A system for preventing reverse movement of a sheep

Abstract

The present application relates to sheep sign detection technical field, specifically is related to a kind of anti-retrograde sheep body condition comprehensive measurement system, including first enclosure and second enclosure;First enclosure and second enclosure between constitute transmission channel for sheep walking, the transmission channel one end is entrance, the other end is exit;The transmission channel internal space is successively segmented from entrance to exit place and presents candidate inspection area end, front transfer section, image acquisition section and rear transfer section;Each section both ends are also respectively provided with the blocking module for one-way limiting sheep movement;Information acquisition module is set at candidate inspection section;Image acquisition module is set at image acquisition section;The present application can realize the automatic detection record of sheep height and weight by single person, detection efficiency is fast, precision is high.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sheep vital sign detection technology, specifically to a comprehensive measurement system for the physical condition of sheep designed to prevent retrograde migration. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, the vital signs of sheep in livestock farming are mainly monitored manually. The sheep are tied up and the necessary vital signs data are measured using measuring tools. For example, when weighing a sheep, the sheep is first grabbed and its four hooves are tied together. Then, two people are needed to lift the sheep with a lever, one person weighs it with a steelyard balance, and the other person records the weight. This method is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially when there are many sheep, the workload is enormous. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, a comprehensive body condition measurement system for sheep that prevents backtracking is provided. This system automatically detects the height and weight of sheep without the need for restraining or tying them up, thus solving the problems of time-consuming, labor-intensive, and large workloads caused by the need for frequent restraining and tying of sheep and the collaboration of multiple people to weigh and record their weight in existing technologies.

[0004] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a comprehensive measurement system for the body condition of sheep to prevent them from moving backwards. The system includes a first enclosure and a second enclosure. The first and second enclosures form a transmission channel for the sheep to move through, with one end being an entrance and the other an exit. The internal space of the transmission channel is divided sequentially from the entrance to the exit into a waiting area, a forward transfer section, an image acquisition section, and a backward transfer section. Each section has a barrier module at both ends to restrict the sheep's movement in one direction. An information acquisition module is located in the waiting area, and an image acquisition module is located in the image acquisition section.

[0005] Preferably, the information acquisition module includes an electronic weighbridge and a receiver connected to the electronic weighbridge's electrical signal; the electronic weighbridge is horizontally positioned in the waiting area.

[0006] Preferably, the information collection module also includes an RFID receiver, which is vertically mounted on one side of the waiting area via a first support frame.

[0007] Preferably, the image acquisition module includes a first acquisition camera and a second acquisition camera capable of capturing images of the sheep's back and side, respectively; the first acquisition camera and the second acquisition camera are mounted in the image acquisition section via a support element.

[0008] Preferably, the blocking module includes a first blocking element and a second blocking element; the first blocking element and the second blocking element are mirror images of each other and disposed on the inner walls of the first enclosure and the second enclosure; the first blocking element and the second blocking element are also respectively provided with a first baffle and a second baffle that can elastically rotate at a fixed angle from the enclosure toward the middle of the transmission channel; the free ends of the first baffle and the second baffle abut against each other and are joined together in a V-shape.

[0009] Preferably, the first blocking element further includes a hinge frame, and the first baffle is fixedly mounted vertically on the inner wall of the first enclosure via the hinge frame; a drive unit is also provided on one side of the first baffle to drive the first baffle to rotate at a fixed angle toward the second enclosure.

[0010] Preferably, a limiting plate is also inclinedly provided in the middle of the hinge frame to limit the first baffle and prevent excessive overturning.

[0011] Preferably, the driving unit is a torsion spring, which is coaxially provided with a hinge joint between the hinge frame and the first baffle.

[0012] Preferably, the driving unit is a spring, which is vertically disposed on the back side of the first baffle and the other end of the spring is fixedly connected to the side wall of the first enclosure.

