U.S. patent application number 16/704472 was filed with the patent office on 2020-06-11 for method and system for examining eggs.
The applicant listed for this patent is LIVEGG (2015) LTD. Invention is credited to Gavriel ADAR, Yair Or ADAR, Eliahu Shalom HOFFMAN.
Application Number | 20200182849 16/704472 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54194072 |
Filed Date | 2020-06-11 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200182849 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ADAR; Yair Or ; et
al. |
June 11, 2020 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXAMINING EGGS
Abstract
A method and system are presented for use in examining an egg by
monitoring radiation response from the egg during an incubation
period. The monitoring comprises analyzing measured data indicative
of the radiation response from the egg being detected at different
time intervals of an incubation period, identifying predetermined
dynamics in intensity variations of said radiation response during
the different time intervals, and identifying in different time
intervals presence of an alive embryo in said egg, and development
stages and age of the embryo being developed.
Inventors: |
ADAR; Yair Or; (Kvutzat
Yavne, IL) ; ADAR; Gavriel; (Kvutzat Yavne, IL)
; HOFFMAN; Eliahu Shalom; (Jerusalem, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LIVEGG (2015) LTD |
R.d. Menashe |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
54194072 |
Appl. No.: |
16/704472 |
Filed: |
December 5, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16387869 |
Apr 18, 2019 |
10502726 |
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16704472 |
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15123140 |
Sep 1, 2016 |
10267780 |
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PCT/IL2015/050309 |
Mar 24, 2015 |
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16387869 |
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61969334 |
Mar 24, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 43/00 20130101;
G01N 33/085 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 33/08 20060101
G01N033/08; A01K 43/00 20060101 A01K043/00 |
Claims
1. A control system for controlling an incubation process of eggs,
the control system comprising: an identifier module configured and
operable for data communication with a measured data provider to
receive and process input measured data indicative of a plurality
of radiation responses detected from a plurality of eggs located in
different locations within an incubator during an incubation
period, and generate a corresponding time pattern of the radiation
responses indicative of dynamics in variations of said radiation
responses during successive time intervals of the incubation
process; a mapping utility configured for data communication with
said identifier module and with an environmental controller of the
incubator, the mapping utility being configured and operable to
receive and utilize the time pattern data and corresponding
location data, and generate map data corresponding to the eggs'
radiation responses at various measurement times and locations
within the incubator, said map data being indicative of
distribution of an effect of environmental conditions within the
incubator on development of the incubation process, thereby
enabling said environmental controller to modify and optimize
environmental conditions of the incubation process.
Description
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND
[0001] The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates
to the examination of eggs and, more particularly, but not
exclusively, to a method and system for examining eggs, such as,
but not limited to, poultry eggs.
[0002] In the poultry industry, in particular the chicken industry,
discrimination between poultry eggs on the basis of some observable
quality is a well-known and long-used practice. "Candling" is a
common name for one such technique, a term which has its roots in
the original practice of inspecting an egg using the light from a
candle. As is known to those familiar with poultry eggs, although
egg shells appear opaque under most lighting conditions, they are
in reality somewhat translucent, and when placed in front of a
direct light, the contents of the egg can be observed.
[0003] Candling operations have been done manually for many years.
Automatic egg examining devices that utilize the transparency of
the egg in order to differentiate between fertilized and
unfertilized eggs have been developed over the years. These devices
comprise emission means for emitting a light beam in the direction
of an egg to be examined, receiving means for receiving the light
beam passing through the egg, and means for processing data
regarding the light beam received by the receiving means so as to
determine the state of the egg. As a function of the level of
absorption of the light beam passing through the egg, or the level
of transparency of the egg, the data processing means can
differentiate between fertilized eggs, i.e., eggs containing an
embryo, and unfertilized eggs, including infertile eggs and rotten
eggs. Some devices can also differentiate between live fertilized
eggs containing a live embryo and dead fertilized eggs containing a
dead embryo.
[0004] Conventional examining devices comprise a dispatch conveyor
for transporting the eggs placed in their horizontal incubation
racks or trays, emission means and receiving means being arranged
on either side of the dispatch conveyor. In order to obtain
satisfactory transparency measurements, the emitters and receivers
are conventionally arranged opposite one another in the same
vertical plane.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 6,373,560 discloses apparatus for candling
eggs. The apparatus includes an incubation rack with an orifice, a
transmission device with an luminous flux source aimed in a
direction of the orifice in the incubation rack, a detection device
positioned in alignment with the luminous flux source to receive
luminous flux through the orifice, and an automatic analyzer
connected to the detection device. The detection device and the
transmission device are arranged in a substantially vertical plane,
one beneath the orifice and the other above the orifice. The
apparatus also includes a protection screen for protecting the
transmission device or the detection device against smears
originating from eggs or the incubation rack.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,488 discloses trays of eggs filled with
candled eggs wherein infertile eggs are removed from trays of
fertile eggs and are replaced with fertile eggs in order to supply
a complete array of fertile eggs within the tray.
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,745,228 discloses apparatus for
distinguishing live from infertile poultry eggs. The apparatus
comprises an egg carrier, a light measuring system having a light
source positioned on one side of the egg carrier and a light sensor
positioned on the other side of the egg carrier opposite the light
source, and a switching circuit for cycling the intensity of the
light source at a frequency greater than 100 cycles per second.
[0008] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20100141933
discloses an automatic egg examining device for differentiating
between fertilized and unfertilized eggs. The device comprises
means for emitting a light beam in the direction of the egg to be
examined, means for receiving the light beam passing though the
egg, and means for processing data regarding the received light
beam in order to determine the fertilized or unfertilized state of
the egg. The emission means comprise, for each egg, at least one
coherent laser source forming a coherent optical beam in the
direction of the egg.
[0009] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20070024843
discloses a method of candling eggs. An egg is illuminated with
light from a light source, and light passing through the egg is
received at a light sensor. An output signal that corresponds to
the received light is generated and analyzed to determine whether
the optical path between the light source and light sensor has been
altered.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,535,277 discloses a method of non-invasively
identifying a present condition of an egg. The egg is illuminated
with light from a light source and light passing through the egg is
received at a sensor positioned adjacent the egg. The intensity of
the received light at a plurality of the visible and infrared
wavelengths is determined, and a spectrum that represents light
intensity at selected wavelengths is generated. The generated
spectrum is compared with a spectrum associated with a known egg
condition.
[0011] Great Britain Patent No. GB2166333 discloses a machine for
candling eggs. The machine comprises light measuring systems, each
including a light source and a sensor. The light measuring systems
are arranged such that the eggs are shielded relative to each
other.
[0012] Additional background art include U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,914,672,
5,745,228, 6,860,225, 7,333,187, 7,611,277 and 7,965,385. U.S.
Patent Application Publication Nos. 2005/0206876, 2006/0082759,
2007/0024843, 2007/0024844, 2008/0149033, 2009/0091742,
2009/0091743, 2011/0141455, and International Publication Nos.
WO/2003/096028, WO/2002/086495. WO/2003/096028 and
WO/2009/044243.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
[0013] There is a need in the art in a novel approach for
monitoring the incubation process of eggs, enabling early diagnosis
of the egg/embryo viability conditions and accordingly enabling for
optimizing environmental conditions of the incubation process and
throughput.
[0014] The present invention provides a novel method and system for
use in examining egg(s), enabling monitoring the incubation
process. The invention provides for analyzing measured data
indicative of continuously or periodically detected radiation
response from one or more regions of interest each including one or
more eggs and determining dynamics in variation of the radiation
response during different successive time intervals of the
incubation period. The analysis of such a time pattern of the
detected optical data provides for sequential evaluation of such
events as presence of an alive embryo in the egg, and further
development stages and age of the embryo being developed.
[0015] According to a first broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a method of examining an egg, the method comprising
monitoring radiation response from the egg during an incubation
period, the monitoring comprising analyzing measured data
indicative of the radiation response from the egg being detected at
different time intervals of an incubation period, identifying
dynamics in intensity variations of said radiation response during
the different time intervals, and identifying in the different time
intervals presence of an alive embryo in said egg, development
stages and age of the embryo being developed.
