Optical Meat Quality Assessment via Autofluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing meat quality require sampling, which burdens the meat processing industry with additional costs and delays, particularly in bulk processing settings where non-invasive, efficient quality assessment methods are lacking.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that assesses meat quality by receiving data from light emitted when incident light is applied to the meat product, analyzing this data to determine parameters indicative of quality, and grading or scoring the meat without physical interrogation, utilizing a light source, a measuring device, a processor, and software to analyze spectral data from autofluorescence excited by the incident light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sampling methods are used to assess meat quality, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to processing delays and additional burdens on bulk processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sampling and physical interrogation of meat samples with an optical measurement system. A probe applies incident light to the meat product and detects emitted light, converting the mechanical sampling process into an optical field-based measurement that occurs without physical contact or sample removal, thereby maintaining measurement precision while eliminating processing delays
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to transfer information about meat quality. Instead of directly examining or sampling the meat, the system uses incident light that interacts with the meat's optical properties (absorption, scattering, fluorescence) to indirectly assess quality parameters such as pH, composition, and tenderness, enabling non-invasive measurement that maintains productivity
2Measurement precision
If sampling methods are used to assess meat quality, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to additional processing burdens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical sampling operations with instantaneous optical measurements. The probe delivers incident light and detects emitted light in real-time during the production process, eliminating the time required for sample collection, preparation, and laboratory analysis while maintaining measurement precision through optical detection of meat quality parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables quality assessment to be performed preliminarily during the production process itself rather than as a subsequent step. By integrating the optical probe into the production line, measurements are taken at the point of manufacture before further processing occurs, eliminating delays and allowing real-time quality monitoring that prevents time loss
3Measurement precision
If sampling methods are used to assess meat quality, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the probe as a universal measurement device that can assess multiple meat quality parameters (pH, composition, tenderness) through a single optical measurement system. The probe incorporates both light sources and detectors that work together to extract multiple quality indicators from the emitted light spectrum, reducing the need for multiple separate sampling and measurement devices and simplifying system integration
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 non-invasive, efficient quality assessment of meat products, reducing processing delays and costs by providing accurate grading and scoring of meat quality parameters such as pH, fat content, and tenderness without the need for physical sampling, facilitating continuous monitoring in production environments.
Implementation Method 1
data representative of light emitted from the meat product upon application of incident light to the meat product
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for assessing the quality of a meat product. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a method of assessing quality of a meat product, the method comprising receiving data representative of light emitted from the meat product upon application of incident light to the meat product, analysing the data to determine one or more parameters indicative of quality of the meat product, and assessing the quality of the meat product on the basis of the one or more parameters.