Non-contact Optical Egg Viability Tester
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the viability of eggs during incubation require manual candling, which is time-consuming and can lead to egg damage or contamination, and do not allow for simultaneous assessment of multiple eggs without disrupting the incubation environment.
Innovation Solution
A computerized system with a tester unit that emits electromagnetic radiation and uses sensors to determine the viability of eggs from above or below the incubation tray, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple eggs without contact, and includes a processor to process signals and differentiate between viable and non-viable eggs, enabling their separate transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual candling is used to determine egg viability, then individual egg inspection can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and requires removing eggs from the incubator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple egg inspection functions into a single automated imaging system that can evaluate multiple eggs simultaneously. The system merges illumination, imaging, and analysis functions into an integrated setup that eliminates the need for manual removal and inspection of individual eggs, thereby reducing inspection time while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical candling process with an automated optical imaging system. Instead of manually holding a light source and visually inspecting eggs, the system uses controlled illumination sources, cameras or sensors, and image processing algorithms to automatically detect egg viability, significantly reducing the time required for inspection.
2Measurement precision
If eggs are removed from the incubator for candling, then viability can be assessed, but the stable incubation environment is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system that can assess egg viability without direct contact or removal of eggs from the incubator. The system uses optical fields and imaging technology as intermediaries to obtain viability information while the eggs remain in their stable incubation environment, thus eliminating the need to disrupt temperature, humidity, or atmospheric conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple eggs are inspected manually, then viability assessment is possible, but the process becomes even more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inspection operations into a single simultaneous process. The imaging system captures images of multiple eggs at the same time, and image processing algorithms analyze all eggs in parallel, allowing the inspection of large quantities of eggs without proportionally increasing the time required. This contrasts with manual inspection where each egg must be individually examined sequentially.
4Measurement precision
If conventional candling is performed, then egg viability can be determined, but contact with eggs may cause damage or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual handling and contact-based inspection with a non-contact optical imaging system. The system uses light fields and digital image processing to assess egg viability without physical contact, eliminating the risk of mechanical damage, contamination, or introduction of pathogens that could occur during manual handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical fields and imaging technology as intermediaries to obtain viability information without direct contact with the eggs. The light and camera system serve as intermediaries that can penetrate or reflect off the eggshell to detect internal characteristics indicating viability, thereby avoiding harmful direct contact while maintaining detection accuracy.
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 quick and non-contact viability testing of multiple eggs within the incubator, reducing contamination risk and maintaining a stable environment, while allowing for monitoring of embryo development and controlled incubation parameters.
Implementation Method 1
a source of electromagnetic radiation and a respective electromagnetic sensor both locatable from said side of the incubation tray. During operation of the system, each of the electromagnetic radiation sources of the respective sub-system is configured to emit electromagnetic radiation directed to incident on the respective egg in the incubation tray and the respective electromagnetic sensor is configured and operable to sense a portion of the electromagnetic radiation scattered from the interior of the egg
Implementation Method 2
the respective electromagnetic sensor is configured and operable to sense a portion of the electromagnetic radiation scattered from the interior of the egg
Data Source
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AI summary
Monitoring viability of multiple eggs in an incubation tray. An optical tester unit is locatable entirely above in proximity to the incubation tray while avoiding contact with the eggs. The optical tester unit operates by emitting electromagnetic radiation into the interior of the eggs and sensing a portion of the electromagnetic radiation scattered from the interior of the eggs.