3D Carcass Scanning for Robotic Slaughter Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slaughtering and processing technologies rely heavily on human intervention, leading to errors and reduced precision due to the limited use of automated systems, which compromises the advantages of robot-assisted slaughtering.
Innovation Solution
The method involves obtaining and linking multiple sets of digitized 3D measurement data of the slaughtered animal before and after processing steps to enable precise control of handling devices, allowing for accurate and precise execution of slaughtering and processing tasks by robots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated robot systems are used for slaughtering and processing, then productivity and consistency are improved, but the system requires high precision measurement and control which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement process is segmented into multiple stages: initial 3D scanning of the entire carcass, intermediate scanning after specific processing steps, and final scanning. Each scanning stage captures specific data needed for the next processing step, breaking down the complex measurement task into manageable segments that feed into the robot control system incrementally.
Solution Approach 2:
The complete 3D surface profile of the carcass is measured and stored before any processing begins. This preliminary measurement provides a reference framework that guides all subsequent processing operations, allowing the robot system to plan and execute tasks with high precision without requiring complex real-time measurement during each operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple sets of measurement data are collected and linked, then processing precision is improved, but measurement and data processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Measurements are taken periodically at key stages: before processing begins, after specific processing steps are completed, and after the entire process. This periodic measurement approach captures necessary changes in carcass geometry without continuous monitoring, balancing precision requirements with time efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital 3D models (copies) of the carcass at different stages of processing. These digital copies are linked together to form a complete processing history, allowing the system to reference previous states without physically re-measuring everything, thus reducing redundant measurement time while maintaining precision.
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
This approach ensures high accuracy and precision in slaughtering and processing by providing depth information and spatial alignment, enabling robots to perform tasks with greater precision and reducing human error.
Implementation Method 1
The slaughtered animal is measured in particular photogrammetrically in order to consequently obtain precise measurement images of the slaughtered animal, its spatial position or three-dimensional shape
Implementation Method 2
one or more Laser scanner an upper profile of the carcass is digitized
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for carrying out treatment steps on animals for slaughter, which are conveyed along a conveying path in a slaughter line such that they are suspended, by optically measuring the animal for slaughter, digitizing corresponding measured values and supplying the latter to a controller of at least one handling device which is used to carry out at least one of the following treatment steps: optically measuring the animal for slaughter in order to obtain a surface profile (3D image) and digitizing corresponding measurement data (first data), optically measuring a 2-dimensional or 3-dimensional area of the animal for slaughter, in which at least one treatment is to be carried out, and digitizing corresponding measurement data (second data), or optically measuring the animal for slaughter, which has been subjected to at least one treatment, in order to determine a further surface profile (3D image) and digitizing corresponding measurement data (third data), and linking the first data and the second data or the first data and the third data and supplying the linked data to the controller of the at least one handling device and/or to a further handling device for carrying out at least one treatment.