[0013] Preferably, the blocking module further includes a blocking block capable of limiting and fixing the first baffle, and a linear driver for driving the blocking block to move closer to the blocking block.

[0014] The advantages of this invention compared to the prior art are:

[0015] This invention utilizes a transmission channel formed by a first and second enclosure to guide sheep forward one by one. Inspection can be performed simply by herding the sheep. By setting up information acquisition and image acquisition modules within the transmission channel, it enables automatic detection of each sheep's weight and height. Compared to the traditional method of individually grabbing and inspecting each sheep, this invention employs automated acquisition, significantly improving inspection efficiency.

[0016] This invention uses a blocking module to guide sheep to walk in only one direction, avoiding confusion caused by sheep walking in the opposite direction; it greatly improves detection efficiency; at the same time, in conjunction with a blocking block that can limit and fix the first baffle, it achieves the effect of temporarily closing the first baffle during detection, preventing sheep from moving forward and leaving the detection area on their own. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a comprehensive measurement system for the body condition of sheep that are designed to prevent retrograde movement.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A magnified view of part A.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional diagram of a partial structure of a comprehensive measurement system for the condition of sheep that is designed to prevent retrograde movement, excluding the information acquisition module.

[0020] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the first enclosure, the second enclosure, and the barrier module in a comprehensive measurement system for preventing sheep from going astray.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A magnified view of section B.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional diagram of the structure of the first enclosure, second enclosure, barrier module, and image acquisition module in a comprehensive measurement system for preventing sheep from going astray.

[0023] Figure 7 This is a stereoscopic image of the image acquisition module in a comprehensive measurement system for the condition of sheep that are prone to going astray.

[0024] The numbers on the map are:

[0025] 1-First enclosure; 11-First fence;

[0026] 2-Second fencing; 21-Second fence;

[0027] 3-Barrier module; 31-First barrier element; 311-Hinged frame; 312-Drive unit; 3121-Torsion spring; 3122-Spring; 313-Limiting plate; 32-Second barrier element; 33-First baffle; 34-Second baffle; 35-Barrier block; 36-Linear actuator; 37-Connecting frame;

[0028] 4-Information acquisition module; 41-RFID receiver; 42-First support frame;

[0029] 5-Image acquisition module; 51-First acquisition camera; 52-Second acquisition camera; 53-Sliding frame; 54-Longitudinal support rod; 55-Transverse support rod; 56-Supporting element. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To further understand the features, technical means, and specific objectives and functions achieved by the present invention, the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] See Figures 1 to 7As shown: A comprehensive measurement system for sheep body condition to prevent them from going against the flow includes a first enclosure 1 and a second enclosure 2; the first enclosure 1 and the second enclosure 2 form a transmission channel for the sheep to walk through, with one end of the transmission channel being an entrance and the other end being an exit; the internal space of the transmission channel is divided into a waiting area, a forward transfer section, an image acquisition section, and a backward transfer section from the entrance to the exit; each section is also equipped with a barrier module 3 at both ends for unidirectional restriction of sheep movement; an information acquisition module 4 is located at the waiting area; and an image acquisition module 5 is located at the image acquisition section.

[0032] The entrance and exit of the transmission channel formed by the first enclosure 1 and the second enclosure 2 are respectively equipped with a first fence 11 and a second fence 21 to guide the sheep to enter and exit; in order to minimize the space occupied by the detection equipment, the first enclosure 1 and the second enclosure 2 are arranged in a U-shape, forming a U-shaped transmission channel for the sheep to move inside.

