A monitoring system and monitoring method for monitoring the safety of sows with newborn piglets

Abstract

The present application relates to the field of livestock health monitoring, particularly to a kind of for monitoring sow and newborn piglet safety monitoring system, comprising: camera: the camera is used to capture the image information of newborn piglet and sow;Data processing module: the data processing module is used to obtain image information, and the contour of sow and piglet in image information is extracted and tracked in real time, when the standing and lying state of sow changes, if the contour information of piglet is in the position that sow cannot see below the waist of sow, and piglet contour and tracking information are interrupted, it is judged that piglet is pressed, and alarm information is sent;It also relates to a kind of for monitoring sow and newborn piglet safety monitoring method, comprising the following steps: S1: monitoring the environmental temperature, humidity and other environmental parameters in pigsty;S2: according to the environmental temperature, humidity information monitored to adapt to the adjustment inside pigsty;Solve the problem that sow cannot be identified to press piglet due to picture obstruction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of livestock health monitoring, and in particular to a monitoring system and method for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets. Background Technology

[0002] In pork production, sows play a crucial role in breeding piglets, therefore their reproductive health and overall well-being are highly valued by managers. During the rearing process, sows nearing farrowing often exhibit restlessness and difficulty standing, repeatedly getting up and lying down at a specific time. Furthermore, frequent postpartum urination and lying down can easily lead to piglets being crushed by the sow. Sows are mostly housed in gestation crates. The sow reproductive process mainly includes estrus, pregnancy, farrowing, and postpartum lactation, with the later stages of production primarily taking place in the farrowing pen.

[0003] Improper management and assistance during farrowing in sows can easily lead to a series of problems, such as prolonged labor, postpartum hypothermia and loss of appetite, agalactia syndrome, and postpartum infections. These problems in sows often increase the morbidity and mortality rates of piglets, affecting their survival rates. The key measures for effective farrowing, assistance, and postpartum care in sows are to maintain proper environmental control in the farrowing pen (such as temperature, humidity, air quality, and noise levels), while also focusing on monitoring farrowing and providing excellent postpartum care.

[0004] The invention patent application number 201910777209.1 relates to a method and system for monitoring the health of sows. It can record the complete activity status of each sow from entering the pen to leaving the pen, and trace the entire process if abnormalities are detected. It provides farrowing reminders and farrowing warnings to reduce the risk of piglets being crushed. Automatic alarms remind staff of the sow's farrowing process, reducing the need for constant manual monitoring and making the work more timely and efficient. It effectively reduces contact between people and external objects and the sow, lowering the risk of disease infection and significantly avoiding stress reactions caused by human contact. The system includes: filming the sow and transmitting the video signal; receiving and saving the video signal; displaying the data; reading the video signal and calculating the sow's standing and lying frequency based on the video signal.

[0005] The aforementioned technology analyzes the sow's behavior through camera footage, enabling safe monitoring of both the sow and piglets. Newborn piglets need to be kept close to the sow because they lack innate immunity and must acquire it through colostrum as soon as possible. Providing piglets with colostrum as early as possible is the only effective way for them to acquire antibodies against various infectious diseases. Without colostrum, they are unlikely to survive. Colostrum contains not only sufficient antibodies but also various nutrients and bioactive substances necessary for piglets. Placing piglets close to the sow immediately after birth to receive colostrum stimulates digestive activity, promotes meconium expulsion, increases heat production, and enhances their resistance to cold. Simply extracting footage from a camera may not be sufficient to show the actual situation of the piglets. For example, too many piglets may obstruct each other's view, or the sow may completely cover the piglets, making it impossible to understand the situation of piglets not visible in the frame. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention provides a monitoring system and method for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets, which can solve the problem of not being able to identify sows squeezing piglets due to screen obstruction.

