System and method for measuring a poultry breast contour
The system optimizes poultry processing by measuring breast contours to adjust downstream devices, addressing inefficiencies from size and shape variability, thereby improving processing efficiency and reducing manual sorting.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- FOODMATE
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-12
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
AI Technical Summary
Automatic poultry processing lines face inefficiencies due to the variability in size and shape of poultry parts, necessitating manual sorting and suboptimal device settings, which can be cumbersome and costly.
A system and method for measuring the breast contour of poultry parts using a mandrel with a coincident sagittal plane, combined with a contour measurement device, such as a contactless sensor or contact element, to adjust downstream processing devices based on the measured dimensions, optimizing processing efficiency.
Enables precise classification and adjustment of processing devices for individual or average poultry part sizes, enhancing processing efficiency and reducing manual sorting needs.
Smart Images
Figure NL2025050617_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] P138429PC00
[0002] Title: System and method for measuring a poultry breast contour
[0003] FIELD
[0004] The present invention relates to systems and methods for processing poultry parts, particularly poultry parts having at least a breast portion, such as carcass front halves and breast caps. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for measuring a breast contour of a breast portion of a poultry part.
[0005] BACKGROUND
[0006] Automatic poultry processing lines typically convey poultry parts in succession along a series of processing devices, such as skinners, cutters and strippers. The processing devices are typically preset to accommodate for a range of differently shaped and sized poultry parts. This inevitably entails that the device pre-settings are only suboptimal for a substantial proportion of the poultry parts. To increase yield and processing efficiency, the size variability range is conventionally reduced by manually presorting poultry parts to size. Relatively large poultry parts are separated from relatively small poultry parts, and processed separately from each other.
[0007] SUMMARY
[0008] It is an object to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is particularly an object to increase processing efficiency of poultry parts. It is at least an object to provide alternative structures which are less cumbersome in assembly and operation and which moreover can be made relatively inexpensively.
[0009] An aspect provides a system for processing a poultry part having at least a breast portion. The poultry part may, for example, be a poultry carcass, such as a carcass front half, or a poultry breast cap. The breast portion preferably has one or two breast filets to be extracted from a skeletal structure of the poultry part. The system comprises a mandrel configured for supporting the poultry part with a plane of symmetry of the mandrel coinciding with a sagittal plane of the poultry part. It will be appreciated that the sagittal plane of the poultry part, which includes a breast portion, corresponds to a plane in which a keel bone of the breast portion extends or would extend. The plane of symmetry of the mandrel may accordingly coincide with the sagittal plane of the breast portion. The system also comprises a contour measurement device for measuring a breast contour of the breast portion in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane; a conveyor for conveying the mandrel, and the poultry part supported thereby, in a conveyance direction along the contour measurement device while the plane of symmetry of the mandrel aligns with the conveyance direction; and a control unit configured for adjusting, based on the measured breast contour, a setting of a downstream processing device. The measured breast contour can be used for determining a shape and size of the poultry part, and the downstream processing device can be adjusted accordingly for optimizing processing efficiency. The breast contour can be measured for multiple poultry parts conveyed in close succession by the conveyor. The downstream processing device can accordingly be adapted to a size and shape of each poultry part individually, or to an average size and shape of multiple successive poultry parts. It will be appreciated in this regard that the contour measurement represents a measure of an outline of the poultry part, particularly in the plane parallel to the sagittal plane. The contour can accordingly represent a thickness parameter of the breast portion, transverse to the conveyance direction, as a function of a length parameter of the breast portion, parallel to the conveyance direction. The measured contour can accordingly be representative of a slice of the poultry part in the plane parallel to the sagittal plane. The measured contour can accordingly be used for accurately estimating a shape and size of the poultry part, particularly in the plane parallel to the sagittal plane. Optionally, the contour measurement device comprises a contactless sensor for measuring the breast contour contactless, i.e. without needing to contact the poultry part.
[0010] Optionally, the contour measurement device comprises a proximity sensor, particularly an optical proximity sensor, for determining a proximity of an exterior surface of the breast portion in the plane parallel to the sagittal plane relative to a reference.
[0011] Optionally, the contour measurement device comprises a light source, particularly a laser light source, for illuminating the poultry part and an optical sensor for detecting an optical reflection from the poultry part.
