minutes) after the posture change process in the posture change unit 2 is completed.

[0053] Subsequently, the presence or absence of the black eye E3 of embryo E2 is checked based on the first imaging data (step S4). Specifically, first, the region near the embryo is identified based on the image taken by the identification unit 8. If the identification unit 8 cannot identify the region near the embryo, the egg E is rotated and the imaging is repeated. If the identification unit 8 cannot identify the region near the embryo, there is a possibility that it is an "unfertilized egg," or if the region near the embryo identified by the identification unit 8 is small, there is a possibility that "embryonic growth is delayed." Unfertilized egg E and egg E with delayed embryo E2 growth may be classified at this point.

[0054] If the identification unit 8 can identify the "region near the embryo," the detection unit 9 detects the presence or absence of the black eye E3 of embryo E2 inside the egg E after incubation has started, from the outside of the eggshell. If the black eye E3 of embryo E2 is present, it is classified into a group with a high probability of male chicks hatching.

[0055] After sorting, eggs E that do not need to be incubated are removed (step S13). Eggs E that need to be incubated are placed upright on setter tray A. Then, setter tray A with eggs E is returned to the incubator (return process), and incubation is continued in the incubator (step S5). At this time, the eggs are also turned.

[0056] After a predetermined time has elapsed since the first inspection process performed on Day 5 (step S6), in this embodiment, the second inspection process is performed on Day 5.5, 12 hours later.

[0057] In the second inspection step, the same inspection as in the first inspection step is performed, however, if the black eye E3 of embryo E2 is detected in the first inspection step, that egg E is not subject to inspection in the second inspection step. First, the setter tray A on which the 5.5-day-old egg E is placed is removed from the incubator (removal step). Then, similar to step S1, the 5.5-day-old egg E is removed from setter tray A (step S7), and similar to step S2, its orientation is changed and it is placed upside down on setter tray B for inversion (step S8). Similar to step S3, light is irradiated from above and below the egg E by the irradiation units 61 and 62, and the egg E is photographed from above by the imaging unit 7 to acquire second imaging data (step S9). Also, similar to step S4, the presence or absence of the black eye E3 of embryo E2 is checked based on the second imaging data (step S10). That is, the region near the embryo is identified based on the image captured by the identification unit 8, and if the identification unit 8 cannot identify the region near the embryo, the egg E is rotated or otherwise re-photographed. If the identification unit 8 can identify the region near the embryo, the detection unit 9 detects the presence or absence of the black eye E3 of embryo E2 inside egg E after incubation has started, from the outside of the eggshell. After classification, eggs E that do not need to be incubated are removed (step S13). Also, similar to step S5, the setter tray A on which the eggs E are placed is returned to the incubator (returning step), eggs E that will be incubated are placed in the setter tray A (step S11), and incubation is continued (step S12).

[0058] As described above, the egg inspection system 1 of this embodiment inspects eggs E from the outside at different timings between the 4th and 8th day of incubation to check for the presence or absence of the black eye E3 of the embryo E2, and includes an inspection device 3 that performs the second inspection step after a time interval following the first inspection step. In this way, it is possible to identify the bird's eye E3 (the black eye E3 of the embryo E2), which is an example of a characteristic part of egg E, from an egg E before development, predict the sex of the hatching chick from the pigment of this bird's eye E3, and extract a group of eggs E with a high incidence of chicks of the undesirable sex in a non-destructive manner.

[0059] In particular, because embryo E2 can move freely within egg E at this stage, and because individual differences in growth are easily apparent, there are a certain number of eggs E that cannot be detected by one test but can be detected by the other. In commercial hatcheries where high accuracy is required, a testing method like that of this embodiment is preferable.

[0060] If the inspection device 3 detects the black eye E3 of embryo E2 in the first inspection step, it will not include that egg E in the second inspection step. Therefore, the number of eggs E to be inspected in the second inspection step can be minimized. Furthermore, by sorting and removing the corresponding eggs E from setter tray B and rearranging the eggs E on setter tray A, the incubator can be used more efficiently.

