Carcass Contamination Removal via Multispectral Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inspection and removal of contaminations on animal carcasses are subjective, labor-intensive, and prone to errors due to human fatigue and inefficiencies, posing risks to consumer safety and product quality.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a detection system with high-resolution RGB cameras and multispectral imaging, a removal system with robotic arms and tools like steam vacuum suction or knives, and an inspection system, all integrated with processing means for automated identification, removal, and verification of contaminations in three-dimensional space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection is performed by veterinary inspectors, then contamination can be detected and removed, but the process is labor-intensive, costly, and prone to human error due to fatigue and subjectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical inspection process with an automated optical detection system using RGB cameras and multispectral imaging. The system uses computer vision algorithms to automatically identify and locate contaminations on carcasses, eliminating human fatigue and subjectivity while maintaining high detection accuracy and improving inspection throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service detection where the carcass inspection process becomes autonomous. The automated system independently performs detection, localization, and classification of contaminations without requiring human inspectors, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and productivity
2Reliability
If highly trained inspectors with short duty cycles are used, then detection reliability improves, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex human training and duty cycle management with a simplified automated system. The optical detection system with pre-programmed algorithms provides consistent reliable detection without requiring specialized training or complex operational protocols, thereby reducing operational complexity while maintaining high reliability
3Reliability
If multiple operators are used for detection and removal, then contamination can be addressed, but the process becomes less efficient as the removing operator must re-locate contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection and removal operations into a single integrated automated system. The robotic arm with removal tools is directly guided by the detection system's coordinates, eliminating the time loss associated with re-location and ensuring reliable contamination removal through precise automated positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from the detection system to guide the robotic removal arm. The detection system continuously provides location data that is immediately used to position the removal tools, creating a closed-loop control system that eliminates relocation time and ensures accurate contamination removal
4Productivity
If automated systems are implemented, then labor costs decrease and consistency improves, but initial system complexity and investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional automated system that performs detection, localization, classification, and guided removal of various types of contaminations using a single integrated platform. This universal approach improves operational efficiency while managing system complexity through consolidation of functions
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the inspection and removal process into distinct functional modules: detection module with RGB and multispectral cameras, processing module with computer vision algorithms, and removal module with robotic arm. This segmentation manages system complexity by creating modular, independently optimizable components while maintaining high overall productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system ensures accurate and efficient detection, removal, and verification of contaminations, reducing human error and labor costs while enhancing consumer safety and product quality by automating the process.
Implementation Method 1
detection system with high-resolution RGB cameras and multispectral imaging
Implementation Method 2
determining and location of any contamination in a three-dimensional (3D) space
Implementation Method 3
removal system with robotic arms and tools like steam vacuum suction
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
This invention relates to a system for identification, removal, and control of contaminations on an animal carcass (2), and a corresponding method. The system of the invention comprises the following elements: a detection system, a removal system, a control system and a processing means. The method of the invention involves the use of a detection system to determine the existence and location of contaminations, and to report the existence and location to a processing means, to guide a removal tool to the location of the contamination and remove the contamination.