Patent ID: 6396938
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: A01K,G06K

Abstract:
A method of collecting digital video data of baby chick feathers to enable sex determination of individual chicks comprising:(1) illuminating materials including chick down and feathers with ultraviolet light from a desired direction, said light predominantly being at wavelengths of from 250 nanometers to 420 nanometers; (2) producing a filtered ultraviolet and visible light pattern from light reflected or emitted from said materials due to the ultraviolet illumination thereof, the filtering of said light being effective to provide an effective cutoff for light of wavelength longer than about 450 nanometers; (3) forming an electronic video image of said materials from said filtered ultraviolet and visible light pattern; and, whereby specific portions of said emitting fluorescence at ultraviolet or short visible wavelengths are readily distinguished from background or other portions which fluoresce to produce predominantly longer wavelength visible light or infrared light.