Intelligent ear tag for live pigs

Abstract

The intelligent ear tag comprises an ear tag body and an ear stud, the ear stud comprises a supporting part and an ear stud needle, and the ear stud needle penetrates through the ear of the live pig to fix the ear tag body to the ear of the live pig; the ear tag body comprises a mounting module for fixing a main body structure of the ear tag body; the connection positioning module is used for determining the mounting position of the ear tag body; the intelligent recognition module is used for identity recognition and information management of live pigs; the body temperature measuring module is used for monitoring live pig body temperature in real time; the flexible circuit module is used for providing electronic connection and data processing capability for the ear tag; the identity recognition module is used for providing identity labels for live pigs; the data transmission module is used for transmitting data collected by the ear tag to the data processing center in real time; the flexible silica gel probe is used for monitoring the body temperature and heart rate of the live pig; the three-axis acceleration sensing module is used for monitoring the activity amount of the live pigs. According to the intelligent ear tag designed by the invention, the efficiency and scientificity of breeding management are improved, and the accuracy and timeliness of live pig health monitoring are enhanced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of pig breeding, and particularly relates to an intelligent ear tag for pigs. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous development of modern breeding industry and the progress of technology, higher requirements are put forward for the health monitoring and management of pigs. Intelligent breeding has become an important development direction in the industry. The continuous emergence of technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence provides new ideas and methods for the transformation and upgrading of the breeding industry.

[0003] In the large-scale and intensive breeding mode, due to the single function of traditional ear tags, which can only provide basic identity identification, they can no longer meet the requirements of modern intelligent breeding for refined management. The growth of this demand has prompted the industry to seek innovative solutions to improve breeding efficiency, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and enhance food safety supervision.

[0004] Specifically, traditional ear tags have obvious deficiencies in aspects such as disease monitoring, behavior analysis, and environmental adaptability. For example, traditional ear tags cannot real-time monitor key physiological parameters such as the body temperature and activity level of pigs, making it difficult to detect early symptoms of problem pigs in a timely manner. In addition, traditional ear tags cannot conduct data interaction with intelligent management systems and cannot provide a scientific basis for breeding decisions.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to develop an intelligent ear tag integrated with multiple sensors and communication modules to achieve real-time monitoring and management of pigs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To solve the above technical problems, the present invention proposes an intelligent ear tag for pigs, which integrates functions such as body temperature monitoring, identity recognition, and behavior analysis, and realizes real-time data transmission through wireless communication technology to solve the problems existing in the above prior art.

[0007] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides an intelligent ear tag for pigs, including an ear tag body and an ear stud. The ear stud includes a support component and an ear stud needle, and the ear stud needle passes through the pig's ear to fix the ear tag body on the pig's ear;

[0008] The ear tag body includes an installation module, a connection and positioning module, an intelligent recognition module, a body temperature measurement module, a flexible circuit module, an identity recognition module, a data transmission module, a flexible silica gel probe, and a three-axis acceleration sensing module;

[0009] The installation module is used to fix the main structure of the ear tag body;

[0010] The connection and positioning module is used to determine the installation position of the ear tag body;

[0011] The intelligent identification module is used for the identification and information management of live pigs;

[0012] The body temperature measurement module is used for real-time monitoring of the body temperature of live pigs;

[0013] The flexible circuit module is used to provide electronic connection and data processing capabilities for the ear tag;

[0014] The identification module is used to provide an identity identifier for live pigs;

[0015] The data transmission module is used to transmit the data collected by the ear tag to the data processing center in real time;

[0016] The flexible silicone probe is used to monitor the body temperature and heart rate of live pigs;

[0017] The three-axis acceleration sensing module is used to monitor the activity level of live pigs.

[0018] Optionally, the installation module includes a hollow cylinder, an upper cylinder cover, and a lower cylinder cover;

[0019] The hollow cylinder is the main structure of the installation module, which is used to accommodate and fix the flexible circuit module and other sensor components; the upper cylinder cover is located at the top of the hollow cylinder and is used to enclose and protect the internal components; the lower cylinder cover is located at the bottom of the hollow cylinder and is used to support and protect the hollow cylinder and the internal components.

[0020] Optionally, the connection and positioning module includes a positioning block, a guide post, and a disassembly and assembly structure;

[0021] The positioning block is connected to the ear tag body and is used to ensure that the ear tag body is installed in the correct position;

[0022] The guide post is used to pass through the pig ear and guide the installation of the ear tag body;

[0023] The disassembly and assembly structure is used to assist in the installation and disassembly of the ear tag body.

