Method and apparatus for using image analysis to determine meat and carcass characteristics
US5944598A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 19, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 19, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06T2207/30004
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a process and apparatus for determining grading parameters of a carcass, the outline of an image of the carcass is traced and reference points representing anatomical features of the carcass are identified. Second reference points being located at pre-determined positions relative to the first reference points are then identified. The carcass image is divided into a plurality of sections, the boundaries of each section being determined as a function of the position of the first and second reference points, and the area of each section is determined. A grading parameter predictive equation is determined wherein the grading parameter is included as a dependent variable, and at least one area of a carcass image section is included as an independent variable. Solving the predictive equation provides a value for the grading parameter of the carcass. Other measurements which can be obtained from the carcass image and used as independent variables in predictive equations include distances from dorsal and ventral regions of the carcass image outline to a carcass mid-line, carcass widths, angular measurements between reference points, and measurements of curvature of the carcass image ou…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.