Device and method for researching living behaviors of animals

Abstract

The invention discloses a device for studying animal living behaviors, which comprises at least one female part and at least one male part, and the female part comprises: 1) a main control module for integrating and analyzing data from an identification module, a photosensitive module and a communication module; the identification module (2) is used for identifying male parts around the female parts and transmitting data to the main control module; the photosensitive module (3) is used for collecting light intensity information received by the device and transmitting data to the main control module; and the communication module is used for transmitting information between the device and the outside. The invention also discloses a method for collecting animal living behavior data by adopting the device. The device for studying the living behaviors of the bird animals has the advantages of being low in energy consumption, long in standby time and strong in function.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for studying animals, in particular to a device and a method for studying animal life behaviors. Background Art

[0002] Many animals use the "back-stepping" mating method, that is, the male animal rides on the back of the female animal and steps on the back of the female animal with his feet to mate. This mating method is more common among birds. For example, Jacanas, peacocks, and crested ibises all use this method. In order to better study the life behavior of animals, especially mating and social behavior, some devices can be used to conduct animal behavior research. The main problems of the research devices in the prior art are:

[0003] 1) Inappropriate size and weight. These research devices need to be carried by animals, so the design should try to reduce the size and weight as much as possible to avoid placing excessive burden on the animals.

[0004] 2) Excessive energy consumption. In order to reduce interference with the research object, the device's daily average energy consumption needs to be as small as possible and the standby time needs to be as long as possible, so that more reliable research data can be obtained.

[0005] 3) There is no specific design for collecting data on animal back-stepping behavior.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a small, light, and low-energy device that can collect data on animal life behaviors. Summary of the invention

[0007] In order to effectively collect information on animal life behavior, the present invention uses an identification module to record the social interaction between female animals and male animals in the carrying device, and uses a photosensitive module to record the information of animal mating. The first purpose of the present invention is to provide a device for studying animal life behavior, comprising at least one female part and at least one male part, wherein the male part is a tag with wireless identification technology; the female part comprises:

[0008] 1) Main control module, used to integrate and analyze data from the recognition module, photosensitive module, and communication module;

[0009] 2) an identification module, used to identify the male part around the female part and transmit data to a main control module;

[0010] 3) A photosensitive module, used to collect light intensity information received by the device and transmit the data to a main control module;

[0011] 4) A communication module, used for transmitting information between the device and the outside world.

[0012] Preferably, the main control module includes a processor module and a storage module.

[0013] Preferably, the male part is a tag using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology; and the identification module includes a UHF radio frequency module for RFID identification.

[0014] Preferably, the photosensitive module includes a photoresistor for collecting light intensity changes when stepping on the back.

[0015] Preferably, the communication module includes a three-dimensional positioning module and a wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module includes a 4G module and a WiFi module.

[0016] Preferably, the female part further comprises a housing encapsulating the device, and a flexible fixing member for fixing the female part on the animal being studied.

[0017] The second object of the present invention is to provide a method for studying animal life behavior. In the above-mentioned device for studying animal life behavior, the following steps are adopted:

[0018] S1. Fix the male part on the male animal, and turn on the female part and fix it on the female animal;

[0019] S2, the female part follows the female animal and records the data during the movement;

[0020] S3, the male animal approaches the female animal, and the recognition module of the female part identifies the male individual;

[0021] S4. When male animals mate by "stepping on the back", the photosensitive module records the changes in light intensity

[0022] S5, the female part sends the collected behavior data to the remote server in real time through the communication module;

[0023] S6: When the preset time is exceeded, the system enters power saving sleep mode.

[0024] Preferably, the step S1 includes fixing the male part on the tarsometatarsus of the foot of the male animal, and fixing the female part on the back of the female animal.

[0025] Preferably, the behavioral data includes temperature, three-dimensional position, and light intensity.

[0026] The device and method for studying animal life behavior of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0027] 1) It can be installed on the back of an animal to collect data on its daily life and behavior.

[0028] 2) The photosensitive signal acquisition circuit can be used to study the mating and social behavior of animals.

[0029] 3) Able to transmit or store animal life behavior data in real time, including three-dimensional position, temperature, sound, back stepping and other information.

[0030] The device for studying animal life behavior of the present invention has the characteristics of low energy consumption, long standby time and strong function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a female part module of a device for studying animal life behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of a main control module of the female part of a device for studying animal life behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of a female part identification module of a device for studying animal life behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of a female photosensitivity module of a device for studying animal life behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of a female part communication module of a device for studying animal life behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of a power module for the female part of a device for studying animal life behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 7 This is a circuit diagram of a female part interface module of a device for studying animal life behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 8 This is a physical picture of the female part of a device for studying animal life behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to further understand the present invention, the embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with examples, but it should be understood that these descriptions are only for further illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, rather than limiting the claims of the present invention.

