Hyperspectral Egg Analysis for Fertility and Gender Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial hatcheries face challenges in determining the fertility and gender of eggs, with only 60-90% of incubated eggs being fertile, leading to inefficiencies and animal welfare issues due to discarded unwanted chicks.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing hyperspectral imaging and light scattering analysis, including a light source, hyperspectral camera, and computational methods to analyze egg images for fertility and gender determination based on germinal disc characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional egg fertility and gender detection methods are used, then the process is simple and quick, but the accuracy is low leading to incorrect classification of fertile and infertile eggs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces light scattering as an intermediary physical phenomenon to detect egg fertility and gender. By measuring how light scatters through the eggshell and interacts with internal structures (particularly the germinal disc), the system obtains indirect but accurate information about egg characteristics without directly observing or manipulating the biological samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or visual inspection methods with optical measurement systems. Hyperspectral imaging cameras and light scattering detectors substitute for manual examination, enabling automated, high-precision fertility and gender detection based on optical properties rather than physical handling or subjective visual assessment.
2Reliability
If all incubated eggs are processed, then complete fertility assessment is achieved, but time and resource consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs fertility and gender detection before incubation begins. By identifying and separating fertile from infertile eggs in advance, and by determining gender prior to incubation, the system prevents wasted time and resources on incubating eggs that will not hatch or that do not match production requirements. This preliminary classification enables efficient resource allocation from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in optical parameters (light scattering intensity, spectral characteristics) that occur naturally in eggs based on their fertility and gender. By measuring these inherent parameter variations rather than requiring invasive procedures or time-consuming cultural methods, the system achieves rapid, non-destructive assessment of all eggs in the batch.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If unwanted male chicks are identified and discarded after hatching, then animal welfare issues are reduced, but waste disposal bottlenecks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs gender identification before incubation, allowing unwanted male eggs to be separated and disposed of before the chicks hatch. This preliminary action eliminates the need for post-hatching culling, thereby improving animal welfare by preventing unnecessary suffering while also reducing waste disposal challenges by handling fewer biological materials after incubation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and identifies the gender-specific optical characteristics of eggs, enabling separation of male and female eggs based on their distinct light scattering or spectral signatures. By extracting this gender information early in the process, the system enables selective removal of unwanted male eggs before incubation, avoiding the need for later culling operations.
4Productivity
If infertile eggs are used for commercial egg tables or low grade food stock, then resource utilization is improved, but product quality and safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts fertility information from eggs using light scattering and hyperspectral imaging, enabling clear identification and separation of fertile and infertile eggs. By extracting this critical quality attribute early in the process, the system ensures that only appropriately classified eggs are directed to suitable uses (fertile eggs for incubation, infertile eggs for food products), maintaining product quality consistency while maximizing resource utilization.
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
Accurately distinguishes fertile from infertile eggs and differentiates between male and female eggs before incubation, improving efficiency and reducing waste by enhancing the accuracy of egg selection.
Implementation Method 1
receiving angle, frequency (or wavelength) and intensity data of scattering light from an egg illuminated using a light source
Implementation Method 2
a hyperspectral imaging camera... receive images of the egg from the hyperspectral imaging camera
Data Source
AI summary
An egg analysis system and methods are provided. The system comprises a light source for illuminating an egg, a hyperspectral imaging camera, a processor, and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, configure the processor to actuate the light source to illuminate the egg, receive images of the egg from the hyperspectral imaging camera, and analyze the images. The light source may emit light at one of approximately 860 nm, 1050 nm or 1250 nm.