NON-CONTACT EGG IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING EGG VIABILITY USING TRANSMISSION SPECTROSCOPY, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD

摘要

An egg identification system for determining viability of an avian egg is provided. Such a system includes an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward an egg. A detector assembly is axially aligned with the emitter assembly to detect electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg. The detector assembly is spaced-apart from the egg during operation thereof such that the detector assembly does not contact the egg. The detected electromagnetic radiation is processed using transmission spectroscopy analysis to determine whether the egg is viable. An associated method is also provided.

主权项

1. An egg identification system for determining viability of an avian egg, comprising:
a conveyor system configured to convey an egg flat containing a plurality of eggs; an emitter assembly configured to emit electromagnetic radiation toward one of the eggs conveyed in the egg flat; a non-contact detector assembly axially aligned with the emitter assembly, the non-contact detector assembly being configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through the egg, the non-contact detector assembly being disposed in a non-contact position such that the egg positioned for identification is spaced-apart from the non-contact detector assembly during operation thereof; and a processor configured to process an output signal of the non-contact detector assembly in a transmission spectroscopy mode for determining whether the egg is viable.