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WO1993004364A1 - Systeme d'evaluation et de determination de la qualite de volaille a l'aide d'ultrasons - Google Patents

Systeme d'evaluation et de determination de la qualite de volaille a l'aide d'ultrasons Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1993004364A1
WO1993004364A1 PCT/US1992/006954 US9206954W WO9304364A1 WO 1993004364 A1 WO1993004364 A1 WO 1993004364A1 US 9206954 W US9206954 W US 9206954W WO 9304364 A1 WO9304364 A1 WO 9304364A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
carcass
animal
image
probe
condemnation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1992/006954
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James R. Stouffer
Dale C. Miller
Yujun Liu
Original Assignee
Animal Ultrasound Services, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US07/748,503 external-priority patent/US5140988A/en
Priority claimed from US07/919,822 external-priority patent/US5303708A/en
Application filed by Animal Ultrasound Services, Inc. filed Critical Animal Ultrasound Services, Inc.
Priority to EP92918653A priority Critical patent/EP0600002A1/fr
Priority to CA002115999A priority patent/CA2115999C/fr
Publication of WO1993004364A1 publication Critical patent/WO1993004364A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A22—BUTCHERING; MEAT TREATMENT; PROCESSING POULTRY OR FISH
    • A22B—SLAUGHTERING
    • A22B5/00—Accessories for use during or after slaughtering
    • A22B5/0064—Accessories for use during or after slaughtering for classifying or grading carcasses; for measuring back fat
    • A22B5/007—Non-invasive scanning of carcasses, e.g. using image recognition, tomography, X-rays, ultrasound
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B8/00—Diagnosis using ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves
    • A61B8/08—Clinical applications
    • A61B8/0858—Clinical applications involving measuring tissue layers, e.g. skin, interfaces
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/04—Analysing solids
    • G01N29/048—Marking the faulty objects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N29/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of ultrasonic, sonic or infrasonic waves; Visualisation of the interior of objects by transmitting ultrasonic or sonic waves through the object
    • G01N29/22—Details, e.g. general constructional or apparatus details
    • G01N29/30—Arrangements for calibrating or comparing, e.g. with standard objects
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
    • G01N33/02—Food
    • G01N33/12—Meat; Fish
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/52—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00
    • G01S7/52017—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S15/00 particularly adapted to short-range imaging
    • G01S7/52023—Details of receivers
    • G01S7/52036—Details of receivers using analysis of echo signal for target characterisation
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/02—Indexing codes associated with the analysed material
    • G01N2291/025—Change of phase or condition
    • G01N2291/0258—Structural degradation, e.g. fatigue of composites, ageing of oils
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2291/00—Indexing codes associated with group G01N29/00
    • G01N2291/26—Scanned objects
    • G01N2291/269—Various geometry objects