[0040] Embodiment 1

[0041] The embodiment of the present invention provides a device for studying animal life behavior, including at least one female part and at least one male part. The female part is relatively large and is arranged on the back of the female animal through a flexible fixing member. The male part is relatively simple and can use a tag with wireless identification technology, for example, a tag using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Generally, for a single female study, one female part and multiple male parts can be set; for an animal population study, multiple female parts and multiple male parts can be set.

[0042] The female part Figure 2 As shown, it includes a main control module, an identification module, a photosensor module, a communication module, a power module and an interface module, etc. Each module is further described below.

[0043] The main control module of the female part serves as the core control unit of the entire device, responsible for receiving, processing and sending data and instructions from other modules. The main control module includes a high-performance processor module, a storage module, a clock module and other control logic to ensure that the device can perform various tasks efficiently and accurately. The main control module can achieve comprehensive monitoring and research on animal life behavior by integrating and analyzing data from the recognition module, the photosensitive module, the communication module, etc.

[0044] The circuit of the main control module in the embodiment of the present invention is as follows Figure 2 As shown, the processor module adopts a single-chip microcomputer MCU, and specifically can adopt the STM32L031G6U6 microcontroller in the STM32L0 series. This series of microcontrollers integrates a high-performance core, as well as a rich peripheral interface and a variety of low-power modes, and is widely used in various intelligent hardware and low-power embedded applications. In the embodiment of the present invention, the storage module adopts the W25Q16JVUXIQ FLASH storage module in the W25Q series. This storage module has the characteristics of high performance, low power consumption and flexible storage. The storage module is connected to the 10-13 pins of the single-chip microcomputer MCU. In the embodiment of the present invention, the clock module adopts the RTC (Real-Time Clock) clock, and the chip used is RX8111CE, and the clock module is connected to the 24-26 pins of the single-chip microcomputer MCU. The clock module provides a precise clock for the device, and a lithium battery or a button battery is used as the power supply of the clock module.

[0045] The identification module of the female part is used to identify and track male individuals around the female individual carrying the device. The device of this embodiment is installed on the back of the female animal, and a tag for identifying the individual identity, also referred to as a foot ring, is installed at a certain position on the male animal, usually on the tarsometatarsal of the foot. The tag can use wireless identification technology, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology to identify each male individual. When the male animal rides on the back of the female animal and steps on the back of the female animal with both feet for mating, the identification module can distinguish the specific male individual. The identification module can help researchers gain a deeper understanding of the animal's reproductive behavior, social structure, and the impact of gender differences on behavior by accurately identifying male individuals around the female individual carrying the device.

[0046] The identification module of the embodiment of the present invention includes a UHF (Ultra High Frequency) radio frequency module, and the circuit diagram is as follows: Figure 3 As shown. The UHF circuit uses the UCM606L chip, which is suitable for medium-range UHF RFID reader modules. The RF coaxial connector in the circuit uses the BWIPX-5-001E, which can provide stable and reliable RF and coaxial connections. The CH442E analog switch chip is used to complete serial port multiplexing, and the serial port data is connected to pins 19 and 20 of the MCU.

[0047] The photosensitive module in the device for studying animal life behavior according to the embodiment of the present invention is used to detect light intensity. The circuit diagram of the photosensitive module is as follows: Figure 4 When the male animal steps on the back of the female animal with both feet, it may cover the device. At this time, the photosensitive module can collect data on light intensity changes, thereby triggering the device sensor to start recording. Researchers can analyze the data to study the animal's life behavior. The photosensitive module circuit uses GL5528 photoresistor to collect light intensity, and uses MCP6541 comparator to send the output signal to pin 6 of the microcontroller MCU.

[0048] The communication module of the female part is responsible for data transmission and communication between the device and other equipment, such as remote servers, data collection stations, etc. The communication module enables the device to transmit the collected data to a remote server or data center in real time for researchers to conduct subsequent analysis and processing. At the same time, it can also support remote control and configuration functions, allowing researchers to adjust the working parameters of the device in real time.

[0049] The circuit of the communication module is as follows Figure 5As shown, its core is the EC800 chip, which is a communication chip designed for the Internet of Things field, supporting built-in network protocols and high-precision positioning. The chip adopts a low-power design and is suitable for devices with strict requirements on power consumption. Its high-precision GPS positioning data is very suitable for the study of animal life behavior. The communication module supports wireless communication, including 4G module and WiFi module. The 4G module can support the insertion of SIM cards. The communication module also completes serial port multiplexing through the CH442E analog switch chip of the identification module, and finally connects pins 19 and 20 of the single-chip MCU. The chip is selected through pin 23 of the single-chip MCU. When pin 23 is low, the identification module is selected, and when pin 23 is low, the communication module is selected.

[0050] The power module of the female part provides a stable power supply for the female part. The power module includes a battery pack, a solar panel, a boost module, a voltage stabilizing module, etc. Figure 6 shown.