[0033] When a flock of sheep needs to be inspected, staff first drive the sheep into the first enclosure at the entrance of the transmission channel. Then, the sheep are moved one by one along the transmission channel in a line. When the flock moves close to the waiting area, a staff member drives a sheep through the barrier module 3 into the waiting area. The sheep is weighed and its weight is recorded by the information collection module 4 located in the waiting area. The sheep is then driven along the forward transfer section to the image acquisition section and enters the image acquisition section. The image acquisition module 5 located in the image acquisition section takes pictures of the sheep's back and side and saves them as a body condition score. After taking pictures, the sheep is driven through the image acquisition section into the backward transfer section and continues walking along the backward transfer section until it finally enters the second enclosure 21. This completes the inspection of a single sheep. Subsequent operations are repeated until all sheep have been inspected.

[0034] See Figure 3 As shown: The information acquisition module 4 includes an electronic weighbridge 43 and a receiver that is electrically connected to the electronic weighbridge 43; the electronic weighbridge 43 is horizontally set at the waiting inspection section.

[0035] Since the electronic weighbridge 43 is horizontally set at the waiting area, when the staff drives the sheep to the waiting area, the sheep will stand on the electronic weighbridge 43 and be weighed by the electronic weighbridge 43. The weighing data is transmitted to the receiver through an electrical signal and recorded by the receiver. This makes it easier for the staff to monitor the changes in the weight of different sheep in real time.

[0036] See Figure 3 As shown: The information collection module 4 also includes an RFID receiver 41, which is vertically mounted on one side of the waiting area via a first support frame 42.

[0037] To more accurately record and monitor the health status of each sheep, each sheep in the pen is equipped with an RFID tag for identification. When a sheep with a tag enters the inspection area and its weight is measured by an electronic weighbridge 43, the RFID receiver 41 simultaneously identifies the sheep. The data detected by the electronic weighbridge 43 is automatically recorded after the sheep's identification information is detected by the RFID receiver 41, thus achieving accurate monitoring and recording of the sheep flock.

[0038] See Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown: The image acquisition module 5 includes a first acquisition camera 51 and a second acquisition camera 52 capable of capturing images of the sheep's back and side respectively; the first acquisition camera 51 and the second acquisition camera 52 are mounted in the image acquisition section by a support element 56.

[0039] The first acquisition camera 51 and the second acquisition camera 52 are slidably connected to the support element 56 via the sliding frame 53; the support element 56 consists of a longitudinal support rod 54 that is vertically arranged on one side of the image acquisition section and a transverse support rod 55 that is horizontally slidable on the longitudinal support rod 54 and is perpendicular to the longitudinal support rod 54; the first acquisition camera 51 and the second acquisition camera 52 are slidably arranged on the longitudinal support rod 54 and the transverse support rod 55 via the sliding frame 53, respectively.

[0040] When the weighed sheep are driven to the image acquisition area, the first acquisition camera 51 and the second acquisition camera 52 operate synchronously to take at least ten photos of the sheep's back and side in the image acquisition area. Then, using two YOLOv8 target detection models, the sheep in each top-down and side-view image are measured to obtain the length, width, and height of the frame. The maximum value of the obtained length, width, and height is then taken as the sheep's body condition score data. Finally, the sheep's RFID identification information, weight, and length, width, and height are packaged to achieve a comprehensive measurement of the sheep's body condition.

[0041] See Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown: The barrier module 3 includes a first barrier element 31 and a second barrier element 32; the first barrier element 31 and the second barrier element 32 are mirror images of each other and are disposed on the inner walls of the first enclosure 1 and the second enclosure 2; the first barrier element 31 and the second barrier element 32 are also respectively provided with a first baffle 33 and a second baffle 34 that can elastically rotate and fix an angle from the enclosure toward the middle of the transmission channel; the free ends of the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 abut against each other and are joined together in a V-shape.