[0061] The inspection device 3 includes a classification unit 4 that classifies the eggs E based on the inspection results in the first inspection process, and performs a second inspection process after the classification process in the classification unit 4 is completed and incubation continues for a predetermined time.

[0062] The inspection device 3 is equipped with a posture changing unit 2 that changes the posture of egg E from its posture up to the third day of incubation. The inspection device 3 takes the first inspection step (acquisition of first imaging data) after the posture changing process in the posture changing unit 2 is completed, and takes the second inspection step (acquisition of second imaging data) after the posture changing process in the posture changing unit 2 is completed. As a result, it is possible to take images after moving embryo E2 to near the desired position, improving detection accuracy.

[0063] Since the incubator is equipped with an egg turning section that turns the eggs E multiple times between the first and second inspection processes, the eggs E can be properly managed even during the relatively long period between the first and second inspection processes.

[0064] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0065] The posture changing unit 2 can change the posture of egg E from its upright position (upright) up to the third day of incubation, and this can be done manually or automatically using a machine. The posture of egg E can also be inverted (180-degree rotation), sideways (90-degree rotation), or tilted at any other angle.

[0066] The inspection device 3 may be located outside the incubator or inside the incubator. In other words, at least one of the first inspection step and the second inspection step may be performed by removing the eggs E from the incubator and inspecting them, or by performing the inspection inside the incubator.

[0067] If the inspection device 3 is located outside the incubator, the following configuration is possible. That is, the inspection system 1 for eggs in the process of hatching inspects for the presence or absence of characteristic parts of embryo E2 in egg E removed from the incubator F. As shown in Figure 9, the inspection system 1 for eggs in the process of hatching includes a removal mechanism 10 that removes the setter tray A on which egg E is placed from the incubator F before acquiring the first or second imaging data, and a return mechanism 11 that returns the setter tray A on which egg E is placed back to the incubator F after the first or second imaging data has been acquired. In Figure 9, the removal mechanism 10 and the return mechanism 11 are configured by a common tray transport mechanism 12. The tray transport mechanism 12 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0068] The tray transport mechanism 12 removes the setter tray A from the incubator F and transports it to the orientation changing unit 2 or inspection device 3 before the first and second inspection processes (removal process). After the first and second inspection processes are completed, the tray transport mechanism 12 returns the setter tray A from the orientation changing unit 2 or inspection device 3 to the incubator F (return process).

[0069] Specifically, the tray transport mechanism 12 retrieves the setter tray A from the setter rack G located inside the incubator F. Here, the tray transport mechanism 12 has a transport support section 121 equipped with a support arm 121a that supports the setter tray A. This support arm 121a is inserted into the underside of the setter tray A housed in the setter rack G, thereby lifting and supporting the setter tray A. The support arm 121a of the transport support section 121 may be configured to support multiple setter trays A arranged side-by-side front-to-back or side-to-side. The tray transport mechanism 12 moves the support arm 121a supporting the setter tray A to the posture changing section 2 or inspection device 3, and hands over the setter tray A to the posture changing section 2 or inspection device 3. The tray transport mechanism 12 also inserts the support arm 121a into the underside of the setter tray A in the posture changing section 2 or inspection device 3 to receive the setter tray A and hands it over to the setter rack G inside the incubator F.

[0070] In this way, the tray transport mechanism 12 makes it possible to automatically remove the setter tray A from the incubator F and to automatically return the setter tray A to the incubator F after acquiring imaging data, thereby reducing the burden on the operator and lowering the risk of damage or contamination of the eggs E during handling.

[0071] Furthermore, the removal mechanism 10 and the return mechanism 11 may be separate mechanisms instead of being part of a common tray transport mechanism 12. Alternatively, the system may be configured without either the removal mechanism 10 or the return mechanism 11. Additionally, the "removal process" performed by the removal mechanism 10, namely removing the setter tray A with the eggs E from the incubator F, may be performed manually. Similarly, the "return process" performed by the return mechanism 11, namely returning the setter tray A with the eggs E to the incubator F, may also be performed manually.

