DE102014117572A1 - Method and device for detecting and sorting out odorous slaughtered boars in a slaughter line - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting and sorting out odorous slaughtered boars in a slaughter line (10). The method according to the invention is characterized in that in each case the body of each slaughtered boar is irradiated with optical radiation in at least one selected body region, the radiation reflected by the body region is individually detected, spectrally analyzed and output as individual spectral information that the individual spectral Information is compared with stored, not odoriferous boars characteristic reference spectral data and that at a predetermined threshold exceeding deviations between the detected individual spectral information and the reference spectral data of the slaughtered boar from the slaughter line (10) is discharged. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device (1) for carrying out the method.

Description

The invention relates to a method for detecting and sorting out odorous slaughtered boars in a slaughter line. In addition, the invention relates to a device for detecting and sorting out odious slaughtered boars in a slaughter line.

Meat from uncastrated boars may develop an unpleasant odor when cooked or roasted. However, this odor rarely occurs when meat is cooked or fried by castrated boars. Therefore, boars have been and are usually castrated in adolescence to avoid this unpleasant odor while cooking or frying their meat. However, castrated boars show a reduced feed utilization, an increased incidence and a reduced meat content in the carcasses The castration of male pigs is also no longer desired today for reasons of animal welfare.

Various methods and devices of the type mentioned have been proposed to remedy the above problems.

The main cause of unpleasant boar odor is generally considered Androstenone. Investigations revealed that other factors, such as skatole and indole, are also involved in boar taint. In experiments, the intensity of boar taint, on the one hand, and the concentrations of androstenone, indole and skatol in fat samples taken from a number of boars and castrated pigs and gilts at slaughter were considered in relation to each other. However, a correlation that was inadequate for reliably detecting and sorting out odorous slaughtered boars in a slaughter line emerged.

From the WO83 / 00928 A1 A method is known for detecting an unpleasant boar taint in individual carcasses or their parts, in which the individual body is determined by spectrophotometric parameters which are in a statistically reliable relationship to such an odor. In this case, an extract of a meat and / or fatty tissue is prepared from the carcass in question or one of its parts, and said extract is reacted with a color reagent for which the color intensity developed at certain wavelengths exhibits a statistically reliable relationship to odor impairment. The optical transmittance or extinction of the reacted extract at one or more of these wavelengths is determined and the detected values are placed in said statistical relationship.

The US 5,344,780 shows a method of the type mentioned, in which a fat sample is taken from the slaughtered boar and then heated to liquefaction. The sample is extracted by means of a solvent and the content of certain substances responsible for a conspicuous, unpleasant boar taint is determined.

The WO 00/79265 A1 shows a method of the type mentioned, in which a sample is taken from the slaughtered boar, the sample is optionally pretreated and then analyzed by means of a gas flow Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for their content of odoriferous substances.

The EP 0 553 054 A2 describes a method of the type mentioned, in which a sample of slaughtered boar taken from this and treated with a solvent for the fat-soluble component. Thereafter, solid particles are separated from the resulting solution, and the purified solution is subjected to high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the content of odoriferous substances.

In all of the known processes mentioned above, a meat or fat sample has to be taken disadvantageously from the slaughtered boar and then subjected to a complex preparation and analysis. This leads both to a high expenditure of time in sampling and evaluation as well as to a large and expensive equipment expense, which makes these methods and corresponding devices for their implementation for use on a slaughter line unsuitable and uneconomical.

For the present invention, therefore, the object is to provide a method and an apparatus of the type mentioned, which avoid the disadvantages mentioned above and which allows a highly reliable and the working speed of a slaughter line according to fast detection and sorting of odorous slaughtered boars.

