Automatic device and system for weighing goats and measuring body size

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of goat weighing and body size measurement, and discloses an automatic device and system for goat weighing and body size measurement, and the device comprises a protection housing which is provided with an entrance channel door and an exit channel door, so as to divide the interior of the protection housing into an entrance buffer region, a measurement region and an exit buffer region; a first ear tag recognizer is arranged in the inlet buffer area, a sensor module is arranged in the measurement area, and the sensor module comprises a pressure sensor and a plurality of TOF depth cameras; the pressure sensor is connected with a carrying platform for carrying a goat, and the pressure sensor obtains weight data according to the pressure applied by the goat; the TOF depth camera is used for acquiring multi-angle photos of different postures of the goat, establishing a three-dimensional model and analyzing body size data obtained by the photos; and a second ear tag recognizer is arranged in the outlet buffer area. The invention solves the problems that the existing weighing and body size measuring method causes stress reaction and body injury risk to goats, and wastes time and labor cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of goat weighing and body measurement, and specifically to an automated device and system for goat weighing and body measurement. Background Art

[0002] Sampling and weighing goats during the brooding and growing periods can detect the weight of goats and the uniformity of the weights of a group of goats, and always understand the growth and development of the entire goat population. In addition, according to the weight level of goats, the growth rate of goat weight can be effectively controlled by adjusting the feeding amount, so that goats can maintain good growth conditions throughout the brooding and growing periods. According to the weight gain of goats, the slaughter date, the average weight of goats, and the uniformity distribution of weights can be estimated. Therefore, goat weighing and body measurement are of great significance.

[0003] The traditional method for weighing poultry is to drive the goats to be weighed to the corner or the capture pen, induce the goats to enter the capture pen to capture the sample goats, and then use an electronic scale to weigh the captured poultry and a measuring ruler to measure the body size of the captured goats. This method of weighing and body measurement not only causes stress reactions and risks of physical injury to goats, but also wastes time and labor costs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide an automated device and system for goat weighing and body measurement, which solves the problems that the existing weighing and body measurement methods can cause stress reactions and risks of physical injury to goats, and waste time and labor costs.

[0005] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0006] An automated device for goat weighing and body measurement, including a protective housing, an entrance passage door and an exit passage door are arranged in the protective housing to divide the interior of the protective housing into an entrance buffer area, a measurement area and an exit buffer area; a first ear tag identifier is arranged in the entrance buffer area, a sensor module is arranged in the measurement area, and the sensor module includes a pressure sensor and a plurality of TOF depth cameras; the pressure sensor is arranged at the bottom of the protective housing, and the pressure sensor is connected to a load platform for carrying goats. When a goat stands on the load platform, the pressure sensor obtains weight data according to the pressure exerted by the goat; the TOF depth cameras are used to obtain multi-angle photos of different postures of the goats, establish a three-dimensional model and analyze the body size data obtained from the photos; a second ear tag identifier is arranged in the exit buffer area.

[0007] Further, it further includes a control module. A first sensor is disposed on one side of the entrance buffer near the entrance channel door, and the first sensor is connected to the control module. The control module is configured to control the opening or closing of the entrance channel door.

[0008] Further, a second sensor is disposed on one side of the measurement area near the exit channel door, and the second sensor is connected to the control module. The control module is configured to control the opening or closing of the exit channel door.

[0009] Further, a buffer material is connected to the inner wall of the protective housing.

[0010] Further, a ventilation opening is provided at the top of the protective housing, and a protective net is provided at the ventilation opening; a drain hole is provided at the bottom of the protective housing.

[0011] Further, it further includes a data processing unit, and the data processing unit employs a microprocessor or an embedded system; the data processing unit is configured to receive the weight data and body dimension data transmitted by the sensor module, and perform processing and analysis.

[0012] Further, receiving the weight data and body dimension data transmitted by the sensor module and performing processing and analysis includes calibrating and filtering the original data, correcting the weight data according to the standing posture and distribution of the goats through an algorithm, and accurately calculating the body dimensions by analyzing the image to identify the goat contour and key measurement points for the body dimension data.