[0007] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this application provides the following technical solution: a monitoring system for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets, comprising: a camera: the camera is used to capture image information of newborn piglets and sows; a data processing module: the data processing module is used to acquire image information, extract the outlines of the sow and piglets from the image information, and track them in real time. When the sow changes from standing to lying down, if the outline information of the piglets is located below the sow's waist and in a position that the sow cannot see, and the piglet outline and tracking information are interrupted, it is determined that the piglet has been crushed, and an alarm is issued; a microphone: the microphone is set in the sow's rest area to acquire environmental sound information around the sow. The data processing module analyzes the environmental sound information, and if a low-frequency hissing sound is heard, it is determined that a piglet is in an accident; and a water sprayer: the water sprayer is used to spray hot water on the sow's back after receiving an instruction. The data processing module is also used to lock the frame of the sow and each piglet in the image information and follow the image. The frame of each individual pig is distinguished by color. The data processing module identifies the number of pigs based on the initial number of frames. If the number of frames in the image is missing and an unexpected situation is detected in the piglets, an investigation command is issued and the water sprayer sprays water towards the back of the sow.

[0008] The basic principle and beneficial effects of this solution are as follows: Image information of the pigpen and sound information near the sow are acquired through a camera and microphone. The data processing module captures the outline of the image and frames the sow and piglets within it. The frame moves with the pig in the image. Based on the initial frame (each pig is framed individually when neither sow nor piglet is obstructed), the number of sows and piglets in the pen is determined. If, through image analysis, the piglet's outline is located below the sow's waist and out of her sight when the sow changes position (standing or lying down), and the piglet's outline is no longer visible to the sow, the tracking information is interrupted, indicating that the piglet has been crushed. An alarm is issued to alert the sow. When a piglet is crushed, to prevent further harm, a water sprayer sprays water onto the sow's back. Stimulated, the sow will stand up and move in the opposite direction, releasing the crushed piglet. If the image of a piglet is missing, meaning the number of piglets captured in the image is less than the initial number of piglets in the frame, and the piglets squeal, it is determined that the piglets are being crushed. Water is then sprayed to encourage the sow to move and free the piglets.

[0009] This solution combines audio and visual information to determine whether piglets are being crushed, making it applicable to more scenarios. Compared to the previous method that relied solely on visual information, it is more accurate, improving the safety and prevention of piglets and solving the problem of not being able to identify sows crushing piglets due to obstructed images.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes an infrared detection module, which is used to measure the body temperature information of sows and piglets and perform thermal imaging in the data processing module.

[0011] Beneficial effect: The relative positions of the detected pigs can be determined from the thermal imaging images.

[0012] Furthermore, the feature is that the data processing module has a pre-stored thermal imaging temperature spectrum. By comparing the thermal images of piglets and sows with the temperature spectrum, the temperature range in the thermal imaging image is displayed. If the body temperature of a piglet or sow exceeds the threshold, the data processing module will issue a possible fever screening instruction to the breeder.

[0013] Beneficial effects: When pigs have abnormal body temperatures, especially fever, if they are not treated in time, newborn piglets will have weak resistance, and sows will also be in a weak period after giving birth with reduced resistance. Timely detection and treatment of fever in sows and piglets can effectively reduce the risk of disease spread and improve the survival rate of piglets and sows.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes an environmental monitoring module, which is used to monitor environmental data of the pigpen, including at least temperature and humidity.

[0015] Beneficial effects: Real-time monitoring of pigpen environmental temperature allows farmers to understand the situation inside the pigpen through data.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes an air conditioning compressor, which is used to regulate the room temperature in the pigpen. When the temperature detected by the environmental monitoring module is lower or higher than the threshold range, the data processing module issues a heating or cooling command. After receiving the command, the air conditioning compressor begins to regulate the temperature in the pigpen to the threshold range. If the humidity does not reach the humidity threshold standard, water is sprayed through a water sprayer to regulate the humidity to the humidity threshold.

[0017] Beneficial effects: By adjusting the temperature and humidity in the pigpen within the threshold range based on the monitoring data from the environmental monitoring module, the comfort of pig growth is improved, while reducing the chance of disease.