[0072] When the inspection device 3 detects the black eye E3 of embryo E2 in the first inspection step, it may immediately discard the egg E, or it may discard it together with the results of the second inspection step. In the latter case, the classification unit 4 may classify based on both the inspection results of the first inspection step and the inspection results of the second inspection step.

[0073] In the embodiment described above, the embryo E2 is moved with the egg E tilted using the egg turning section of the incubator. Therefore, even if the image is taken relatively shortly after the change in posture, it is possible to identify the region near the embryo and detect the eye E3 of embryo E2. The angle of the setter tray A can be anything, and it may even be horizontal.

[0074] The detection unit 9 is not limited to detecting the eye E3 of embryo E2 using the R image, but may also detect the eye E3 of embryo E2 using at least one of the original image before filtering, the G image, and the B image. Similarly, the identification unit 8 is not limited to identifying the region near the embryo using the G image, but may also identify the region near the embryo using at least one of the original image before filtering, the R image, and the B image. Furthermore, the filter on the imaging unit 7 side may be changed. There may be multiple imaging units 7.

[0075] In the above embodiment, the inspection device 3 comprised a first image data acquisition unit and a second image data acquisition unit. However, similar to the detection unit 9, it may be composed of a dedicated or general-purpose computer including a CPU, internal memory, input / output interface, and AD conversion unit. In this case, as shown in Figure 10, the first image data acquisition unit 13 receives and acquires first image data captured at a first time point by an external imaging unit (not shown). The second image data acquisition unit 14 receives and acquires second image data captured at a second time point by an external imaging unit (not shown).

[0076] <Method using R image / image irradiated with red light> In the above-described embodiment, white light was irradiated and the G image and R image were used to identify the region near the embryo and detect eye E3, respectively. However, it is also possible to identify the region near the embryo and detect eye E3 using only the R image. In this case, from the R image obtained by decomposing the captured color image pixel by pixel, the region in which the pixel value within the outline of egg E is smaller than a predetermined threshold α is identified as the "region near the embryo". If the size of that region exceeds a predetermined threshold for the size of embryo E2, it is identified as the presence of embryo E2. In addition, the region in which the pixel value within the outline of egg E is smaller than a predetermined threshold β (threshold β is smaller than threshold α) is identified as the "eye region". If the size of that region exceeds a predetermined threshold for the size of eye E3, it is identified as the presence of eye E3. It is preferable that this threshold be adjusted according to the characteristics of each egg E. For example, since there are individual differences in the thickness of the eggshell of egg E, the threshold is corrected using the average value of the brightness within the outline of egg E after calculating the average value. Similarly, an examination can be performed using an image obtained by irradiating with red light and capturing it with a monochrome or color camera (at least one of the original image, R image, G image, and B image).

[0077] <Method using G image / image irradiated with green light> In accordance with the method using R image / image irradiated with red light described above, the region near the embryo and the detection of the eye E3 of embryo E2 may be performed using only the G image, or the region near the embryo and the detection of the eye E3 of embryo E2 may be performed using an image obtained by irradiating with green light and taking a picture with a monochrome or color camera (at least one of the original image, G image, R image, and B image). The irradiation units 61 and 62 may use green light around 500 nm, in which case it is preferable that the light intensity is above a predetermined level compared to red light. If the light intensity is above a predetermined level, the identification unit 8 can identify the region near the embryo and the detection unit 9 can detect the eye E3 even when using green light.

