Intelligent management method and intelligent processing system for experimental animals

Abstract

The application relates to an intelligent management method and an intelligent processing system for experimental animals, and the method comprises the following steps: acquiring a video stream of to-be-monitored experimental animals and environmental parameters of an activity area and an excretion area of the experimental animals in real time; determining whether the experimental animals are in a to-be-excreted state according to information in the video stream; if yes, sending an excretion guiding instruction to an excretion guiding device, so that the excretion guiding device sends guiding information to the excretion area; if the experimental animals complete excretion in the excretion area, acquiring a cleaning mode according to the environmental parameters of the excretion area and the state of excrement, sending the cleaning mode to a sterile collection device, so that the sterile collection device collects the excrement according to the cleaning mode, and sending information that collection is completed to an automatic cleaning device for automatic cleaning. The application improves the effectiveness of experimental animal sample collection in research and the reliability of animal experiment results, saves the cost of experimental animal management, and improves the feeding environment of the experimental animals.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of animal experimental technology, and in particular to an intelligent management method and intelligent processing system for laboratory animals. Background Technology

[0002] Animal models of diseases play an irreplaceable role in medical and basic research. They can simulate the development process and clinical manifestations of diseases, reveal key molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways and pathogenic factors in pathophysiological processes, provide a scientific basis for the design and optimization of treatments, effectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of potential drugs, and test the effectiveness of novel diagnostic tools.

[0003] In the process of establishing and researching animal models, it is often necessary to collect animal body fluid samples, including feces and urine. However, since experimental animals are not domesticated, their excretion habits are uncertain and they may exhibit abnormal behaviors such as aggression, making it difficult to ensure the safety of experimental personnel and posing challenges to sample collection. In addition, the quality of the collected samples is unstable due to the influence of the experimental animals' environment and is easily affected by factors such as time and environment, which seriously affects the research results.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an intelligent management method and intelligent processing system for laboratory animals. Summary of the Invention

[0005] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings and deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides an intelligent management method and intelligent processing system for laboratory animals, which solves the technical problems in the prior art where laboratory animals are non-domesticated animals with uncertain excretion habits and abnormal behaviors such as aggression, making it difficult to ensure the safety of laboratory personnel and the quality of collected samples is unstable.

[0007] (II) Technical Solution

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the main technical solutions adopted by the present invention include:

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of the present invention provide an intelligent management method for laboratory animals, used to manage laboratory animals in the untamed stage, the method comprising:

[0010] S10. Real-time acquisition of video streams of the experimental animals to be monitored, and real-time acquisition of environmental parameters of the experimental animals' activity area and excretion area;

[0011] S20. Based on the posture information and / or behavioral patterns of the experimental animal in the video stream, determine whether the experimental animal is currently in a state of needing to be excreted.

[0012] S30. If it is determined that the animal is in a state of waiting to be excreted, an excretion guidance control command is sent to the excretion guidance device so that the excretion guidance device sends guidance information to the designated excretion area according to the excretion guidance control command. The guidance information is used to guide the experimental animal to move to the designated excretion area.

[0013] S40. If the experimental animal completes its excretion in the designated excretion area, a cleaning mode is obtained based on the environmental parameters of the excretion area when there is no excrement and the environmental parameters of the excretion area when there is excrement, as well as the state of the excrement. The obtained cleaning mode is sent to the automatic cleaning device so that the automatic cleaning device can clean automatically according to the cleaning mode.

[0014] And / or, send the cleaning mode to the sterile collection device, so that the sterile collection device can collect the excrement reasonably according to the cleaning mode, and send the collection completion information to the automatic cleaning device after collection, so that the automatic cleaning device can automatically clean according to the cleaning mode.

[0015] Optionally, after S30 and before S40, the method further includes:

[0016] S30a. If the experimental animal completes its excretion in the designated excretion area, a reward instruction is sent to the reward device, which then sends reward information to the experimental animal according to the reward instruction. The reward information is used to reinforce the experimental animal's behavior of excreting in the designated excretion area.

[0017] The reward information includes: providing reward food to the experimental animals, playing cheerful music to the experimental animals, or providing toys to the experimental animals;

[0018] And / or,

[0019] Before step S20, the method further includes:

[0020] The posture information of experimental animals in various pre-excretion states and the behavioral patterns of experimental animals in various pre-excretion states are collected in advance; based on the posture information, behavioral patterns and historical excretion data of experimental animals, a time prediction model for estimating excretion intervals is obtained.

[0021] The behavioral patterns include one or more of the following: activity frequency, movement trajectory, dwell time, and body posture.

[0022] Optionally, S20 includes:

[0023] Keyframes are extracted from the video stream, and the keyframes are binarized to obtain a binarized image. The binarized image is compared with the pre-collected pose information. When the similarity is greater than a first specified threshold, it is determined that the experimental animal is in a state of waiting to excrete.

[0024] Alternatively, a self-reinforcing learning model can be used to learn the behavioral patterns of various pre-collected pre-excretion states of experimental animals, and the learned self-reinforcing learning model can be used to identify the current state of the experimental animal and determine whether the current experimental animal is in a pre-excretion state; the self-reinforcing learning model is a model that is adjusted and optimized while learning;

[0025] Alternatively, based on the animal's posture information, behavioral patterns, and a pre-acquired time prediction model of the animal in the video stream, it can be determined whether the animal is currently in a state of needing to excrete.

[0026] Optionally, S30 further includes:

[0027] If it is determined that the system is in a state of waiting to be discharged, a discharge guidance control command is sent to the discharge guidance device, and an alarm message is sent to the manager.

[0028] The excretion guidance control instructions include: olfactory guidance information on specific odors that the experimental animal is currently sensitive to.