[0016] The monitoring may comprise receiving data, indicative of
the radiation response detected from the egg while in an incubator
(on-line mode), or from a storage device where such data has been
previously stored (off-line mode). The received data may comprise a
plurality of data pieces, each corresponding to the measured
radiation response from different egg(s) at a different site in the
incubator, thereby enabling to obtain a map (distribution) of the
dynamics in intensity variations of said radiation response during
the different time intervals within the incubator. The map data can
be analyzed to generate data about environmental conditions within
the incubator, thereby enabling adjustment of said conditions. In
some embodiments, the dynamics in the intensity variations of the
radiation response during the different time intervals comprise at
least one of the following: a change in a frequency of the
intensity variations at different time intervals, appearance and
disappearance of a certain frequency of the intensity variation,
and a change in an amplitude of the intensity varying at a certain
frequency.
[0017] In some embodiments, the analyzing of the measured data
comprises: analyzing first measured data indicative of the
radiation response being monitored within an initial time interval
of the incubation period of up to 7 days, and upon identifying a
predetermined first pattern of the variation of intensity of the
radiation response being indicative of the alive embryo in said
egg, generating data indicative thereof allowing to proceed said
monitoring for a successive time interval of the incubation period.
In this connection, it should be understood that sometimes, upon
identifying absence of the predetermined first pattern in the
initial time interval for a specific egg, corresponding data can be
generated to stop monitoring of this specific egg.
[0018] In some embodiments, the analyzing of the measured data
further comprises analyzing second measured data indicative of the
radiation response being monitored during said successive time
interval, to identify predetermined dynamics in variation of the
intensity of the radiation response, to thereby enabling
selectively stop the monitoring after a first time window of said
successive time interval or proceed with the monitoring during a
further second time window of said successive time interval. In
some embodiments, the first time window of the successive time
interval may be selected to determine whether said variation of the
intensity of the radiation response is indicative of that the alive
embryo in said egg is maintained, to thereby allow said monitoring
to proceed to the second time window, to monitor development of the
embryo based on identification of predetermined dynamics in time
variation of intensity of the radiation response.
[0019] In some embodiments, the predetermined first pattern of the
variation of intensity of the radiation response in said first
measured data comprises a variation frequency in a range of 0.1-1
Hz. The predetermined first pattern having periodic variations at a
frequency equal or less than 1 Hz (e.g. 0.5 Hz) may be indicative
of the alive embryo in the egg. The first pattern may be
identifiable at a fifth day of the incubation period. The radiation
response obtained during the initial time interval may be
indicative of a breathing effect.
[0020] In some embodiments, the radiation response obtained during
the successive time interval comprises variation of the intensity
of the radiation response with frequencies in a frequency range of
2-4 Hz. The dynamics of the intensity variation may be such that
the first pattern appears, becomes stronger (better defined
periodicity), and then disappears being masked by the second
pattern of 2-4 Hz frequency of the intensity variation. Then, the
second pattern, while maintaining the 2-4 Hz frequency range of
variation, becomes characterized by increasing amplitude of the
signal. Thus, in some embodiments, the analysis of the second
measured data comprises identifying a change in a frequency of the
intensity variation during the first time window of the successive
time interval as compared to that of the initial time interval, and
identifying a change at least in the amplitude of the radiation
response during the second time window as compared to that of the
first time window of the successive time interval. The analysis of
the second measured data may further comprise identifying a change
in periodicity of the intensity variation within a predetermined
frequency range during the successive time interval as compared to
that of the initial time interval. The analysis of the second
measured data may further comprise identifying a change in
periodicity of the intensity variation in the first time window of
the successive time interval as compared to that of the initial
time interval. The analysis of the second measured data may
comprise identifying continuing increase of amplitude in the
intensity variation with frequencies in the range of 2-4 Hz from
eleventh day of the incubation period.
[0021] In some embodiments, the predetermined first pattern may be
indicative of presence of the embryo in the egg at an age of from
about 6 days to about 11 days.
[0022] In some embodiments, the monitoring of the radiation
response from the egg may comprise illuminating the egg with
electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined spectral range,
detecting the radiation response from the egg formed by radiation
reflected from the interior of the egg; and generating the measured
data indicative of the detected radiation response.
[0023] In some embodiments, the above-described monitoring
procedure may be executed simultaneously for at least two eggs,
each egg being positioned in a different tray of an incubator. It
should be noted that the illuminating and detecting of the
radiation may be carried in a non-contact fashion (i.e. light
source and light sensor are spaced from the egg) and may be carried
out in either or both of transmission and reflection modes of the
radiation detection (by appropriate accommodation of the light
source and light sensor and their associated light directing optics
defining the orientation of the illumination and detection channels
with respect to the egg). The illuminating may be executed in
pulses, e.g. with the pulse duration of less than 30 microseconds.
The radiation may be monochromatic, may comprise one or more
wavelengths in the infrared spectral range, may be in a range from
about 600 nm to about 1550 nm.
[0024] The illumination and detection of the radiation response
(i.e. measurement) is performed continuously or periodically. For
example, the measurement(s) is/are performed every hour with the
measurement duration of about 1 minute. To this end, the
measurement unit (optical unit) and/or the monitoring system
includes a controller for operating the time pattern of the
measurement sessions.
[0025] In some embodiments, the analyzing of the measured data may
further comprise identifying malposition of the embryo in the egg,
based on said intensity variations. In some embodiments, the
analyzing of the measured data may further comprise identifying
malformation of an embryo in the egg, based on said intensity
variations.
[0026] In some embodiments, the analyzing of the measured data may
further comprise predicting a hatching time of the egg based on
appearance and disappearance of said intensity variations.
[0027] The method may further comprise generating data for
adjusting at least one environmental parameter in an incubator
containing the egg, responsively to the predicted hatching
time.
[0028] According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is
provided a monitoring system for use in examining an egg, the
system comprising: data input utility configured for receiving
measured data indicative of radiation response detected from the
egg during an incubation period; and a control unit configured and
operable for analyzing the measured data, said analyzing comprises
identifying dynamics in intensity variations of said radiation
response during different time intervals of the incubation period,
and identifying, in different time intervals, presence of an alive
embryo in said egg, development stages and age of the embryo being
developed.
[0029] The system may further comprise an optical unit configured
and operable for illuminating a region of interest with
electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined spectral range,
detecting the radiation response from an interior of an egg while
located in said region of interest, and generating the measured
data indicative of the detected radiation response. The optical
unit may comprise a light source and a light sensor, which are
spaced from said region of interest, and the optical unit may be
configured for operation in either or both of transmission and
reflection modes of the radiation detection. The light source and
the light sensor may be mounted on a planar board. In some
embodiments, the optical unit is configured for the detection of
the radiation response from more than one regions of interest
inside an incubator.
[0030] The system may further comprise a controller configured for
operating said optical unit to provide illuminating radiation in
pulses. According to yet another broad aspect of the invention,
there is provided an incubator system, comprising: a housing for
accommodating eggs; a heater for heating an interior of said
housing; at least one tray within the housing, for supporting said
eggs; and the system described above, wherein the optical unit is
positioned inside the housing in at least one of the following
configurations: above the tray, below the tray, or inside said
tray.
[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific
terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by
one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains.
Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those
described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials
are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification,
including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials,
methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to
be necessarily limiting.
[0032] Implementation of the method and/or system of embodiments of
the invention can involve performing or completing selected tasks
manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover,
according to actual instrumentation and equipment of embodiments of
the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks
could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware or by
a combination thereof using an operating system.
[0033] For example, hardware for performing selected tasks
according to embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a
chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to
embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of
software instructions being executed by a computer using any
suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the
invention, one or more tasks according to exemplary embodiments of
method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data
processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality
of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile
memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile
storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media,
for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network
connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input
device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as
well.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] In order to better understand the subject matter that is
disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in
practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting
example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With
specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed
that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes
of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this
regard, the description taken with the drawings makes apparent to
those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be
practiced.
