Ruminant multi-mode sensing bionic feeding and gas synchronous collecting device and method

Abstract

The invention discloses a ruminant multi-mode sensing bionic feeding and gas synchronous collecting device and method, and relates to the technical field of livestock breeding monitoring. The device comprises a rack shell, a bionic feeding trough, a cavity partition plate, a three-dimensional gas collection partition plate, a negative pressure fan, an adjustable side plate, a feeder, a time of flight (TOF) sensor, an LED lamp array, an acrylic plate and a controller, the cavity partition plate divides the space in the rack shell into a first cavity and a second cavity, the bionic feeding trough is arranged in the first cavity and used for feeding ruminants, and the three-dimensional gas collection partition plate is arranged in the second cavity. A negative pressure fan is arranged in the second cavity and used for collecting gas in the first cavity. According to the device, the approaching condition, the head posture and the like of the ruminant are monitored through the TOF sensor, the LED lamp array is timely controlled to be turned on to be matched with the acrylic plate to form food calling light spots, gas exhaled by the ruminant is collected in the stable and continuous feeding process of the ruminant, and therefore the collection compatibility, efficiency and monitoring accuracy of methane exhaled by the ruminant are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of livestock feeding monitoring technology, and in particular to a multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection device and method for ruminants. Background Technology

[0002] With the large-scale development of the livestock industry, greenhouse gas emissions from livestock farming have received increasing attention. Methane emissions from the gastrointestinal tract of ruminants are one of the main sources of greenhouse gases in livestock farming. Therefore, the thorough collection and accurate measurement of methane in the exhaled gases of ruminants will help promote greenhouse gas emission reduction in livestock farming and thus effectively protect the environment.

[0003] Current methods for collecting and monitoring methane exhaled by ruminants typically involve head-mounted methane collection and monitoring devices. For example, Chinese patent CN 116267692 A discloses a methane gas collection device and method for ruminants, which uses a head-mounted gas collection device to collect the exhaled gases of ruminants. Alternatively, methane collection and monitoring can be achieved through semi-open feeding troughs with gas collection and detection functions. For instance, international invention patent CA2796450A1 discloses a method and system for monitoring and reducing methane production in ruminants, which can monitor methane while ruminants are feeding in the trough, and collect the gas indiscriminately and continuously throughout the entire trough. Chinese patent CN219552387U discloses an intelligent rumen greenhouse gas measurement system for ruminants, which can perform basic collection and emission measurement of the exhaled gases of ruminants.

[0004] However, the aforementioned Chinese patent CN 116267692 A is easily affected by meteorological conditions such as wind speed in open or semi-open environments, resulting in poor detection stability; the international invention patent CA2796450A1 has a limited scope of application, only applicable to a specific animal; and the Chinese patent CN219552387U has a fixed feed trough structure and insufficient adaptability, making it difficult to simultaneously accommodate stable sampling of individuals of different body sizes (such as cattle and sheep); at the same time, in open farming environments, its gas collection holes are prone to clogging and have low gas recovery efficiency. Therefore, it is evident that the current methane collection and monitoring schemes for ruminant exhaled breath still have low collection compatibility, collection efficiency, and monitoring accuracy. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The main objective of this application is to propose a multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device and method for ruminants, which aims to adapt to ruminants of different body sizes and improve the collection compatibility, collection efficiency and monitoring accuracy of methane exhaled by ruminants.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection device for ruminants, the device comprising: a frame housing 001, a biomimetic feeding trough 002, a cavity partition 003, a three-dimensional gas collection partition, a negative pressure fan 005, an adjustable side plate 006, a feeder 008, a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor 009, an LED light array 010, an acrylic plate 011, and a controller, wherein the controller is communicatively connected to the negative pressure fan 005, the feeder 008, the TOF sensor 009, and the LED light array 010;

[0007] The adjustable side plate 006 is fixedly mounted to the outside of the opening side of the frame housing 001 by multiple locking components 007. The frame housing 001 has a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is connected to the outside through the adjustable opening of the adjustable side plate 006. The cavity partition 003 is disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity. The negative pressure fan 005 is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the second cavity. The air inlet of the negative pressure fan 005 is connected to the first cavity through a through hole disposed on the cavity partition 003. The air outlet of the negative pressure fan 005 is connected to the outside through an air outlet duct 014 passing through the frame housing 001.