[0018] Furthermore, it also includes a weighing module, which is installed under the floor where the sow lies when feeding the piglets. When only the sow is present, the weighing module records the sow's weight. The recorded weight value is transmitted to the data processing module. During feeding, the data processing module records the total weight of all piglets and the sow, and then calculates the average weight of each piglet based on the initial number of piglets in the frame. If the sum of the product of the number of piglets and their average weight in a later image and the sow's weight is less than the weight value recorded by the weighing module at that time, and exceeds a preset value, then it is determined that a piglet is obscured.

[0019] Beneficial effects: Identifying whether piglets have been crushed by changing weight increases the variety of indicators for judgment and improves the accuracy of judgment.

[0020] A monitoring method for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets includes the following steps: S1: monitoring environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity in the pigpen; S2: adapting the pigpen to the monitored temperature and humidity to ensure that the environmental parameters reach a threshold; S3: determining whether there is squeezing between the sow and piglets through image and sound information; S4: if squeezing occurs, moving the sow away from her original position.

[0021] Beneficial effects: When crushing is detected, moving the sow to increase her activity space can reduce the crushing time and save the trapped piglets in time. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a logic diagram of a monitoring system for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets. Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a monitoring method for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The following detailed description illustrates the specific implementation method: Example 1 is attached. Figure 1 As shown, a monitoring system for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets includes: a camera: the camera is used to capture image information of newborn piglets and sows; the camera is installed in a position that allows the monitoring screen to cover the entire pigpen.

[0024] Data Processing Module: This module acquires image information, extracts the outlines of the sow and piglets, and tracks them in real time. When the sow changes position (standing or lying down), if the piglet's outline is below the sow's waist and out of her sight, and the tracking information is interrupted, it is determined that the piglet has been crushed, and an alarm is triggered. The data processing module primarily uses a computer equipped with a CPU chip and related components, capable of processing the data and images required by this solution. All data and image information processed by the module is transmitted to a mobile terminal via the network for the farmer to view at any time.

[0025] It also includes a microphone: the microphone is set in the sow resting area to obtain environmental sound information around the sow. The data processing module analyzes the environmental sound information. If a low-frequency squealing sound is heard, it is determined that a piglet is in an emergency. The microphone is installed in the floor of the sow living area. The microphone is waterproof and moisture-proof to ensure normal use and to extend the service life of the microphone as much as possible.

[0026] Water Sprayer: The water sprayer is used to spray hot water onto the back of the sow upon receiving a command. The sprayer is connected to a water heater, which dispenses constant-temperature hot water. Since newborn piglets and sows have weak immune systems, showering them with cold water could cause illness. Therefore, the water is at approximately 40°C, close to their body temperature, to stimulate the sow's back. The sprayer has a built-in pressure pump that pressurizes the hot water, ensuring that the hot water hitting the sow's back will not chill her but will cause her pain, forcing her to stand up and move away. This helps rescue piglets trapped under the sow.

[0027] The data processing module is also used to lock frames around the sow and each piglet in the image information and track the image. Each pig's frame is color-coded. The data processing module identifies the number of pigs based on an initial number of frames. If a frame is missing from the image and an unexpected situation is detected with a piglet, a check command is issued, and a water sprayer sprays water towards the sow's back. By identifying the number of piglets in the image, if the number is less than the initial value (meaning the piglets may be obstructed or crushed), a corresponding check command is issued. If the piglets' squeals are also detected, the sow is further stimulated to move, thereby expanding the piglets' activity space and freeing any crushed piglets.

[0028] It also includes an infrared detection module, which measures the body temperature of the sow and piglets and performs thermal imaging on the data processing module. The infrared detection module uses a TA32-25mm high-definition infrared thermal imager from a certain brand. Even at night, the image from the thermal imager can outline the positional relationship between the piglets and the sow in the pigpen, compensating for the deficiency of cameras being unable to obtain clear images due to insufficient light.