[0029] Optionally, the environmental parameters include one or more of the following: space temperature parameter, space humidity parameter, viscosity / dryness of excrement in the excretion area, and volume / weight of excrement;

[0030] S40 includes:

[0031] Based on feedback from the pressure sensor in the excretion area, it is determined that the experimental animal completes its excretion in the designated excretion area;

[0032] When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20°C, the air humidity parameter is greater than the first humidity value, the viscosity of the excrement in the excretion area is less than the first viscosity, and the weight of the excrement is greater than the first weight, the deep cleaning mode is selected.

[0033] When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20°C, the air humidity parameter is less than the first humidity value, the viscosity is greater than the first viscosity, and the weight of the excrement is greater than the first weight, select the medium cleaning mode.

[0034] When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20°C, the air humidity parameter is greater than the first humidity value, the viscosity is greater than the first viscosity, and the weight of the excrement is less than the first weight, the light cleaning mode is selected.

[0035] The deep cleaning mode, medium cleaning mode, and light cleaning mode have different cleaning frequencies and different air volumes.

[0036] Secondly, an intelligent animal processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is used for intelligent management of experimental animals in the undomesticated stage. The intelligent management system monitors the activity area and excretion area of ​​the experimental animals in real time, guides the experimental animals to excrete in the excretion area, and automatically cleans the excretion area. The system includes:

[0037] The main control device is used to execute the intelligent management method for experimental animals as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

[0038] The first monitoring device is used to monitor experimental animals in real time, acquire video streams of the experimental animals to be monitored in real time, and send them to the main control device.

[0039] An environmental parameter acquisition device is used to collect environmental parameters in the activity and excretion areas of experimental animals in real time and send them to the main control device.

[0040] An excretion guidance device is used to send guidance information to laboratory animals in a designated excretion area according to the excretion guidance control instructions of the main control device.

[0041] The automatic cleaning device is used to automatically clean up the excrement in the excretion area according to the cleaning instructions of the main control device.

[0042] Optionally, the system further includes: a sterile collection device; the sterile collection device is used to collect excrement from the excretion area according to the collection command and cleaning command of the main control device, and send a cleaning command to the automatic cleaning device after collection; both the collection command and the cleaning command include a cleaning mode;

[0043] And / or,

[0044] The environmental parameter acquisition device includes: a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for the activity area, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for the excretion area, a pressure sensor for the excretion area, and a viscosity sensor.

[0045] The first monitoring device includes two or more video acquisition devices.

[0046] Optionally, the sterile collection container includes: a sterile collection container for solid excrement and a sterile collection container for liquid excrement; the sterile collection device includes:

[0047] Collection components include mobile components, collection brackets, liquid waste collection components, solid waste collection components, and solid-liquid separation components.

[0048] The collection and movement unit is installed at the bottom of the collection bracket to drive the collection bracket to move; the liquid excrement collection component, the solid excrement collection component, and the solid-liquid separation component are all installed on the collection bracket.

[0049] The liquid excrement collection assembly is used to draw liquid excrement into the sterile liquid excrement collection assembly; the solid excrement collection assembly is used to collect solid excrement into the sterile solid excrement collection container; the solid-liquid separation assembly is used to collect solid-liquid mixed excrement, separate it from the liquid, collect the solid excrement into the sterile solid excrement collection container, and collect the separated liquid excrement into the sterile liquid excrement collection container.

[0050] Optionally, the automatic cleaning device includes:

[0051] Cleaning and moving components, cleaning brackets, solid waste cleaning components, flushing components, and detergent spraying components;

[0052] The cleaning and moving assembly is installed at the bottom of the cleaning bracket to drive the cleaning bracket to move; the solid waste cleaning assembly, the flushing assembly, and the detergent spraying assembly are all installed on the cleaning bracket.

[0053] The solid waste cleaning assembly is used to clean solid waste into a waste container; the flushing assembly is used to flush waste or waste residue into a waste container; and the detergent spraying assembly is used to spray detergent or disinfectant onto the location of waste or waste residue.

[0054] Optionally, the system further includes: a reward device;

[0055] The reward device includes: a food dispensing device, a toy dispensing device, and a music player;

[0056] The food dispensing device, toy dispensing device, and music player are located on the first side of the entrance to the excretion area, and are used to dispense food and toys to the experimental animals after they have excreted, while playing music.

[0057] And / or,

[0058] The excretion guidance device includes:

[0059] Odor release device and atomizing device for uniform odor;

[0060] The odor release device and atomizing device are installed at the entrance of the excretion area to release a specific odor that the experimental animal is sensitive to, and to diffuse the specific odor into the excretion area.

[0061] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0062] The beneficial effects of the present invention are: the intelligent management method and intelligent processing system for laboratory animals of the present invention can improve the accuracy of scientific research results. Through the intelligent management method and intelligent processing device, the excrement of laboratory animals can be collected in a timely manner, maximizing the freshness of samples and reducing the chance of sample contamination, thereby enhancing the credibility and accuracy of scientific research results.

[0063] The intelligent processing device for the defecation and urination of experimental animals has enabled the automatic cleaning and collection of animal excrement, reducing manual operation costs and labor intensity, and improving the efficiency of environmental sanitation management.

[0064] In addition, by introducing a reward mechanism, we can positively reinforce the animals' excretion behavior, stimulate their autonomy, help establish good excretion habits, better tame the laboratory animals, and promote their health and comfort.

[0065] The intelligent processing system of this invention can also reduce human operation, avoid direct contact with excrement, effectively reduce the risk of disease infection, and ensure the hygiene of the animal's living environment; at the same time, it reduces the consumption of cleaning products, saves resource costs, and improves production efficiency.

[0066] Furthermore, the intelligent management method of the present invention can design sterile excrement collection devices of corresponding specifications for experimental animals of different body sizes, realize intelligent management and personalized adaptation, and improve the flexibility and applicability of the system. Attached Figure Description

[0067] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an intelligent management method for laboratory animals according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0068] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an intelligent processing system for experimental animals according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0069] To better explain and facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0070] Laboratory animals: Laboratory animals are undomesticated animals purchased from suppliers, rather than artificially bred or bred in laboratories, and are used for various experimental purposes such as scientific research, education, disease model creation, and environmental impact assessment.