[0035] In the drawings:
[0036] FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a monitoring system of the
invention for use in examining egg(s), enabling optimization of the
incubator operation;
[0037] FIG. 1B is a flow diagram exemplifying a method of the
invention for monitoring the egg/embryo conditions;
[0038] FIG. 1C is a flowchart diagram of an example of the method
of the invention suitable for examining an egg;
[0039] FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a system for examining
an egg, according to some embodiments of the present invention:
[0040] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a system for examining
an egg, in embodiments of the invention in which the system
comprises more than one emission-sensing pair;
[0041] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a relation between a
light source, a light sensor and an egg, according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0042] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of the system in
embodiments in which the system determines individually the
condition of multiple eggs, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0043] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of an egg removal
mechanism, according to some embodiments of the present
invention;
[0044] FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of a partial isometric
view of the egg removal mechanism, according to some embodiments of
the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration of an egg handling system
for the handling of eggs, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0046] FIG. 9A is a schematic illustration of a side view of an
incubator system, according to some embodiments the present
invention;
[0047] FIG. 9B is a schematic illustration of an upper view of the
system for examining an egg, according to some embodiments of the
present invention;
[0048] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of side view of the
incubator system, according to additional embodiments of the
present invention;
[0049] FIGS. 11A-H show graphs of voltage versus time (in seconds)
for a chicken egg monitored in an incubation tray, obtained during
experiments performed using an examination system according to some
embodiments of the present invention;
[0050] FIGS. 12A-D show further experimental results obtained
during experiments performed using an examination system according
to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0051] FIGS. 13A-B show further experimental results obtained
during experiments performed using an examination system according
to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0052] FIGS. 14A-C show signals from an egg with a live embryo, as
obtained during an experiment performed using an examination system
according to some embodiments of the present invention:
[0053] FIG. 15 shows signals from an empty egg, as obtained during
an experiment performed using an examination system according to
some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0054] FIG. 16 shows signal from an egg in which a malposition
(beak above right wing) occurred, as obtained during an experiment
performed using an examination system according to some embodiments
of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0055] The present invention in general relates to the examination
of eggs and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to a method
and system for examining eggs, such as, poultry eggs during an
incubation period.
[0056] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention
in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not
necessarily limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods
set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the
drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other
embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various
ways.
[0057] Reference is made to FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically
illustrating the principles of the invention. FIG. 1A illustrates,
by way of a block diagram, a monitoring system 1 configured for use
in examining one or more eggs. FIG. 1B illustrates a method,
performed by system 1, for monitoring the eggs' conditions.
[0058] It is to be understood that, unless otherwise defined, the
operations described herein below can be executed either
contemporaneously or sequentially in many combinations or orders of
execution. Specifically, the ordering of the flowchart diagrams is
not to be considered as limiting. For example, two or more
operations, appearing in the following description or in the
flowchart diagrams in a particular order, can be executed in a
different order (e.g., a reverse order) or substantially
contemporaneously. Additionally, several operations described below
are optional and may not be executed.
[0059] The egg to be examined is preferably a poultry egg,
including, without limitation, a chicken egg, a turkey egg, a quail
egg, a duck egg, a goose egg, an ostrich egg, an egg from a game
bird (e.g., pheasant, partridge) or the like. In some embodiments
of the present invention the egg is a chicken egg. The egg is
optionally and preferably a commercial egg, obtained from parent
stock (also referred to as breeder stock). Commercial eggs are
those eggs that yield commercial poults or chicks that are grown
and used for meat production. In some embodiments the egg is one of
those used to produce the parent stock. For example, the egg can be
produced by grandparent stock, great grandparent stock, or great
grandparent stock, etc.
[0060] The monitoring system 1 of the invention is configured as a
computer system including inter alia such utilities
(software/hardware utilities) as data input utility 1A which may be
associates with suitable communication ports for receiving data via
wires or wireless signal transmission (e.g. via communication
network); memory 1B, and control unit (processor) 1C. The processor
1C is configured according to the invention for processing measured
data received via the input 1A and generating data about egg/embryo
conditions, as will be described more specifically further
below.
[0061] The monitoring system may receive measured data directly
from a measuring unit 2, which is typically an optical unit, and
can thus operate in a so-called on-line (real time) mode for
analyzing the data being measured. Alternatively, or additionally,
the monitoring system may receive measured data from a storage
device 4 where such data has been previously stored during the
measurements, and can thus perform the data analysis in a so-called
off-line mode. As shown in the figure, the optical unit 2 may be
configured for accommodation inside an incubator 6. The optical
unit includes a light source unit 2A and a detection unit 2B. It
should be noted that the light source unit, as well as a detection
unit inside the incubator may be constituted by appropriate light
output and light input ports respectively, while light emitter and
light sensor may be mounted outside the incubator and connected to
the respective ports via optical guiding means. It should also be
noted that the monitoring system 1 may actually be an integral part
of the detection unit.
[0062] The control unit 1C (data processor) comprises an identifier
module (software) which receives and analyzes the measured data.
The measured data is indicative of a radiation response of a region
of interest, where one or more eggs are located, to predetermined
illumination. In this connection, the following should be
understood. The optical unit (its light source unit) includes
appropriate light directing and focusing optics for illuminating
the interior of the egg and receiving the radiation response
thereof, i.e. transmission of the illumination through the egg
and/or reflection of the illuminating light from the interior of
the egg. In other words, the optical unit, i.e. its illumination
and detection channels, may be configured for operation in either
one or both of transmission and reflection modes. Further, the
optical unit may be configured for concurrently or sequentially
illuminating/detecting radiation from a plurality of sites
(constituting region of interests) in the incubator. For example,
the optical unit may operate in a scanning mode or may define
several illumination and detection channels. The optical unit may
be associated with (i.e. include or connectable to) a controller
which operates a time pattern (sequence) of measurement sessions on
each site (egg). Such a measurement controller may be part of the
monitoring system, in case of the real time monitoring mode.
[0063] Thus, the measured data may generally include n data pieces
including information about n regions of interest, where
n.gtoreq.1, where each region of interest may include m eggs, where
m.gtoreq.n. Generally, the measured data may be configured with
data piece per egg, or data piece per region of interest including
one or more eggs. Considering concurrent or sequential monitoring
of multiple eggs/regions of interest, input data into the control
unit also includes location data in correspondence with the
measured data pieces.
[0064] The control unit 1C optionally further includes a mapping
utility 1E which receives time pattern data and location data of
the measured data pieces and generates map data corresponding to
the various measurement times and the location of each measurement.
The map data may be then used to evaluate distribution of the
effect of environmental conditions within the incubator on the
embryo development, and enables to generate instructions to modify,
as the need may be, environmental conditions inside the incubator.
For this, the mapping utility 1E may communicate with an
environmental controller module 1F, by sending to it the
modification instructions about the environmental conditions to be
executed, and the environmental controller module transfers the
modification instructions to an environmental controller utility
2D, located within the incubator, that executes the changes in the
environmental conditions.
[0065] Further, the identifier 1D may plot and present data about
the egg or embryo condition based on analysis performed on the
measured data during the various time intervals of the incubation
period, as will be described further below. To this end, the system
or the control unit may include a display utility (not shown) for
presenting the analysis results and data about the egg or embryo
conditions, such as indicating that an egg in a certain region of
interest is empty, or that the embryo in a specific egg is
alive.
[0066] FIG. 1B illustrates in more details the flow of operations
that are executed by the identifier 1D and the mapping utility 1E
of the control unit 1C. The identifier 1D receives measured data
which includes measurements from n region(s) of interest about m
eggs, together with the corresponding time (incubation stage) and
location data for each measurement, i.e. for each egg in each
region of interest. Thus, measured data includes one or more data
pieces, each formed by the measurement (radiation response), time
and location. Each measured data piece is analyzed.
[0067] The analysis includes identification of different time
intervals of the detection of the radiation response, and
identification and evaluation of the dynamics of radiation response
variation. The dynamics of radiation response variation include at
least one of the following: a change in a frequency of the
intensity variations at different time intervals, appearance and
disappearance of a certain frequency of the intensity variation,
and a change in amplitude of the intensity varying at a certain
frequency.
[0068] For example, the analysis of the measured data may include
analyzing first measured data indicative of the radiation response
being monitored within an initial rime interval of up to 7 days of
the incubation period. Upon identifying a predetermined first
pattern of the intensity variation being indicative of the alive
embryo in the egg, the identifier may generate corresponding data
which allows to proceed with the monitoring for a successive time
interval of the incubation period. For example, the monitoring
procedure is performed periodically, e.g. about 1 minute monitoring
every hour.
[0069] The inventors have found that in early stages of the
incubation, e.g. around the fifth day, the predetermined first
pattern of the intensity variation may be characterized by the
variation frequency in the range of 0.1-1 Hz, which may indicate
movements inside the egg which might be indicative of the start of
breathing. Then, a second measured data indicative of the radiation
response being monitored during the successive time interval is
analyzed in order to identify predetermined dynamics in intensity
variation. Based on the identified dynamics, the monitoring may be
selectively stopped after a first time window of the successive
time interval or proceed for a further second time window of
successive time interval. If the embryo is diagnosed as alive, then
analysis may be performed on the data in the first and second time
windows of the successive time interval, and development stages of
the embryo may be acquired according to predetermined dynamics in
intensity variation of the radiation response. The variation of the
intensity of the radiation response in the successive time interval
may include periodic signals with a frequency range of 2-4 Hz,
which may be attributed to heart beat. The heart beat signal may
appear in a time interval (first time window of the successive time
interval) that includes the eleventh day since incubation. The
inventors also found that this signal, which is probably the heart
beat of the embryo, increases in amplitude during the following
days of incubation (second time window of the successive time
interval). Examples for the dynamics in the intensity variation of
the radiation response are described more specifically further
below with reference to experiments conducted by the inventors.