[0024] Optionally, the body temperature measurement module includes a temperature sensor, a signal amplification circuit, an analog-to-digital converter, and a wireless transmission unit;

[0025] The temperature sensor is used to directly measure the body temperature of live pigs;

[0026] The signal amplification circuit is used to enhance the signal of the temperature sensor;

[0027] The analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the analog signal obtained by the temperature sensor into a digital signal;

[0028] The wireless transmission unit is used to send the converted digital signal to the monitoring center.

[0029] Optionally, the flexible circuit module uses a flexible printed circuit board as the core carrier, and organically combines electronic components, connectors, and a protective layer together;

[0030] Among them, the flexible printed circuit board uses a flexible substrate material.

[0031] Optionally, the data transmission module includes a wireless communication chip, an antenna, a power management unit, and a data buffer;

[0032] The wireless communication chip is used to encode and modulate the transmitted data;

[0033] The antenna is used to send and receive wireless signals;

[0034] The power management unit is used to provide stable power for the entire module;

[0035] The data buffer is used to ensure the continuity of data storage and transmission.

[0036] Optionally, the flexible silicone probe includes a flexible silicone outer sleeve, a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor, a signal transmission line, and a connector;

[0037] The flexible silicone outer sleeve is used to provide protection for the temperature sensor and the heart rate sensor;

[0038] The signal transmission line is used to transmit the data collected by the temperature sensor and the heart rate sensor to the connector;

[0039] The connector is used to transmit the data to an external device.

[0040] Optionally, the three-axis acceleration sensing module includes a three-axis acceleration sensor, a signal processing circuit, and a data interface;

[0041] The three-axis acceleration sensor is used to detect the movement changes of the live pig in three spatial dimensions;

[0042] The signal processing circuit is used to perform processing such as amplification, filtering, and analog-to-digital conversion on the original acceleration data collected by the three-axis acceleration sensor;

[0043] The data interface is used to transmit the processed data to the microcontroller inside the ear tag.

[0044] Optionally, the supporting component of the stud earring is used to form a support frame based on a support frame and a locking mechanism, and connect the stud earring and the ear tag body.

[0045] Optionally, the stud earring needle includes a needle body, a needle tip, and a needle tail.

[0046] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages and technical effects:

[0047] Through the integration of multiple sensor technologies, wireless communication technologies, and flexible circuit technologies, combined with optimized mechanical structure design, the present invention realizes real-time health monitoring, precise identification, and real-time data transmission of live pigs. The combined effect of these technical means improves the efficiency and scientific nature of breeding management, enhances the accuracy and timeliness of live pig health monitoring, and ensures the stability and reliability of the ear tag in complex environments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] The drawings forming a part of this application are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The schematic embodiments and descriptions thereof of this application are used to explain this application and do not constitute an improper limitation to this application. In the drawings:

[0049] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the ear tag structure according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 2 is a partial structure schematic diagram of the ear tag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the installation position of the ear tag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0052] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the process for real-time monitoring based on the intelligent ear tag according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0053] Among them, 1. upper cylinder cover; 2. hollow cylinder; 3. flexible circuit module; 4. flexible silicone probe; 5. lower cylinder cover; 6. support component; 7. locking mechanism; 8. stud pin; 9. connection positioning module; 10. flexible silicone outer sleeve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0054] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in this application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other. The following will refer to the drawings and combine the embodiments to detail this application.

[0055] It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart of the drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions, and although the logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described can be executed in a different order than here.

[0056] Embodiment 1

[0057] As Figures 1-3As shown in the figure, in this embodiment, a smart ear tag for live pigs is provided. This smart ear tag can real-time monitor key physiological and behavioral parameters of live pigs, such as body temperature, activity level, location, etc., and transmit this data to the central processing system through wireless communication technology to achieve real-time monitoring and management of the health of live pigs. This not only helps farmers timely understand the health status of live pigs, but also provides a scientific basis for disease prevention, behavior analysis, and optimization of breeding strategies, promoting the transformation and upgrading of the breeding industry towards intelligence and dataization.

[0058] Specifically, the smart ear tag includes an ear tag body and an ear stud. The ear stud includes a support component and an ear stud needle. The ear stud needle passes through the pig's ear to fix the ear tag body on the pig's ear.

