Meat imaging system for palatability yield prediction
OwnerKeith E. Belk, Joseph Daryl Tatum +4inventors
InventorsKeith E. Belk, Joseph Daryl Tatum, Gary C. Smith, Martin Goldberg, Aaron M. Wyle, Robert C. Cannell
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Abstract
An image analysis (IA) system for scoring characteristics predictive of palatability and yield of a meat animal carcass or cut. The IA system uses an imaging device, a data processing unit for processing image data, and an output device for output of processed data to the user. Also disclosed is a method for using the IA system in predicting palatability, yield, or defect conditions of a meat animal carcass or cut. The results are identified with a particular piece of meat for further grading, sortation and processing.
Claims42
A method for predicting the palatability of meat comprising the steps of:
- obtaining at least one image of a specimen of meat;
- analyzing said at least one image to identify at least one area of interest of said specimen of meat;
- analyzing said at least one area of interest to determine at least one characteristic of said specimen of meat;
- and predicting the palatability of said specimen of meat based on said at least one characteristic.
An apparatus for predicting the palatability of meat, comprising at least one imaging device for obtaining at least one image of a specimen of meat;
- a data processing unit adapted to execute program instructions;
- a program storage device encoded with program instructions that, when executed, perform a method for predicting the palatability of meat, the method comprising:
- analyzing said at least one image to identify at least one area of interest of said specimen of meat;
- analyzing said at least one area of interest to determine at least one characteristic of said specimen of meat;
- and predicting the palatability of said specimen of meat based on said at least one characteristic.
An apparatus for predicting the palatability of meat, comprising:
- means for obtaining at least one image of a specimen of meat;
- means for analyzing said at least one image to identify at least one area of interest of said specimen of meat;
- means for analyzing said at least one area of interest to determine at least one characteristic of said specimen of meat;
- and means for predicting the palatability of said specimen of meat based on said at least one characteristic.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.