[0029] The data processing module pre-stores thermal imaging temperature maps. By comparing the thermal images of piglets and sows with the temperature maps, it displays the temperature range in the thermal imaging image. If the body temperature of a piglet or sow exceeds a threshold, the data processing module issues a possible fever screening command to the farmer. When pigs exhibit abnormal body temperatures, especially fever, if not treated promptly, newborn piglets have weak resistance, and sows are also in a weakened state after giving birth with decreased resistance. Timely detection and treatment of fever in sows and piglets can effectively reduce the risk of disease spread and improve the survival rate of piglets and sows.

[0030] Newborn piglets have a body temperature of 39℃. During their growth, this temperature will fluctuate slightly above or below this range, but the fluctuation should not exceed 1℃. Therefore, 38.5-39.5℃ can be used as the standard for measuring the normal body temperature of piglets. If the temperature is outside this range, the piglets may be sick. The body temperature of sows fluctuates between 38-40℃ before and after farrowing. Again, 38.5-39.5℃ can be used as the standard for measuring the normal body temperature of sows. If the body temperature of sows is outside this range, the sows may be abnormally ill. The data processing module promptly sends reminders to the farmers, who can then handle the situation accurately, greatly reducing the time farmers spend checking each case individually and improving work efficiency.

[0031] It also includes an environmental monitoring module, which monitors environmental data in the pigpen, including at least temperature and humidity. The temperature in the pigpen should be maintained between 16-22℃.

[0032] It also includes an air conditioning compressor, which is used to regulate the room temperature in the pigpen. When the temperature detected by the environmental monitoring module is below or above a threshold range, the data processing module issues a heating or cooling command. Upon receiving the command, the air conditioning compressor begins to regulate the temperature in the pigpen to the threshold range. If the humidity does not reach the humidity threshold standard, water is sprayed through a sprinkler to adjust the humidity to the threshold. During rearing, the number of embryonic deaths can be minimized by strengthening the feeding management of sows and controlling the pigpen environment. The temperature in the pigpen should be maintained at 16-22℃, and the relative humidity at 70%-80%. After mating, the feed amount should be reduced to a lower level than before, but high-quality, complete feed should be ensured. The pigpen should be kept clean and hygienic to reduce the chance of infection.

[0033] The system also includes a weighing module, which is installed under the floor where the sow lies while feeding the piglets. When only the sow is present, the weighing module records her weight. This recorded weight is then transmitted to a data processing module. During feeding, the data processing module records the total weight of all piglets and the sow, and then calculates the average weight of each piglet based on the initial number of piglets in the frame. If the sum of the product of the number of piglets and their average weight, plus the sow's weight, in a later image is less than the current weight recorded by the weighing module, but exceeds a preset value, then it is determined that some piglets are being obscured. Identifying whether piglets are being squeezed by weight changes adds more diverse indicators to the judgment and improves its accuracy.

[0034] A monitoring method for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets, applicable to the above system, is shown in the attached figure. Figure 2 As shown, the procedure includes the following steps: S1: Monitor environmental parameters such as temperature and humidity within the pigpen; S2: Adapt the pigpen to the monitored temperature and humidity to ensure that the environmental parameters reach the threshold; S3: Determine whether there is squeezing between the sow and piglets using image and sound information; S4: If squeezing occurs, move the sow away from her original position.

[0035] Example 2 differs from Example 1 in that the infrared detection module uses a thermal imager to determine the pig's excretion status. The logic is as follows: the data processing module analyzes the thermal image; if heat sources separate in the image, with one heat source remaining constant while the other rapidly cools (i.e., excrement detaches from the pig's body and falls to the ground; initially, the excrement temperature tends to match the pig's body temperature, but cools rapidly after excretion), it determines that the pig is in the process of excretion. If the excrement falls to the ground in a parabolic trajectory... If the excrement is relatively continuous, it is determined that the pig is urinating. If the excrement falls vertically, it is determined to be feces. The time and frequency of the pig's defecation are recorded as indicators of its health. If the excrement is feces but spreads out in a liquid state after falling to the ground (not clumped together), it is determined to be diarrhea. This generates a signal of indigestion in the pig and transmits it to the terminal. Thermal imaging is used to obtain the pig's excretion status, which expands the applicable scenarios compared to image information, such as being able to distinguish in dark conditions. This provides better and more timely monitoring of the pig's excretion status. When abnormal excretion is detected in sows (i.e., diarrhea), a signal is promptly sent to the terminal, facilitating rapid isolation of the sow and piglets to prevent piglets from being infected due to their weak resistance and affecting their growth.