[0071] To better understand the above technical solutions, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the present invention can be understood more clearly and thoroughly, and that the scope of the present invention can be fully conveyed to those skilled in the art.

[0072] Example 1

[0073] See Figure 1 This embodiment provides an intelligent management method for laboratory animals, used to manage laboratory animals in the untamed stage. The method includes:

[0074] Step S10: Acquire the video stream of the experimental animal to be monitored in real time, and acquire the environmental parameters of the experimental animal's activity area and excretion area in real time;

[0075] Step S20: Determine whether the experimental animal is currently in a state of needing to excrete based on the posture information and / or behavior pattern of the experimental animal in the video stream.

[0076] Step S30: If it is determined that the animal is in a state of waiting to be excreted, an excretion guidance control command is sent to the excretion guidance device so that the excretion guidance device sends guidance information to the designated excretion area according to the excretion guidance control command. The guidance information is used to guide the experimental animal to move to the designated excretion area.

[0077] Step S40: If the experimental animal completes excretion in the designated excretion area, then based on the environmental parameters of the excretion area when there is no excrement and the environmental parameters of the excretion area when there is excrement, as well as the state of the excrement, the cleaning mode is obtained, and the obtained cleaning mode is sent to the automatic cleaning device so that the automatic cleaning device can automatically clean according to the cleaning mode.

[0078] And / or, send the cleaning mode to the sterile collection device, so that the sterile collection device can collect the excrement reasonably according to the cleaning mode, and send the collection completion information to the automatic cleaning device after collection, so that the automatic cleaning device can automatically clean according to the cleaning mode.

[0079] In this embodiment, the video stream of the experimental animal to be monitored in step S10 is acquired in real time by a camera or other video capture device. These cameras are usually installed in different locations in the experimental animal's activity area and excretion area so as to capture the animal's behavior from multiple angles.

[0080] Furthermore, environmental parameters are acquired through sensors (such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, pressure sensors, etc.).

[0081] In this embodiment, after step S30 and before step S40, the intelligent management method of the present invention further includes:

[0082] Step S30a: If the experimental animal completes its excretion in the designated excretion area, a reward instruction is sent to the reward device, which then sends reward information to the experimental animal according to the reward instruction. The reward information is used to reinforce the experimental animal's behavior of excreting in the designated excretion area.

[0083] The reward information includes: providing reward food to the experimental animals, playing cheerful music to the experimental animals, or providing toys to the experimental animals;

[0084] For example, suppose the experimental animal is a rabbit. A video camera can show that the rabbit has finished defecating in the designated area. At this time, a reward instruction is sent to the reward device. According to the reward instruction, the reward device can put a small piece of fresh carrot in the rabbit's activity area as a reward. After smelling the carrot, the rabbit will quickly come to the activity area to eat. After this process is repeated many times, the rabbit can gradually learn that it can only get a food reward if it defecates in the designated area.

[0085] In addition, pressure sensors installed in the excretion area can be used to determine whether the experimental animal has finished excreting. When the pressure sensor in the excretion area detects a change in pressure, it means that the experimental animal is in the excretion area and has begun to excrete. When the pressure sensor in the excretion area detects that the pressure no longer changes, it means that the experimental animal has finished excreting, and at this time a reward instruction is sent to the reward device.

[0086] Prior to step S20, the method further includes:

[0087] The posture information of experimental animals in various pre-excretion states and the behavioral patterns of experimental animals in various pre-excretion states are collected in advance; based on the posture information, behavioral patterns and historical excretion data of experimental animals, a time prediction model for estimating excretion intervals is obtained.

[0088] The behavioral patterns include one or more of the following: activity frequency, movement trajectory, dwell time, and body posture.

[0089] In the specific implementation process, machine learning algorithms, especially support vector machines or deep neural networks, are used to analyze and learn posture information and behavioral patterns, thereby achieving automatic identification and classification of pre-excretion behavior in animals. Based on this, historical excretion data from experimental animals is further utilized, combined with behavioral recognition results, and advanced statistical methods such as cross-validation to train a time prediction model. This model can predict the exact time of an animal's next excretion based on real-time collected animal behavior data.

[0090] In this embodiment, step S20 includes:

[0091] Keyframes are extracted from the video stream and binarized to obtain a binarized image. The binarized image is compared with pre-collected pose information. When the similarity is greater than a first specified threshold, it is determined that the experimental animal is in a state of needing to excrete. The first specified threshold is adjusted according to the actual situation to improve the accuracy of the judgment.

[0092] Specifically, advanced image processing and video analysis technologies are used to perform in-depth analysis of video data and extract keyframes, including activity frequency, motion trajectory, dwell time, and body posture.

[0093] Binarization converts the extracted keyframes into images with only black and white colors, thereby simplifying the image, highlighting the main features, and facilitating subsequent feature extraction and comparison.

[0094] Alternatively, a self-reinforcing learning model can be used to learn the behavioral patterns of various pre-collected pre-excretion states of experimental animals, and the learned self-reinforcing learning model can be used to identify the current state of the experimental animal and determine whether the current experimental animal is in a pre-excretion state; the self-reinforcing learning model is a model that is adjusted and optimized while learning;

[0095] Self-reliant learning models continuously adjust and optimize their strategies during the learning process. Specifically, starting from an initial state, each time a new behavioral pattern is observed, the model attempts to predict whether that pattern indicates the animal is in a state of needing to defecate. If the model's prediction matches the actual situation (i.e., the animal does defecate), the model adjusts its internal parameters based on positive feedback to increase the probability of making correct predictions in the future. Conversely, if the prediction is incorrect, the model adjusts its internal parameters based on negative feedback to reduce the occurrence of incorrect predictions. Through this continuous process of trial and error and self-correction, the model gradually learns to accurately identify behavioral patterns that indicate a state of needing to defecate.