[0013] An automated system for weighing and measuring the body dimensions of goats includes the automated device, a display and interaction module, a communication module, and a service platform as described above; wherein, the automated device is connected to the display and interaction module; the automated device is connected to the service platform through the communication module.

[0014] Further, the communication module includes Bluetooth or Wi-Fi; the service platform includes a computer or a mobile phone.

[0015] The principle and beneficial effects of the technical solution are:

[0016] 1. An automated device and system for weighing and body measurement of goats provided by the present invention. The protective housing is made of a strong, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant material, such as stainless steel or high-strength plastic, and is grounded as a whole. The protective housing surrounds and protects the internal components of the device. The entrance channel door and the exit channel door are one-way doors that can be opened and closed, facilitating the entry and exit of goats into the measurement area. During the measurement process, the entrance channel door and the exit channel door are closed to prevent goats from accidentally leaving during the measurement. The sensor module is located in the measurement area inside the protective housing and includes a high-precision pressure sensor for body weight measurement. When a goat stands on the loading platform, the pressure sensor obtains the body weight data based on the pressure exerted by the goat. The sensor module also includes a TOF depth camera for body measurement. By acquiring multi-angle photos of the goat in different postures, a three-dimensional model is established and the body measurement data is analyzed. Some devices can use non-contact measurement technologies such as vision sensors or laser sensors for body measurement, emitting signals to the goat and receiving reflected or imaging information to establish a three-dimensional model of the goat and measure the body, avoiding the risk of stress reaction and physical injury to the goat. An individual identification module, namely a first ear tag identifier and a second ear tag identifier, is provided in both the entrance buffer area and the exit buffer area. Both the first ear tag identifier and the second ear tag identifier use Rfid radio frequency readers and writers, facilitating the recording and comparison of the changes in the body weight and body measurement data of the same goat.

[0017] When a goat enters the entrance buffer area, the Rfid radio frequency reader and writer is used to read the ear tag of the goat. After reading, the entrance channel door opens. When the goat completely enters the measurement area, the entrance channel door is closed, and at this time, the exit channel door is in the closed state. The body weight data and body measurement data are measured through the pressure sensor and the TOF depth camera. After the measurement is completed, the closed exit channel door is opened (the entrance channel door and the exit channel door are in opposite states and are both one-way open). The goat leaves the measurement area and enters the exit buffer area, and the exit channel door is closed. The Rfid radio frequency reader and writer is provided in the exit buffer area to write data to the ear tag of the goat and compare it with the data read in the entrance buffer area. If it matches, it passes and enters the next area to end the measurement. If the result does not match, it is measured again through the return channel. In this way, the body measurement and body weight data of goats can be measured accurately, quickly, and non-contact (in some cases), improving the measurement efficiency and accuracy, reducing the stress reaction of goats, and having data analysis and management functions. Through the automatic measurement technology and intelligent weighing system, the effect of real-time monitoring of goat physical signs information and individual identification can be achieved. Combining the Internet of Things and big data, processing and integrating data samples is conducive to the disease prevention and control of goats and the optimization of feed management, making it more convenient to formulate a scientific breeding plan, and greatly saving labor and time costs.

[0018] 2. The automatic device and system for weighing and body measurement of goats provided by the present invention can automatically open or close the first channel door and the second channel door by setting the first sensor, the second sensor and the control module, with a high degree of automation, further saving labor and time costs. The inner part of the protective shell is provided with buffer materials such as rubber or foam to buffer the possible collision when the goats enter, avoiding injury to the goats and damage to the device. The bottom of the protective shell is provided with drain holes, and the top is provided with ventilation openings. A protective net is provided at the ventilation openings to ensure the dryness and air circulation of the measurement area, and at the same time prevent foreign objects from entering the interior of the device.