• – dass jeweils der Körper jedes geschlachteten Ebers in mindestens einem ausgewählten Körperbereich mit einer optischen Strahlung bestrahlt wird,
• – dass die von dem Körperbereich reflektierte Strahlung individuell erfasst, spektral analysiert und als individuelle spektrale Information ausgegeben wird,
• – dass die individuelle spektrale Information mit gespeicherten, für nicht geruchsauffällige Eber charakteristischen Referenz-Spektraldaten verglichen wird und
• – dass bei eine vorgebbare Schwelle überschreitenden Abweichungen zwischen der erfassten individuellen spektralen Information und den Referenz-Spektraldaten der betreffende geschlachtete Eber aus der Schlachtlinie ausgeschleust wird.

The solution of the part of the object relating to the method succeeds according to the invention with a method of the type mentioned at the outset, which is characterized

• That in each case the body of each slaughtered boar is irradiated in at least one selected body region with optical radiation,
• - That the radiation reflected from the body region individually detected, spectrally analyzed and output as individual spectral information,
• - that the individual spectral information is compared with stored, characteristic for non-odor boars reference spectral data, and
• - That at a predetermined threshold exceeding deviations between the detected individual spectral information and the reference spectral data of the slaughtered boar concerned is discharged from the slaughter line.

The inventive method advantageously allows without any costly sampling of the slaughtered boars and without expensive process steps, such as chromatography, a reliable classification into odorous and odor-less animals. The optical radiation in the body of the slain boar stimulates atomic groups and molecules to vibrate. This is made possible by a flexible equilibrium position of the atoms and their possible vibrations, depending on the strength of the existing bonds and masses of atoms differently pronounced. Self-oscillations of atomic groups or molecules are usually not excited at room temperature, and the atomic groups or molecules are in a vibratory ground state with minimal energy. If energy is radiated by the optical radiation in appropriate spectral ranges, energy is absorbed by the atomic groups or molecules if the frequency of the radiation corresponds to the frequency of a natural vibration of the atomic groups or molecules. There is then a specific, atomic group or molecule typical absorption of energy. The spectral analysis of the reflected optical radiation then gives an individual radiation spectrum, which is characteristic of the slaughtered boar examined in each case. The comparison of the respective individual radiation spectrum with non-odor boars characteristic, previously obtained and stored reference spectral data can then, as experiments by the inventor have shown, with high certainty, whether the currently investigated boar odor-less or odor-prone. Since no sampling takes place and the procedure works purely optically, a very fast examination and classification of slaughtered boars into odor-unobtrusive and odor-striking animals is possible.

In order to obtain the most reliable spectral data possible for the slaughtered boar investigated in each case, broadband radiation in the spectral range between near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet (UV) is preferably used as the optical radiation. The broadband optical radiation includes many potentially existing, vibrational atomic groups and molecules in the investigation, thus ensuring a broad basis for reliable evaluation results.

Suitably, the optical radiation used is in the wavelength range between 300 nm and 2,700 nm, preferably between 300 nm and 2,000 nm. This radiation penetrates to a sufficient extent in the body of the slaughtered boar to reach there atomic groups and molecules. For example, with a common source of optical radiation, a penetration depth of up to 15 mm can be achieved.

Furthermore, the method according to the invention proposes that the reference spectral data which are characteristic of non-odorous boars be taken up by slaughtered boars ascertained by sensory sampling and / or on the basis of laboratory technical measured values. Thus, the reference spectral data come from real slaughtered boars which have been classified as non-odor by known methods and do not represent uncertain theoretical values.

In order to increase the reliability of the process results, further individual data of the boar in question can be linked to the acquired individual spectral information and included in the evaluation.

The aforementioned further individual data of the boar concerned are preferably an animal number assigned to it and / or its weight and / or its fat content and / or its lean meat content. Thus, influences that have weight, fat content and / or lean meat content on the process result, can be taken into account and included as a correction in the evaluation.

