Egg Yolk Detection in Albumen Under Reflective Cup Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polished stainless steel surfaces in egg breaker and collector cups cause reflections that lead to incorrect identification of yolk residues in albumen, resulting in 'false rejects' during vision technology inspection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves imaging specific subareas of the yolk and albumen cups in preselected color spaces, using filters to differentiate between actual yolk colors and reflections, and calculating surface ratios to accurately determine the presence of yolk in albumen, thereby reducing false rejections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polished stainless steel surfaces are used in egg breaker and collector cups, then cleanability and hygiene are improved, but reflections occur that lead to incorrect identification of yolk residues in albumen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference area with known properties (no yolk residues) as an intermediary element in the image analysis system. This reference area serves as a mediator to distinguish between actual yolk residues and reflections from polished steel surfaces, allowing the detection system to maintain both the polished surface benefits and accurate detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters used for image analysis by comparing the color, intensity, and spatial distribution characteristics of potential yolk residues against the reference area. By analyzing multiple parameters simultaneously and looking for deviations from the reference pattern, the system can differentiate between actual contaminants and optical reflections
2Reliability
If vision technology is used to detect yolk residues in albumen, then detection capability is improved, but false rejects increase due to reflections from polished steel surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image analysis into multiple components: reference area analysis, potential contaminant area analysis, and comparative evaluation. By dividing the detection process into distinct segments with specific analysis functions, the system can process complex visual information more reliably and reduce false interpretations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the reference area provides continuous feedback about the expected appearance of clean polished surfaces. This feedback is used to adjust and refine the detection algorithm, allowing the system to learn and adapt to variations in lighting and camera conditions while maintaining accurate detection
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 significantly improves the recognition of yolk in albumen, reducing false rejects and ensuring correct classification, allowing for better yield and processing efficiency in egg breaking and collection systems.
Implementation Method 1
polished steel can reflect in a disadvantageous manner, in particular when applying vision technology
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for the detection of egg yolk in albumen, for example, but not exclusively, at least one yolk spot, comprising, - breaking an egg, - separating albumen and yolk, - collecting albumen and yolk separately in a yolk cup and in an albumen cup, - imaging of the albumen cup substantially from above with a camera, whereby an albumen image is obtained, and - imaging, substantially from above, of the yolk cup, having yolk area Ay, a preselected subarea Py, whereby a yolk image in a preselected colour system Sy is obtained.