[0019] 3. The automatic device and system for weighing and body measurement of goats provided by the present invention. The data processing unit has the ability to calibrate and filter the original data. The weight data is corrected according to the standing posture and distribution of the goats through an algorithm, and the body measurement data is accurately calculated by analyzing the image or sensor signal to identify the goat contour and key measurement points, further improving the measurement efficiency and accuracy. The display and interaction module is used to display the measurement results. The operating personnel can directly see the data such as the weight and body measurement of the goats, and can also set measurement parameters, select measurement modes and other functions, and has an error alarm. The communication module can communicate with other devices (such as computers, mobile phones, servers, etc.) through Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, etc., transmit the measurement data to the background management system or data analysis software for storage and analysis, and has data analysis and management functions, further increasing the automation degree of the device and saving labor and time costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 is the top view of an automatic device for weighing and body measurement of goats according to the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 is the side view of an automatic device for weighing and body measurement of goats according to the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is the flow of an automatic system for weighing and body measurement of goats according to the present invention Figure 1 ;

[0023] Figure 4 is the flow of an automatic system for weighing and body measurement of goats according to the present invention Figure 2 .

[0024] The names of the corresponding marks in the drawings are:

[0025] 1. Entrance buffer; 2. Measurement area; 3. Exit buffer; 4. Entrance channel door; 5. Exit channel door; 6. Protective housing; 7. Buffer material; 8. First ear tag identifier; 9. First sensor; 10. TOF depth camera; 12. Second sensor; 13. Second ear tag identifier. Detailed implementation

[0026] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the drawings and embodiments:

[0027] As Figures 1 to 2 shown, an automated device for weighing and body measurement of goats includes a protective housing 6. The shape of the protective housing 6 can be set as a square tube. The protective housing 6 is made of a strong, corrosion-resistant, and wear-resistant material, such as stainless steel or high-strength plastic, and is grounded as a whole, which surrounds and protects the internal components of the device; the inner wall of the protective housing 6 is connected with a buffer material 7, such as rubber or foam, which is used to buffer the possible collisions when goats enter, to avoid goat injuries and damage to the device; the bottom of the protective housing 6 is provided with drain holes, and the top is provided with ventilation openings. A protective net is provided at the ventilation openings to ensure the dryness and air circulation in the measurement area 2, and at the same time prevent foreign objects from entering the device.

[0028] A one-way door that can be opened and closed is provided inside the protective housing 6, namely the entrance channel door 4 and the exit channel door 5, so as to divide the inside of the protective housing 6 into an entrance buffer 1, a measurement area 2, and an exit buffer 3 from left to right in sequence; among them, the one-way door is rotatably connected to the protective housing 6 through a hinge to ensure smooth opening and closing; safety locking devices are provided on the entrance channel door 4 and the exit channel door 5, and an electromagnetic lock or a mechanical lock can be selected. A first ear tag identifier 8 is provided in the entrance buffer 1, and a second ear tag identifier 13 is provided in the exit buffer 3. Both the first ear tag identifier 8 and the second ear tag identifier 13 adopt Rfid radio frequency readers and writers for individual identification of goats. The automated device also includes a control module. A first sensor 9 is provided on one side of the entrance buffer 1 close to the entrance channel door 4. The first sensor 9 is connected to the control module, and the control module is used to control the opening or closing of the entrance channel door 4. A second sensor 12 is provided on one side of the measurement area 2 close to the exit channel door 5. The second sensor 12 is connected to the control module, and the control module is used to control the opening or closing of the exit channel door 5.

[0029] A sensor module is provided in the measurement area 2 for data acquisition. Specifically, the sensor module includes a pressure sensor and several TOF (Time of Flight) depth cameras 10. The pressure sensor is disposed at the bottom of the protective housing 6, and the pressure sensor is connected to a load platform for carrying goats. When a goat stands on the load platform, the pressure sensor obtains the weight data based on the pressure exerted by the goat; the TOF depth camera 10 is used to acquire multi-angle photos of different postures of the goat, establish a three-dimensional model and analyze the body measurement data obtained from the photos; the TOF depth camera 10 is installed at a suitable position according to the measurement requirements, and the angle and parameters are adjusted to ensure that clear images or signals of the animal can be obtained. The pressure sensor and the TOF depth camera 10 are calibrated and tested to ensure the accuracy of the measurement data.