[0008] The bionic feeding trough 002 is disposed at the bottom of the first cavity. The main body of the bionic feeding trough 002 is food-grade antistatic plastic with a surface resistance of <106Ω. The bottom of the bionic feeding trough 002 has an elliptical slope bionic structure.

[0009] The three-dimensional gas collection baffle surrounds the biomimetic feeding trough 002. The three-dimensional gas collection baffle includes a gas collection plane 0041, a gas collection slope 0042, and a side panel 0043. The gas collection plane 0041 is arranged parallel to the cavity baffle 003, and the gas collection slope 0042 is arranged opposite to the air inlet of the negative pressure fan 005. Multiple gas collection holes are provided on the gas collection plane 0041, the gas collection slope 0042, and the side panel 0043. The diameter of the gas collection holes is 3mm, and the density of the gas collection holes on the gas collection plane 0041 is 25 holes / dm², so that the negative pressure fan 005 can extract gas from the first cavity at a gas flow rate of 0.3-0.8m³ / min through the gas collection holes and the through holes on the cavity baffle 003.

[0010] The feeder 008 is disposed in the first cavity. The feed port of the feeder 008 is connected to the outside through the opening at the top of the frame housing 001, and the discharge port of the feeder 008 is connected to the bionic feeding trough 002.

[0011] Multiple TOF sensors 009 are disposed in the first cavity, and the TOF sensors 009 are used to monitor the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant when it is feeding.

[0012] The LED light array 010 and the acrylic plate 011 are disposed in the first cavity. The LED light array 010 is disposed on the top of the first cavity, and the acrylic plate 011 is disposed on the side wall of the first cavity. The acrylic plate 011 is used to cooperate with the LED light array 010 to form a light spot with alternating light and dark in the wavelength range of 450-600nm.

[0013] In an optional embodiment, the device further includes: an intervention feeding component, which is installed in conjunction with the bionic feeding trough 002, and the intervention feeding component is communicatively connected to the controller;

[0014] The intervention feeding inducement component is used to induce feeding intervention when the TOF sensor 009 detects abnormalities in the head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant.

[0015] In an optional embodiment, the intervention feeding component includes: a low-frequency vibration component 012 and an odor atomizing device 013;

[0016] The low-frequency vibration component 012 is disposed at the bottom of the bionic feeding trough 002. The low-frequency vibration component 012 is used to generate a low-frequency vibration with a frequency of 80Hz and an amplitude of 0.1mm when the TOF sensor 009 detects abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant.

[0017] The odor atomizing device 013 is disposed at the opening of the bionic feeding trough 002. The odor atomizing device 013 is used to release feeding-inducing atomizing components when the TOF sensor 009 detects abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant.

[0018] In an optional embodiment, the density of gas collecting holes on the gas collecting slope 0042 is 18 holes / dm², and the density of gas collecting holes on the side panel 0043 is 12 holes / dm².

[0019] In an optional embodiment, the adjustable side plate 006 includes: a guide rail groove 0061 and a sliding baffle 0062;

[0020] The sliding baffle 0062 is embedded in the guide rail groove 0061, and the sliding baffle 0062 is used to slide in the guide rail groove 0061 to adjust the opening size of the adjustable opening.

[0021] The locking component 007 is a magnetic snap-on buckle with a disassembly operation force of ≤5N.

[0022] In an optional embodiment, the device further includes a filter assembly 0141 disposed in the air outlet duct 014, the filter assembly 0141 comprising: a primary stainless steel filter screen with a mesh size of 100 mesh, and a secondary activated carbon adsorption layer with a specific surface area ≥800m² / g.

[0023] In an optional embodiment, the acrylic plate 011 is used in conjunction with the LED light array 010 to form a blue-green spectrum of alternating light spots with a wavelength of 480-520nm, covering 60%-75% of the surface area of ​​the feed in the biomimetic feeding trough 002.

[0024] In an optional embodiment, the surface roughness of the bottom of the biomimetic feeding trough 002 is ≤3.2μm, the angle between the surrounding plate and the horizontal plane is 15°-25°, the depth of the trough is adjustable from 200-400mm, and the frame is made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer ABS material.

[0025] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for simultaneous feeding and gas collection of ruminants using a multimodal sensory biomimetic system, applied to the controller of the ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas collection device described in any of the foregoing embodiments, the method comprising:

[0026] Upon receiving a monitoring signal from the TOF sensor 009 and determining that a ruminant is approaching the ruminant multimodal sensing bionic feeding and gas synchronous collection device, the LED light array 010 is controlled to turn on according to the preset color temperature, preset illuminance, preset light type and preset light band.