[0096] The self-reliant learning model is trained and optimized by collecting a large amount of behavioral data of experimental animals in the pre-excretion state, including various posture information and behavioral patterns, such as activity frequency, movement trajectory, dwell time and body posture.

[0097] In practical applications, when determining whether the experimental animal is in a state of needing to be excreted, the real-time video stream is input into the trained self-reinforcement learning model, and the self-reinforcement learning model will output a signal indicating whether the experimental animal is in a state of needing to be excreted.

[0098] Alternatively, based on the animal's posture information, behavioral patterns, and a pre-acquired time prediction model of the animal in the video stream, it can be determined whether the animal is currently in a state of needing to excrete.

[0099] The time-trained model can predict the time of an animal's next excretion based on real-time collected animal behavior data.

[0100] Specifically, step S30 also includes:

[0101] If it is determined that the system is in a state of waiting to be discharged, a discharge guidance control command is sent to the discharge guidance device, and an alarm message is sent to the manager.

[0102] The excretion guidance control instructions include: olfactory guidance information on specific odors that the experimental animal is currently sensitive to.

[0103] In this embodiment, if the animal is determined to be in a state awaiting excretion, an alarm message is sent to the manager. This can be done in various ways, such as sending an email, SMS, or push notification to the manager's mobile application. The alarm message will include the animal's current location information and the initiation status of the excretion guidance, so that the manager can be informed of the situation in a timely manner.

[0104] Simultaneously, the excretion guidance control commands activate multiple components in the excretion guidance device. For example, if the experimental animal is sensitive to a specific odor, that odor is released, guiding the animal towards the excretion area through its sense of smell. Furthermore, ground vibrations can be initiated simultaneously with odor release, using subtle vibration signals to alert the animal and further guide its movement. These integrated guidance measures aim to utilize the animal's instinctive responses, enabling it to quickly identify the excretion area and actively proceed there to relieve itself.

[0105] In the specific implementation process, other devices such as ground heating devices can also be set up to drive experimental animals into the excretion area to excrete by heating the ground temperature of the activity area.

[0106] In this embodiment, the environmental parameters include one or more of the following: space temperature parameters, space humidity parameters, viscosity / dryness of excrement in the excretion area, and volume / weight of excrement.

[0107] In this embodiment, step S40 includes:

[0108] Based on feedback from the pressure sensor in the excretion area, it is determined that the experimental animal completes its excretion in the designated excretion area;

[0109] When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20°C, the air humidity parameter is greater than the first humidity value, the viscosity of the excrement in the excretion area is less than the first viscosity, and the weight of the excrement is greater than the first weight, the deep cleaning mode is selected.

[0110] When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20°C, the air humidity parameter is less than the first humidity value, the viscosity is greater than the first viscosity, and the weight of the excrement is greater than the first weight, select the medium cleaning mode.

[0111] When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20°C, the air humidity parameter is greater than the first humidity value, the viscosity is greater than the first viscosity, and the weight of the excrement is less than the first weight, the light cleaning mode is selected.

[0112] The deep cleaning mode, medium cleaning mode, and light cleaning mode have different cleaning frequencies and different air volumes.

[0113] Specifically, the first humidity value, first viscosity, and first weight are determined based on the species of the experimental animals.

[0114] In the specific implementation process, the cleaning strategy is adjusted according to the specific environmental parameters: if the ambient temperature is too high or the humidity is insufficient, it may accelerate the decomposition of excrement, producing odors or breeding bacteria; if the amount of excrement is too large, in order to ensure that the excrement can be removed in time and avoid environmental pollution; at the same time, the viscosity and dryness of the excrement also affect the choice of cleaning mode. For drier excrement, more frequent rinsing may be required, while for viscous excrement, specific cleaning agents may be required to effectively decompose and remove it.

[0115] For example, when the experimental animal is a rabbit, the first humidity value is set to 40%, the first weight to 30 grams, and the first viscosity to 5. Viscosity is the ratio of the viscosity of excrement to the viscosity of water. When the viscosity is greater than 5, the excrement is considered dry. In this case, we have:

[0116] When the air temperature is greater than 20℃, the air humidity is greater than 40%, the viscosity of the excrement in the excretion area is greater than 5, and the weight of the excrement is greater than 30 grams, select the deep cleaning mode.

[0117] When the air temperature is greater than 20℃, the air humidity is less than 40%, the viscosity is less than 5, and the weight of the excrement is greater than 30g, select the medium cleaning mode.

[0118] When the air temperature is greater than 20°C, the air humidity is greater than 40%, the viscosity is less than 5, and the weight of the excrement is less than 30g, select the light cleaning mode.

[0119] The deep cleaning mode uses high-pressure water flow for rinsing and sprays an appropriate amount of detergent, with a cleaning time of 3 minutes; the medium cleaning mode uses moderate water pressure for rinsing and sprays a small amount of detergent, with a cleaning time of 2 minutes; and the light cleaning mode only activates the rinsing component, uses low pressure for rinsing, and has a cleaning time of 1 minute.

[0120] This embodiment of an intelligent management method for laboratory animals not only improves the credibility and accuracy of scientific research results but also reduces manual operation costs and labor intensity, while increasing the efficiency of environmental hygiene management. Furthermore, the introduction of excretion guidance and reward mechanisms actively reinforces the animal's excretion behavior, stimulating its autonomy, helping to establish good excretion habits, promoting animal health and comfort, and reducing human intervention while ensuring the safety of laboratory personnel. Finally, this embodiment allows for adjustments to different strategies based on different laboratory animals, achieving intelligent management and personalized adaptation, thus improving the method's versatility and flexibility.

[0121] Example 2

[0122] This embodiment provides an intelligent management method for laboratory animals, including:

[0123] Step S10: Acquire the video stream of the experimental animal to be monitored in real time, and acquire the environmental parameters of the experimental animal's activity area and excretion area in real time;

[0124] Step S20: Determine whether the experimental animal is currently in a state of needing to excrete based on the posture information and / or behavior pattern of the experimental animal in the video stream.

