Infrared Line Laser Detection for Red Tissue Differentiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices and methods for detecting tissue types in slaughtered animal carcasses, particularly those with high blood supply, fail to differentiate between different tissue types reliably, making it difficult to detect red tissue structures and automate their removal.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact detection system using infrared light with a line laser source and optical sensor arranged at a distance, allowing for precise differentiation of red tissue structures by absorbing more infrared light, and a cutting device that can automatically remove these structures based on detected boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light detection devices are used to detect tissue types, then foreign bodies and foreign tissue types can be detected, but differentiation between different tissue types (especially red tissue structures) cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the light source to infrared range (specifically around 808 nm), which is strongly absorbed by red tissue structures containing hemoglobin. This parameter change enables the detection device to differentiate red tissue structures from other tissues based on their distinct infrared absorption characteristics, resolving the inability to differentiate tissue types while maintaining detection reliability.
2Measurement precision
If the detection device is arranged to capture reflected light at various angles, then surface irregularities can be detected, but the light line becomes obscured and detection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric arrangement where the light source and detection device are positioned at specific asymmetric angles relative to the product surface. The light source is arranged at a first angle and the detection device at a second angle, creating an asymmetric detection geometry that prevents surface irregularities from obscuring the light line while still capturing sufficient reflected light for reliable detection.
3Device complexity
If the light source and detection device are arranged close to each other, then the device complexity is reduced, but the light field angle becomes insufficient to capture reflected light from uneven surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the spatial arrangement challenge by introducing angular dimensionality - positioning the light source and detection device at different angles rather than just varying their linear distance. This angular separation ensures that the light field angle is sufficient to capture reflected light from uneven surfaces while maintaining a compact overall device structure, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and detection reliability.
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
Enables reliable and precise detection and differentiation of red tissue structures, such as muscle meat, and their automated removal, independent of surface unevenness, with high spatial resolution and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The infrared light used is absorbed more strongly in the product in the areas of the red tissue structures than in the other tissue components of the product
Implementation Method 2
detect the reflected partial radiation or the light radiation scattered in the product
Implementation Method 3
the light from the line laser is highly focused, so that the light line on the product is as narrow as possible
Implementation Method 4
the product is exposed to high-intensity light, so that the light penetrates correspondingly deeply into the product
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for the non-contact detection of red tissue structures (16) in products (12) of slaughtered animal carcasses, comprising a conveying device (11) for continuously conveying the products (12) in a conveying direction (F), a light source (13) configured to generate a planar light field (31), which is designed and configured to form a line of light from the planar light field (31) extending transversely to the conveying direction (F) of the product (12), a detection device (14) for detecting the red tissue structures (16), which comprises at least one optical sensor means for receiving the light components (32) reflected by the product (12), wherein the light source (13) is designed as an infrared light source and the light source (13) is arranged such that the plane of the planar light field (31) is inclined relative to the conveying direction (F) by a light field angle (α) of less than 90°.Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding method for the non-contact detection of red tissue structures (16) in products (12) of slaughtered animal carcasses, comprising the steps of continuously conveying the products (12) in a conveying direction (F) through an inspection area (30), illuminating the products (12) by means of a planar light field (31) of a light source (13) to form a line of light extending transversely to the conveying direction (F) of the product (12), and recording the light components (32) reflected by the product (12) by means of an optical sensor means of a detection device (14), wherein the light source (13) is designed as an infrared light source and the plane of the planar light field (31) is inclined relative to the conveying direction (F) by a light field angle (α) of less than 90°.The invention also relates to an arrangement for removing a strip (20) of red tissue structures (16) from products (12) of slaughtered animal carcasses, comprising a device (10) for non-contact detection of the red tissue structures (16) in the products (12), a cutting device (21) for partially or completely removing the red tissue structures (16) from the products (12), a control device which is configured and designed to control the cutting device (21) along the areas identified by means of the device (10) for non-contact detection of the red tissue structures (16), wherein the device (10) for non-contact detection of the red tissue structures (16) in the products (12) is configured according to any one of claims 1 to 10.