[0042] The middle part of the transmission channel refers to the area between the first enclosure 1 and the second enclosure 2;

[0043] The second blocking element 32 and the first blocking element 31 have the same structure; the first baffle and the second baffle 34, which are arranged in a V-shape, are positioned with their tips facing the transmission direction. Since the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 can only rotate at a fixed angle between the inner wall of the enclosure and the transmission channel, when the sheep walks along the transmission channel, when the sheep comes into contact with the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34, the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 are pressed and fold towards the first enclosure 1 and the second enclosure 2 respectively, thereby opening the channel for the sheep to pass through; the rotation angle of the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 is greater than 0 degrees and less than 45 degrees; since the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 can only fold back at a certain angle, when the sheep is walking in reverse, the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34, which have rotated to the maximum angle, cannot continue to rotate, thereby achieving the effect of making the sheep walk in one direction and unable to go in reverse.

[0044] See Figure 5 As shown: the first blocking element 31 also includes a hinge frame 311, and the first baffle 33 is fixedly installed in a vertical state on the inner wall of the first enclosure 1 through the hinge frame 311; a driving unit 312 is also provided on one side of the first baffle 33 to drive the first baffle 33 to rotate at a fixed angle towards the second enclosure 2.

[0045] In the non-working state, the first baffle 33 is always rotated and facing the second enclosure 2 under the drive of the driving element; thus causing the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 to be joined together in a V-shape in the non-working state; when the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 are subjected to pressure from the inlet end of the transmission channel, the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 retract towards the first enclosure 1 and the second enclosure 2 respectively; when the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 retract, the driving unit 312 is compressed simultaneously; after the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 lose pressure, the first baffle 33 and the second baffle 34 will automatically reset to the non-working state under the drive of the driving unit 312.

[0046] See Figure 5 As shown: The hinge frame 311 is also inclinedly provided with a limiting plate 313 in the middle to limit the first baffle 33 and prevent excessive overturning.

[0047] The limiting plate 313 is inclined toward the first baffle 33, and the angle between the limiting plate 313 and the surface of the hinge frame 311 is 45 degrees. The first baffle 33, which is driven and reset by the driving unit 312, abuts against the limiting plate 313, thereby preventing the first baffle 33 from overturning and failing to achieve the anti-reverse driving effect.

[0048] See Figure 5As shown: the drive unit 312 is a torsion spring 3121, which is coaxially provided with a hinge frame 311 and a hinge point of the first baffle 33.

[0049] The first baffle 33 achieves the folding and resetting effect through the torque of the torsion spring 3121.

[0050] See Figure 3 As shown: the drive unit 312 is a spring 3122, which is vertically arranged on the back side of the first baffle 33 and the other end of the spring 3122 is fixedly connected to the side wall of the first enclosure 1.

[0051] The first baffle 33 achieves the folding and resetting effect through the spring 3122. Since the spring 3122 has a limited length, the resetting angle of the first baffle 33 can be flexibly controlled by installing the spring 3122 according to its extension length.

[0052] See Figure 2 As shown: The blocking module 3 also includes a blocking block 35 that can limit and fix the first baffle 33, and a linear driver 36 that drives the blocking block 35 to move closer to the blocking block 35.

[0053] The linear actuator 36 is preferably an electric push rod;

[0054] The barrier block 35 is triangular in shape with one of its included angles being 44 degrees. The included angle of the barrier block 35 is oriented towards the angle between the first baffle 33 and the first enclosure 1. The linear actuator 36 is vertically fixed outside the first enclosure 1, and the drive shaft of the linear actuator 36 is fixedly connected to the barrier block 35 through the first connecting bracket 37. The barrier block 35 is vertically positioned above the angle between the first baffle 33 and the second enclosure 2. When the first baffle 33 needs to be limited to a closed state (i.e., a non-working state), the electric push rod is first driven to move. The output shaft of the electric push rod retracts, driving the barrier block 35 to descend vertically and insert it into the angle between the first baffle 33 and the first enclosure 1. This achieves the effect of limiting and fixing the first baffle 33, thereby limiting the sheep in the waiting area and image acquisition area to prevent the sheep from running out of the area on its own. After the inspection is completed, the barrier block 35 is driven away from the first baffle 33. The second baffle 34 is handled similarly.

