Bone Fragment Detection in Meat via Optical and Acoustic Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting small bone fragments in meat, such as candling and x-ray modalities, are limited by photon scattering, high costs, and safety concerns, making them unsuitable for commercial food processing applications.
Innovation Solution
A method combining optical and acoustic measurements, where light is emitted onto a meat sample, and ultrasound is used to detect defects, with multivariate analysis of reflected light amplitudes and acoustic signals to determine the presence of bone fragments, using a statistical model that calculates the cumulative probability of defects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If candling method is used to detect bone fragments, then detection capability for surface defects is improved, but detection capability for embedded defects deteriorates due to photon scattering in tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an acoustic wave as an intermediary medium to detect embedded bone fragments. The acoustic wave propagates through the meat tissue and interacts with bone fragments, generating backscattered signals that carry information about the embedded defects. This intermediary approach overcomes the limitation of direct optical detection where photons scatter and lose directional information in thick tissue.
2Measurement precision
If x-ray modalities are used to detect bone fragments, then detection capability for embedded defects is improved, but cost and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the x-ray electromagnetic radiation system with an acoustic wave-based detection system. Acoustic waves at appropriate frequencies can penetrate meat tissue and interact with bone fragments similarly to x-rays, but without the ionizing radiation hazards and high costs associated with x-ray equipment. This substitution maintains detection capability while eliminating safety and cost issues.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic waves are used to detect bone fragments, then detection capability for embedded defects is improved, but signal from small defects is lost within larger signal from tissue texture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple acoustic transducers operating at different frequencies and positions to generate excessive acoustic energy that thoroughly penetrates the tissue. By using more transducers and higher energy levels than the minimum required, the system ensures that even weak backscattered signals from small bone fragments can be detected above the tissue texture noise through statistical analysis of multiple measurements.
4Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths of light are used for detection, then discrimination between tissue types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the acoustic transducer system multi-functional by designing it to perform both detection and characterization functions. The same transducers that detect bone fragments also provide information about tissue properties through their backscattered signals. This universality eliminates the need for separate optical systems with multiple wavelengths, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining discrimination capability.
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 allows for the robust and economical detection of small defects both on the surface and within the bulk of meat, replacing human inspectors and providing a reliable means to identify bone fragments in meat samples.
Implementation Method 1
emitting at least one wavelength of light onto an area of said meat sample; receiving light reflected from said area of said meat sample
Implementation Method 2
emitting at least one frequency of ultrasound onto said area of said meat sample and receiving ultrasound signals returned from said meat sample
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for detection of bone in meat identifies fragments larger than about 1 mm using spectral optical imaging and ultrasound. Spectral imaging can detect foreign material proximate to the surface and ultrasound can detect material within the sample. The sample is irradiated by light and reflected light or Raman scattered light measured. The sample is similarly irradiated by ultrasound and reflected or transmitted sound waves give a set of amplitude data points, which include temporal delay. These data points are then processed by statistical methods to derive a set of vectors in n-dimensional space, which are compared to a calibrated data set of derived vectors which have distinct identifying loci for each type of surface, are indicative of the presence or absence of defects.