[0078] <Method using images irradiated with multiple colors of light at staggered emission timings> Alternatively, images irradiated with multiple colors may be used for a single egg E. For example, it is conceivable to use an image irradiated with green light and an image irradiated with red light. The imaging unit 7 uses a monochrome camera or a color camera. It is preferable to irradiate the green light and the red light at staggered emission timings. The green light and the red light may be irradiated toward the same side of the egg E, or they may be irradiated toward different sides. For example, the red light may be irradiated from the end side of the egg E and the green light from the side side of the egg E, or the red light may be irradiated from one end side of the egg E and the green light from the other end side of the egg E. The image taken using green light can be used to identify the region near the embryo, in accordance with the G image described above. On the other hand, the image taken using red light can be used to detect the eye E3, in accordance with the R image described above.

[0079] The detection unit 9 may perform detection using the same image used in the identification unit 8, or it may perform detection using a different image of the same egg E as the image used in the identification unit 8. The image used in the identification unit 8 and the image used in the detection unit 9 may be taken by the same imaging unit 7, or they may be taken by different imaging units 7.

[0080] The imaging unit 7 may use a rotation transmission unit to apply rotational force to the egg E, causing the embryo E2 to move towards the side of the egg E, and then image the egg E. The imaging unit 7 rotates the egg E around its long axis and images the egg E. The imaging unit 7 may image the egg E while it is rotating, or after changing the rotation speed. It may also image the egg E after it has stopped rotating. The imaging unit 7 may image multiple surfaces of the rotating egg E. The direction of rotation may be unidirectional, or it may reverse direction at predetermined rotation angles. Note that when using rotational force in the manner described above, changing the orientation of the egg E is not essential.

[0081] The egg inspection system 1 for eggs in the incubation stage may further include a warming unit to suppress temperature changes of the egg E during or before / after inspection. The warming unit maintains a constant temperature for the egg E. For example, it warms the egg E after changing its position at a temperature similar to that of an incubator. The warming unit may consist of a holding mechanism placed inside a casing like an incubator, or a cover may be provided around the egg E holding mechanism to create a temperature environment different from the outside air.

[0082] <Modifications concerning embryos containing marker genes> The characteristic region may be a part or all of the embryo containing the marker gene. Using eggs produced using the technique of prior art 2, the marker gene may be detected, for example, constitutively expressed green fluorescent protein. Since the characteristic region of male bird embryos fluoresces and the characteristic region of female bird embryos does not fluoresce, the fluorescence of the embryo can be identified as the characteristic region.

[0083] An embryo fluorescence detection system, for example, involves photographing an embryo in the process of hatching from the outside at different times between the fourth and eighth day of incubation to check for the presence or absence of characteristic parts of the embryo, and includes an inspection device that performs a second inspection step after a time interval following the first inspection step.

[0084] The detection unit of the inspection device may include a spectroscopic analysis means for spectrally analyzing at least one of transmitted light and reflected light, the aforementioned light receiving means (e.g., a photodiode), or the aforementioned imaging unit (e.g., a camera). The detection unit detects fluorescence from characteristic parts of the embryo from the egg irradiated by the irradiation unit. The detection unit detects / images green fluorescence (light with a different wavelength than the excitation light) excited by the excitation light. It is preferable that the detection unit be positioned as close as possible to the embryo moved by the posture changing unit.

[0085] Furthermore, depending on the age of the embryo, it is always facing upwards within the egg, and especially in the blastocyst stage, it is always facing upwards within the egg because its specific gravity is lighter than that of the yolk. The position of the egg at the time of detection can be any of the following: vertical (upright, with the acute end pointing downwards and the air sac at the top), vertical (inverted, with the acute end pointing upwards and the air sac at the bottom), oblique, or horizontal (with the acute end facing horizontal). The day of embryonic development at which detection is performed can be carried out in accordance with the method described in Patent Document 2.

[0086] The irradiation unit of the inspection device irradiates the egg with excitation light. In this embodiment, the irradiation unit irradiates, for example, ultraviolet light as excitation light. The excitation light includes wavelengths that can excite electrons in characteristic parts of the embryo within the eggshell (e.g., green fluorescent protein). For example, an ultraviolet LED that emits light with a peak wavelength around 400 nm. The irradiation unit may be provided adjacent to the detection unit (for example, both the irradiation unit and the detection unit are positioned above the egg), or it may be positioned opposite the detection unit with the egg in between (for example, the irradiation unit is positioned below the egg and the detection unit is positioned above the egg).