For the method is further provided that the data collected for each slaughtered boar are processed and evaluated by multivariate analysis to a calibration model and that as an outcome of the evaluation, an individual characteristic value is issued, which classified the respective slaughtered boar as odor-causing or not odor. The output characteristic value can then be used to eject the boars determined to be odoriferous from the slaughter line or to feed them to a special branch slaughter line.

Because of the rapid procedure which is possible in the method according to the invention, the detection of the individual spectral information and possibly further data of the slain boar and their evaluation in one adapted to a working cycle of the slaughter line time, so that the process can be carried out during operation of a slaughter line adapted to their speed and does not lead to delays in slaughtering.

A further embodiment of the method provides that the optical radiation is directed to a rind area of the boar. The rind area represents a relatively homogeneous surface of the animal body, which is favorable for the reliability and reproducibility of the measurements.

In this case, the optical radiation is particularly preferably directed to the rind area in the neck of the boar, since this area has a defined and thus easily accessible position in a slaughter line.

In order to avoid falsifications of the process results by superficial moisture on the body of the slaughtered boar and / or by high humidity, the invention proposes that in front of the area of the boar, which is irradiated with the optical radiation, a moisture fog exclusion of air is set.

• – eine Strahlungsquelle, mit der jeweils der Körper jedes geschlachteten Ebers in mindestens einem ausgewählten Körperbereich mit einer optischen Strahlung bestrahlbar ist,
• – eine Reflektionssonde, mit der die von dem Körperbereich reflektierte Strahlung individuell erfassbar ist,
• – eine Spektralanalyseeinheit, mit der die von der Reflektionssonde erfasste Strahlung spektral analysierbar und als individuelle spektrale Information ausgebbar ist,
• – eine Speichereinheit, in der für nicht geruchsauffällige Eber charakteristische Referenz-Spektraldaten gespeichert sind,
• – eine Vergleichs- und Auswerteeinheit, mit der die von der Spektralanalyseeinheit ausgebbare individuelle spektrale Information mit den gespeicherten Referenz-Spektraldaten vergleichbar ist und mit der bei eine vorgebbare Schwelle überschreitenden Abweichungen zwischen der erfassten individuellen spektralen Information und den Referenz-Spektraldaten der betreffende geschlachtete Eber als geruchsauffällig klassifizierbar ist, und
• – eine Ausschleusweiche, mit der als geruchsauffällig klassifizierte geschlachtete Eber aus der Schlachtlinie ausschleusbar sind.

The solution of the part of the object relating to the device succeeds according to the invention with a device of the type mentioned above, which is characterized by the following features:

• A radiation source with which in each case the body of each slaughtered boar can be irradiated with optical radiation in at least one selected body region,
• A reflection probe with which the radiation reflected by the body region can be detected individually,
• A spectral analysis unit with which the radiation detected by the reflection probe can be spectrally analyzed and output as individual spectral information,
• A storage unit in which characteristic reference spectral data characteristic of non-odorous boars are stored,
• A comparison and evaluation unit with which the spectral analysis unit outputable individual spectral information with the stored reference spectral data is comparable and with the exceeding at a predetermined threshold deviations between the detected individual spectral information and the reference spectral data of the respective slaughtered boar than is classifiable to odor, and
• - a diverter with which slaughtered boars classified as odoriferous can be slid out of the slaughter line.

With the device according to the invention, the inventive method can be reliably, quickly and economically on the slaughter line, z. As in a slaughterhouse, perform a high accuracy in the sorting of boars in odor-resistant and odoriferous specimens is achieved.

The radiation source preferably emits broadband radiation in the spectral range between near-infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet (UV).

Particularly preferably, the radiation source emits radiation in the wavelength range between 300 nm and 2,700 nm, preferably between 300 nm and 2,000 nm.