[0125] Step S30: If it is determined that the animal is in a state of waiting to be excreted, an excretion guidance control command is sent to the excretion guidance device so that the excretion guidance device sends guidance information to the designated excretion area according to the excretion guidance control command. The guidance information is used to guide the experimental animal to move to the designated excretion area.

[0126] Step S40: If the experimental animal completes excretion in the designated excretion area, then based on the environmental parameters of the excretion area when there is no excrement and the environmental parameters of the excretion area when there is excrement, as well as the state of the excrement, the cleaning mode is obtained, and the obtained cleaning mode is sent to the automatic cleaning device so that the automatic cleaning device can automatically clean according to the cleaning mode.

[0127] And / or, send the cleaning mode to the sterile collection device, so that the sterile collection device can collect the excrement reasonably according to the cleaning mode, and send the collection completion information to the automatic cleaning device after collection, so that the automatic cleaning device can automatically clean according to the cleaning mode.

[0128] The intelligent management method in this embodiment is the same as that in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here. This embodiment only provides a detailed description of step S30.

[0129] Specifically, in this embodiment, the experimental animals are guided to excrete in the excretion area by olfactory guidance.

[0130] Specifically, olfactory guidance is achieved using a specific odor release device, and the specific release amount and type of odor released by the odor release device depend on various factors, including the species of experimental animals and the experimental environment.

[0131] For example, take mice. Mice are highly sensitive to the smell of the excrement of animals of the same species as themselves. Therefore, the smell released by the odor release device is the smell of the excrement of animals of the same species as the mice.

[0132] Furthermore, by observing the animal's behavioral feedback during the re-guidance process (such as dwell time and the number of times it approaches the excretion area), the amount of odor released can be dynamically adjusted. For example, if the rabbit does not immediately go to the excretion area after smelling the odor, the concentration of the odor can be appropriately increased or a stronger odor can be used.

[0133] In addition, the specific amount of odor released by the odor release device is also related to the experimental environment. For example, in a well-ventilated environment, more odor is needed to maintain the guiding effect; while in a closed environment, the amount of odor released can be appropriately reduced to avoid excessive stimulation.

[0134] This embodiment can also be equipped with a ground vibrator to guide excretion through ground vibration; the intensity of the vibration needs to be adjusted according to the size and sensitivity of the experimental animal.

[0135] For example, for mice, which are more sensitive to vibration, a low-frequency, low-intensity vibration pattern can be used. This pattern can avoid overstimulating the mice while ensuring that they can be guided to the excretion area. For rabbits, a high-frequency, high-intensity vibration pattern can be used because rabbits are larger and less sensitive to vibration. This pattern can better guide rabbits to the excretion area.

[0136] Similarly, vibration patterns can be dynamically adjusted by observing the animal's behavioral feedback during vibration guidance. For example, if a rabbit does not respond to the current vibration pattern, the frequency and intensity of the vibration can be adjusted.

[0137] Furthermore, the vibration mode can be adjusted according to the specific requirements of the experimental environment. For example, in a noisy environment, a higher vibration intensity may be needed to ensure that the animal can perceive the vibration signal; while in a quiet environment, the vibration intensity can be appropriately reduced.

[0138] The intelligent management method in this embodiment can automatically adjust the guidance parameters according to factors such as the type of experimental animal and the experimental environment to achieve the best guidance effect.

[0139] The above-mentioned guidance mechanism can effectively guide laboratory animals to defecate in designated excretion areas, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of laboratory animal research experiments, and also creating a healthier and more comfortable living environment.

[0140] Example 3

[0141] See Figure 2 This invention discloses an intelligent animal processing system for the intelligent management of untrained laboratory animals. The intelligent management system monitors the activity and excretion areas of the laboratory animals in real time, guides the animals to excrete in the designated areas, and automatically cleans the excretion areas. The system includes:

[0142] The main control device is used to execute the intelligent management method for experimental animals described in any of the embodiments 1 above;

[0143] The first monitoring device is used to monitor experimental animals in real time, acquire video streams of the experimental animals to be monitored in real time, and send them to the main control device.

[0144] An environmental parameter acquisition device is used to collect environmental parameters in the activity and excretion areas of experimental animals in real time and send them to the main control device.

[0145] An excretion guidance device is used to send guidance information to laboratory animals in a designated excretion area according to the excretion guidance control instructions of the main control device.

[0146] The automatic cleaning device is used to automatically clean up the excrement in the excretion area according to the cleaning instructions of the main control device.

[0147] Specifically, the system also includes: a sterile collection device; the sterile collection device is used to collect excrement from the excretion area according to the collection instructions and cleaning instructions of the main control device, and send a cleaning instruction to the automatic cleaning device after collection; both the collection instructions and the cleaning instructions include a cleaning mode.

[0148] The environmental parameter acquisition device includes: temperature and humidity sensors for the activity area, temperature and humidity sensors for the excretion area, pressure sensor for the excretion area, and viscosity sensor.

[0149] In a specific embodiment, both the pressure sensors in the excretion area and the pressure sensors in the activity area include multiple rectangular pressure sensors, which are embedded under the floor of the excretion area or integrated into a specially designed flooring material. This flooring material has a certain degree of flexibility, allowing pressure changes in any corner to be monitored.

[0150] The pressure sensor in the excretion area is used to determine whether the experimental animal is in the excretion state based on pressure changes. When the pressure sensor in the excretion area detects a change in pressure, it means that the experimental animal has been in the excretion area and has begun to excrete. When the pressure sensor in the excretion area detects that the pressure no longer changes, it means that the experimental animal has completed excretion. The pressure sensor in the activity area is used to monitor the weight of the experimental animal in real time.

[0151] In addition, the environmental parameter acquisition device also includes: an infrared sensor installed at the entrance of the activity area and a sound sensor installed in the activity area;

[0152] Among them, the infrared sensor can determine the size of an animal by measuring the infrared light reflected when the animal passes by; the sound sensor can measure the noise level of the current environment.