[0027] The head position, head posture, and feeding rhythm of the ruminant are determined based on the monitoring signal from the TOF sensor 009.

[0028] If the head of the ruminant enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration, and the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant conform to the preset judgment rules, then the negative pressure fan 005 is controlled to extract gas from the first cavity at a preset gas flow rate.

[0029] In an optional implementation, after determining the head position, head posture, and feeding rhythm of the ruminant based on the monitoring signal from the TOF sensor 009, the method further includes:

[0030] If the ruminant's head position enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration but the preset duration is not met, or if the ruminant's head posture and feeding rhythm do not conform to the preset judgment rules, the control intervention feeding inducement component is activated to intervene and induce the ruminant to feed.

[0031] Thirdly, the present invention provides an electronic device, comprising: a processor, a storage medium, and a bus, wherein the storage medium stores machine-readable instructions executable by the processor, and when the electronic device is running, the processor communicates with the storage medium via the bus, and the processor executes the machine-readable instructions to perform the steps of any of the methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0032] Fourthly, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the method as described in any of the foregoing embodiments.

[0033] The beneficial effects of this application are:

[0034] The ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection device provided in this application includes: a frame housing, a biomimetic feeding trough, a cavity partition, a three-dimensional gas collection partition, a negative pressure fan, an adjustable side plate, a feeder, a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor, an LED light array, an acrylic plate, and a controller. The controller is communicatively connected to the negative pressure fan, the feeder, the TOF sensor, and the LED light array. The adjustable side plate is fixed to the outside of the opening side of the frame housing by multiple locking components. The frame housing has a first cavity and a second cavity, with the first cavity accessed through an adjustable opening in the adjustable side plate. The system is connected to the outside; the cavity partition is disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity; the negative pressure fan is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the second cavity; the air inlet of the negative pressure fan communicates with the first cavity through a through hole disposed on the cavity partition; the air outlet of the negative pressure fan communicates with the outside through an air outlet pipe passing through the frame housing; the biomimetic feeding trough is disposed at the bottom of the first cavity; the main body of the biomimetic feeding trough is made of food-grade antistatic plastic with a surface resistance of <106Ω; the bottom of the biomimetic feeding trough has an elliptical slope biomimetic structure; the three-dimensional gas collection partition surrounds the biomimetic feeding trough; the three-dimensional gas collection partition... The plate includes: a gas collection plane, a gas collection slope, and a side panel. The gas collection plane is arranged parallel to the cavity partition, and the gas collection slope is arranged opposite to the air inlet of the negative pressure fan. Multiple gas collecting holes are provided on the gas collection plane, the gas collection slope, and the side panel. The diameter of each gas collecting hole is 3 mm, and the density of the gas collecting holes on the gas collection plane is 25 holes / dm², so that the negative pressure fan can extract gas from the first cavity at a gas flow rate of 0.3-0.8 m³ / min through the gas collecting holes and the through holes in the cavity partition. The feeder is located on the first... Within the cavity, the feed inlet of the feeder communicates with the outside through an opening at the top of the frame housing, and the discharge outlet of the feeder communicates with the biomimetic feeding trough. Multiple Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensors are disposed within the first cavity, used to monitor the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant during feeding. An LED light array and an acrylic plate are disposed within the first cavity; the LED light array is located at the top of the first cavity, and the acrylic plate is located on the side wall of the first cavity. The acrylic plate is used in conjunction with the LED light array to form alternating bright and dark light spots in the 450-600nm wavelength range.In this embodiment, multiple Time-of-Flight (TOF) sensors monitor the approach of ruminants. When a ruminant approaches, an LED light array is activated, creating an enticing light spot in conjunction with an acrylic plate. This induces the ruminant to insert its head into the first cavity to feed. During the feeding process, the TOF sensors continuously monitor the ruminant's head posture and feeding rhythm. This allows for the activation of a negative pressure fan during the stable and continuous feeding process of the ruminant, collecting the exhaled gas through holes in the three-dimensional gas collection partition. This improves the compatibility, efficiency, and accuracy of methane collection from ruminant exhalations. Attached Figure Description

