Left/Right Discrimination for Pig Carcass Deboning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for left/right determination in deboning processes, specifically for arm parts of pig carcasses, are inefficient and not suitable for automated systems, leading to potential errors and operational stops during the deboning process.
Innovation Solution
A left/right determination system utilizing a clamper with a horizontal slit, a color imaging device capturing images from an inclined angle, and image processing to differentiate between left and right arm parts based on natural rotation and color signal analysis, enabling accurate determination while the arm part is suspended.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the existing left/right determination method using a sensing plate to detect the pocket position on the thigh part is applied, then the left/right determination can be performed for thigh parts, but it cannot be applied to arm parts and requires additional pre-processing steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sensing plate method with an optical imaging system. A color imaging device captures images of the arm part suspended from the clamper, and image processing automatically determines left/right orientation based on the captured images, eliminating the need for physical sensing plates and complex pre-processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy (image) of the arm part using a color imaging device. The image data is then processed to determine left/right orientation, allowing the system to analyze the arm part's characteristics without physical contact or additional pre-processing steps
2Measurement precision
If left/right determination is performed before suspending the arm part from the clamper, then the determination can be made, but it reduces the efficiency of the deboning process by adding a separate step
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the left/right determination function with the existing clamping and suspension operation. The color imaging device captures images of the arm part while it is suspended from the clamper, combining two functions (determination and suspension) into one continuous process without adding separate determination steps
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous operation by performing left/right determination during the suspension phase rather than as a separate preliminary step. The imaging and determination occur continuously as the arm part is already positioned on the clamper, eliminating idle time and maintaining process flow
3Ease of operation
If manual deboning is performed without automated left/right determination, then operational flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity increases and errors may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automated feedback system where the color imaging device captures images, the control device processes the image data to determine left/right orientation, and this information is used to guide the deboning operation. This automated feedback loop eliminates manual errors while maintaining operational precision
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-determination of left/right orientation through automated image capture and processing. The control device automatically analyzes the captured images and determines the arm part orientation without human intervention, ensuring consistent and error-free determination
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 system allows for precise left/right determination of arm parts during suspension, improving deboning process efficiency and preventing operational errors by ensuring accurate incision making and high yields in meat production.
Implementation Method 1
a color imaging device configured to capture an image of the arm part being irradiated with the white visible light from an inclined horizontal direction
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
An object of the present invention is to enable left/right determination while an arm part is being suspended from a clamper in a previous step before a deboning process upon deboning an arm part of a pig carcass that is served as meat, and to improve efficiency of the deboning process. In a deboning apparatus 10, a plurality of clampers 16 move around on an endless track 14. At a suspension station ST2, a work W is suspended from each clamper 16. At a left/right determination station ST3, left/right determination is performed, and front/back determination is also performed in which it is determined whether a front-side portion F or a back-side portion B is facing a side irradiated by X-rays. Based on results of the above determinations, the posture of the work W is corrected by a clamper rotating device 26. That is, at an X-ray imaging station ST4, it is controlled so that the front-side portion F of the work W faces the side irradiated by the X-rays and a longer side faces a movement direction "a" of the endless track 14. At the X-ray imaging station ST4, an X-ray image of the work W is obtained to determine a target coordinate of a bone-part surface required for incision making and deboning process in the downstream process.