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for grading and evaluation of poultry for human consumption, and more particularly relates to methods and apparatus for grading and evaluating poultry using ultrasound.
  • a grading determination is based upon the relative quantity of fat or muscle within a normal set of parameters.
  • the normal set of parameters are the same for each animal within a particular species (e.g. the number of fat or muscle layers) whereas the proportion each type of tissue within these parameters differs for each individual animal.
  • Ultrasound techniques have been used extensively to determine grading characteristics of livestock.
  • a condemnation or sorting decision involves comparing each animal against a norm reference for its particular species and condemning (-eliminating from the food supply) any animals showing any abnormal conditions indicative of disease or other health related problems. Quantity of the abnormality is generally not a factor, but rather its presence or absence is enough.
  • ultrasound technology has not been used in the condemnation sorting decision made by meat inspectors. Many abnormalities that require condemnation affect the skeletal structure of animals. While ultrasonic apparatus and methods have been used extensively to evaluate and characterize tissue and conditions causing tissue damage, ultrasound technology has not been used to characterize or evaluate bone structure. Ultrasonic waves do not pass through bone, therefore the only image presented is an outline of the bone rather than a cross-sectional image as is shown of other tissues (e.g.
  • Osteomyelitis is a bone disorder in poultry resulting from Staphylococcal auerus infection which is the primary cause of food poisoning in humans eating poultry. Osteomyelitis is discussed in "Studies on the pathogenesis of staphylococcal osteomyelitis in chickens, - 1. Effect of Stress on Experimentally Induced Osteomyelitis", by Mutalib et al - Avian Dis., Vol. 27, No. 1, January- March 1983 pg 141-156, incorporated herein by reference.
  • One discovery of the present invention is that ultrasound technology can be used to detect a bone deformation condition.
  • ultrasound has not been used to image bone conditions because only the outline of the bone structure is provided.
  • the method of determining a bone deformation condition in an animal taught by the present invention includes positioning an ultrasonic probe on the animal such that a cross-sectional image is shown which includes an outline of a portion of bone to be examined.
  • the image of the bone outline is compared with a norm reference image of a bone outline for a healthy animal and at least one known deformation pattern of images of bone outlines for animals requiring condemnation.
  • the animal is condemned if the image has a greater correlation with one of the known deformation patterns than with the norm reference pattern.
  • a method of determining a condemnation condition in a post mortem animal intended for human consumption is taught hereinabove. The method includes positioning an ultrasonic probe on the animal such that a cross-sectional image is shown.
  • the image is compared with a norm reference pattern and at least one known deformation pattern for tissue for animals requiring condemnation.
  • the animal is condemned if the image has a greater correlation with one of the known deformation patterns than with the norm reference pattern.
  • the correlation measurements and comparison can be performed by an image analyzer and pattern recognition equipment modified to recognize the known deformation patterns such that the condemnation decision is made automatically by a machine. Also taught hereinabove, is a method of developing further tests for determining a condemnation condition in an animal.
  • the teachings of the present invention include, an apparatus for determining a condemnation condition in a post mortem animal intended for human consumption.
  • the apparatus includes an ultrasound machine, including a probe, wherein the probe is positioned on the animal such that a cross-sectional image of the portion of the animal to be examined is shown.
  • Pattern recognition equipment determines and identifies a pattern of anatomically distinct tissue and bone formation of the animal shown on the image.
  • An image analyzer compares the pattern of tissue and bone formation with a norm reference for a healthy animal and at least one known deformation pattern for tissue of animals requiring condemnation. If a greater correlation with one of the known deformation patterns than with the norm reference pattern is shown then, means for indicating a condemnation condition for the animal are activated.
  • the methods and apparatus of the present invention are used for poultry by comparing the outline of a bone image with a known deformation pattern of a deformed medial condyle of an animal having a condition causing osteomyelitis.
  • no method or apparatus used in conjunction with ultrasound technology taught the indication of a condemnation condition in meat inspection.
  • the present invention includes method and apparatus for grading a poultry carcass intended for human consumption.
  • An ultrasound machine is provided which includes a probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals such that the machine is capable of producing a image of a breast muscle of the carcass.
  • the probe is positioned on the carcass parallel or perpendicular to the keel such that the image of the breast muscle of the carcass is detected by the ultrasound machine.
  • a breast muscle size indicator of the breast muscle is determined from the detected image.