[0035] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments of this application will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0036] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0037] Figure 2 A schematic cross-sectional view of a ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection device provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0038] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a method for simultaneous feeding and gas collection of ruminants using a multimodal sensory biomimetic approach, as provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the complete process of a ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0040] Figure label:

[0041] 001-Frame housing; 002-Bionic feeding trough; 003-Cavity partition; 0041-Gas collection plane; 0042-Gas collection slope; 0043-Side panel; 005-Negative pressure fan; 006-Adjustable side panel; 0061-Guide rail groove; 0062-Sliding baffle; 007-Locking assembly; 008-Feeder; 009-TOF sensor; 010-LED light array; 011-Acrylic plate; 012-Low frequency vibration assembly; 013-Odor atomizing device; 014-Air outlet duct; 0141-Filter assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this application described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0043] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this application provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed application, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0044] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0045] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0046] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship that the product of this application is usually placed in. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0047] In the description of this application, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0048] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0049] Current methods for collecting and monitoring methane exhaled by ruminants typically involve using head-mounted methane collection and monitoring devices or semi-open feed troughs with gas collection and detection functions.

[0050] However, current methods for collecting and monitoring methane exhaled by ruminants are highly susceptible to environmental factors. For example, when the wind is strong, the head-mounted methane collection and monitoring device may not collect enough methane or other gases, resulting in inaccurate monitoring. While semi-open feeding troughs with gas collection and detection functions are less affected by external environmental factors, they are generally designed for ruminants of a fixed body size. They are not well-suited for different species and heights of ruminants. Furthermore, they typically collect gases from the feeding trough continuously and unconditionally during the ruminants' feeding process, lacking effective animal behavior guidance and timing determination mechanisms. The continuity of ruminant feeding cannot be guaranteed, resulting in low collection efficiency and monitoring accuracy.

[0051] To address the aforementioned issues, the main objective of this application is to propose a multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection device and method for ruminants, designed to adapt to ruminants of different body sizes and improve the collection efficiency and monitoring accuracy of methane exhaled by ruminants.

[0052] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection device provided in an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of a ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection synchronization device provided in one embodiment of this application. Please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2The aforementioned device includes: a frame housing 001, a bionic feeding trough 002, a cavity partition 003, a three-dimensional gas collection partition, a negative pressure fan 005, an adjustable side plate 006, a feeder 008, a TOF sensor 009, an LED light array 010, an acrylic plate 011, and a controller. The controller is communicatively connected to the negative pressure fan 005, the feeder 008, the TOF sensor 009, and the LED light array 010.

[0053] The adjustable side plate 006 is fixedly mounted to the outside of the opening side of the frame housing 001 by multiple locking components 007. The frame housing 001 has a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity communicates with the outside through the adjustable opening of the adjustable side plate 006. The cavity partition 003 is disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity. The negative pressure fan 005 is fixedly mounted at the bottom of the second cavity. The air inlet of the negative pressure fan 005 communicates with the first cavity through a through hole provided on the cavity partition 003. The air outlet of the negative pressure fan 005 communicates with the outside through an air outlet duct 014 passing through the frame housing 001.

[0054] The aforementioned bionic feeding trough 002 is disposed at the bottom of the aforementioned first cavity. The main body of the aforementioned bionic feeding trough 002 is food-grade antistatic plastic with a surface resistance of <106Ω. The bottom of the aforementioned bionic feeding trough 002 has an elliptical slope bionic structure.

[0055] The aforementioned three-dimensional gas collection baffle surrounds the aforementioned biomimetic feeding trough 002. The three-dimensional gas collection baffle includes: a gas collection plane 0041, a gas collection slope 0042, and a side panel 0043. The gas collection plane 0041 is arranged parallel to the aforementioned cavity baffle 003, and the gas collection slope 0042 is arranged opposite to the aforementioned air inlet of the aforementioned negative pressure fan 005. Multiple gas collection holes are provided on the aforementioned gas collection plane 0041, the aforementioned gas collection slope 0042, and the aforementioned side panel 0043. The diameter of the gas collection holes is 3mm, and the density of the gas collection holes on the aforementioned gas collection plane 0041 is 25 holes / dm², so that the aforementioned negative pressure fan 005 can extract gas from the aforementioned first cavity at a gas flow rate of 0.3-0.8m³ / min through the aforementioned gas collection holes and the through holes on the aforementioned cavity baffle 003.