[0055] This invention enables a single person to automatically detect and record the height and weight of sheep, with high detection efficiency and accuracy.

[0056] The above embodiments only illustrate one or more implementations of the present invention, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A comprehensive body condition measurement system for sheep designed to prevent retrograde migration, characterized in that, It includes a first enclosure (1) and a second enclosure (2); the first enclosure (1) and the second enclosure (2) form a transmission channel for the sheep to walk, with one end of the transmission channel being the entrance and the other end being the exit; the internal space of the transmission channel is divided into a waiting area, a forward transfer area, an image acquisition area and a backward transfer area from the entrance to the exit; each section is also equipped with a barrier module (3) at both ends for unidirectional restriction of sheep movement; an information acquisition module (4) is set at the waiting area; an image acquisition module (5) is set at the image acquisition area; The barrier module (3) includes a first barrier element (31) and a second barrier element (32); the first barrier element (31) and the second barrier element (32) are mirror images of each other and are disposed on the inner walls of the first enclosure (1) and the second enclosure (2); the first barrier element (31) and the second barrier element (32) are also respectively provided with a first baffle (33) and a second baffle (34) that can elastically flip and fix an angle from the enclosure toward the middle of the transmission channel; the free ends of the first baffle (33) and the second baffle (34) abut against each other and are joined together in a V-shape. The blocking module (3) also includes a blocking block (35) that can limit and fix the first baffle (33) and a linear driver (36) that drives the blocking block (35) to move closer to the first baffle (33). The blocking block (35) is triangular in shape with one of its included angles being 44 degrees. The included angle of the blocking block (35) being 44 degrees is set towards the included angle between the first baffle (33) and the first enclosure (1). The linear actuator (36) is fixedly set in a vertical state on the outside of the first enclosure (1). The drive shaft of the linear actuator (36) is fixedly connected to the blocking block (35) through the first connecting frame (37). The blocking block (35) is set in a vertical state above the included angle between the first baffle (33) and the first enclosure (1).

2. The comprehensive body condition measurement system for anti-retrograde sheep according to claim 1, characterized in that, The information acquisition module (4) includes an electronic weighbridge (43) and a receiver that is electrically connected to the electronic weighbridge (43); the electronic weighbridge (43) is horizontally set at the waiting area.

3. The comprehensive body condition measurement system for anti-retrograde sheep according to claim 2, characterized in that, The information collection module (4) also includes an RFID receiver (41), which is set vertically on one side of the waiting area via a first support frame (42).

4. The comprehensive body condition measurement system for anti-retrograde sheep according to claim 1, characterized in that, The image acquisition module (5) includes a first acquisition camera (51) and a second acquisition camera (52) capable of capturing images of the sheep's back and side respectively; the first acquisition camera (51) and the second acquisition camera (52) are mounted on the image acquisition section via a support element (56).

5. The comprehensive body condition measurement system for anti-retrograde sheep according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first blocking element (31) also includes a hinge frame (311), and the first baffle (33) is fixedly installed in a vertical state on the inner wall of the first enclosure (1) through the hinge frame (311); a drive unit (312) is also provided on one side of the first baffle (33) to drive the first baffle (33) to rotate at a fixed angle towards the second enclosure (2).

6. The comprehensive body condition measurement system for anti-retrograde sheep according to claim 5, characterized in that, The hinge frame (311) is also inclinedly provided with a limiting plate (313) in the middle to limit the first baffle (33) and prevent excessive overturning.

7. The comprehensive body condition measurement system for anti-retrograde sheep according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive unit (312) is a torsion spring (3121), which is coaxially arranged at the hinge of the hinge frame (311) and the first baffle (33).

8. The comprehensive body condition measurement system for anti-retrograde sheep according to claim 5, characterized in that, The drive unit (312) is a spring (3122), one end of which is vertically disposed on the back side of the first baffle (33) and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the side wall of the first enclosure (1).

Images