  • the calculation of a grade for the carcass is based upon the ratio of the indicator to the weight of the carcass.
  • the determination of the breast muscle size indicator can be performed by an image analyzer and pattern recognition equipment modified to recognize the breast muscle image.
  • the probe can be positioned automatically by probe location equipment automatically.
  • FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of an individual positioning an ultrasonic probe on a poultry carcass.
  • FIGURES 2a and 2b are photographs of ultrasonic images of healthy turkey drumsticks.
  • FIGURES 3a and 3b are photographs of ultrasonic images of turkey drumsticks which have osteomyelitis.
  • FIGURES 4a and 4b are a cross-sectional and a top view of a poultry leg showing proper positioning of an ultrasonic probe.
  • FIGURES 5a-c are perspective views of inspectors implementing the apparatus and methods taught by the present invention to inspect poultry carcasses at different positions on an assembly line.
  • FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of one possible embodiment of an automated ultrasound inspection station positioning an ultrasonic probe on a poultry carcass.
  • FIGURES 7a and 7b are perspective views of an individual positioning an ultrasonic probe on a poultry carcass.
  • FIGURES 8a and 8b are cross-sectional views of a poultry carcass showing proper positioning of an ultrasonic probe.
  • FIGURE 9 is a perspective view of individuals implementing the apparatus and methods taught by the present invention to grade poultry carcasses on an assembly line.
  • FIGURES 10a and 10b are perspective views of one possible embodiment of an automated ultrasound grading station positioning an ultrasonic probe on a poultry carcass.
  • the term "poultry” means all turkeys, chickens, duck, and other fowl normally included within the term poultry.
  • probe or “transducer” refer to a linear array transducer for ultrasonic equipment with a scan line that is parallel to the direction of the transducer.
  • breast muscle size indicator means a measurement of the depth or area of the breast muscle as shown in an ultrasonic image with the understanding that the indicator is not a measurement of the whole muscle but only of the portion of the image corresponding to breast muscle.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of an individual using an ultrasound inspection station 1 as taught by the present invention.
  • the inspector is positioning an ultrasonic probe 2 on a turkey carcass 3.
  • the inspection station 1 includes an ultrasonic scanner and monitor 4, attached to the probe 2 for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals, the probe is positioned on the carcass 3 such that a cross-sectional image of the portion of the animal being examined is shown on the display 5.
  • This can be connected to a recorder apparatus 6 for recording these images for later analysis or use in creating a reference pool.
  • the image on the display 5 is compared with a norm reference for a healthy animal and at least one known deformation pattern for tissue for animals requiring condemnation.
  • These reference patterns can be provided by computer generated images by combining pools of image scans, image printouts, or the experience and knowledge of a trained veteran ultrasound inspector (i.e. knowing what to look for).
  • the carcass 3 is condemned if the image on the display 5 has a greater correlation with one of the known deformation patterns than with the norm reference pattern.
  • Some deformation patterns will show up as glaring abnormalities in relative tissue images, such as tumors, abscesses, etc.
  • One such example, is the deformation pattern caused by osteomyelitis in poultry as taught hereinabove.
  • Osteomyelitis is a bone disorder in poultry which is indicative of an infection from Staphylococcal auerus. Staph. auerus is the primary cause of food poisoning in humans.
  • the infection causes necrotic lesions of the bone which shows up on the bone outline image as a rounding of the tip of the medial condyle.
  • ultrasonic images of healthy turkey drumsticks show a sharp edge on the bone shadow image of the tip of the medial condyle (see figure 4 for location of the medial condyle 18).
  • ultrasonic images of turkey drumsticks which have osteomyelitis have a deformed medial condyle as can be seen by the notably rounded tip.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of a poultry leg 11 showing proper positioning of an ultrasonic probe 2.
  • the probe 2 includes a standoff gel 13 which is flexible to allow unbroken contact with the tissue 14.
  • This standoff gel is generally made of a polyvinyl chloride gel with a resin additive.
  • Superflab tm and Flexgel ta are both types of gels used for this purpose.
  • the gel 13 is slightly curved for good contact with the curved tissue 14. In an assembly line application, gels 13 could be shaped to insure uniform and accurate positioning.
  • the gel 13 would be molded to fit into the joint 10 between the leg and the thigh.
  • Adequate couplant fluid must also be used to insure that there is no air between the standoff gel 13 and the tissue 14.
  • Water is an adequate couplant fluid for examining poultry with ultrasound.
  • the carcasses 3 could be already wet from other processing or could be automatically moistened before examination.
  • the joint 10 between the tibia 15 and the femur 16 is shown.
  • Most consumers recognize the cartilage 17 surrounding the ends of the bones 15 and 16, however, the actual tip of the medial condyle 18 is under the cartilage 17. By positioning the probe 2 over the midline of the medial plane of this joint 10, the medial condyle tip 18 can be seen clearly.