[0070] Alongside the analysis of the measured data, and depending
on the results of analysis, the identifier 1D outputs data
indicative of each egg/embryo condition in the different regions of
interest, to be exploited by the environmental controller if a need
for changing the environmental conditions arises.
[0071] Referring now to FIG. 1C, there is shown a flowchart diagram
of a method suitable for examining an egg according to various
exemplary embodiments of the present invention. The method begins
at 610 and continues to 611 at which light from a light source is
emitted into the egg. The light is optionally and preferably
monochromatic light. In some embodiments of the present invention
an infrared (IR) light (e.g., near IR, short IR, mid IR) is
employed. In some embodiments visible light, optionally and
preferably red light, is employed. Preferred wavelength range for
the light is from about 600 nm to about 8000 nm, or from about 600
nm to about 3000 nm, or from about 600 nm to about 1550 nm, or from
about 750 nm to about 1400 nm.
[0072] In various exemplary embodiments of the invention the
emission of the light is executed in pulses, where no light is
emitted between successive pulses. Use of pulses is advantageous
because it allows operating the light source at elevated power. Use
of pulses is also advantageous during light detection as further
detailed below. In embodiments in which light is emitted in pulses
the characteristic duration of a single pulse is typically less
than 30 .mu.s, or less than 25 .mu.s, or less than 20 .mu.s, or
less than 15 .mu.s. The characteristic duty cycle of each pulse
(ratio between the period during which light is emitted and the
period during which light is not emitted) is from about 5% to about
50%.
[0073] The method continues to 612 at which light reflected from
the interior of the egg is received. The light can be received by a
light sensor configured to detect light at the wavelength(s) of the
emitted light and produce an electrical signal responsively to the
detection. When the light is emitted in pulses, the light sensor is
optionally and preferably also operated when no light is emitted.
The advantage of this embodiment is that it allows determining the
characteristic level of the dark current of the sensor, and
subtracting the signal corresponding to the dark current from the
generated signal. Preferably, at least one dark reading is executed
before or after emission of each pulse.
[0074] In some embodiments of the present invention the light
source and the light sensor both are separated from the egg by an
air gap, such that the egg is on one side of the air gap and both
the light source and the light sensor are on an opposite side of
the air gap. Thus, the present embodiments contemplate contact-free
examination wherein the examination devices (light source, light
sensor) do not contact the egg during the examination. In some
embodiments of the present invention the examination of the egg is
executed without attaching to the egg any solid object other than
an egg holder supporting the egg from below.
[0075] The light source and light sensor are optionally and
preferably either above or below the egg. When the light source and
light sensor are above the egg, the air gap that separates them
from the egg is above the egg, and when the light source and light
sensor are below the egg, the air gap that separates them from the
egg is below the egg.
[0076] Embodiments in which the light source and light sensor are
above the egg are preferred from the stand point of examination
accuracy, because in this configuration the emitted light can
interact with an aircell within the egg. Embodiments in which the
light source and light sensor are below the egg are preferred from
the stand point of compactness since it allows simultaneous
examination of eggs in vertically aligned trays. In these
embodiments, the emission and receiving of the light is executed
from below for an egg that is in the upper tray, and from above for
an egg in the lower tray.
[0077] One of the advantages of having both the light source and
the light sensor located on the same side of the egg (optionally
and preferably without contacting the egg) is that an
emission-sensing system having a light source and a light sensor
can be easily deployed inside the incubator, for example, between
adjacent trays in a vertical alignment configuration. Such
deployment allows the method of the present embodiments to be
executed in situ, while the egg is in an incubator. It is
recognized by the present inventors that pulling the egg for
examination outside the incubator is oftentimes undesired,
particularly at the early days of incubation (e.g., before the
tenth day of incubation, for chicken eggs), since in this period
the embryo is more sensitive to changes in the environmental
condition.
[0078] While examination of the egg in situ is preferred, some
embodiments of the present embodiments contemplate examination of
the egg outside the incubator. In these embodiments, the
examination is optionally and preferably executed nearby the
incubator (for example, at the same room in which the incubator is
positioned). This is advantageous over manual techniques wherein,
for the purpose of candling, the egg is first transferred to a dark
room, which is remote to the incubator.
[0079] The method optionally and preferably continues to 613 at
which periodic intensity variations in the light are detected.
[0080] As used herein, the term "periodic intensity variations"
refers to variations in the intensity of the light over time in a
repetitive manner a multiplicity of times, e.g., at least times or
at least 100 times or 1000 times or 10,000 times or more.
[0081] Periodic intensity variations can be detected by receiving a
signal from the light sensor and analyzing the frequency content of
the signal, which frequency content corresponds to periodic
intensity variations in the received light. The detection is
optionally and preferably performed by a signal and data processor
that receives the signal and analyzes the signal to extract its
frequency content. Preferably, the method also samples the signal,
for example, at a sampling frequency of at least 100 Hz or at least
500 Hz, e.g., 1 kHz or more, in which case a digital analysis of
the signal is executed.
[0082] The signal and data processor can be placed in the same
encapsulation with the light source and light sensor, or it can be
placed in another location nearby or remotely to the light source
and light sensor. In the latter embodiment, the method transmits
signals from the sensor to the signal and data processor over a
communication network. The advantage of having the signal and data
processor placed in another locations is that in such a
configuration the signal and data processor can receive signals
from a multiplicity of sensors that receive light from a
multiplicity of eggs (e.g., one light sensor for each examined
egg), so that simultaneous examination of a plurality of eggs can
be performed. Also contemplated are embodiments in which part of
the processing is performed by a circuit that is in the same
encapsulation with the light source and light sensor, and part of
the processing is executed by a circuit at a remote location. For
example, the sampling can be executed by a circuit adjacent to the
light sensor, and a digital signal can be transmitted, over a
communication network, to circuit at a remote location for further
processing.
[0083] In various exemplary embodiments of the invention the method
determines the presence or absence of periodic variations in the
light at a frequency of less than a threshold frequency f.sub.0,
wherein f.sub.0 is 0.8 Hz or 0.7 Hz or 0.6 Hz or 0.5 Hz. In some
embodiments, the method determines the presence or absence of
periodic variations at a frequency from about 0.2 Hz to about 0.4
Hz, e.g., 0.3 Hz.
[0084] The method continues to 614 at which a condition of the egg
is determined based, at least in part, on the presence or absence
of the periodic variations in the light. It was unexpectedly found
by the present inventors that periodic variations at low
frequencies precede other periodic variations (such as, for
example, periodic variations at frequencies of 3-4 Hz that are
known to be associated with the heart beats of the embryo), and are
therefore useful for determining the condition of the egg at early
stages of the incubation. Without being bound to any particular
theory, it is assumed that such low frequency variations are
associated with the breathing cycle of the embryo in the egg.
[0085] In various exemplary embodiments of the invention the method
determines the condition of the egg based on the presence or
absence of the low-frequency (less than f.sub.0) variations when
the egg is at an age of from about 6 days to about 11 days. These
embodiments are particularly useful when the egg is a chicken
egg.
[0086] Conventional egg testing techniques that are based on heart
beat frequencies typically employ analog high pass filtering or
band pass filtering so as to filter out any frequency other than
2-3 Hz, thereby to maintain only variations associated with the
heartbeat. It is recognized that in chicken eggs the detectable
heart beat frequencies typically appear at or after the tenth or
twelfth day of incubation. Thus, conventional automatic techniques
are unable to determine the condition of the egg, particularly
whether or not there is a live embryo in the egg, prior to the
twelfth day of incubation.
[0087] Unlike conventional techniques, the method according to some
embodiments of the present invention uses an unfiltered version of
an analog signal indicative of the received light so that the
low-frequency (less than f.sub.0) variations can be detected, when
present.