[0059] The ear tag body includes an installation module, a connection and positioning module, a smart identification module, a body temperature measurement module, a flexible circuit module 3, an identity identification module, a data transmission module, a flexible silicone probe 4, and a three-axis acceleration sensing module.

[0060] The installation module is used to fix the main structure of the ear tag body; the connection and positioning module is used to determine the installation position of the ear tag body; the smart identification module is used for the identity identification and information management of live pigs; the body temperature measurement module is used to real-time monitor the body temperature of live pigs; the flexible circuit module 3 is used to provide electronic connection and data processing capabilities for the ear tag; the identity identification module is used to provide an identity identifier for live pigs; the data transmission module is used to real-time transmit the data collected by the ear tag to the data processing center; the flexible silicone probe 4 is used to monitor the body temperature and heart rate of live pigs; the three-axis acceleration sensing module is used to monitor the activity level of live pigs.

[0061] Implementably, as Figure 1 shown, the installation module includes a hollow cylinder 2, a cylinder upper cover 1, and a cylinder lower cover 5. The hollow cylinder 2 is the main structure of the installation module, used to accommodate and fix the flexible circuit module and other sensor components. The cylinder upper cover 1 is located at the top of the hollow cylinder 2, used to enclose and protect the internal components. The cylinder lower cover 5 is located at the bottom of the hollow cylinder 2, used to support and protect the hollow cylinder 2 and the internal components.

[0062] Furthermore, the outer diameter of the hollow cylinder 2 is 20 - 25 mm, the height is 5 - 8 mm, the inner diameter of the hollow cylinder 2 is 8 - 11 mm, and the height is 4 - 6 mm.

[0063] Implementable, the connection and positioning module mainly ensures that the ear tag can be firmly installed on the pig's ear and can assist in accurately positioning the pig; this module mainly includes a positioning block, a guide post, and a disassembly and assembly structure; the positioning block is connected to the ear tag body to ensure that the ear tag body is installed in the correct position; the guide post, as the core of the connection and positioning module, is used to pass through the pig ear and guide the installation of the ear tag body; the disassembly and assembly structure is used to assist in the installation and disassembly of the ear tag body, providing convenience for the installation and disassembly of the ear tag and can be operated without additional tools.

[0064] Implementable, the intelligent identification module is mainly used for the identification and information management of pigs. Through the built-in radio frequency identification technology (RFID), a unique identifier is provided for each pig. This module can store and transmit the basic information of pigs, such as date of birth, breed, health status, vaccination records, etc.

[0065] Implementable, the main purpose of the body temperature measurement module is to monitor the body temperature of pigs in real time, which is a key indicator for evaluating their health status. It includes a temperature sensor, a signal amplification circuit, an analog-to-digital converter, and a wireless transmission unit; the temperature sensor is used to directly measure the body temperature of pigs; the signal amplification circuit is used to enhance the signal of the temperature sensor; the analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the analog signal obtained by the temperature sensor into a digital signal; the wireless transmission unit is used to send the converted digital signal to the monitoring center.

[0066] Furthermore, the body temperature measurement module has the following characteristics: the measurement range is from 25.0°C to 43.0°C, the accuracy is ±0.2°C; the measurement and transmission rate is 10.24 seconds; the data recording interval is 5 minutes; the recording duration is 14 days; the wireless Bluetooth transmission distance is ≥20 meters.

[0067] Implementable, the flexible circuit module 3 aims to provide the necessary electronic connection and data processing capabilities for the intelligent ear tag, while maintaining a soft fit between the ear tag body and the pig ear. This module integrates the data transmission lines, power supply lines, and control lines of multiple sensors to ensure the stable operation of each component inside the ear tag and the accurate transmission of data.

[0068] Furthermore, the flexible circuit module 3 uses a flexible printed circuit board as the core carrier, which organically combines electronic components, connectors, and a protective layer; among them, the flexible printed circuit board uses a flexible substrate material, which can be bent and twisted to a certain extent to adapt to the shape of the ear tag and the natural curve of the pig ear.

[0069] Implementable. The main function of the identity recognition module of the intelligent pig ear tag is to provide a unique identity for each pig, facilitating tracking and management. Through identity recognition, the complete life cycle information of pigs can be recorded and monitored, including birth, vaccination, health records, feeding conditions, etc. The identity recognition module is usually based on radio frequency identification technology (RFID), including an RFID chip, an antenna, and a reader, where the RFID chip is used to store the unique identification number and other important information.