  • the inspector can use a linear (image shown in figures 2a and 3a) or convex (image shown in figures 2b and 3b) transducer probe 2.
  • the inspector examines the medial condyle tip 18 without having to damage the carcass 3 in any way.
  • Any ultrasound capable of producing at least a cross-sectional image could be used.
  • One specific ultrasound machine that could be used to practice the teachings of the present invention is the Aloka 500V with transducer probe UST 588-5 or UST 932-7.5; a brochure for this model is incorporated herein by reference.
  • the specific frequency (i.e. 5.0 or 7.5, etc.) used is also a matter of choice, depending on the depth of the image desired and the amount of clarity needed.
  • the specific inspection method taught hereinabove can be easily detected with deep probing frequencies which are generally less clear, yet the bone portion to be examined is relatively near the surface such that less deeply probing frequencies can be used if greater clarity is desired.
  • the inspector interprets the image or a pattern recognition system 20 could be operatively connected to the display 5.
  • the pattern recognition system 20 could also be connected to an image analyzer 21 which would automatically identify normal or abnormal tissue.
  • the pattern recognition equipment 20 identifies patterns of anatomically distinct tissue and bone formation of the carcass 3 shown on the image.
  • the image analyzer 21 compares the pattern of tissue and bone formation with a norm reference for a healthy animal and at least one known deformation pattern for tissue for animals requiring condemnation.
  • One system that could be programmed to handle the image analysis is an AniMorph image analyzer.
  • the pattern recognition equipment 20 and the image analyzer 21 could physically be incorporated into a single piece of equipment, however, each function must be performed.
  • the pattern recognition equipment 20 selects appropriate portions of the image for analysis and the image analyzer 21 analyzes the selected portions of the image.
  • the pattern recognition equipment 20 and image analyzer 21 calculate a pattern of tissue and bone formation of the carcass 3 being examined. If there is a greater correlation with one of the known deformation patterns than with the norm reference pattern, the animal is condemned. This can be done by activating means for indicating a condemnation condition for the carcass 3, for example a light 22. This condemnation condition can be indicated in many different ways including electrical or mechanical signals, and the physical removal of the carcass 3 from the processing line. In all situations, there is an eventual separation of the condemned carcasses from the healthy carcasses. Heretofore, no method or apparatus used in conjunction with ultrasound technology taught the indication of a condemnation condition in meat inspection.
  • the pattern recognition software for selecting bone image portions would be relatively simple because the bone casts a shadow over the rest of the image, so the last line on the display is going to be the outline of the bone. Once the bone outline is determined, comparing the proportional bone curve to a set of curvature proportions for healthy and unhealthy birds is simple statistical calculation.
  • the printer 23 could be used to provide periodic reports of the number of carcasses examined, number condemned, hourly rate of examination, etc..
  • FIG. 5a shows one possible implementation of the apparatus and methods taught by the present invention in the inspection of poultry carcasses on an assembly line.
  • the poultry carcasses 3 are on a main assembly line 30 and an inspector A quickly inspects each one for joint inflammation and transfer any suspect carcasses to a side track 31.
  • a second inspector B then inspects each carcass using ultrasound equipment 4.
  • Any diseased carcasses are sent down a condemnation track 32 to a waste bin 33 for disposal or to have the diseased positions cut out by an inspector C.
  • This is the preferred embodiment in the initial implementation of the teachings of the present invention because the inspector C could double check the condemnation decision of the machine until confidence in the system developed.
  • the means for indicating a condemnation condition is the positioning of the carcasses on the condemnation track 32.
  • Figure 5b shows an inspection system where an inspector A is making an initial condemnation determination by positioning the carcasses on the side track 31. A second inspector then inspects the carcasses 3 by cutting them open and making the final determination decision.
  • This embodiment is advantageous in that two human inspectors make the condemnation determinations, however, the initial determination by inspector A does not turn up so many falsely suspect poultry so the processing can be increase greatly. Overall, fewer inspectors at station B are needed because the work load for this station is cut by about 80-90%, when compared to the current method of inspection.
  • Figure 5c shows one possible embodiment of an automated ultrasound inspection station, wherein the ultrasound probe 2 is positioned automatically.
  • the machine at inspection A would make the initial condemnation decision and place the carcasses 3 on a track 31 for further inspection and cutting by an inspector B. While each station shows an inspector subsequent to an ultrasound station, this is not intended as a limitation of the scope of the present invention. Often parts of the carcasses can be saved even in an unhealthy carcass. It is believed that most processors would want to capture some of this possible product by providing inspectors to cut carcasses after an initial condemnation decision by the machine at inspection station A. It is quite possible, however, that some processors may decide to destroy all carcasses on side track 31 and not use an inspector B.