[0030] The automated device further includes a data processing unit. The data processing unit uses a microprocessor or an embedded system, installs the corresponding operating system and data processing software, writes algorithm programs such as data calibration, filtering, body measurement and weight calculation, and performs optimization and debugging to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of data processing; the data processing unit is used to receive the weight data and body measurement data transmitted by the sensor module, and perform processing and analysis. Specifically, the data processing unit performs calibration and filtering operations on the raw data, corrects the weight data according to the standing posture and distribution of the goat through algorithms, and accurately calculates the body measurements by parsing the image to identify the goat's contour and key measurement points for the body measurement data.

[0031] An automated system for weighing and body measurement of goats includes the automated device, a display and interaction module, a communication module and a service platform as described above; wherein, the automated device is connected to the display and interaction module; the automated device is connected to the service platform through the communication module. The display and interaction module is installed at a position where the operator can easily observe the upper computer, designs an interaction interface according to the operation requirements, realizes functions such as measurement parameter setting and measurement mode selection, connects a voice prompt device and an indicator light, and sets corresponding prompt information and indication states. According to the actual communication requirements, select a Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Ethernet module, perform corresponding configurations, and connect to the data processing unit to ensure that the measurement data can be stably and quickly transmitted to other devices or systems. Among them, the communication module includes Bluetooth or Wi-Fi; the service platform includes a computer or a mobile phone.

[0032] After the installation of the device is completed, an overall system test is carried out. Use standard objects or animals with known body dimensions and weights for measurement, compare the measurement results with the actual values, calibrate and optimize the device to ensure that the performance of the device meets the design requirements. In actual application scenarios, such as farms, scientific research laboratories, zoos, etc., further verify the stability and reliability of the device, and make continuous improvements according to user feedback. Through the above specific implementation methods, the manufacturing and application of the intelligent animal body dimension and weight measurement device of the present invention can be realized, providing an accurate and efficient measurement solution for the animal-related fields.

[0033] Specifically, as Figure 3 shown, guide the goat into the buffer area of the device. The individual identification module (the first ear tag identifier 8) identifies the goat individual, and the data acquisition module (the sensor module) acquires the weight data and body dimension data. After the data acquisition is completed, guide the goat out of the measurement area 2 of the device; the data processing unit corrects the data, and then judges whether the data meets the expected results. If there are some values with large deviations from the actual values in the graphic calculation, re-acquire the data. If the data meets the expectations and is basically correct, the data processing unit stores the data, and transmits the data to the service platform through the communication module for storage and analysis, and for query. At the same time, through data feedback and manual calibration for analysis, further improve the accuracy of device identification.

[0034] The data processing unit transmits the data to the service platform for storage and analysis through the communication module, and can be queried through the background software application, as Figure 4 shown. The specific implementation process is as follows:

[0035] The goat enters the buffer area of the device. The Rfid radio frequency reader / writer reads the ear tag of the goat. After individual identification, the first sensor 9 transmits the signal to the control module. The control module opens the entrance channel door 4. After the goat completely enters the measurement area 2, the first sensor 9 transmits the signal to the control module, and the control module closes the entrance channel door 4. When the goat stands on the loading platform, the pressure sensor obtains the weight data according to the pressure exerted by the goat. The TOF depth camera 10 acquires multi-angle photos of the goat in different postures, establishes a three-dimensional model and analyzes the body measurement data obtained from the photos, and then transmits the weight data and body measurement data to the data processing unit. The data processing unit calibrates and filters the original data, corrects the weight data according to the standing posture and distribution of the goat through an algorithm, accurately calculates the body measurements by analyzing the image to identify the goat's contour and key measurement points for the body measurement data, and stores the weight data and body measurement data. After the measurement is completed, the control module opens the exit channel door 5 according to the signal transmitted by the second sensor 12. The goat enters the exit buffer area 3. The Rfid radio frequency reader / writer reads the ear tag of the goat again. After the results match, the data processing unit integrates the multiple body measurement and weight data and makes a chart, and sends the body measurement data and weight data to a mobile phone or computer through the communication module for query.