[0153] Specifically, the first monitoring device includes two or more video acquisition devices.

[0154] For example, suppose the first monitoring device includes a first video acquisition device and a second video acquisition device; the first video acquisition device is installed at the top of the excretion area and / or at the edge of the excretion area floor to acquire first video information; the second video acquisition device is installed at the top edge of the activity area to acquire second video information. The first video information includes behavioral information of the experimental animal in the excretion area and image information of the excrement; the second video information includes behavioral information of the experimental animal in the activity area.

[0155] Specifically, the first video acquisition device includes multiple cameras, employing high-resolution infrared night vision cameras, such as the Sony STARVIS series IMX335, which has excellent low-light performance and high-definition image quality. The cameras used have a resolution of at least 1080p, preferably 4K, to ensure sufficient image clarity for subsequent analysis of excrement details. Wide-angle lenses are used to cover the largest possible area. One camera is installed at the center of the ceiling in the excretion area to obtain a panoramic view, and one camera is installed at each of the four corners of the excretion area or on the walls at a height of approximately 0.1 meters to capture details of the excretion area floor.

[0156] The second video acquisition device also includes multiple cameras, which are also high-resolution cameras with a resolution of at least 1080p to ensure clear capture of the animals' behavior in the activity area. A total of four cameras are installed, one in each of the four corners of the ceiling in the activity area, to ensure there are no blind spots and that the entire activity area is within the monitoring range.

[0157] In this embodiment, the sterile collection containers include: a sterile collection container for solid excrement and a sterile collection container for liquid excrement; the sterile collection device includes:

[0158] Collection components include mobile components, collection brackets, liquid waste collection components, solid waste collection components, and solid-liquid separation components.

[0159] The collection and movement unit is installed at the bottom of the collection bracket to drive the collection bracket to move; the liquid excrement collection component, the solid excrement collection component, and the solid-liquid separation component are all installed on the collection bracket.

[0160] The liquid excrement collection assembly is used to draw liquid excrement into the sterile liquid excrement collection assembly; the solid excrement collection assembly is used to collect solid excrement into the sterile solid excrement collection container; the solid-liquid separation assembly is used to collect solid-liquid mixed excrement, separate it from the liquid, collect the solid excrement into the sterile solid excrement collection container, and collect the separated liquid excrement into the sterile liquid excrement collection container.

[0161] In this embodiment, the collection support is a rectangular chassis, and the collection and moving unit is driven by an electric motor and equipped with wheels and tracks. The wheels or tracks have anti-slip patterns to ensure good grip on wet or slippery surfaces. It is equipped with a built-in GPS or indoor positioning system, such as UWB (Ultra-Wideband) or RFID, to determine the precise location of the collection module in the experimental environment. At the same time, it is also equipped with lidar or cameras for obstacle avoidance and precise location of excrement.

[0162] Aseptic collection containers include aseptic collection containers for liquid waste and aseptic collection containers for solid waste. Aseptic collection containers for liquid waste are sealed cylindrical or square containers with a filter inlet and a splash guard to ensure that liquid waste does not spill during collection. Aseptic collection containers for solid waste are flat or oval containers with an opening and a swivel lid to facilitate the collection and subsequent processing of solid waste.

[0163] In addition, sterile collection containers for liquid and solid waste can also be self-sealing sterile collection bags.

[0164] In the specific implementation process, the solid waste collection assembly includes a robotic arm and a gripper for collecting solid waste. The robotic arm is mounted on the collection bracket, and the actuator of the robotic arm is fixedly connected to the gripper.

[0165] Alternatively, a solid waste collection assembly may include a robotic arm and a scraper for collecting solid waste, with the robotic arm mounted on a collection bracket and the actuator of the robotic arm fixedly connected to the scraper.

[0166] Furthermore, the liquid waste collection assembly includes: a flow control valve, a pipeline, and a suction pump for aspirating liquid waste; wherein, the suction pump is connected to the sterile liquid waste collection container via a pipeline, and both the flow control valve and the suction pump are communicatively connected to the main control device.

[0167] The automatic cleaning device in this embodiment includes:

[0168] Cleaning and moving components, cleaning brackets, solid waste cleaning components, flushing components, and detergent spraying components;

[0169] The cleaning and moving assembly is installed at the bottom of the cleaning bracket to drive the cleaning bracket to move; the solid waste cleaning assembly, the flushing assembly, and the detergent spraying assembly are all installed on the cleaning bracket.

[0170] The solid waste cleaning assembly is used to clean solid waste into a waste container; the flushing assembly is used to flush waste or waste residue into a waste container; and the detergent spraying assembly is used to spray detergent or disinfectant onto the location of waste or waste residue.

[0171] In addition, the automatic cleaning device can also place ultraviolet disinfection lamps on the excretion area for irradiation disinfection and sterilization.

[0172] In this embodiment, the detergent spraying assembly includes a container for storing detergent or disinfectant and a nozzle designed for atomizing or directional spraying, mounted on a cleaning bracket adjacent to the rinsing unit; the waste container is a closed, removable container for easy emptying and cleaning.

[0173] In addition, the flushing components include: low-pressure flushing nozzles, medium-pressure flushing nozzles, high-pressure flushing nozzles, main water pipes, branch water pipes, nozzle selection switches, and temperature control components;

[0174] The temperature control component is located at the outlet of the main water pipe, and the nozzle selection switch is connected to the outlet of the main water pipe. The low-pressure flushing nozzle, medium-pressure flushing nozzle, and high-pressure flushing nozzle are connected to the nozzle selection switch through the water distribution pipe. The low-pressure flushing nozzle, medium-pressure flushing nozzle, high-pressure flushing nozzle, main water pipe, water distribution pipe, nozzle selection switch, and temperature control component are mounted on the cleaning bracket. The nozzle selection switch and temperature control component are connected to the main control device.

