Non-Contact Poultry Inspection via Sensor Hand Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inspection methods for poultry carcasses and viscera packages in processing lines require human intervention, leading to risks of cross-contamination and cannot achieve fully automatic inspection due to legal restrictions, and existing systems do not effectively handle high operational speeds.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a sensor system, such as ultrasonic waves, laser light, or 3-D cameras, to determine the position and orientation of an inspector's hand or bodily parts for non-contact selection of rejected poultry carcasses and viscera packages, combined with acknowledgment means like voice, gesture, or push-button controls for confirmation, and providing visual feedback using moving lights or projectors to indicate approvals and rejections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection by inspector touching poultry carcasses is used, then inspection can be performed, but cross-contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact inspection with optical sensing systems (cameras, lasers, ultrasonic sensors) that can detect defects without physical contact. The inspection facility includes cameras positioned to capture images of poultry carcasses and viscera packages, with image processing systems that analyze the captured images to identify defects, thereby eliminating the need for inspectors to touch the products.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If fully automatic camera-based inspection is implemented, then cross-contamination is eliminated, but legal restrictions prevent implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that bridges manual inspection requirements and automated inspection benefits. The system includes cameras for automated detection, but retains the inspector in the loop for final decision-making. The camera system assists the inspector by highlighting potential defects, while the inspector maintains legal responsibility for the inspection outcome, thus satisfying both hygiene requirements and legal compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection facility is designed to perform multiple functions: automated image capture, preliminary defect detection, inspector assistance, and documentation. This multi-functional system can operate in different modes depending on regulatory requirements, making it adaptable to various legal frameworks while maintaining high hygiene standards.
3Ease of operation
If manual inspection methods are used, then flexibility is maintained, but processing speed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous inspection throughout the processing line, with cameras and sensors positioned to inspect poultry carcasses and viscera packages at multiple stages without interrupting the flow. The system operates continuously alongside the conveyor belt, maintaining inspection flexibility while enabling high-speed processing by eliminating manual inspection bottlenecks.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If non-contact sensor systems are implemented, then hygiene is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system is divided into modular segments: image capture modules, lighting modules, processing units, and control systems. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently configured and maintained. This segmentation reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the hygiene benefits of non-contact inspection.
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 enhances hygiene, allows for high-speed processing without human contact, and provides accurate, efficient identification and rejection of defective products, reducing cross-contamination risks and meeting operational demands.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor is provided with a cooperating source of ultrasonic waves or laserlight
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is provided with a cooperating source of ultrasonic waves or laserlight
Implementation Method 3
3-D cameras, to determine a position and/or an orientation of a bodily part of the inspector
Data Source
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AI summary
Processing line (1) and method for inspecting a poultry carcass (2) and/or a viscera package (5) taken out from the poultry carcass (2), wherein said poultry carcass (2) and/or viscera package (5) moves in said processing line (1) and wherein the inspection is carried out by an inspector (4) selecting a particular poultry carcass (2) and/or viscera package (5) as to be rejected, wherein the selection of the particular poultry carcass (2) and/or viscera package (5) to be rejected is executed by said inspector (4) without touching said poultry carcass (2) and/or viscera package (5).