[0088] The determined condition of the egg is typically, but not
exclusively, according to the classification of egg conditions as
known in the art of poultry eggs. For example, the following
classification can be employed. The condition of the egg can be
referred to as "live" when the egg has a viable embryo. The
condition of the egg can be referred to as a "clear" or "infertile"
when the egg does not have an embryo. The condition of the egg can
be referred to as "early dead" when the egg has an embryo which
died at about one to seven days old. The condition of the egg can
be referred to as "mid-dead" when the egg has an embryo which died
at about seven to fifteen days old. The condition of the egg can be
referred to as "late-dead" when the egg has an embryo which died at
about fifteen to nineteen days old. The condition of the egg can be
referred to as "empty" when a substantial portion of the egg
contents are missing, for example, where the egg shell has cracked
and the egg material has leaked from the egg. The condition of the
egg can be referred to as "rotted" when the egg includes a rotted
infertile yolk (for example, as a result of a crack in the egg's
shell) or, alternatively, a rotted, dead embryo. While an "early
dead", "mid-dead" or "late-dead egg" may be a rotted egg, those
terms as used herein refer to such eggs which are not rotted.
Infertile, empty early-dead, mid-dead, late-dead, and rotted eggs
may also be categorized as "non-live" eggs because they do not
include a living embryo.
[0089] When no light intensity variations are detected from the
egg, the method can determine that the egg is infertile, empty or
rotten. When light intensity variations are detected, the method
can determine that the egg is live. When previously detected the
light intensity variations disappear, the method can determine that
the egg is early dead, mid-dead, late-dead or rotten.
[0090] In some embodiments of the present invention the method
continues to 615 at which the developmental and/or embryonic age of
an embryo in the egg is estimated based on appearance and
disappearance of the variations. For example, for a chicken egg,
when the method identifies the onset of periodic low-frequency
(less than f.sub.0) variations, the method can estimate that the
developmental age of the embryo is about 6 days. When the method
identifies disappearance of these periodic low-frequency (less than
f.sub.0) variations, together with an appearance of periodic
variations at higher frequencies (e.g., from about 2 Hz to about 4
Hz), the method can estimate that the developmental age of the
embryo is about 11 days. On the other hand, when the method
identifies the disappearance of periodic low frequency (less than
f.sub.0) light intensity variations without the appearance of
periodic variations at higher frequencies, the method can determine
that the condition of the egg is mid-dead.
[0091] The present inventors discovered several stages of embryonic
development that can be identified according to some embodiments of
the present invention. An onset of a first stage is characterized
by the appearance of periodic low-frequency (less than f.sub.0)
variations. An onset of a second stage is characterized by the
gradual disappearance or blurring of the low-frequency signal. An
onset of a third stage is characterized by a significant increment
of amplitude for periodic variations of a higher frequency (about
3-4 Hz) which is characteristic for the heartbeat of the embryo. An
onset of a fourth stage is characterized by a further increment of
the amplitude for the periodic variations of the higher frequency.
The present inventors found that for chicken eggs, the onset of the
first stage typically occurs at day 6-7 of the incubation, the
onset of the second stage typically occurs at day 11-12 of the
incubation, the onset of the third stage typically occurs at day 15
of the incubation, and the onset of the fourth stage typically
occurs at day 17 of the incubation.
[0092] According to some embodiments of the invention the method
detects malposition and/or malformation of an embryo in the egg,
based on the variations. This is optionally and preferably by
identifying abnormalities in the measured vibrations. The present
inventors found that malposition and malformation of the embryo in
the egg are manifested by a detectable change in the measured
variation pattern compared to measured variation for a normal
embryo in a normal egg. Thus, according to some embodiments of the
present invention the abnormalities in the measured vibrations are
identified by comparing the measured vibrations to reference
variations and determining the existence or absence of
abnormalities based on the comparison. As demonstrated in the
Examples section that follows, the present inventors were able to
identify malposition of the type beak above right wing, and
malformation of the type of exposed brain, based on the
identification of abnormalities in the measured signal.
[0093] It is expected that other types of malposition and
malformation types also generate detectable abnormalities in the
measured variations, which abnormalities can be used to identify
that the embryo is in a state of malposition and malformation. It
is additionally expected that different types of malposition and
malformation types generate different detectable abnormality
patterns. Thus, in some embodiments of the present invention the
method also identify the type of malposition and/or malformation,
based on the detected abnormality pattern. This can be done by
comparing the detected abnormality pattern to a reference
abnormality pattern, for example, by accessing an annotated library
of abnormality pattern and comparing the detected pattern to the
patterns in the library, wherein the annotation closest match can
be used for identifying the type of malposition and/or
malformation.
[0094] Representative examples of malposition types identifiable
according to some embodiments of the present invention include,
without limitation, head between thighs, head in the small end of
egg, head under left wing, head not directed toward air cell, feet
over head, and beak above right wing.
[0095] Representative examples of malformation types identifiable
according to some embodiments of the present invention include,
without limitation, exposed brain, embryo without one or two eyes,
embryo with more than two legs, deformed beak, no upper beak and
deformed twisted leg.
[0096] In some embodiments of the present invention the method
continues to 616 at which a hatching time of the egg is predicted
based on appearance and disappearance of the variations. The
hatching time can be predicted by the signal and data
processor.
[0097] The hatching time can be done based on the estimated
developmental and/or embryonic age of the embryo, for example, as
determined at 615, and based on the total embryonic development
period. For example, for a chicken egg, the total embryonic
development period of a chicken embryo is 21 days, the method can
predict the hatching time to be 15 days from the appearance of the
low-frequency (less than f.sub.0) variations. The prediction is
optionally and preferably at a temporal resolution of one day or
less (e.g., temporal resolution of 12 hours, or temporal resolution
of 6 hours).
[0098] The method can optionally and preferably continue to 617 at
which the incubator parameters (e.g., at least one of temperature,
humidity, light conditions, gaseous content etc.) are adjusted so
as to change (either advance or retract) the hatching time. The
advantage of this embodiment is that a control over the hatching
time of the eggs in the incubator can provide a narrower
distribution of hatching times over a population of incubated eggs.
This can improve the mortality of the hatchlings because the
hatchlings are typically handled and treated collectively, so that
when most of the eggs are hatched over a relatively short period of
time, the variations in the response of the hatchlings to the
handling and treatment are relatively small.
[0099] The method ends at 618.
[0100] Reference is now made to FIG. 2, which is a schematic
illustration of a system 200 for examining an egg 202, according to
some embodiments of the present invention. System 200 can be used
for executing at least a few of the operations described above with
respect to FIGS. 1B and 1C.
[0101] System 200 comprises an optical unit including a light
source 204 configured for emitting light 206 into egg 202, and a
light sensor 208 (constituting a detection unit) configured for
receiving light 210 reflected from the interior of egg 202 and for
generating a signal indicative of received light 210. Light source
204 and light sensor 208 are collectively referred to herein as "an
emission-sensing pair". System 200 can comprise more than one
emission-sensing pair, so as to facilitate examination of more than
one egg during a single measurement batch.
[0102] Source 204 preferably emits a monochromatic light. In some
embodiments of the present invention an infrared (IR) light (e.g.,
near IR, short IR, mid IR) is employed. In some embodiments visible
light, optionally and preferably red light, is employed. Preferred
wavelength range for the light is from about 600 nm to about 8000
nm, or from about 600 nm to about 3000 nm, or from about 600 nm to
about 1500 nm, or from about 750 nm to about 1400 nm. Source 204
may be, for example, a light emitting diode (LED). A representative
example of a LED suitable for the present embodiment is a High
Power Infrared LED, part No. SFH 4550, OSRAM Opto Semiconductors
GmbH Wernerwerkstrasse 2. D-93049 Regensburg, Germany.
[0103] Sensor 208 is preferably selected to be sensitive to the
radiation emitted by source 204 in the sense that sensor 208
produces an electrical signal when radiation that has the
parameters of the radiation emitted by source 204 impinges on
sensor 208. Sensor 208 may be, for example, a photo diode. A
representative example of a photodiode (PD) suitable for the
present embodiments is a Silicon PIN diode. S6036 series, HAMAMATSU
PHOTONICS K.K., Solid State Division, 1126-1 Ichino-cho,
Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu City, 435-8558 Japan.
[0104] In some embodiments of the present invention, the optical
unit is configured for contactless measurements: the source 204 and
sensor 208 are separated from egg 202 by an air gap 212. As
indicated above, the optical unit may be configured for optical
measurements in either one of transmission and reflection modes (or
both of them, by using for example two differently oriented
detection channels associated with the common illumination
channel). For example, the configuration may be such that egg 202
is on one side of air gap 212 and both source 204 and sensor 208
are on an opposite side of air gap 212. Air gap 212 is preferably a
portion of the environment generally surrounding the egg, so that
there is no additional encapsulation the contacts the egg during
the emission and detection of the light. Light source 204 and light
sensor 208 may be both above or below the egg 202 being monitored.
