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] This invention relates to apparatus and methods for animal research, specifically to an apparatus and method for studying animal behavior. Background Technology

[0002] Many animals use a mating method called "back-stepping," where the male mounts the female's back and places his feet on her back to mate. This mating method is common among birds, such as the pheasant-tailed jacana, peacock, and crested ibis. To better study animal behavior, especially mating and social behaviors, various devices can be used for animal behavior research. The main problems with existing research devices are:

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

[0004] 2) Excessive energy consumption. In order to reduce interference with the research subjects, the daily energy consumption of the device should be as low as possible and the standby time should be as long as possible, so as to obtain more reliable research data.

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

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a small, lightweight, and low-energy-consumption device that can effectively collect data on animal behavior. Summary of the Invention

[0007] To effectively collect information on animal behavior, this invention employs an identification module to record the social interactions between female and male animals using a carrying device, and a photosensitive module to record mating information. The primary objective of this invention is to provide a device for studying animal 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 includes:

[0008] 1) The main control module is used to integrate and analyze data from the identification module, the photosensitive module, and the communication module;

[0009] 2) Identification module, used to identify the male parts surrounding the female part and transmit the data to the main control module;

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

[0011] 4) Communication module, used for information transmission 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; the identification module includes an ultra-high frequency radio frequency module for RFID identification.

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

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

[0016] Preferably, the female part further includes a housing for encapsulating the device, and a flexible fastener for securing the female part to the animal under study.

[0017] A second objective of this invention is to provide a method for studying animal behavior, comprising the following steps in the aforementioned apparatus for studying animal behavior:

[0018] S1. Fix the male part to the male animal, and fix the female part to the female animal after turning on the machine;

[0019] S2. The female part follows the female animal as it moves, recording data during the movement;

[0020] S3. When a male animal approaches a female animal, the female's identification module distinguishes the male individual.

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

[0022] S5. The female department sends the collected behavioral data to the remote server in real time via the communication module.

[0023] S6. If the preset time is exceeded, the system will enter power-saving sleep mode.

[0024] Preferably, step S1 includes fixing the male part to the tarsus of the male animal's foot and fixing the female part to the back of the female animal.

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

[0026] The apparatus and method for studying animal behavior according to the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0027] 1) It can be installed on the back of an animal to collect data on the animal's living behavior.

[0028] 2) The use of photosensitive signal acquisition circuits can be used to study animal mating and social behaviors.

[0029] 3) It can transmit or store animal behavior data in real time, including three-dimensional location, temperature, sound, back stepping and other information.

[0030] The present invention provides a device for studying animal behavior, which features low energy consumption, long standby time, and powerful functionality. Attached Figure Description

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0038] Figure 8 This is a physical image of the female part of an apparatus for studying animal behavior according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To further understand the present invention, embodiments of the present invention are described below in conjunction with examples. However, it should be understood that these descriptions are only for further illustrating the features and advantages of the present invention, and not for limiting the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] This invention discloses an apparatus for studying animal behavior, comprising at least one female part and at least one male part. The female part is larger and is attached to the back of the female animal by a flexible fastener. The male part is simpler and can be a tag with wireless identification technology, such as a tag using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology. Typically, for studies of a single female, one female part and multiple male parts can be used; for studies of animal populations, multiple female parts and multiple male parts can be used.

[0042] The female part, such as Figure 2 As shown, it includes a main control module, an identification module, a photosensitive module, a communication module, a power supply module, and an interface module, etc. The following is a further explanation of each module.

[0043] The main control module of the female part serves as the core control unit of the entire device, responsible for receiving, processing, and transmitting data and instructions from other modules. The main control module includes a high-performance processor module, storage module, clock module, and other control logic to ensure the device can execute various tasks efficiently and accurately. By integrating and analyzing data from the recognition module, photosensor module, communication module, and other components, the main control module enables comprehensive monitoring and research of animal behavior.

[0044] The circuit of the main control module in this embodiment of the invention is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the processor module uses a microcontroller (MCU), specifically the STM32L031G6U6 microcontroller from the STM32L0 series. This series of microcontrollers integrates a high-performance core, rich peripheral interfaces, and multiple low-power modes, and is widely used in various smart hardware and low-power embedded applications. In this embodiment, the storage module uses the W25Q16JVUXIQ FLASH storage module from the W25Q series. This storage module features high performance, low power consumption, and flexible storage. The storage module is connected to pins 10-13 of the MCU. In this embodiment, the clock module uses an RTC (Real-Time Clock) chip, specifically the RX8111CE. The clock module is connected to pins 24-26 of the MCU. The clock module provides a precise clock for the device and uses a lithium battery or a coin cell battery as its power source.

[0045] The identification module for the female part is used to identify and track males around the female carrying the device. In this embodiment, the device is installed on the back of the female animal, and a tag containing an identification tag, also known as a leg band, is attached to a location on the male animal, usually on the tarsus of its foot. The tag can use wireless identification technology, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology, to identify each male. When the male animal mounts the female animal's back and uses its feet to step on the female animal's back for mating, the identification module can distinguish the specific male. By accurately identifying males around the female carrying the device, the identification module can help researchers gain a deeper understanding of animal reproductive behavior, social structures, and the impact of sex differences on behavior.

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

[0047] An embodiment of the present invention discloses a photosensitive module in a device for studying animal behavior, used to detect light intensity. The circuit diagram of the photosensitive module is shown below. Figure 4 As shown. When the male animal steps on the female animal's back, it may cover the device. At this time, the photosensitive module can collect data on changes in light intensity, thereby triggering the device's sensors to start recording. Researchers can analyze the data to study the animal's behavior. The photosensitive module circuit uses a GL5528 photoresistor to collect light intensity and an MCP6541 comparator. The output signal is sent 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 and data acquisition stations. This module enables the device to transmit collected data to remote servers or data centers in real time for researchers to analyze and process. It also supports remote control and configuration functions, allowing researchers to adjust the device's operating parameters in real time.