In order to be able to operate the device as largely as possible automatically, the radiation source and the reflection probe are preferably mounted on a robot arm arranged on the slaughter line and can be selectively placed by means of the robot arm on the respective slain boar for a measuring process. Robotic arms on slaughter lines are known per se and have hitherto been used, for example, for the automatic handling of tools for opening and dividing carcasses. In the device according to the invention, the robot arm carries the parts of the device to be used on the slaughtered boar. The robotic arm is expediently controllable by means of optical devices so that it brings the radiation source and the reflection probe into a suitable position for the respective boar moved along the slaughter line and carries it along with the moving boar during the measuring process and holds it in the appropriate position.

For the device according to the invention it is further preferred that the spectral analysis unit is a diode array spectrometer. A diode array spectrometer is relatively inexpensive compared to other spectrometers. Also advantageous here is the very fast detection of a wide range of the light spectrum.

In order to ensure a high accuracy of the spectroscopic measurements, the spectral analysis unit is preferably a double-spectrometer unit.

It is further proposed that the comparison and evaluation unit has an additional data input for further data obtained individually for each boar by means of a so-called AutoFOM device. In this way further data can be included in the classification of the boars and taken into account and further improve the accuracy of the classification.

In the sense of an automatic operation of the device according to the invention, it is proposed that the comparison and evaluation unit have an output for the transfer of an individual, the respective slaughtered boar either as odor-discriminating or not classifying odor characteristic to the Ausschleusweiche or to a higher-level control unit of the slaughter line, wherein the Ausschleusweiche is adjustable in accordance with the output characteristic value between a basic position and an ejection position.

In order to avoid falsifications of the measurements due to moisture, an air-blast source associated with the radiation source and the reflection probe is provided, with which an air curtain excluding a moisture influence can be generated in front of the area of the boar which is irradiated with the optical radiation.

Instead of differentiating into the two categories odoriferous and non-odorous specimens, the method and the device may also be designed so that a graduated classification, e.g. from odor-unobtrusive to less noticeable to odors and moderately odorous to strongly odor-conspicuous, takes place, depending on how large the deviations of the acquired individual spectral data from the reference spectral data are. In addition to its extreme values, the abovementioned characteristic value can then also assume intermediate values which are associated with differentiated, different further processing and utilization of the respective slaughtered boars.

In the following an embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to a drawing. The figures of the drawing show:

1 an integrated into a slaughter line device according to the invention, in a purely schematic view, and

2 a flowchart illustrating the operation of the method according to the invention.

The 1 The drawing shows in a purely schematic view in a battle line 10 integrated device 1 for detecting and sorting out odorous slaughtered boars. Top in 1 the battle line runs 10 which, for example, comprises an overhead conveyor on which slaughtered animals, here boars, are transported by hooks hanging in the direction of the arrow.

Adjacent to the slaughter line 10 is the device 1 arranged with their components.

A first component of the device 1 is a radiation source 2 which emits broadband optical radiation between the near infrared and ultraviolet.

A second component of the device 1 is a reflection probe 3 coming from the radiation source 2 radiated and receives radiation reflected by a body of a boar, not shown in the drawing. The radiation source 2 and the reflection probe 3 are at a free end of a robotic arm 8th arranged for proper placement and entrainment of radiation source 2 and reflection probe 3 along the battle line 10 Moving body of a boar serves. The robot arm has to do this 8th various joints and corresponding drives with the required degrees of freedom of movement for his purpose as well as a control for his necessary movements.

Via a supply and signal connection in the form of an electrical line 31 are the radiation source 2 and the reflection probe 3 with a spectral analysis unit 4 connected in which a spectral analysis and evaluation of the reflection probe 3 recorded optical radiation takes place.

The spectral analysis unit 4 is via a data connection 41 with a first data input 61 a comparison and evaluation unit 6 connected. About another data connection 51 is a storage unit 5 also with the comparison and evaluation unit 6 connected. In the comparison and evaluation unit 6 For example, the individual spectral information acquired for a particular boar is included in the memory unit 5 stored and retrieved therefrom, characteristic of non-odoriferous boar reference spectral data.