[0175] In the specific implementation process, the working pressure of the low-pressure flushing nozzle is between 100 and 200 kPa, the working pressure of the medium-pressure flushing nozzle is between 200 and 500 kPa, and the working pressure of the high-pressure flushing nozzle is between 500 and 1000 kPa.

[0176] Specifically, the cleaning mobile component is a stable rectangular chassis. The solid waste cleaning component includes a robotic arm and a sweeping tool (such as a brush or shovel). The robotic arm can extend, retract, and rotate to adapt to different cleaning scenarios, and the sweeping tool is mounted at the end of the robotic arm for cleaning solid waste.

[0177] Optionally, the intelligent processing system of the present invention further includes: a reward device;

[0178] The reward system includes: a food dispenser, a toy dispenser, and a music player;

[0179] The food dispensing device, toy dispensing device, and music player are located on the first side of the entrance to the excretion area. They are used to provide food and toys to the experimental animals after they have excreted, while playing music.

[0180] Alternatively, the reward device can be set according to the natural habits and preferences of different experimental animals, catering to their natural habits and preferences.

[0181] In its implementation, the food dispensing device includes a closed storage compartment and a dispensing mechanism. The closed storage compartment holds food, the type of which is customized according to the preferences of different laboratory animals. The dispensing mechanism includes one or more slides and dispensers connected to the closed storage compartment for precisely controlling the amount of reward items dispensed. The dispenser includes an electric motor or pneumatic actuator for propelling the items down the slide.

[0182] The enclosed storage compartment of the aforementioned food dispensing device is also equipped with a weight sensor and an optical sensor, which are installed inside the enclosed storage compartment to determine the type and quantity of food in the storage compartment.

[0183] Similarly, toy dispensing devices also include enclosed storage compartments and distribution structures.

[0184] By separating the food and toy dispensing devices and incorporating enclosed storage compartments and dispensing mechanisms that are detachable and easy to clean, hygiene is maintained and cross-infection is prevented. High-strength plastics or metals that are resistant to bites and scratches are used to protect against animal damage.

[0185] The excretion guidance device includes:

[0186] Odor release device and atomizing device for uniform odor;

[0187] The odor releasing device and the atomizing device are installed at the entrance of the excretion area to release a specific odor that the experimental animal is sensitive to, and at the same time diffuse the specific odor into the interior of the excretion area.

[0188] In this embodiment, the excretion guidance device can also be equipped with a ground vibrator, which is installed at the bottom of the activity area to generate vibrations and drive the experimental animals into the excretion area.

[0189] In this embodiment, the odor release device includes: a liquid storage component for storing a special liquid that attracts experimental animals to the excretion area; a water pump for pushing the liquid in the storage component to an atomizing device; and a nozzle connected to the atomizing device for spraying the atomized liquid into the excretion area.

[0190] The liquid storage components are made of food-grade stainless steel or polycarbonate to ensure the safety of the liquid and the durability of the container. A tight-fitting cap prevents liquid leakage and the entry of external impurities, while maintaining the freshness of the liquid. A transparent window is provided on the side of the container for easy observation of the liquid level and timely replenishment of the liquid. For liquids that require a specific temperature, the container is equipped with heating or cooling elements to ensure that the liquid is in the optimal state. The appropriate capacity, such as a few liters to tens of liters, is selected according to the number of experimental animals and the experimental period.

[0191] This embodiment presents an intelligent processing system for laboratory animals. This system enables the monitoring and management of animals' autonomous excretion, reducing the use of human resources and optimizing fecal collection efficiency. Furthermore, the intelligent processing system can train laboratory animals to excrete autonomously, thereby helping to reduce bias in experimental data and improve the accuracy of experimental results. Technological advancements also reduce environmental pollution risks through automated processing, ensuring the safe handling of feces and bodily fluids. In summary, the intelligent processing system of this invention brings comprehensive innovation and improvement to solutions related to resource utilization, environmental pollution, and hygiene safety.

[0192] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0193] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0194] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that they are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," or "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," or "beneath" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0195] In the description of this specification, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0196] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make modifications, alterations, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An intelligent management method for laboratory animals, characterized in that, The method for managing laboratory animals in an undomesticated stage includes: S10. The main control device acquires video streams of the experimental animals to be monitored in real time, and acquires environmental parameters of the experimental animal's activity area and excretion area in real time; the environmental parameters include one or more of the following: space temperature parameters, space humidity parameters, viscosity / dryness of excrement in the excretion area, and volume / weight of excrement. S20. The main control device determines whether the experimental animal is in a state of needing to be excreted based on the posture information and / or behavior pattern of the experimental animal in the video stream. S20 includes: Keyframes are extracted from the video stream, and the keyframes are binarized to obtain a binarized image. The binarized image is compared with the pre-collected pose information. When the similarity is greater than a first specified threshold, it is determined that the experimental animal is in a state of waiting to excrete. Alternatively, a self-reinforcing learning model can be used to learn the behavioral patterns of various pre-collected pre-excretion states of experimental animals, and the learned self-reinforcing learning model can be used to identify the current state of the experimental animal and determine whether the current experimental animal is in a pre-excretion state; the self-reinforcing learning model is a model that is adjusted and optimized while learning; Alternatively, based on the animal's posture information, behavioral patterns, and pre-acquired time prediction model in the video stream, it can be determined whether the animal is currently in a state of needing to excrete. S30. If it is determined that the animal is in a state of waiting to be excreted, the main control device sends an excretion guidance control command to the excretion guidance device, so that the excretion guidance device sends guidance information to the designated excretion area according to the excretion guidance control command. The guidance information is used to guide the experimental animal to move to the designated excretion area. If it is determined that the animal is in a state of needing to be excreted, an excretion guidance control command is sent to the excretion guidance device, and an alarm message is sent to the manager; the excretion guidance control command includes: olfactory guidance information of a specific odor that the experimental animal is currently sensitive to; or, initiating ground vibration or setting up a ground heating device to drive away the experimental animal; S40. If the experimental animal completes its excretion in the designated excretion area, the main control device will obtain the cleaning mode based on the environmental parameters of the excretion area when there is no excrement and the environmental parameters of the excretion area when there is excrement, as well as the state of the excrement, and send the obtained cleaning mode to the automatic cleaning device so that the automatic cleaning device can clean automatically according to the cleaning mode. The cleanup modes include: Based on feedback from the pressure sensor in the excretion area, it is determined that the experimental animal completes its excretion in the designated excretion area; When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20℃, the air humidity parameter is greater than the first humidity value, the viscosity of the excrement in the excretion area is less than the first viscosity, and the weight of the excrement is greater than the first weight, select the deep cleaning mode. When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20℃, the air humidity parameter is less than the first humidity value, the viscosity is greater than the first viscosity value, and the weight of the excrement is greater than the first weight value, select the medium cleaning mode. When the air temperature parameter is greater than 20℃, the air humidity parameter is greater than the first humidity value, the viscosity is greater than the first viscosity value, and the weight of the excrement is less than the first weight, select the light cleaning mode; The deep cleaning mode, medium cleaning mode, and light cleaning mode have different cleaning frequencies and different air volumes; The main control device sends the cleaning mode to the sterile collection device, which then collects the excrement according to the cleaning mode. After collection, the device sends the completion information to the automatic cleaning device, which then cleans the excrement automatically according to the cleaning mode. This ensures the freshness of the excrement, avoids direct contact with the excrement, protects the hygiene of the animal's living environment, and effectively reduces the risk of disease infection.

