Method for the detection of egg yolk
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Solution Overview
Problem
Polished stainless steel surfaces in egg breaking and collection equipment cause reflections that lead to incorrect image characterization using vision technology, resulting in 'false rejects' where albumen cups are mistakenly identified as having yolk residues.
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 and reflection colors, and measuring area ratios to accurately determine the presence of yolk in albumen, thereby reducing false rejects and improving recognition of yellow tones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If polished stainless steel surfaces are used in egg breaking and collection equipment, then cleanability and hygiene are improved, but reflections occur that cause incorrect image characterization and false rejects in vision technology inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the inspection system by using polarized light and analyzing polarization states of reflected light. This allows the system to distinguish between light reflected from polished steel surfaces and light from actual yolk residues, resolving the contradiction between maintaining polished surfaces for cleanability and achieving accurate detection.
2Reliability
If vision technology is used to inspect albumen cups for yolk residues, then detection capability is improved, but reflections from polished steel surfaces cause false rejects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polarized light as an intermediary between the light source and the inspection system. By controlling the polarization state of incident light and analyzing the polarization state of reflected light, the system can differentiate between reflections from polished surfaces and actual contaminants, eliminating false rejects while maintaining high detection capability.
3Device complexity
If standard imaging methods are used to detect yolk in albumen, then simplicity is maintained, but reflections cause incorrect identification of yellow tones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by implementing polarized light imaging with specific polarization angles. This adds a polarization dimension to the imaging process, enabling the system to distinguish between yellow tones from yolk and yellow tones from reflections, thereby improving color detection accuracy without significantly complicating the imaging method.
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 reduces 'false rejects' and ensures correct determination of yolk presence in albumen cups, maintaining existing equipment and manufacturing methods while enhancing recognition of reflections and color properties.
Implementation Method 1
polished steel can reflect in a disadvantageous manner, in particular when applying vision technology
Data Source
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 color system Sy is obtained.