[0012] Optionally, the contour measurement device comprises a contact element that is movably suspended in a plane parallel to the plane of symmetry of the mandrel, the contact element being arranged for contacting the breast portion of the poultry part and following a breast contour of the breast portion while the poultry part is being transported along the contour measurement device. The contact element can hence physically engage the poultry part as it is conveyed past the breast contour measurement device. The movement of the poultry part in the conveyance direction can be transferred to movement of the contact element. The movement of the contact element can hence correlate to a proportion of the poultry part, and can hence be used for estimating a shape and size of the poultry part. The contact element provides a robust means of obtaining a breast contour measurement.
[0013] Optionally, the contact element is pivotably suspended about a pivot axis that extends transverse to the conveyance direction. A translational amplitude of the contact element can hence be amplified by conversion to a pivotal motion of the contact element.
[0014] Optionally, the contact element extends from the pivot axis to a free outer end, and wherein contact element is biased towards a neutral position in which the free outer end is clear from the mandrel as the mandrel is being conveyed along the breast measurement device. Hence, empty mandrels, i.e. mandrels not carrying a poultry part, may be prevented from triggering the contact element and hence contour measurement device. This reduces the risk of damaging the contour measurement device, as mandrels may be composed of relatively hard materials compared to poultry parts.
[0015] Optionally, the contour measurement device includes an encoder for converting movement of the contact element to an electronic sensor signal. The control unit preferably receives the electronic signal, for use in adjusting the downstream processing device.
[0016] Optionally, the control unit is configured for determining a size of the poultry part based on the measured breast contour.
[0017] Optionally, the control unit is configured for determining a length dimension of the poultry part and a height dimension of the poultry part based on the measured breast contour. It will be appreciated that the height dimension may be a dimension of the poultry part in a direction transverse to the conveyance direction. The height dimension may for example be determined based on a maximum amplitude of the movement of the contact element. The length dimension may be a dimension of the poultry part in a direction parallel to the conveyance direction. The length dimension may be for example be determined based on movement time of the contact element in relation to a conveyance speed of the conveyor.
[0018] Optionally, the control unit is configured for, based on the measured breast contour, classifying the poultry part in one of a plurality of predefined size classes.
[0019] Optionally, the control unit is configured for mapping the height dimension and the length dimension to one of a plurality of predefined size classes using a predetermined mapping. Optionally, the control unit is configured for adjusting the setting of the downstream processing device, based on the measured breast contour, according to a predefined device setting selected from a set of a finite multiple of predefined device settings.
[0020] Another aspect provides a method for processing a poultry part having at least a breast portion. The method comprises conveying the poultry part in a conveyance direction along a breast measurement device, while a sagittal plane of the poultry part aligns with the conveyance direction; using a contour measurement device, such as described herein,, measuring a breast contour of the breast portion in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane; adjusting a setting of a processing device downstream of the contour measurement device based on the measured breast contour. It will be appreciated that the sagittal plane of the poultry part, which includes a breast portion, corresponds to a plane in which a keel bone of the breast portion extends or would extend. The plane of symmetry of the mandrel may accordingly coincide with the sagittal plane of the breast portion.
[0021] Optionally, the contour measurement device comprises a contact element that is movably suspended in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane, and wherein the measuring of the breast contour comprises contacting the breast portion of the poultry part and following a breast contour of the breast portion while the poultry part is being transported along the contour measurement device.
[0022] Optionally, the method comprises automatically determining a size of the poultry part based on the measured breast contour.
[0023] Optionally, the method comprises automatically determining a length dimension of the poultry part and a height dimension of the poultry part based on the measured breast contour.
[0024] Optionally, the method comprises automatically classifying the poultry part in one of a plurality of predefined size classes based on the measured breast contour. Optionally, the method comprises automatically mapping the height dimension and the length dimension to one of a plurality of predefined size classes using a predetermined mapping.
[0025] Optionally, the method comprises adjusting the setting of the downstream processing device, based on the measured breast contour, according to a predefined device setting selected from a set of a finite multiple of predefined device settings.
[0026] It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described herein can be combined. It will particularly be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of the system apply equally to the method, and vice versa.
[0027] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0029] Figure 1 shows an example of a contour measurement device;
[0030] Figures 2A and 2B shows an example of a system for processing a poultry part;
[0031] Figures 3A and 3B show an example of sensor signal and a mapping; and
[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of a system for processing a poultry part.
[0033] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] Figure 1 shows an example of a contour measurement device 100.
[0035] The contour measurement device 100 comprises a base 90 for being mounted to a stationary frame, and a contact element 80 that is movably coupled to the base 90. The contact element 80 is in this example pivotable about a, here horizontal, pivot axis A. The contact element 80 extends between the pivot axis A and a free outer end 81. Here, the contact element 80 is biased towards the position shown in figure 1, in which the contact element 80 extends at an incline with respect to a horizontal plane.