2. The intelligent management method for laboratory animals according to claim 1, characterized in that, After S30 and before S40, the method further includes: S30a. If the experimental animal completes its excretion in the designated excretion area, a reward instruction is sent to the reward device, which then sends reward information to the experimental animal according to the reward instruction. The reward information is used to reinforce the experimental animal's behavior of excreting in the designated excretion area. The reward information includes: providing reward food to the experimental animals, playing cheerful music to the experimental animals, or providing toys to the experimental animals; And / or, Before step S20, the method further includes: The posture information of experimental animals in various pre-excretion states and the behavioral patterns of experimental animals in various pre-excretion states are collected in advance; based on the posture information, behavioral patterns and historical excretion data of experimental animals, a time prediction model for estimating excretion intervals is obtained. The behavioral patterns include one or more of the following: activity frequency, movement trajectory, dwell time, and body posture.

3. An intelligent processing system for laboratory animals, characterized in that, For intelligent management of laboratory animals in the undomesticated stage, the intelligent processing system monitors the activity and excretion areas of the laboratory animals in real time, guides the laboratory animals to excrete in the excretion area, and automatically cleans the excretion area. The intelligent processing system includes: The main control device is used to execute the intelligent management method for laboratory animals as described in any one of claims 1 to 2. The first monitoring device is used to monitor experimental animals in real time, acquire video streams of the experimental animals to be monitored in real time, and send them to the main control device. An environmental parameter acquisition device is used to collect environmental parameters in the activity and excretion areas of experimental animals in real time and send them to the main control device. An excretion guidance device is used to send guidance information to laboratory animals in a designated excretion area according to the excretion guidance control instructions of the main control device. The automatic cleaning device is used to automatically clean up the excrement in the excretion area according to the cleaning instructions of the main control device.

4. The intelligent processing system for laboratory animals according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: A sterile collection device; the sterile collection device is used to collect excrement from the excretion area according to the collection command and cleaning command of the main control device, and to send a cleaning command to the automatic cleaning device after collection; both the collection command and the cleaning command include a cleaning mode; And / or, The environmental parameter acquisition device includes: a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for the activity area, a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor for the excretion area, a pressure sensor for the excretion area, and a viscosity sensor. The first monitoring device includes two or more video acquisition devices.

5. The intelligent processing system for laboratory animals according to claim 4, characterized in that, The sterile collection containers include: a sterile collection container for solid waste and a sterile collection container for liquid waste; the sterile collection device includes: Collection components include mobile components, collection brackets, liquid waste collection components, solid waste collection components, and solid-liquid separation components. The collection and movement unit is installed at the bottom of the collection bracket to drive the collection bracket to move; the liquid excrement collection component, the solid excrement collection component, and the solid-liquid separation component are all installed on the collection bracket. The liquid excrement collection assembly is used to draw liquid excrement into the sterile liquid excrement collection assembly; the solid excrement collection assembly is used to collect solid excrement into the sterile solid excrement collection container; the solid-liquid separation assembly is used to collect solid-liquid mixed excrement, separate it from the liquid, collect the solid excrement into the sterile solid excrement collection container, and collect the separated liquid excrement into the sterile liquid excrement collection container.

6. The intelligent processing system for laboratory animals according to claim 3, characterized in that, The automatic cleaning device includes: Cleaning and moving components, cleaning brackets, solid waste cleaning components, flushing components, and detergent spraying components; The cleaning and moving assembly is installed at the bottom of the cleaning bracket to drive the cleaning bracket to move; the solid waste cleaning assembly, the flushing assembly, and the detergent spraying assembly are all installed on the cleaning bracket. The solid waste cleaning assembly is used to clean solid waste into a waste container; the flushing assembly is used to flush waste or waste residue into a waste container; and the detergent spraying assembly is used to spray detergent or disinfectant onto the location of waste or waste residue.

7. The intelligent processing system for laboratory animals according to claim 3, characterized in that, The system also includes: a reward device; The reward device includes: a food dispensing device, a toy dispensing device, and a music player; The food dispensing device, toy dispensing device, and music player are located on the first side of the entrance to the excretion area, and are used to dispense food and toys to the experimental animals after they have excreted, while playing music. And / or, The excretion guidance device includes: Odor release device and atomizing device for uniform odor; The odor release device and atomizing device are installed at the entrance of the excretion area to release a specific odor that the experimental animal is sensitive to, and to diffuse the specific odor into the excretion area.

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