In some embodiments, source 204 and sensor 208 are mounted on
planar board(s) (e.g. circuit board(s)), preferable the same planar
board 214. When system 200 comprises more than one emission-sensing
pairs, two or more such pairs can be mounted on the same planar
circuit board.
[0105] In the schematic illustration shown in FIG. 2 the circuit
board 214 (including source 204 and sensor 208) is above egg 202,
so that air gap 212 is above the egg. However, this need not
necessarily be the case, since, for some applications, it may be
desired to position source 204 and sensor 208 below the egg 202, as
further detailed hereinabove. Further, the present embodiments also
contemplated combination of embodiments in which system 200
comprises more than one emission-sensing pair (each including at
least a light source and a light sensor), wherein at least one
emission-sensing pair is above an egg in a lower tray and at least
one emission-sensing pair is below an egg in an upper tray. This
configuration is illustrated in FIG. 3. For clarity of
presentation, the trays that hold the eggs are not illustrated in
FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0106] System 200 preferable comprises a signal and data processor
216 (control unit) configured for determining a condition of the
egg based, at least in part, on the signal received from sensor
208. Signal and data processor 216 can have an electronic circuit
218 and a non-volatile memory medium 220 readable by circuit 218,
wherein memory medium 220 stores program instructions which, when
read by circuit 218, cause circuit 218 to analyze the signal and
extract its frequency content. Electronic circuit 218 can be
dedicated circuitry or it can be an electronic circuit of a general
purpose computer.
[0107] Preferably, the signal and data processor samples the
signal, for example, at a sampling frequency of at least 100 Hz or
at least 500 Hz, e.g., 1 kHz or more, in which case a digital
analysis is executed. Alternatively, the sampling can be done by
circuit 214 wherein processor 216 already receives a digital
signal.
[0108] The signal and data processor can be placed in the same
encapsulation with the light source and light sensor, or it can be
placed in another location nearby or remotely to the light source
and light sensor. In the latter embodiment, the signals from the
sensor are transmitted to the signal and data processor over a
communication network 222, which is illustrated as a wireless
network but may also be a wired communication line.
[0109] The advantage of having processor 216 placed in another
location is that in such a configuration the processor 216 can
receive signals from a multiplicity of sensors that receive light
from a multiplicity of eggs (e.g., one light sensor for each
examined egg), so that simultaneous examination of a plurality of
eggs can be performed.
[0110] In some embodiments of the present invention the signal from
sensor 208 is received by processor 218 in an unfiltered form, and
the extraction of frequency content is applied directly to the
unfiltered signal. When sampling is executed by circuit 214, the
sampling is preferably applied to the raw signal generated by
sensor 208 without applying any analog filtering operation. These
embodiments are particularly useful for determining the presence or
absence of low-frequency components. Processor 216 optionally and
preferably processes the signal to determine the present of absence
of a periodic signal having a frequency of less than the threshold
frequency f.sub.0.
[0111] The term "periodic signal" is used herein to refer to a time
varying signal having an oscillating waveform pattern which is
repeated a multiplicity of times, e.g., at least 10 times or at
least 100 times or 1000 times or 10,000 times or more. The time
period over which the oscillating waveform pattern is repeated is
preferably at least an hour or at least 6 hours or at least 12
hours or at least 24 hours or at least 48 hours, e.g., 72 hours or
more.
[0112] Once the frequency content of the signal is obtained,
processor determines the condition of the egg, and optionally also
estimates the developmental and/or embryonic age of the embryo
and/or predicts the hatching time, as further detailed hereinabove.
Processor 216 preferably provides a sensible signal indication of
information pertaining to the condition of the egg and/or the
developmental and/or embryonic age of the embryo and/or hatching
time of the egg. For example, processor 216 can display the
information on a display device (not shown). When system 200
comprises a plurality of emission-sensing pairs, processor 216
optionally and preferably provides the information separately for
each egg, associates the respective information with the respective
egg, and provides an identification label (e.g., a serial number, a
location within the incubator, etc.) that uniquely identifies the
respective egg.
[0113] System 200 optionally and preferably comprises a controller
110 configured for operating light source 204 to emit light in
pulses, as further detailed hereinabove. Controller may includes an
electronic circuit and a non-volatile memory medium readable by the
electronic circuit, wherein the memory medium stores program
instructions which, when read by the electronic circuit, cause the
electronic circuit to control the operation of light source 204. In
the schematic illustration of FIGS. 2 and 3, controller 110 is
shown on-board of circuit board 214, but this need not necessarily
be the case, since, for some applications, it may not be necessary
for the controller to be on-board. In some embodiments, controller
110 synchronizes the operations of source 204 and sensor 208.
However, such synchronization may not be necessary since some
embodiments of the present invention contemplate continues
operation of sensor 208 so as to allow subtraction of dark readings
from the signal generated by sensor 208. In these embodiments,
controller 110 performs readings of signals from sensor 208
synchronously with emission of light by source 204, and subtracts
the signal that correspond to the dark reading from the signal that
is generated by sensor 204 in response to the received light.
Preferably, controller 110 performs at least one reading that
corresponds to dark current for each light pulse. When system 200
comprises a plurality of emission-transmission pairs, controller
110 optionally and preferably synchronizes between the operations
of the various pairs so as to reduce cross-talks between signals
that correspond to different eggs.
[0114] Reference is now also made to FIG. 4, which is a schematic
illustration of a preferred relation between the light source, the
light sensor and the egg. Egg 202 is illuminated with light source
204. Light source 204 is located in an arm 22b and light sensor 208
is located in an arm 22a. Arms 22a and 22b may be connected into a
single housing corresponding to a single egg in an incubation tray,
but may also be connected to a housing that correspond to a
plurality of eggs, as illustrated in FIG. 3.
[0115] The center of the emitted beam of source 204 and the center
of the field of view of reception of sensor 208 are shown in FIG. 4
by axes XX and ZZ respectively. Axis YY is shown as the
longitudinal axis of egg 202 which is shown as substantially
vertical. Arms 22a and 22b may be positioned such that there is an
angle .theta. between axes XX and ZZ. The value of .theta. can be
from about 50 to about 120 degrees or from about 60 to about 110
degrees, or from about 70 to about 100 degrees. Illumination rays
of egg 22 by source 204 are shown by arrows with solid lines and
reflected light sensed by sensor 208 is shown by arrows with dotted
lines. Although a single arrow of reflected light is shown, the
reflected light entering and being sensed by sensor 208 may be
singly or multiply scattered or reflected within egg 202.
[0116] Optionally and preferably arm 22b housing source 204 and arm
22a housing sensor 208 avoid contact with egg 202 and are separated
from the shell of egg 202 by distances d.sub.1 and d.sub.2
respectively. The light intensity from source 204 may for examining
egg 202 in the earlier stage of incubation may be less that the
light intensity from source 204 used during later stage of
incubation. The light level is optionally and preferably adjusted,
for example, by controller 110 (not shown, see FIGS. 2 and 3) to
avoid saturation in sensor 208. In some embodiments of the present
invention an optical filter film 35 is placed between egg 202 and
arms 22a and 22b. Optical filter film 35 may be absorptive,
dichroic, monochromatic, infrared, ultraviolet, polarizing, guided,
long-pass, short-pass, neutral density, bandpass or any optical
filter known in the art.
[0117] Reference is now made to FIG. 5 which is a simplified system
block diagram for system 200 in embodiments in which system 200
determines individually the condition of multiple eggs, according
to some embodiments of the present invention. In the present
embodiments system 200 comprises multiple sections 120 which
respectively include multiple pairs of sources 204 and sensors 208
(shown as LEDs and PDs) corresponding to multiple eggs (not shown).
Sections 120 can be in separate housings. In some embodiments at
least two sections are in the same housing. Sections 120 are shown
as arranged in a Cartesian array of n columns by m rows
respectively, each source 204 is referenced as LED.sub.nm and each
sensor 208 is referenced as PD.sub.nm.
[0118] A controller 110 may include a microprocessor 102 which may
access a read/write memory 108. System 200 may connect
microprocessor 102 of monitor/control unit 110 via bidirectional
signal lines to multiple sources 204 and sensors 208 via
multiplexor (MUX)/demultiplexor (DMUX) 106. Microprocessor 102 is
able to addressably access, send and/or receive a signal to
specific sensor 208 and/or specific source 204 in system 200 by use
of MUX/DMUX 106 controlled by microprocessor 102. Microprocessor
102 may receive input signals from multiple sensors 208 through an
analogue to digital converter (A/D) 100. Output from microprocessor
102 to multiple sources 204 can be via a digital-to-analogue
converter (D/A) 104. A serial interface 112 can also employed to
connect to monitor/control unit 110 so as to connect an external
computer system (not shown) for the purpose of configuring the
operation of system 200.