[0049] The circuit of the communication module is as follows Figure 5As shown, its core is the EC800 chip, a communication chip designed for the Internet of Things (IoT) field, supporting built-in network protocols and high-precision positioning. The chip employs a low-power design, suitable for devices with strict power consumption requirements, and its high-precision GPS positioning data is ideal for research on animal behavior. The communication module supports wireless communication, including 4G and WiFi modules; the 4G module supports SIM card insertion. The communication module also achieves serial port multiplexing through the CH442E analog switch chip in the identification module, ultimately connecting to pins 19 and 20 of the microcontroller (MCU). Chip selection is performed via pin 23 of the MCU; a low level on pin 23 selects the identification module, and a low level on pin 23 selects the communication module.

[0050] The power module of the female unit provides a stable power supply. The power module includes a battery pack, solar panels, a boost module, a voltage regulator module, etc. Figure 6 As shown.

[0051] The power module is a key component ensuring the device's continuous and stable operation. In the field, a stable power supply is crucial for long-term, continuous data acquisition and transmission. The device implemented in this invention requires an animal to carry it, which severely limits the size of the solar panel; a small 22.5mW solar panel can be used. The battery pack also adopts a miniaturized design, using a 120mAh lithium battery. After employing various methods to reduce power consumption, simulations and tests show that the average daily power consumption of the female is approximately 3mAh.

[0052] The interface module of the female part includes a programming interface and a data interface, such as... Figure 7 As shown. The programming interface is used to program the compiled program to the main control module and connects to pins 21 and 22 of the microcontroller 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 for manual data collection in remote areas where there is no external wireless communication connection.

[0053] It should be noted that the female part can also be expanded with interfaces for collecting data such as sound and video. However, collecting this data will affect the device's power consumption, performance, weight, and size, thus requiring precise calculations and multiple trials.

[0054] The female part also includes a shell, to which solar panels are fixed, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 The device on the right does not have a solar panel, while the device on the left does. Flexible fasteners can be attached to both ends of the outer casing for attaching the device to the back of a female animal; these fasteners can be made of soft rope. The entire device is lightweight, weighing approximately 30 grams, and will not place an excessive burden on the animal when attached to its back.

[0055] The various parts and modules of the device for studying animal behavior in this embodiment of the invention work together to form a complete and efficient research system.

[0056] Example 2

[0057] An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for studying animal behavior, using the aforementioned apparatus, and the steps are as follows:

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

[0059] The male part of the device is smaller and can be fixed to the tarsus of the male animal's foot to form a leg ring. The female part is larger and can be fixed to the female animal's back using flexible fasteners.

[0060] S2. The female part follows the female animal as it moves, recording data during the movement. This data includes temperature, three-dimensional position, light intensity, sound, etc.

[0061] S3. When a male animal approaches a female animal, the female's identification module distinguishes the male individual.

[0062] S4. When male animals mate using the "back-stepping" method, the photosensitive module records changes in light intensity.

[0063] By combining light intensity data with identified individual male data, researchers can conduct further in-depth studies on animal mating habits.

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

[0065] In remote areas where there is no wireless communication connection, data is collected manually via a wired connection through an interface module.

[0066] S6. If the preset time is exceeded, the system will enter power-saving sleep mode.

[0067] Due to limitations in weight and size, the female component of the device has a limited battery capacity and battery life. Therefore, various methods are needed to reduce power consumption and extend standby time. For example, if the signal strength of the photosensitive module does not change for 10 seconds, the female component can enter an electric sleep mode.

[0068] This invention provides a method for studying animal behavior, which can effectively collect data on animal behavior, especially data related to group interaction, heterosexual pairing, and mating habits, providing excellent support for research on animal behavior.

[0069] The above description of the embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several improvements and modifications to the present invention without departing from the principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for studying animal 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) The main control module is used to integrate and analyze data from the identification module, the photosensitive module, and the communication module; 2) Identification module, used to identify the male parts surrounding the female part and transmit the data to the main control module; 3) A photosensitive module, used to collect the light intensity information received by the device and transmit the data to the main control module; 4) Communication module, used for information transmission between the device and the outside world.

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

3. The apparatus for studying animal behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that, The male part is a tag using radio frequency tag technology; the identification module includes an ultra-high frequency radio frequency module for radio frequency tag identification.

4. The apparatus for studying animal behavior according to claim 1, characterized in that, The photosensitive module includes a photoresistor for collecting changes in light intensity when stepped on.

5. The apparatus for studying animal 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. An apparatus for studying animal behavior according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The female part also includes a housing that encapsulates the device, and a flexible fastener for securing the female part to the animal being studied.

7. A method for studying animal behavior, characterized in that, In the apparatus for studying animal behavior according to any one of claims 1-6, the following steps are employed: S1. Fix the male part to the male animal, and fix the female part to the female animal after turning on the machine; S2. The female part follows the female animal as it moves, recording data during the movement; S3. When a male animal approaches a female animal, the female's identification module distinguishes the male individual. S4. When male animals mate using the "back-stepping" method, the photosensitive module records changes in light intensity. S5. The female department sends the collected behavioral data to the remote server in real time via the communication module. S6. If the preset time is exceeded, the system will enter power-saving sleep mode.

8. The apparatus for studying animal behavior according to claim 7, characterized in that, Step S1 includes fixing the male part to the tarsus of the male animal's foot and fixing the female part to the back of the female animal.

9. An apparatus for studying animal behavior according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The behavioral data includes temperature, three-dimensional position, and light intensity.

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