[0036] In summary, the device and system of the present invention can accurately, quickly, and non-contact (in some cases) measure the body measurement and weight data of goats, improve the measurement efficiency and accuracy, reduce the stress response of goats, and have data analysis and management functions. Through the automatic measurement technology and intelligent weighing system, the effect of real-time monitoring of the physical signs information and individual identification of goats can be achieved. Combining the Internet of Things and big data, processing and integrating data samples is beneficial to the disease prevention and control of goats and the optimization of feed management, making it more convenient to formulate a scientific breeding plan, and can greatly save labor and time costs.

[0037] The above are only embodiments of the present invention. Specific technical solutions or common knowledge such as characteristics known in the solution are not described in detail here. It should be pointed out that for those skilled in the art, without departing from the technical solution of the present invention, several deformations and improvements can still be made, and these should also be regarded as the protection scope of the present invention, and these will not affect the implementation effect of the present invention and the practicability of the patent. The protection scope required by this application should be subject to the content of its claims, and the specific implementation manners and the like recorded in the specification can be used to interpret the content of the claims.

Claims

1. An automated device for weighing and measuring goats, characterized in that: The invention comprises a protective shell (6), wherein an entrance passage door (4) and an exit passage door (5) are arranged in the protective shell (6) so as to divide the interior of the protective shell (6) into an entrance buffer area (1), a measurement area (2) and an exit buffer area (3); a first ear tag identifier (8) is arranged in the entrance buffer area (1), and a sensor module is arranged in the measurement area (2), wherein the sensor module comprises a pressure sensor and a plurality of TOF depth cameras (10); the pressure sensor is arranged at the bottom of the protective shell (6), and the pressure sensor is connected to a loading platform for carrying a goat, and when the goat stands on the loading platform, the pressure sensor obtains weight data according to the pressure applied by the goat; the TOF depth camera (10) is used to obtain multi-angle photos of the goat in different postures, establish a three-dimensional model and analyze the body size data obtained from the photos; and a second ear tag identifier (13) is arranged in the exit buffer area (3).

2. The automated device for weighing and measuring goats according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also comprises a control module. A first sensor (9) is arranged on one side of the entrance buffer (1) close to the entrance channel door (4). The first sensor (9) is connected to the control module. The control module is used to control the entrance channel door (4) to be opened or closed.

3. The automated device for weighing and measuring goats according to claim 2, characterized in that: A second sensor (12) is provided on one side of the measuring area (2) close to the outlet channel door (5), and the second sensor (12) is connected to the control module, and the control module is used to control the opening or closing of the outlet channel door (5).

4. The automated device for weighing and measuring goats according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inner wall of the protective shell (6) is connected with a buffer material (7).

5. The automated device for weighing and measuring goats according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the protective shell (6) is provided with a vent, and a protective net is provided at the vent; the bottom of the protective shell (6) is provided with a drainage hole.

6. The automated device for weighing and measuring goats according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a data processing unit, which uses a microprocessor or an embedded system; the data processing unit is used to receive the weight data and body size data transmitted by the sensor module, and process and analyze them.

7. The automated device for weighing and measuring goats according to claim 6, characterized in that: The weight data and body size data transmitted by the sensor module are received, and processed and analyzed, including calibration and filtering operations on the original data, correcting the weight data according to the standing posture and distribution of the goat through an algorithm, and accurately calculating the body size by analyzing the image to identify the goat's outline and key measurement points.

8. An automated system for weighing and measuring goats, characterized in that: It comprises the automation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, as well as a display interaction module, a communication module and a service platform; wherein the automation device is connected to the display interaction module; and the automation device is connected to the service platform via the communication module.

9. An automated system for weighing and measuring goats according to claim 8, characterized in that: The communication module includes Bluetooth or Wi-Fi; the service platform includes a computer or a mobile phone.

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