  • Figure 6 shows and automated inspection station in greater detail.
  • the probe 2 is mounted on a spring loaded base 35 such that the probe engages the tissue surrounding the tibia- femur joint 10.
  • the pattern recognition equipment 20 and image analyzer 21 could recognize the osteomyelitis condition automatically.
  • a condemnation condition could be shown by the activation of a light 22.
  • This system could be used to examine every carcass 3. The probe 2 creates images fast enough such that the carcasses 3 could move along at a faster rate than would be possible by manual examination, thereby decreasing processing time.
  • the method of determining a bone deformation condition in an animal taught by the present invention includes positioning an ultrasonic probe on the animal such that a cross-sectional image is shown which includes an outline of a portion of bone to be examined.
  • the image of the bone outline is compared with a norm reference image of a bone outline for a healthy animal and at least one known deformation pattern of images of bone outlines for animals requiring condemnation.
  • the animal is condemned if the image has a greater correlation with one of the known deformation patterns than with the norm reference pattern.
  • the method includes selecting a group of healthy animals, a group of animals known to have conditions requiring condemnation, a group of animals of unknown health.
  • An ultrasound machine is used to create a series of cross-sectional images of the group of healthy animals.
  • a norm reference pattern is determined for each cross-sectional image position by pooling information from the series of cross-sectional images of the group of healthy animals.
  • the ultrasound machine is used to create a series of cross-sectional images of the group of animals known to have a condemnation condition and a condemnation condition reference pattern is determined for each cross-sectional image position by pooling information.
  • the norm reference patterns and the condemnation condition reference patterns are compared at each cross-sectional image position.
  • Each cross- sectional image position which shows a difference between the reference patterns is identified and the difference is used the ultrasound machine to sort the group of animals of unknown condition.
  • Any animals showing the difference particular to the condemnation condition pattern are placed into a group of suspected condemnation condition animals for each cross-sectional image position showing the difference and all others animals are placed into a suspected healthy animal group.
  • the accuracy of the sorting determination is confirmed by testing the group of suspected condemnation condition animals and the group of suspected healthy animals for the condemnation condition by known accepted techniques for each cross-sectional image position group showing the difference.
  • the cross-sectional image positions showing differences with the greatest accuracy of sorting condemnation condition animals from healthy animals are selected for use as a condemnation test procedure.
  • FIGS 7a and 7b are perspective views of an individual using an ultrasound grading station 1 as taught by the present invention.
  • the individual is positioning an ultrasonic probe 2 on a poultry carcass 3.
  • the inspection station 1 includes an ultrasonic scanner and monitor 4, attached to the probe 2 for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals, the probe is positioned on the carcass 3 such that an image of the breast muscle of the carcass 3 being examined is shown on the display 5.
  • This can be connected to a recorder apparatus 6 for recording these images for later analysis or use in creating a reference pool.
  • the image on the display 5 is analyzed to determine the depth or area of portion of the image corresponding to breast muscle.
  • the measurements provided through ultrasonic image analysis are several depth readings at predetermined positions relative to the leading edge of the keel bone.
  • the measurements are indicators of the plumpness, fullness and shape of the muscle which are used to predict breast weight. By dividing breast weight (or the indicator directly) by total carcass weight gives percentage of breast yield for an objective grade and value.
  • an ultrasonic transducer probe 2 makes contact with the tissues of the breast muscle with an ultrasonic transducer probe 2 provides a real time (15 X second) image that shows the breast muscle.
  • the cross section of the breast muscle is detected using ultrasound, which does not require the carcasses to be cut open, thereby providing industry with accurate information concerning product value and savings in labor.
  • a linear transducer array probe 2 is placed over the breast parallel to the keel 100, perpendicular to the skin surface and about 5 centimeters to the side (being sure that the tissue to probe surfaces are moist, i.e. adequate couplant).
  • a linear transducer array probe 2 is placed over the breast perpendicular to the keel 100, perpendicular to the skin surface and starting at the keel 100 across the breast muscle.
  • the direction and orientation of the probe 2 are critical for a good image.
  • Figures 8a and 8b are cross-sectional views of a breast muscle 11 showing proper positioning of an ultrasonic probe 2.
