Egg Viability Detection Using Multi-Wavelength Transillumination
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing candling techniques for distinguishing live and non-live eggs have limited accuracy and are not suitable for high-throughput applications, as they rely on opacity identification systems or embryo heartbeat detection, which can be affected by optical aberrations, light scattering, and mechanical vibrations, leading to incorrect classification.
Innovation Solution
An egg identification system that uses an emitter assembly to emit electromagnetic radiation towards eggs, a detector assembly to measure the transmitted radiation, and a movable optical shielding assembly to reduce optical aberrations, allowing for accurate classification of live and non-live eggs without stopping the egg carrier movement, enabling high-throughput processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If opacity identification systems are used to distinguish live and non-live eggs, then the classification can be performed, but the accuracy is limited due to optical aberrations, light scattering, and reflectance
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection process into multiple wavelength measurements (at least two different wavelengths) to segment the optical information. By measuring at different wavelengths, the system can differentiate between light absorbed by hemoglobin (live eggs) and light scattered by shell imperfections (non-live eggs), thereby resolving the accuracy problem caused by optical aberrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of electromagnetic radiation wavelength to improve measurement accuracy. By using multiple wavelengths, the system can detect the spectral characteristics of hemoglobin in live eggs versus the scattering properties of non-live eggs, overcoming the limitations of single-wavelength opacity identification.
2Productivity
If high-throughput processing is implemented with continuous egg carrier movement, then productivity increases, but measurement precision decreases due to motion-induced optical disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous movement of the egg carrier while performing measurements, eliminating the need to stop the conveyor for classification. The rapid multi-wavelength measurement process is synchronized with the continuous flow, allowing high-throughput processing (capable of evaluating thousands of eggs per hour) without sacrificing measurement accuracy through proper timing and data processing.
3Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths are used to improve accuracy, then measurement precision increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single electromagnetic radiation source that can emit multiple wavelengths, making the device multi-functional. Rather than requiring separate light sources for each wavelength, the system employs one source capable of producing a spectrum that includes at least two distinct wavelengths, thereby improving accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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 accurate identification of live and non-live eggs at any stage of embryonic development, improving throughput and reducing errors, capable of processing over 100,000 eggs per hour with continuous movement of egg flats.
Implementation Method 1
an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward a plurality of eggs
Implementation Method 2
a detector assembly having a plurality of detectors fixedly positioned with respect to the emitter assembly and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the eggs
Implementation Method 3
An optical shielding assembly is configured to move with respect to the detectors and to provide optical shielding for detection of the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the eggs
Data Source
AI summary
An egg identification system for determining egg viability is provided. Such a system includes an emitter assembly for emitting electromagnetic radiation toward a plurality of eggs positioned proximate thereto. A detector assembly is positioned proximate to the emitter assembly. The detector assembly has a plurality of detectors fixedly positioned with respect to the emitter assembly and configured to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the eggs. An optical shielding assembly is configured to move with respect to the detectors. A processor is in communication with detector assembly and is configured to determine viability of the eggs using the detected electromagnetic radiation. An associated method is also provided.