[0036] The above are merely embodiments of the present invention. The invention is not limited to the fields covered by these embodiments. Commonly known structures and characteristics in the solutions are not described in detail here. Those skilled in the art are aware of all common technical knowledge in the field prior to the application date or priority date, are able to access all existing technologies in that field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental methods prior to that date. Those skilled in the art can, under the guidance of this application, improve and implement this solution in combination with their own capabilities. Some typical known structures or methods should not be obstacles for those skilled in the art to implement this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the structure of the present invention. These should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention, and will not affect the effectiveness of the implementation of the present invention or the practicality of the patent. The scope of protection claimed in this application should be determined by the content of its claims, and the specific embodiments described in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. A monitoring system for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets, characterized in that, include: Camera: The camera is used to capture image information of newborn piglets and sows; Data processing module: The data processing module is used to acquire image information, extract the outlines of the sow and piglets in the image information and track them in real time. When the sow changes from standing to lying down, if the outline information of the piglets is in a position below the sow's waist that the sow cannot see, and the outline of the piglets is interrupted from the tracking information, it is determined that the piglets are crushed and an alarm message is issued. It also includes a microphone: the microphone is set in the sow rest area to obtain the environmental sound information around the sow. The data processing module analyzes the environmental sound information. If a low-frequency squealing sound is heard, it is determined that a piglet is in an accident. Water sprayer: The water sprayer is used to spray hot water onto the back of the sow upon receiving an instruction; The data processing module is also used to lock the frame of the sow and each piglet in the image information and follow the image. The frame of each pig is distinguished by color. The data processing module identifies the number of pigs based on the initial number of frames. If the number of frames in the image is missing and an unexpected situation is detected in the piglets, an investigation command is issued and the water sprayer sprays water towards the back of the sow. It also includes a weighing module, which is installed under the floor where the sow lies when feeding the piglets. When only the sow is present, the weighing module records the sow's weight. The recorded weight is transmitted to the data processing module. During feeding, the data processing module records the total weight of all piglets and the sow, and then calculates the average weight of each piglet based on the initial number of piglets in the frame. If the sum of the product of the number of piglets and their average weight and the sow's weight in a later image is less than the weight recorded by the weighing module at that time, and exceeds a preset value, then it is determined that a piglet is being obscured.

2. The monitoring system for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an infrared detection module, which is used to measure the body temperature of sows and piglets and perform thermal imaging on the data processing module.

3. A monitoring system for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets according to claim 2, characterized in that: The data processing module has a pre-stored thermal imaging temperature spectrum. By comparing the thermal images of piglets and sows with the temperature spectrum, the temperature range in the thermal imaging image is displayed. If the body temperature of a piglet or sow exceeds the threshold, the data processing module will issue a possible fever screening instruction to the breeder.

4. A monitoring system for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an environmental monitoring module, which is used to monitor environmental data in the pigpen, including at least temperature and humidity.

5. A monitoring system for monitoring the safety of sows and newborn piglets according to claim 4, characterized in that: It also includes an air conditioning compressor, which is used to regulate the room temperature in the pigpen. When the temperature detected by the environmental monitoring module is lower or higher than the threshold range, the data processing module sends a heating or cooling command. After receiving the command, the air conditioning compressor begins to regulate the temperature in the pigpen to the threshold range. If the humidity does not reach the humidity threshold standard, water is sprayed through a water sprayer to regulate the humidity to the humidity threshold.

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