[0036] The contact element 80 is arranged for contacting a poultry part that is being conveyed along the contour measurement device 100. As the poultry part passes by the contour measurement device 100, the contact element 80, particularly the outer end 81, follows a contour of the poultry part. The conveyance of the poultry part causes the outer end 81 to be moved, here lifted, which causes the contact element 80 to pivot about the pivot axis A. The lift of the outer end 81 induced by the passing poultry part accordingly correlates to an angular rotation of the contact element 80 about the pivot axis A. The contact element 80 at the free outer end 81 comprises a rounded vertex for contacting the poultry part. The base 90 includes a housing 91 for holding a rotation sensor. The rotation sensor includes an encoder for converting a rotation of the contact element 80 about the pivot axis A to a machine readable sensor signal.
[0037] Figures 2A and 2B show an example of a poultry processing system 1000, comprising a mandrel 50 configured for supporting the poultry part 10. The poultry part particularly includes a breast portion 11. Here, the poultry part 10 is a carcass front half. The poultry part 10 may also be a breast cap. The poultry part preferably has meat, particularly one or two breast filets, to be extracted from a skeletal structure of the poultry part 10.
[0038] The mandrel 50 includes a plane of symmetry, which in the perspective of figures 2A and 2B extends parallel to the plane of the figures. Here, the mandrel 50 supports the poultry part with the plane of symmetry of the mandrel 50 coinciding with a sagittal plane of the poultry part. Hence, a keel bone of the poultry part extends in this example in the plane of figures 2 A and 2B. The system 1000 also comprises a conveyor 60. The conveyor 60 conveys the mandrel 50, and the supported poultry part 10, in a conveyance direction D, indicated by the arrow. The conveyor 60 particularly conveys the mandrel along the contour measurement device 100, such that the contact element 80 contacts the poultry part 10 supported by the mandrel 50, as the mandrel 50 is being conveyed. The conveyor 60 particularly conveys mandrel 50 such that the plane of symmetry of the mandrel 50 aligns with the conveyance direction. Here, mandrel 50 is conveyed in horizontal direction D, wherein the plane of symmetry, and hence also the sagittal plane of the poultry part 10, extends vertically in the plane of figures 2A and 2B. The poultry part 10 is particularly conveyed along the contour measurement device 100 with its breast portion facing the contour measurement, and wherein a tail end 11 of the poultry part 10 is leading in the conveyance direction D and a neck end 12 of the poultry carcass 10 trailing.
[0039] The mandrel 50 and the contour measurement device 100 define a minimal spacing between each other. Hence, in absence of a poultry part 10, the mandrel 50 is clear from the contour measurement device 10 when the mandrel 50 is conveyed by the conveyor 60. The poultry part 10 supported by the mandrel 50 physically engages the contour element 80, as it is being conveyed by the conveyor. The contact element 80 follows a breast contour of the poultry part 10, particularly in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane. The contact element 80 may hence follow a longitudinal contour of a breast filet, or a longitudinal contour of a sternum or keel bone. The conveyance of the poultry part 10 on the mandrel 50 in the conveyance direction D accordingly pushes the free outer end 81 of the contact element 80 upwards in this example. The upward motion of the free outer end 81 is converted to a pivotal motion about the pivot axis A, which is detectable by the rotation sensor. Figure 3A shows an example of a sensor signal S as measured by the sensor, here the rotation sensor, of the contour measurement device. The vertical, y, axis can denote an amplitude of the sensor signal S. The horizontal, x, axis can denote a time of the sensor signal S. Based on a conveyance speed of the conveyor, the time of the sensor signal S can be correlated to a distance. Based on the sensor signal, a shape and size of the poultry part 10 can be determined. A vertical amplitude Y of the sensor signal S can, for example, be correlated to a height of the poultry part 10. A horizontal range X of the sensor signal S for example be correlated to a length of the poultry part 10. An integral of the sensor signal can for example be correlated to a volume of the poultry part. A shape of the sensor signal S can for example be correlated to a shape of the contour of the poultry part 10. The sensor signal S, indicative of the breast contour of the poultry part 10, can be used for classifying the poultry part to one of a plurality of predefined classes.