  • the probe 2 includes a standoff gel 13 which is flexible to allow unbroken contact with the skin 14.
  • This standoff gel is generally made of a polyvinyl chloride gel with a resin additive.
  • FlexgeP 11 are both types of gels used for this purpose.
  • the gel 13 is slightly curved for good contact with the curved tissue and skin 14.
  • gels 13 could be shaped to insure uniform and accurate positioning.
  • Adequate couplant fluid must also be used to insure that there is no air between the standoff gel
  • FIG. 8a shows the proper positioning of the probe 2 on the breast muscle parallel and slightly away from the keel 100.
  • Figure 8b shows the proper positioning of the probe 2 on the breast muscle perpendicular to the keel 100.
  • Experienced ultrasound technologists will be able to position a probe 2 to achieve the desired image cross-section quite easily.
  • the individual can use a
  • One specific ultrasound machine that could be used to practice the teachings of the present invention is the Aloka 500V with transducer probe UST 5044-3.5 or 5011-3.5.
  • the specific frequency (i.e. 3.5 or 5.0, etc.) and length of the transducer used is also a matter of choice, depending on the depth of the image desired, the amount of clarity needed and the length of the image desired for examination.
  • the grading method taught herein can be easily detected with deep probing frequencies which are generally less clear, yet the breast muscle to be examined is relatively near the surface such that less deeply probing frequencies can be used if greater clarity is desired.
  • the individual interprets the image or a pattern recognition system 20 could be operatively connected to the display 5.
  • the pattern recognition system 20 could also be connected to an image analyzer 21.
  • the pattern recognition equipment 20 identifies a pattern of muscle composition of said carcass shown on said image. This can be accomplished by using a standard stand off gel 13 and detecting the bottom edge 25 of the breast muscle 26.
  • the image analyzer 21 would take these measurements and determine a breast muscle size indicator from the pattern of muscle composition and calculate a grade for the carcass based upon the ratio of the indicator to the weight of the carcass.
  • the indicator could provided an estimation of breast weight, but the end grade determination would still be based upon the indicator.
  • One system that could be programmed to handle the image analysis is an AniMorph image analyzer.
  • the pattern recognition equipment 20 and the image analyzer 21 could physically be incorporated into a single piece of equipment, however, each function must be performed.
  • the pattern recognition equipment 20 selects appropriate portions of the image for analysis recognizes edges and the image analyzer 21 analyzes the measurements and provides an output of the grade assigned to the carcass.
  • the pattern recognition software for detecting edges could be relatively simple because the bone 27 below the breast muscle 26 casts a shadow over the rest of the image, so the last interface on the display is going to be the bone 27 and the bottom of the breast muscle 25. Once the lowest interface is determined, the approximate line of the breast muscle 25 is known.
  • An indicator is being provided which may or may not be the actual dimensions of the breast muscle, however in all circumstances the indicator will be highly correlated with actual breast muscle size such that the indicator will useful for a grading determination.
  • the levels of grading and the values assessed to each grade would be empirically determined by the poultry industry.
  • the printer 23 could be used to provide reports of grading, the number of carcasses examined, hourly rate of examination, etc..
  • Figure 9 shows one possible implementation of the apparatus and methods taught by the present invention in the grading of poultry carcasses on an assembly line.
  • the poultry carcasses 3 are on a main assembly line 30 and an individual A quickly inspects each one using ultrasound equipment 4.
  • Figures 10a and 10b show an automated inspection station in greater detail.
  • the probe 2 is mounted on a spring loaded base 35 such that the probe 2 engages the skin 14 over the breast muscle.
  • This system could be used to examine every carcass 3.
  • the probe 2 creates images fast enough such that the carcasses 3 could move along at a faster rate than would be possible by manual examination, thereby decreasing processing time.
  • a linear transducer array probe 2 is placed over the breast parallel to the keel 100, perpendicular to the skin surface and about 5 centimeters to the side.
  • a linear transducer array probe 2 is placed over the breast perpendicular to the keel 100, perpendicular to the skin surface and starting at the keel 100 across the breast muscle.
  • the method of grading includes providing an ultrasound machine which includes a probe for transmitting and receiving ultrasound signals such that the machine is capable of producing a image of a breast muscle of the carcass.
  • the probe is positioned on the carcass parallel or perpendicular to the keel such that the image of the breast muscle of the carcass is detected by the ultrasound machine.
  • a breast muscle size indicator of the breast muscle is determined from the detected image.
  • the calculation of a grade for the carcass is based upon the ratio of the indicator to the weight of the carcass.
  • the determination of the breast muscle size indicator can be performed by an image analyzer and pattern recognition equipment modified to recognize the breast muscle image.
  • the probe can be positioned automatically by probe location equipment automatically.