[0070] Implementable. The main function of the data transmission module is to transmit various sensor data collected by the ear tag to the data processing center or cloud platform in real time. This module ensures the real-time, accurate, and complete nature of the data, providing support for the health management and breeding decisions of pigs.

[0071] Furthermore, the data transmission module includes a wireless communication chip, an antenna, a power management unit, and a data buffer; the wireless communication chip is used to encode and modulate the transmitted data; the antenna is used to send and receive wireless signals; the power management unit is used to provide stable power for the entire module; the data buffer is used to ensure the continuity of data storage and transmission.

[0072] Implementable. The flexible silicone probe 4 is mainly used for monitoring the body temperature and heart rate of pigs. By inserting it into the pig ear, high-precision measurement of body temperature and heart rate can be achieved by utilizing the stability and low interference of the microenvironment inside the ear.

[0073] Furthermore, the flexible silicone probe 4 has a flexible silicone outer sleeve, a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor, a signal transmission line, and a connector on its outer layer; the flexible silicone outer sleeve is used to provide good biocompatibility and flexibility for the temperature sensor and heart rate sensor, protecting the internal sensors and circuits, while reducing the discomfort to the pig ear. This design aims to provide a non-invasive, animal-friendly, and comfortable monitoring method while ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data; the signal transmission line is used to transmit the data collected by the temperature sensor and heart rate sensor to the connector; the connector is used to transmit the data to external devices.

[0074] Implementable. The three-axis acceleration sensing module of the intelligent pig ear tag is designed to monitor the activity level of pigs, including daily movement patterns, activity volume, and behavior habits. By analyzing the acceleration data, the health status, activity level, and welfare status of pigs can be evaluated, providing a scientific basis for breeding management.

[0075] Furthermore, the three-axis acceleration sensing module includes a three-axis acceleration sensor, a signal processing circuit, and a data interface; the three-axis acceleration sensor is used to detect the movement changes of the live pig in three spatial dimensions (X, Y, and Z axes), and the accuracy of the three-axis acceleration sensor is in the range of ±2g, with an error within 1%; the signal processing circuit is used to amplify, filter, and perform analog-to-digital conversion on the original acceleration data collected by the three-axis acceleration sensor; the data interface is used to transmit the processed data to the microcontroller inside the ear tag.

[0076] Implementably, as Figure 2 shown, the supporting component 6 of the stud is mainly to provide stable fixation and support for the intelligent ear tag, ensuring the firmness and durability of the ear tag on the live pig's ear. Specifically, the supporting component 6 of the stud consists of a support frame and a locking mechanism 7 to form a support frame, connecting the stud and the ear tag body, providing structural support, maintaining a tight fit between the ear tag and the pig ear, and the locking mechanism ensures that the stud can be safely locked after passing through the pig ear to prevent the ear tag from falling off.

[0077] Implementably, the stud needle 8 of the live pig intelligent ear tag, its main function is to penetrate the cartilage part of the live pig's ear to provide firm fixation for the intelligent ear tag. It must ensure that the ear tag does not fall off during the daily activities of the live pig, while minimizing the risk of damage and inflammation to the live pig's ear.

[0078] Furthermore, the stud needle 8 mainly consists of a needle body, a needle tip, and a needle tail. Among them, the needle body is the main part of the stud needle, which needs to have sufficient strength and flexibility to adapt to the bending of the ear; the needle tip is designed to be sharp for easy penetration, but not too sharp to avoid causing excessive damage.

[0079] The overall response time of the live pig intelligent ear tag is <= 60s, the temperature adaptability is -20°C - +60°C, and the humidity adaptability is 10% - 95%.

[0080] Implementably, as Figure 3 shown, the stud is fixed at the connection and positioning module 9 about 1 / 3 of the way from the tip of the pig's left ear. This position is relatively easy to install and firm, which can ensure that the ear tag is firm and not easy to fall off or be damaged. At the same time, it avoids the large blood vessels and nerve distribution areas on the ear, which can reduce the pain and stress response of the pig when applying the ear tag, reduce the damage to the pig's ear tissue, and is beneficial to the health and growth of the pig. The stud is also equipped with a flexible silicone outer sleeve 10. The total length of the flexible silicone outer sleeve 10 is 50mm. Close to the tympanic membrane of the pig ear, the microenvironment here is stable, which can protect the silicone probe from being affected by external environmental factors and can achieve high-precision measurement of body temperature and heart rate.

[0081] As Figure 4As shown, the intelligent pig ear tag has a good user operation interface. The APP can be downloaded through a mobile phone and communicate with the ear tag body via Bluetooth, enabling real-time viewing of the physiological state of the pigs.