[0040] Figure 3B shows an example of a mapping 30 for classifying poultry parts 10 into multiple, here five, classes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. Based on the sensor signal S, and for example a conveyance speed of the conveyor, a height and length of the poultry carcass 10 can be determined, here dimensioned in millimeters. The mapping 30, such as the mapping 30 of figure 3B, maps a determined height and length of the poultry part to one of the predefined classes 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. It will be appreciated that the mapping shown in figure 3B is given as a specific example, and that other mappings are also envisioned.
[0041] The contour measurement device 100 can accordingly be used for determining a size and / or shape of the poultry part 10. A setting of a downstream processing device can be adjusted based on the measured contour of the poultry part 10, to optimize processing efficiency. For example, one or more of a position, timing, speed, force, power, etc., of one or more components of the downstream processing device can be adjusted, based on the measured contour. It will be appreciated that the downstream processing device may for example include skinners, cutters, strippers or any other poultry processing devices known in the art.
[0042] Figure 4 shows a schematic example of a poultry processing system 1000, comprising a conveyor 60 for conveying poultry parts 10 in succession along a conveyance path P, a contour measurement device 100 arranged in the conveyance path P, and a processing device 200 arranged with respect to the conveyance path P downstream of the contour measurement device 100. The system 1000 also comprises a control unit 40, configured for receiving the sensor signal S from the contour measurement device 100 representative of a measured contour, and, based on the sensor signal S, adjusting the downstream processing device 200.
[0043] Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments. However, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged.
[0044] However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense.
[0045] In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage.
Claims
Claims1. System for processing a poultry part having at least a breast portion, comprising a mandrel configured for supporting the poultry part with a plane of symmetry of the mandrel coinciding with a sagittal plane of the poultry part; a contour measurement device for measuring a breast contour of the breast portion in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane; a conveyor for conveying the mandrel, and the poultry part supported thereby, in a conveyance direction along the contour measurement device while the plane of symmetry of the mandrel aligns with the conveyance direction; a control unit configured for adjusting, based on the measured breast contour, a setting of a downstream processing device.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the contour measurement device comprises a contact element that is movably suspended in a plane parallel to the plane of symmetry of the mandrel, the contact element being arranged for contacting the breast portion of the poultry part and following a breast contour of the breast portion while the poultry part is being transported along the contour measurement device.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the contact element is pivotably suspended about a pivot axis that extends transverse to the conveyance direction.
4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the contact element extends from the pivot axis to a free outer end, and wherein contact elementis biased towards a neutral position in which the free outer end is clear from the mandrel as the mandrel is being conveyed along the breast measurement device.
5. The system according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the contour measurement device includes an encoder for converting movement of the contact element to an electronic sensor signal.
6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured for determining a size of the poultry part based on the measured breast contour.
7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured for determining a length dimension of the poultry part and a height dimension of the poultry part based on the measured breast contour.
8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured for, based on the measured breast contour, classifying the poultry part in one of a plurality of predefined size classes.
9. The system according to claim 8, when dependent on claim 7, wherein the control unit is configured for mapping the height dimension and the length dimension to one of a plurality of predefined size classes using a predetermined mapping.
10. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit is configured for adjusting the setting of the downstream processing device, based on the measured breast contour, according to apredefined device setting selected from a set of a finite multiple of predefined device settings.
11. A method for processing a poultry part having at least a breast portion, comprising conveying the poultry part in a conveyance direction along a breast measurement device, while a sagittal plane of the poultry part aligns with the conveyance direction; using a contour measurement device, measuring a breast contour of the breast portion in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane; adjusting a setting of a processing device downstream of the contour measurement device based on the measured breast contour.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the contour measurement device comprises a contact element that is movably suspended in a plane parallel to the sagittal plane, and wherein the measuring of the breast contour comprises contacting the breast portion of the poultry part and following a breast contour of the breast portion while the poultry part is being transported along the contour measurement device.
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, comprising automatically determining a size of the poultry part based on the measured breast contour.
14. The method according to any of claims 11-13, comprising automatically determining a length dimension of the poultry part and a height dimension of the poultry part based on the measured breast contour.
15. The method according to any of claims 11-14, comprising automatically classifying the poultry part in one of a plurality of predefined size classes based on the measured breast contour.
16. The method according to claim 15, when dependent on claim 14, comprising automatically mapping the height dimension and the length dimension to one of a plurality of predefined size classes using a predetermined mapping.
17. The method according to any of claims 11-16, comprising adjusting the setting of the downstream processing device, based on the measured breast contour, according to a predefined device setting selected from a set of a finite multiple of predefined device settings.