Chick Counter Using Image Sequence Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chick counting systems are not very accurate, especially when chicks are close to each other, leading to stress and potential injuries due to high processing speeds, and they typically process around 30,000 chicks per hour, which is limited.
Innovation Solution
A chick counter system using a digital camera to capture images of chicks passing a virtual line, comparing subsequent images to track and correct chick counts, and utilizing a guiding system with air blowers to direct chicks into boxes, allowing for enhanced individualization and processing speeds of up to 72,000 chicks per hour while assessing parameters like volume, weight, and health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If chicks are individualized and photographed one by one at high processing speeds to improve counting accuracy, then counting precision improves, but stress on chicks increases and injuries may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from capturing single static images to capturing sequences of images over time, adding the time dimension to the detection process. This allows chicks to be tracked through their movement along the conveyor belt, enabling accurate individualization and counting without requiring extremely high-speed single-frame capture that would cause stress and injury.
2Productivity
If high processing speeds are used to count more chicks per hour, then productivity increases, but counting accuracy decreases due to chicks sitting close together
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses continuous video capture at high frame rates (e.g., 60 fps) to maintain uninterrupted tracking of chicks as they move along the conveyor belt. This continuous visual record allows the system to process and count chicks at high speeds while maintaining accuracy, as each chick's movement trajectory can be followed continuously rather than relying on discrete high-speed snapshots.
Solution Approach 2:
The system processes image sequences in real-time, using feedback from frame-to-frame analysis to track and individualize chicks. By continuously analyzing the movement and position of chicks across multiple frames, the system can accurately distinguish individual chicks even at high processing speeds, resolving the contradiction between speed and accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If chicks are tracked through image sequences to improve individualization accuracy, then counting precision improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical individualization methods with automated optical tracking and image processing. By using computer vision algorithms to automatically track chicks through image sequences, the system achieves high individualization accuracy without requiring complex mechanical intervention systems, reducing overall system complexity 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
The system achieves high accuracy in chick counting with reduced stress, increased processing speed, and the ability to sort chicks based on health and sex, enabling efficient and precise handling of large numbers of poultry.
Implementation Method 1
A chick counter system using a digital camera to capture images of chicks passing a virtual line
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a guiding system with air blowers to direct chicks into boxes
Data Source
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AI summary
Chick counter device and method. The counter comprises a camera, a chick supply line passing the scope of the camera, and a data processing unit communicating with the camera and programmed to process images captured by the camera to identify and count individual chicks by comparing a plurality of subsequently captured images. The data processing unit can, e.g., be programmed to count individual chicks passing a virtual line at the lower end of the camera scope in an image captured by the camera. Subsequently it compares the image with one or more earlier captured images to trace back the path of the individualized chicks. The number of counted chicks is corrected if a chick counted for one in step a appears to be countable for two or more chicks in at least one earlier captured image. The camera can e.g. be a videocamera.