Far left in 1 is at the slaughter line 10 a known so-called AutoFOM device 9 which automatically collects data of the boars passing by, such as weight, fat percentage and lean meat percentage, and assigns each boar an individual animal number. These data are transmitted over a data connection 91 to another data input 62 the comparison and evaluation unit 6 and in the comparison and evaluation unit 6 included in the evaluation.

In the comparison and evaluation unit 6 detected, exceeding a predetermined threshold deviations between the detected individual spectral information of a slaughtered boar and the reference spectral data, a signal is generated and an output 63 the comparison and evaluation unit 6 to a Ausschleusweiche 7 transmitted, which due to the signal from its in the direction of the further course of the line of battle 10 pointing basic position is adjusted in a Ausschleusstellung. This will cause the slaughtered boar to be affected by the device 1 classified as odoriferous, from the slaughter line 10 discharged and into a Ausschleuszweig 70 where it is sent, for example, for further processing and use, for which its odor is not disturbing.

When in the slaughter line 10 Both male and female pigs are slaughtered without prior separation, it is sufficient to the device 1 only in the male pigs, ie boars to activate. For this purpose, z. For example, data from a collection station usually located at slaughter lines can be used, which, inter alia, records the sex of each slaughter animal.

2 The drawing shows a flow of the method according to the invention with reference to a method example performing flow chart.

As in the top left in 2 shown, the procedure begins with the delivery of slaughter animals. In an entrance detection station 11 In particular, the sex and the race or genetics of the respective supplied slaughter animal are recorded and coded and sent to the comparison and evaluation unit 6 to hand over.

In the further procedure then for each animal in a so-called AutoFOM device 9 further data of each slaughtered animal is recorded, in particular its weight, fat content and lean meat content, and each animal is assigned an individual animal number. These data are also sent to the comparison and evaluation unit 6 transfer.

The next step in the process is the robot-assisted spectral measurement of each carcass and the acquisition of individual spectral data for each carcass in the spectral analysis unit 4 he follows. The spectral data of each carcass determined here are also sent to the comparison and evaluation unit 6 transmitted.

Data transfer takes place, for example, via an OPC interface and PLC coupling.

In the comparison and evaluation unit 6 By means of multivariate data analysis on the basis of calibration models and by comparison with the carcass spectrum recorded for each carcass, the carcasses are distinguished with regard to their odor, here also with respect to existing fatty acids, into inconspicuous and conspicuous specimens.

According to the result of the individual analysis, the comparison and evaluation unit controls 6 a diverter 7 that the odorless, uncontaminated ante-mortem continues to run through the slaughter line and expels the offensive slaughtered bodies from the slaughter line and diverts them into a decommissioning branch.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 contraption

10

 line of battle

11

 Input capture station

2

 radiation source

3

 reflection probe

31

Supply and signal connection between 2 . 3 and 4

4

 spectral analysis

41

Data connection between 4 and 6

5

 storage unit

51

Data connection between 5 and 6

6

 Comparison and evaluation unit

61, 62

 data inputs

63

 output

7

 diverter

70

Ausschleuszweig of 10

8th

 robot arm

9

 AutoFOM device

91

Data connection from 9 to 6

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 83/00928 A1 [0005]
• US 5344780 [0006]
• WO 00/79265 A1 [0007]
• EP 0553054 A2 [0008]

Claims (20)