[0051] The power module is a key component to ensure that the device can work continuously and stably. In the wild environment, a stable power supply is essential for long-term, continuous data collection and transmission. The device implemented by the present invention needs to be carried by animals, and the size of the solar panel is strictly limited. A small solar panel with a power of 22.5mW can be used. The battery pack also adopts a miniaturized design, and a lithium battery with a capacity of 120mAh can be used. After using various methods to reduce power consumption, after simulation and testing, the average daily power consumption of the female part is about 3mAh.

[0052] The interface module of the female part includes a burning interface and a data interface, such as Figure 7 As shown. The burning interface is used to burn the compiled program to the main control module, connecting the 21 and 22 pins of the MCU. The data interface uses a USB interface, through which external reading and writing devices such as computers can read the data stored in the device. This can be used to manually collect data in remote areas without external wireless communication connections.

[0053] It should be noted that the female part can also expand some interfaces for collecting sound, video and other data. However, collecting these data will affect the power consumption, performance, weight and volume of the device, so accurate calculations and multiple tests are required.

[0054] The female part also includes a shell, and the solar panel is fixed on the shell. Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 The device on the right is not equipped with solar panels, while the device on the left is equipped with solar panels. Flexible fixings can be connected to both ends of the housing to mount the device on the back of a female animal. The flexible fixings can be soft ropes. The total weight of the entire device is relatively light, about 30 grams, and it will not cause excessive burden to the animal when it is fixed on the back of a female animal.

[0055] The various parts and modules in the device for studying animal life behavior in the embodiment of the present invention cooperate with each other to form a complete and efficient research system.

[0056] Embodiment 2

[0057] The present invention provides a method for studying animal life behavior, using the aforementioned device, and the steps are as follows:

[0058] S1. Fix the male part on the male animal, and turn on the female part and fix it on the female animal.

[0059] The male part of the device is smaller and can be fixed on the tarsometatarsus of the male animal's foot to form a foot ring. The female part is larger and can be fixed on the back of the female animal with a flexible fixing.

[0060] S2. The female part follows the female animal and records the data during the movement, including temperature, three-dimensional position, light intensity, sound, etc.

[0061] S3. The male animal approaches the female animal, and the recognition module of the female part identifies the male individual.

[0062] S4. When male animals mate by “stepping on the back”, the photosensitive module records the changes in light intensity.

[0063] The researchers used the light intensity data, combined with the individual data of identified males, to further delve into the animals' mating habits.

[0064] S5. The female part sends the collected animal behavior data to the remote server in real time through the communication module.

[0065] In remote locations, where there is no wireless communication connection, data is collected manually by connecting wires through interface modules.

[0066] S6: When the preset time is exceeded, the system enters power saving sleep mode.

[0067] The female part of the device is limited by weight and size, and the battery capacity and endurance are limited, so various measures need to be taken to reduce power consumption and extend standby time. For example, when the signal strength of the photosensitive module does not change for 10 seconds, the female part can enter the power sleep mode.

[0068] The method for studying animal life behavior in the embodiment of the present invention can well collect data on animal life behavior, especially data related to group communication, opposite-sex pairing, and mating habits, and provides good support for the study of animal life behavior.

[0069] The above embodiments are only used to help understand the method and core idea of ​​the present invention. It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A device for studying animal life behavior, comprising at least one female part and at least one male part, characterized in that: The male part is a tag with wireless identification technology; the female part includes: 1) Main control module, used to integrate and analyze data from the recognition module, photosensitive module, and communication module; 2) an identification module, used to identify the male part around the female part and transmit data to a main control module; 3) A photosensitive module, used to collect light intensity information received by the device and transmit the data to a main control module; 4) A communication module, used for transmitting information between the device and the outside world.

2. The device for studying animal life behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main control module includes a processor module and a storage module.

3. The device for studying animal life behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that: The male part is a tag using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology; the identification module includes a UHF radio frequency module for RFID identification.

4. The device for studying animal life behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that: The photosensitive module includes a photoresistor for collecting light intensity changes when stepping on the back.

5. The device for studying animal life behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that: The communication module includes a three-dimensional positioning module and a wireless communication module, and the wireless communication module includes a 4G module and a WiFi module.

6. A device for studying animal life behavior according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that: The female part also includes a housing enclosing the device, and a flexible fixing member for fixing the female part to the animal being studied.

7. A method for studying animal life behavior, characterized in that: In the device for studying animal life behavior as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, the following steps are adopted: S1. Fix the male part on the male animal, and turn on the female part and fix it on the female animal; S2, the female part follows the female animal and records the data during the movement; S3, the male animal approaches the female animal, and the recognition module of the female part identifies the male individual; S4. When male animals mate by "stepping on the back", the photosensitive module records the changes in light intensity S5, the female part sends the collected behavior data to the remote server in real time through the communication module; S6: When the preset time is exceeded, the system enters power saving sleep mode.

8. The device for studying animal life behavior according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step S1 includes fixing the male part on the tarsometatarsus of the foot of the male animal and fixing the female part on the back of the female animal.

9. A device for studying animal life behavior according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that: The behavior data includes temperature, three-dimensional position, and light intensity.

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