[0119] Reference is now made to FIG. 6 which is a simplified system
block diagram for removal mechanism 4 used to transfer eggs from an
incubation tray to a hatching tray, according to some embodiments
of the present invention. Removal mechanism 4 may include multiple
actuators 320 and multiple suction cups 14. Actuators 320 may
operate by selectively allowing or not allowing suction to suction
cups 14. Actuators 320 may be arranged in an array of n columns by
m rows respectively, each actuator 320 operates a corresponding
suction cup 14 with four suction cups 14 shown with locations
labeled by SC.sub.nm. Removal mechanism 4 may connect to control
unit 130 via bidirectional signal lines connected to the multiple
suction cups 14 via multiplexor (MUX) 38. Microprocessor 32 is able
to uniquely access and send a signal to a specific suction cup 14
in removal mechanism 4 by use of MUX 38 controlled by
microprocessor 32. Access from microprocessor 32 to multiple
suction cups 14 may be performed using multiplexor MUX 38 and
digital to analogue converter (D/A) 36. A serial interface 39 may
connect to control unit 130 so as to connect an external computer
system for the purpose of configuring the operation of control unit
130. Microprocessor 32 may access read/write memory 108 which
stores the locations of viable and/or non-viable eggs 6. Moreover,
microprocessor 32 and microprocessor 102 may be the same
microprocessor.
[0120] Reference is now made to FIG. 7 which schematically
illustrates a partial isometric view of removal mechanism 4,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. The partial
isometric view shows eggs 202 held by suction cups 14 which may
provide a vacuum to hold eggs 202 by suction. Particular eggs 202
may not be held by virtue of the vacuum not being applied to
particular suction cups 14.
[0121] Reference is now made to FIG. 8 which is a diagram of an egg
handling system for the handling of eggs 202, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. System 40 shows a conveyer 8.
An incubation tray 16 with eggs 202 is shown placed under
examination system 200 which includes multiple sub-systems 31, each
configured to examine one egg. Another incubation tray 16 is shown
where a removal mechanism 4 has removed some viable eggs 6 from
incubation tray 16 by use of actuators 14. Some of suction cups 14
may be activated so as to pick up viable eggs 6 and other suction
cups 14 are not activated leaving non-viable eggs 6 in incubation
tray 16. A data connection 42, optionally a wireless connection,
may connect viability tester unit 2 and removal mechanism 4. The
locations/tags of the viable and/or non-viable eggs 6 in incubation
tray 16 may be passed via data connection 42 to removal mechanism 4
so that only viable eggs 6 are transferred to a hatching tray.
[0122] Reference is now made to FIG. 9A which shows a side view of
an incubator system 60, according to some embodiments the present
invention. Incubator system 60 optionally and preferably has a
housing 61 with an entrance door 66 which provides access to
incubation trolley 62. A heater 63 is positioned in housing 61 so
as to heat the interior of the housing. Heater 63 can include any
known heating system that is suitable for heating an incubator
housing. As a representative and non-limiting example, heater 63
can include a heat exchanger that removes heat from piping and
releases and distributes the heat in the interior of the housing,
as known in the art.
[0123] A number of incubation trays 16 are shown in situ. One
incubation tray 16 is shown partially slid out on rails 64 to allow
placement of examination system 200 above or below eggs 202. In
some embodiments, system 200 may have rails in place such that
incubation tray 16 when partially slid out on rails 64 allows
placement of system 200 under eggs 200. System 200 is also shown
with filter 35. System 200 may further include a wireless
transmitter to a wireless local area network (WLAN), e.g., based on
a standard of Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers'
(IEEE) 802.11, to transmit the viability status of eggs 202 and
their locations in incubation tray 16 to a nearby local area
network (LAN). System 200 may include a button (not shown) to
initiate a test of multiple eggs and an indicator (LED) (not shown)
to initiate and confirm completion of a viability test of eggs
202.
[0124] FIG. 9B is a schematic illustration of system 200, according
to some embodiments of the present invention. System 200 includes a
frame 6000 which provides a surface for the attachment of optical
filter film 35 onto frame 6000. Set back from frame 6000 is back
plane 6002 which is attached to and/or is an integral part of frame
6000. Back plane 6002 allows for the fixing and mounting of arms
22a and 22b. Positions of eggs 202 are shown with dotted lines
relative to respective pairs of arms 22a and 22b. System 200 is not
limited to eight eggs 202 as shown but may constructed to
accommodate various numbers of eggs and incubation trays 16
capacities and/or dimensions.
[0125] Reference is now made to FIG. 10 which is a schematic
illustration of a side view of incubator system 60, according to
some embodiments of the present invention. Incubator system 60 has
entrance door 66 which provides access to incubation trolley 62. A
number of incubation trays 16 are shown in situ. One incubation
tray 16 is shown removed completely and replaced by examination
system 200. In situ, system 200 is seen with sub-systems above the
eggs in one incubation tray and with sub-systems below the eggs in
another incubation tray 16. Alternatively, system 200 may be formed
from two separate units placed back to back, one unit above the
eggs in one incubation tray and the other unit below the eggs in
another incubation tray 16. In some embodiments the
emission-sensing pairs of system 200 are integrated to be part of
an incubation tray 16 such that the top or bottom of the incubation
tray 16 monitors the eggs in the incubation tray 16 as well as
either the bottom of eggs in another incubation tray 16 above or
another incubation tray 16 below respectively.
[0126] In some embodiments, instead of having system 200 in situ
within incubator 60, system 200 are positioned in a different
location so that possible areas within incubator 60 may be
identified which did not provide optimal incubation conditions for
the eggs located there.
[0127] It is expected that during the life of a patent maturing
from this application many relevant incubation techniques will be
developed and the scope of the term incubator is intended to
include all such new technologies a priori.
[0128] As used herein the term "about" refers to .+-.10%.
[0129] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an
example, instance or illustration." Any embodiment described as
"exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or
advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the
incorporation of features from other embodiments.
[0130] The word "optionally" is used herein to mean "is provided in
some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments." Any
particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of
"optional" features unless such features conflict.
[0131] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", "having" and their conjugates mean "including but not
limited to".
[0132] The term "consisting of" means "including and limited
to".
[0133] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the
composition, method or structure may include additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic
and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or
structure.
[0134] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one
compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures
thereof.
[0135] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this
invention may be presented in a range format. It should be
understood that the description in range format is merely for
convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly,
the description of a range should be considered to have
specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range. For example,
description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to
have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1
to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as
well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3,
4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the
range.
[0136] Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant
to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the
indicated range. The phrases "ranging/ranges between" a first
indicate number and a second indicate number and "ranging/ranges
from" a first indicate number "to" a second indicate number are
used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and
second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral
numerals therebetween.
[0137] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention,
which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate
embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single
embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which
are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment,
may also be provided separately or in any suitable subcombination
or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention.
Certain features described in the context of various embodiments
are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments,
unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0138] Various embodiments and aspects of the present invention as
delineated hereinabove and as claimed in the claims section below
find experimental support in the following examples.
EXAMPLES
[0139] Reference is now made to the following examples, which
together with the above descriptions illustrate some embodiments of
the invention in a non limiting fashion. These examples illustrate
the dynamics of the measured data (variation of the radiation
response of the interior of the egg) obtained at different time
intervals of the incubation period.
Example 1
[0140] Reference is now made to FIGS. 11A-H which show graphs of
the electric output (voltage) of the optical sensor versus time (in
seconds) for a chicken egg monitored in an incubation tray, using
an examination system according to some embodiments of the present
invention. FIGS. 11A-H represent typical graphs of monitored
signals of chicken eggs for three empirically measured stages of
embryonic development based on the monitored signals during
incubation of chicken eggs in an incubator.
[0141] The first empirically measured stage (initial time interval
of the incubation period) is when chicken eggs are placed in the
incubator to approximately the time of the seventh day. Graph 1000
shows a monitored voltage signal for eggs 6 for a time period
around the seventh day. In graph 1000 it can be seen that there are
periodic signals of frequency between 0.1 and 0.4 Hertz which
indicate live or viable chicks in the eggs. The absence of periodic
signals around day seven are an indication of possible unfertilized
eggs or eggs which have been fertilized but are not alive. Graphs
1100, 1200, 1300 and 1400 are typical graphs of voltage versus time
for eggs monitored from day nine onwards which still indicate the
periodic nature of signals which indicate live or viable chicks in
the eggs.