[0082] The above is only a preferred specific embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions that can be easily thought of by those skilled in the technical field of the present application within the technical scope disclosed by the present application should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An intelligent ear tag for live pigs, characterized in that, It includes an ear tag body and an ear stud. The ear stud includes a support component and an ear stud needle. The ear stud needle passes through the pig's ear to fix the ear tag body on the pig's ear. The ear tag body includes an installation module, a connection and positioning module, an intelligent identification module, a body temperature measurement module, a flexible circuit module, an identity identification module, a data transmission module, a flexible silica gel probe, and a three-axis acceleration sensing module. The installation module is used to fix the main structure of the ear tag body. The connection and positioning module is used to determine the installation position of the ear tag body. The intelligent identification module is used for the identity identification and information management of pigs. The body temperature measurement module is used to monitor the body temperature of pigs in real time. The flexible circuit module is used to provide electronic connection and data processing capabilities for the ear tag. The identity identification module is used to provide an identity label for pigs. The data transmission module is used to transmit the data collected by the ear tag to the data processing center in real time. The flexible silica gel probe is used to monitor the body temperature and heart rate of pigs. The three-axis acceleration sensing module is used to monitor the activity level of pigs.

2. The intelligent pig ear tag according to claim 1, characterized in that the installation module includes a hollow cylinder, a cylinder upper cover, and a cylinder lower cover. The hollow cylinder is the main structure of the installation module, used to accommodate and fix the flexible circuit module and other sensor components. The cylinder upper cover is located at the top of the hollow cylinder, used to enclose and protect the internal components. The cylinder lower cover is located at the bottom of the hollow cylinder, used to support and protect the hollow cylinder and the internal components.

3. The intelligent pig ear tag according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection and positioning module includes a positioning block, a guide post, and a disassembly and assembly structure. The positioning block is connected to the ear tag body, used to ensure that the ear tag body is installed in the correct position. The guide post is used to pass through the pig ear and guide the installation of the ear tag body. The disassembly and assembly structure is used to assist in the installation and disassembly of the ear tag body.

4. The intelligent pig ear tag according to claim 1, characterized in that the body temperature measurement module includes a temperature sensor, a signal amplification circuit, an analog-to-digital converter, and a wireless transmission unit. The temperature sensor is used to directly measure the body temperature of pigs. The signal amplification circuit is used to enhance the signal of the temperature sensor. The analog-to-digital converter is used to convert the analog signal obtained by the temperature sensor into a digital signal. The wireless transmission unit is used to send the converted digital signal to the monitoring center.

5. The intelligent pig ear tag according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible circuit module takes the flexible printed circuit board as the core carrier, and organically combines electronic components, connectors, and protective layers together. Among them, the flexible printed circuit board uses a flexible substrate material.

6. The intelligent pig ear tag according to claim 1, characterized in that the data transmission module includes a wireless communication chip, an antenna, a power management unit, and a data buffer. The wireless communication chip is used to encode and modulate the transmitted data. The antenna is used to send and receive wireless signals. The power management unit is used to provide stable power for the entire module. The data buffer is used to ensure the continuity of data storage and transmission.

7. The intelligent ear tag for live pigs according to claim 1, wherein the flexible silicone probe comprises a flexible silicone outer sleeve, a temperature sensor, a heart rate sensor, a signal transmission line and a connector; the flexible silicone outer sleeve is used to provide protection for the temperature sensor and the heart rate sensor; the signal transmission line is used to transmit the data collected by the temperature sensor and the heart rate sensor to the connector; the connector is used to transmit the data to an external device.

8. The intelligent ear tag for live pigs according to claim 1, wherein the three-axis acceleration sensing module comprises a three-axis acceleration sensor, a signal processing circuit and a data interface; the three-axis acceleration sensor is used to detect the movement changes of the live pig in three spatial dimensions; the signal processing circuit is used to perform processing such as amplification, filtering and analog-to-digital conversion on the original acceleration data collected by the three-axis acceleration sensor; the data interface is used to transmit the processed data to the microcontroller inside the ear tag.

9. The intelligent ear tag for live pigs according to claim 1, wherein the supporting part of the stud is used to form a support frame based on the support frame and the locking mechanism, and connect the stud and the ear tag body.

10. The intelligent ear tag for live pigs according to claim 1, wherein the stud pin comprises a pin body, a pin tip and a pin tail.

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