[0087] Furthermore, since the excitation light may include wavelengths that can excite electrons in the eggshell pigment (protoporphyrin), the influence of the eggshell pigment must be considered when non-destructively detecting fluorescence inside an egg. Specifically, an eggshell excited by ultraviolet light emits red fluorescence with emission peaks at wavelengths of 600 nm to 700 nm, specifically around 610 nm and 670 nm. Therefore, it is preferable to have a light adjustment unit that distinguishes between the light emitted by characteristic parts of the embryo inside the egg, excited by the excitation light, and the light emitted by the eggshell surface, excited by the excitation light, from the light traveling from the egg towards the detection unit. More preferably, the light adjustment unit further distinguishes between the light emitted by characteristic parts of the embryo inside the egg, excited by the excitation light, the light emitted by the eggshell surface, and light of the wavelength of the excitation light.

[0088] Furthermore, since eggshell pigments possess a unique absorption spectrum (for example, in the case of protoporphyrin, wavelengths around 412 nm, 557 nm, and 601 nm), it is preferable that the light emitted by characteristic parts of the embryo within the egg, when excited by excitation light, is different from the absorption spectrum of the eggshell pigment.

[0089] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not limiting. The present invention is defined by the claims, not the scope described above, and all modifications in the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims are intended.

[0090] This invention can be used in commercial-based hatcheries to classify birds with characteristic features from those without in a fast and non-invasive manner.

[0091] 1...Inspection system for eggs in the process of hatching 2...Position change unit 3...Inspection device (first imaging data acquisition unit, second imaging data acquisition unit) 4...Classification unit 5...Lift unit 51...Support unit 52...Cap unit 53...Control unit 54...Contact unit 61, 62...Irradiation unit 7...Imaging unit 8...Specification unit 9...Detection unit E...Egg E1...Air sac E2...Embryo E3...Eye A...Setter tray B...Setter tray for inversion

Claims

1. An inspection system for eggs in the process of hatching, comprising: a first imaging data acquisition unit that acquires first imaging data of the egg in the process of hatching taken from the outside at a first point in time between the fourth and eighth day of incubation; a second imaging data acquisition unit that acquires second imaging data of the egg in the process of hatching taken from the outside at a second point in time after the first point in time between the fourth and eighth day of incubation; and a detection unit that detects the characteristic parts of the embryo based on the first imaging data and the second imaging data.

2. The incubation egg inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the second imaging data acquisition unit acquires second imaging data for incubation eggs in which the detection unit could not detect the characteristic portion of the embryo based on the first imaging data.

3. The incubation egg inspection system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a classification unit that classifies the incubation eggs based on the detection result of the detection unit based on the first imaging data or the second imaging data.

4. The system for inspecting an egg in the process of hatching according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a posture changing unit that changes the posture of the egg in the process of hatching from its posture up to the third day of incubation, wherein the first imaging data acquisition unit and the second imaging data acquisition unit acquire imaging data of the egg in the process of hatching whose posture has been changed by the posture changing unit.

5. The incubating egg inspection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first imaging data acquisition unit and the second imaging data acquisition unit are composed of a common inspection device.

6. An inspection system for partially hatched eggs according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which inspects for the presence or absence of characteristic parts of an embryo in a partially hatched egg removed from an incubator, and comprises a return mechanism that returns the setter tray on which the partially hatched egg is placed back to the incubator after the first imaging data or the second imaging data has been acquired.

7. The incubation inspection system for incubation eggs according to claim 6, further comprising a removal mechanism for removing the setter tray on which the incubation eggs are placed from the incubator before acquiring the first imaging data or the second imaging data.

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