Method for detecting and sorting out odorous slaughtered boars in a slaughter line ( 10 ), characterized in that in each case the body of each slaughtered boar is irradiated in at least one selected body region with optical radiation, that the reflected radiation from the body region is individually detected, spectrally analyzed and output as individual spectral information that the individual spectral information with stored reference spectral data characteristic of non-odoriferous boars and in that, for a predetermined threshold exceeding deviations between the detected individual spectral information and the reference spectral data of the respective slaughtered boar from the slaughter line ( 10 ) is discharged. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that as the broadband radiation optical radiation in the spectral range between near infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet (UV) is used. A method according to claim 2, characterized in that the optical radiation used in the wavelength range between 300 nm and 2,700 nm, preferably between 300 nm and 2,000 nm. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the characteristic of non-odor boars reference spectral data are recorded by sensory sampling and / or on the basis of laboratory measurements as non-conspicuous slaughtered boars. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that further individual data of the respective boar associated with the detected individual spectral information and included in the evaluation. A method according to claim 5, characterized in that the further individual data of the boar concerned an associated with him animal number and / or its weight and / or its fat content and / or its lean meat content is / is. Method according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the data collected for each slaughtered boar are processed and evaluated by multivariate analysis to a calibration model and that as an outcome of the evaluation, an individual characteristic is output, which the respective slaughtered boar as odor-causing or classified as non-odoriferous. Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the detection of the individual spectral information and possibly further data of the slaughtered boar and their evaluation in one to a working cycle of the slaughter line ( 10 ) Adapted time clock. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the optical radiation is directed to a rind area of the boar. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the optical radiation is directed to the rind area in the neck of the boar. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that in front of the region of the boar, which is irradiated with the optical radiation, a moisture influence exclusion air curtain is set. Contraption ( 1 ) for detecting and sorting out odorous slaughtered boars in a slaughter line ( 10 ), in particular for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by a radiation source ( 2 ), with which in each case the body of each slaughtered boar can be irradiated in at least one selected body region with an optical radiation, a reflection probe ( 3 ), with which the radiation reflected by the body region can be detected individually, a spectral analysis unit ( 4 ), with which of the reflection probe ( 3 ) is spectrally analyzable and can be output as individual spectral information, a memory unit ( 5 ), in which reference spectral data characteristic of non-odorous boars are stored, a comparison and evaluation unit ( 6 ), which is used by the spectral analysis unit ( 4 ) is comparable with the stored reference spectral data and with the exceeding at a predetermined threshold deviations between the detected individual spectral information and the reference spectral data of the respective slaughtered boar is classifiable as odor, and a Ausschleusweiche ( 7 ), with the slaughtered boar classified as offensive from the slaughter line ( 10 ) are ausschleusbar. Apparatus according to claim 12, characterized in that the radiation source ( 2 ) broadband radiation in the spectral range between near infrared (NIR) and ultraviolet (UV) radiates. Apparatus according to claim 13, characterized in that the radiation source ( 2 ) emits radiation in the wavelength range between 300 nm and 2,700 nm, preferably between 300 nm and 2,000 nm. Device according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the radiation source ( 2 ) and the reflection probe ( 3 ) at one on the slaughter line ( 10 ) arranged robotic arm ( 8th ) and by means of the robot arm ( 8th ) are selectively placed on the respective slain boar for a measurement process. Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the spectral analysis unit ( 4 ) is a diode array spectrometer. Device according to one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the spectral analysis unit ( 4 ) is a dual spectrometer unit. Device according to one of claims 12 to 17, characterized in that the comparison and evaluation unit ( 6 ) an additional data input ( 62 ) by means of a so-called AutoFOM device ( 9 ) for each boar individually obtained further data. Device according to one of claims 12 to 18, characterized in that the comparison and evaluation unit ( 6 ) an output ( 63 ) for the transfer of an individual to the respective slaughtered boar as odor-discriminating or not odor-discriminating characteristic value to the Ausschleusweiche ( 7 ) or to a superordinate control unit of the slaughter line ( 10 ), wherein the Ausschleusweiche ( 7 ) is adjustable in accordance with the output characteristic value between a basic position and an ejection position. Device according to one of claims 12 to 19, characterized by one of the radiation source ( 2 ) and the reflection probe ( 3 ) associated with the air in front of the area of the boar, which is irradiated with the optical radiation, a moisture exclusion ausschließende air curtain can be generated.

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