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Abstract

Procédé et appareil de détermination de la qualité de volaille et de détermination d'un état de condamnation d'un animal ou une carcasse destiné à être consommé par l'homme. L'appareil comprend une machine à ultrasons, comprenant une sonde positionnée sur l'animal de sorte qu'une image de la partie de l'animal à examiner est représentée. Un analyseur d'image détermine et identifie une configuration du contour tissulaire et osseux anatomiquement distinct de l'animal représenté par l'image. Un équipement de reconnaissance de configuration compare la configuration du contour tissulaire et osseux à une référence standard d'un animal sain ainsi qu'à au moins une configuration de déformation connue de tissus d'animaux nécessitant condamnation. Si la corrélation est plus grande avec les configurations de déformation connues qu'avec la configuration de référence standard, des moyens d'indication d'un état de condamnation de l'animal sont activés. La sonde est positionnée sur la carcasse parallèlement au bréchet de sorte que l'image des muscles du blanc de la carcasse soit détectée par la machine à ultrasons. Une indication de la taille des muscles du blanc est déterminée à partir de l'image détectée. Le calcul de la qualité de la carcasse se base sur le rapport entre l'indicateur et le poids de la carcasse.
PCT/US1992/006954 1991-08-22 1992-08-24 Systeme d'evaluation et de determination de la qualite de volaille a l'aide d'ultrasons WO1993004364A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP92918653A EP0600002A1 (fr) 1991-08-22 1992-08-24 Systeme d'evaluation et de determination de la qualite de volaille a l'aide d'ultrasons
CA002115999A CA2115999C (fr) 1991-08-22 1992-08-24 Classement et evaluation des volailles par une methode ultrasonique

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US07/748,503 US5140988A (en) 1991-08-22 1991-08-22 Detection of abnormal bone structure in animals and carcasses with ultrasound
US748,503 1991-08-22
US919,822 1992-07-27
US07/919,822 US5303708A (en) 1992-07-27 1992-07-27 Grading of poultry carcasses with ultrasound

Publications (1)

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WO1993004364A1 true WO1993004364A1 (fr) 1993-03-04

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PCT/US1992/006954 WO1993004364A1 (fr) 1991-08-22 1992-08-24 Systeme d'evaluation et de determination de la qualite de volaille a l'aide d'ultrasons

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EP (1) EP0600002A1 (fr)
CA (1) CA2115999C (fr)
WO (1) WO1993004364A1 (fr)

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WO1994025867A1 (fr) * 1993-05-04 1994-11-10 Brisalebe Ag Evaluation des caracteristiques d'un animal au moyen d'ultrasons
WO1998024323A1 (fr) * 1996-12-04 1998-06-11 Archie John Mcgillivray Dispositif et procede d'analyse pour animaux
EP0755510A4 (fr) * 1994-03-22 1998-10-28 Georgia Tech Res Inst Dispositif de verification par rayons x

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5673647A (en) 1994-10-31 1997-10-07 Micro Chemical, Inc. Cattle management method and system
CA2588932C (fr) 2004-11-30 2016-09-27 John T. Haynes Detection de troubles de sante au niveau respiratoire et circulatoire chez des animaux, pour une meilleure gestion
WO2006078943A2 (fr) 2005-01-19 2006-07-27 Micro Beef Technologies, Ltd. Procede et systeme permettant le suivi et la gestion d'animaux et/ou de produits alimentaires

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EP0414261A2 (fr) * 1989-08-25 1991-02-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Appareil de diagnostic à ultrasons

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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US4099420A (en) * 1977-06-03 1978-07-11 Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. Transducer positioning apparatus
FR2545010A1 (fr) * 1983-04-29 1984-11-02 Darlay Electronique Appareillage pour la classification des carcasses
US4785817A (en) * 1986-10-10 1988-11-22 Cornell Research Foundation, Inc. Method and apparatus for ultrasonic grading of meat
EP0337661A1 (fr) * 1988-04-07 1989-10-18 Marlborough Scanner Systems Limited Procédé et appareil destinés à la classification d'animaux vivants et de carcasses
EP0414261A2 (fr) * 1989-08-25 1991-02-27 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Appareil de diagnostic à ultrasons

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1994025867A1 (fr) * 1993-05-04 1994-11-10 Brisalebe Ag Evaluation des caracteristiques d'un animal au moyen d'ultrasons
EP0755510A4 (fr) * 1994-03-22 1998-10-28 Georgia Tech Res Inst Dispositif de verification par rayons x
WO1998024323A1 (fr) * 1996-12-04 1998-06-11 Archie John Mcgillivray Dispositif et procede d'analyse pour animaux
GB2335341A (en) * 1996-12-04 1999-09-22 Archie John Mcgillivray Apparatus and methods for analysing animals

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA2115999C (fr) 1999-07-27
CA2115999A1 (fr) 1993-03-04
EP0600002A1 (fr) 1994-06-08

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