Automated Meat Fraction Monitoring on Deboning Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring the deboning process in meat cutting plants are inefficient and prone to subjective errors, leading to significant meat loss as meat is often left on bones, which can result in substantial financial losses due to inadequate visual inspection techniques.
Innovation Solution
An automated method using image recording devices, such as cameras, and image-processing software to quantify the fraction of meat remaining on bones by differentiating between bone, fat, and meat based on color and geometric measurements, providing precise data for improving deboning efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If visual inspection by random sampling is used to monitor deboning quality, then inspection costs are reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of monitoring results deteriorate significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an automated optical measurement system. Cameras capture images of bone segments, and image processing software automatically quantifies meat remaining on bones, eliminating subjective human inspection and providing objective, precise measurements of deboning quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies (images) of the bone segments instead of physically inspecting each segment. The image recording device captures visual information, and the processing apparatus analyzes these copies to determine meat fractions, allowing comprehensive monitoring without direct physical intervention.
2Reliability
If visual inspection by trained personnel is used, then some monitoring can be performed, but loss of time and productivity increase due to manual inspection requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes manual visual inspection with an automated optical measurement system that continuously captures and analyzes images of bone segments. This eliminates the time-consuming manual inspection process while maintaining reliable monitoring through objective image-based measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated image recording and processing system operates continuously throughout the deboning process, providing ongoing monitoring without interruption. This continuous action eliminates the discontinuous nature of manual inspection and maximizes productivity while maintaining reliable quality control.
3Measurement precision
If automated image recording and analysis is implemented, then measurement precision and monitoring accuracy improve significantly, but device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual inspection processes with a relatively simple automated optical system. Cameras and image processing software provide precise objective measurement without requiring complex mechanical inspection equipment, achieving high measurement precision through optical rather than mechanical means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying (imaging) to achieve precise measurement of meat fractions on bones. By creating and analyzing images of bone segments, the system obtains accurate quantitative data without requiring complex physical measurement apparatus, simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining high precision.
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 automated system significantly reduces meat loss by accurately monitoring and reporting the meat fraction on bones, enabling more precise control over the deboning process and reducing financial losses for meat producers.
Implementation Method 1
images of segments which have been detached from the large pieces of the slaughtered animal body and which are composed of bone, fat and meat remaining on the bone are recorded by means of a camera apparatus
Implementation Method 2
the segments are differentiated from the conveyor belt by color and then the meat is distinguished from the other compartments of the segments, i.e., bone and fat
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for the automatic monitoring of the process for the industrial cutting up and deboning of slaughtered animal bodies with respect to leaving the smallest fraction as possible of meat remaining behind on the bones extracted in the cutting process. For this purpose, images of segments that are detached during the cutting up of large pieces of the slaughtered animal body are recorded by an image recording device on at least one conveyor belt serving for transporting them away. Based on their different colors, images of these segments are differentiated from the conveyor belt, and bone, fat, and meat remaining on the bone of the images within the segments are also differentiated. By determining a quotient between a geometric quantity of the portions identified as meat for one or a plurality of segments and a geometric quantity of the same type determined overall for the same segment or the same segments, the fraction of meat in the separated segments is then determined. Finally, the result is visualized, for example, directly on a display, or/and is further processed for creating reports or for the output of warning signals.