[0142] A second empirically measured stage (first time window of a
successive time interval) is around the time of the thirteenth day
shown by graphs 1500 (FIG. 11F) and 1600 (FIG. 11G) and are
indicative of a lack of periodicity in monitored signals of the
eggs. However, monitored signals 1500 and 1600 are significantly
changing apparently randomly in time which is indicative of viable
eggs in an empirical stage of embryonic development.
[0143] A third stage (second time window of a successive time
interval) begins around day seventeen where noticeable periodicity
of higher frequency between 2 and 3 Hertz may be discerned in
measured signals from chicken eggs as shown in graph 1700 (FIG.
11H) which correspond well to a heartbeat frequency.
Example 2
[0144] Reference is now made to FIGS. 12A-D, which show further
results using an examination system according to some embodiments
of the present invention. FIG. 12A shows relative voltage variation
from signals of from a chicken egg versus time for each of the days
5-8 of the incubation period where, beginning at Day 6, a low
frequency periodic variation 0.2-0.4 Hertz is seen in the
waveforms. The amplitude of low frequency periodic variation is
increased at Day 7 and Day 8. FIG. 12B is an enlarged view of a
portion of the signal obtained during the 7th day. FIG. 12C shows a
typical trace pattern for another chicken egg at day 7 showing
amplitude variation y(t) versus time in seconds. FIG. 12D shows a
single sided amplitude frequency spectrum of the signal of FIG. 12A
shown as the modulus of amplitude variation |y(t)| versus
frequency, where the distinctive alternating periodicity is
identified as being between 0.2 to 0.3 Hertz. The absence of
periodic signals around day seven are an indication of possible
unfertilized eggs or eggs which have been fertilized but are not
alive. Prior to days 5 no significant periodicity is has yet been
observed.
[0145] Reference is now made to FIGS. 13A and 13B which show
further results using the egg examination system of the present
embodiments. FIGS. 13A and 13B includes graphs of relative voltage
variation from signals versus time for each of the days 5-10, 12-16
and day 19 for two different eggs. Both FIGS. 13A and 13B, the
distinctive periodicity for days 5-8 of the incubation period
(initial time interval), with the frequency component between 0.2
to 0.3 Hertz has disappeared around day 12. By days 15, 16 signals
of FIG. 13A show increased amplitude of measured heart rate of
approximately 4 Hertz or 240 heart beats per second. The embryo of
FIG. 13A at day 19, appears alive and well. In the embryo of FIG.
13B, a malformation (exposed brain) occurred. This embryo, appears
to have an erratic and weak heartbeat during days 15 and 17 during
day 19 is apparently dead, as shown by the flat line.
Example 3
[0146] A comprehensive experiment has been performed according to
some embodiments of the present invention, in a commercial hatchery
at Kvutzat Yavne, Israel.
Methods
[0147] The experiment was performed in a multi stage incubator. Two
groups of 64 eggs were marked in two incubation trays.
[0148] Group 1 included eggs from a hen flock 57 weeks of age, and
group 2 included eggs from a hen flock 43 weeks of age. In the art
of chicken eggs, incubation is usually performed for hen flocks
having ages of from about 26 weeks to about 65 weeks. Thus, group 1
is considered an elder flock and group 2 is considered a central
age flock. Since the eggs of group 2 were originated from a younger
flock of hens, the eggs in this group were smaller in height.
[0149] The eggs in each group were numbered from 1 to 64, and the
position of each egg was recorded and remained fixed during the
experiment. Each egg was examined by the same light source and
sensor during the entire experiment.
[0150] The eggs of group 1 were transferred to a hatcher at age 18
days, and eggs of group 2 were transferred to a hatcher at age 19
days. The eggs were transferred to hatching trays divided into
cells so as to allow the association of each hatchling with a
respective egg.
[0151] The light source was a LED that was activated by a current
ranging from about 100 mA to about 600 mA. Each egg was examined
for a period of about 60 seconds. The sampling frequency of the
signal from the sensor was about 1 kHz. In group 1, examination was
executed both from above and from below. In group 2, examination
was only from above.
[0152] Table 1 below summarizes the experiment schedule, over three
consecutive weeks.
TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Sat Fri Thu Wed Tue Mon Sun no group 1
measurement (day 7) group 2 (day 5) no no transfer measurement
measurement group 1 end of hatching hatching transfer experiment
group 2 group 1 group 2
Results
[0153] For live eggs, the obtained signals allowed distinction
between four embryonic development stages, approximately at days 6,
12, 15 and 17. An onset of a first stage is characterized by the
appearance of periodic low-frequency (less than f0) variations,
typically at days 6-7. An onset of a second stage is characterized
by the gradual disappearance or blurring of the low-frequency
signal, typically at days 11-12. An onset of a third stage is
characterized by a significant increment of amplitude for periodic
variations of higher frequency (about 3-4 Hz) which is
characteristic for the heartbeat of the embryo, typically at day
15. An onset of a fourth stage is characterized by a further
increment of the amplitude for the periodic variations of the
higher frequency, typically at day 17.
[0154] FIGS. 14A-C show signals from an egg from group 2 with a
live embryo, as obtained during the entire experiment.
[0155] FIG. 15 shows signals from an empty egg from group 2, as
obtained during the entire experiment. As shown, no variations of
the signal variations were observed.
[0156] FIG. 16 shows signal from an egg from group 2 in which a
malposition (beak above right wing) occurred. The embryo was alive
on the day of transfer hut died on the day of hatching. As shown,
the signal was abnormal on day 13.
[0157] The results for groups 1 and 2 are summarized in Tables 2
and 3, respectively. In Tables 2 and 3, M indicates a male
hatchling and F indicates a female hatchling.
TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 1 (F) 2 (M) 4 5 (F) 6 (M) 8 (M) infertile 9
(F) 10 (F) 12 late 13 (F) 14 (F) 16 (M) death 17 (M) 18 (F) 20 (M)
21 (M) 22 24 (F) 25 (M) 26 (M) 28 (M) 29 (M) 30 early 32 (M) death
33 (F) 34 36 (M) 37 (M) 38 (M) 40 (F) Infertile 41 42 (M) 44 (F) 45
(F) 46 (F) 48 Early Infertile death 49 50 (M) 52 (M) 53 54 late 56
(M) Infertile Infertile death 57 (F) 58 early 60 61 62 (M) 64 (F)
death
[0158] Remarks:
[0159] Due to malfunctions in sensor Nos. 3 and 7, the respective
eggs were not transferred.
[0160] In egg Nos. 20, 60 and 62, the hatchlings escaped from the
cells and their gender was not determined.
[0161] Egg No. 41 was damaged on the 15th day.
TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 1 (M) 2 (F) 4 (F) 5 (F) 6 early death 8 (M)
9 (F) 10 12 13 (F) 14 (M) 16 (M) hatchling empty escaped 17 (M) 18
(F) 20 (M) 21 (M) 22 (M) 24 M) 25 26 28 (M) 29 (M) 30 (F) 32 (F)
empty empty 33 (F) 34 (F) 36 (M) 37 (F) 38 (M) 40 (F) 41 42 (M) 44
abnormal 45 (F) 46 (M) 48 (M) empty signal observed (malformation)
49 (M) 50 (M) 52 (F) 53 (M) 54 abnormal 56 signal Empty observed
(malposition) 57 (F) 58 (M) 60 (M) 61 (F) 62 64 (M) egg damaged
[0162] Remakes:
[0163] Due to malfunctions in sensor Nos. 3 and 7, the respective
eggs were not transferred.
[0164] In egg 44 there was no hatching due to a defect in the head.
This was predicted by observing an abnormal signal on day 19.
[0165] In egg 54 the embryo was in a malposition state (beak above
right wing) and the hatchling did not survived after hatching. This
was predicted by observing an abnormal signal on day 13.
CONCLUSIONS
[0166] The system of the present embodiments successfully
identified the viability of 100% of the eggs. The system of the
present embodiments successfully identified death at early stages
of incubation (at any day between day 7 and day 18).
[0167] Although the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace
all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall
within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims.
[0168] All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned
in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by
reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each
individual publication, patent or patent application was
specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein
by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any
reference in this application shall not be construed as an
admission that such reference is available as prior art to the
present invention. To the extent that section headings are used,
they should not be construed as necessarily limiting.
* * * * *