[0056] The feeder 008 is disposed in the first cavity. The feed port of the feeder 008 is connected to the outside through the opening at the top of the frame housing 001. The discharge port of the feeder 008 is connected to the bionic feeding trough 002.

[0057] Multiple TOF sensors 009 are disposed in the first cavity, and the TOF sensors 009 are used to monitor the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant when it is feeding.

[0058] The LED light array 010 and the acrylic plate 011 are disposed in the first cavity. Optionally, the LED light array 010 is disposed on the top of the first cavity, and the acrylic plate 011 is disposed on the side wall of the first cavity. The acrylic plate 011 is used to cooperate with the LED light array 010 to form a light spot with alternating light and dark in the wavelength range of 450-600nm.

[0059] For example, the controller described above may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit) in a device with computing and processing functions, such as a computer or a microcontroller, but is not limited thereto. The controller may receive the monitoring signal of the TOF sensor 009 via a communication connection. The detection signal may be an optical signal, including but not limited to infrared light or laser light, or an acoustic signal, including but not limited to ultrasonic waves. Based on the monitoring signal of the TOF sensor 009, the distance between the head of the ruminant and the corresponding TOF sensor 009 can be determined, thereby determining the position, head posture, and other information of the ruminant. There may be multiple TOF sensors 009, which are respectively set in different positions within the first cavity. The multiple TOF sensors 009 may be arranged in a linear array to form a TOF sensor 009 array.

[0060] The accuracy of each TOF sensor 009 can be, for example, ±2mm. The TOF sensor 009 collects monitoring signals, for example, continuously or periodically. If it is periodically collected, the collection frequency can be, for example, 30Hz, but it is not limited to this. The actual collection method and collection frequency can be adjusted and determined according to actual needs.

[0061] In addition to an elliptical slope biomimetic structure, the bottom of the aforementioned biomimetic feeder 002 can also have other biomimetic structures. The specific type of biomimetic structure can be adjusted and determined according to actual needs, and is not limited to an elliptical slope biomimetic structure. The purpose of determining the biomimetic structure is to conform to the animal's feeding behavior. In addition, the slope of the bottom of the aforementioned biomimetic feeder 002 can be, for example, a flat surface or a wavy surface with a radius of curvature of 150mm, to guide feed distribution and reduce accumulation and residue. Compared with traditional stainless steel feeders, the aforementioned biomimetic feeder 002 with specific materials and specific biomimetic structures can reduce the probability of ruminants reaching the feeding end.

[0062] The aforementioned LED light array 010 can, for example, emit warm white light with a color temperature of 3000K and an illuminance of 200 lux, but is not limited to this. The light transmittance of the aforementioned acrylic plate 011 can, for example, be 70%, but the specific light transmittance of the acrylic plate 011 can be adjusted according to actual needs. The aforementioned acrylic plate 011, in conjunction with the aforementioned LED light array 010, forms alternating bright and dark light spots in the wavelength range of 450-600nm. For example, the influence of these light spots on the vision of ruminants can improve their feeding focus.

[0063] The adjustable side panel 006 is fixed to the outside of the opening side of the frame housing 001 by multiple locking components 007. The locking components 007 can be, for example, including but not limited to, snaps or screws and nuts. Optionally, if the locking component 007 is a snap, it can be a quick-release snap, and if the locking component 007 is a screw and nut, it can be a quick-release screw and a quick-release nut. However, the specific type and installation position of the locking components 007 can be adjusted and determined according to the actual situation, and are not limited to the examples above. The purpose is to enable the adjustable side panel 006 to be quickly installed and removed within seconds.

[0064] The diameter and density of the gas collecting holes on the gas collecting plane 0041, the gas collecting slope 0042, and the side panel 0043 may be the same or different. It is not limited to the fact that the diameter of the gas collecting holes on the gas collecting plane 0041, the gas collecting slope 0042, and the side panel 0043 is 3mm and the density is 25 holes / dm². However, the adjustment of the diameter and density of the gas collecting holes on the gas collecting plane 0041, the gas collecting slope 0042, and the side panel 0043 should be such that the negative pressure fan 005 can extract gas from the first cavity at a gas flow rate of 0.3-0.8m³ / min through the gas collecting holes and the through holes on the cavity partition 003.

[0065] The aforementioned feeder 008 can, for example, automatically dispense feed according to a preset weight. The feed may include, for example, mixed concentrate, silage, or customized formula diet to stimulate the animal's appetite and increase its probability of continuous feeding, but is not limited thereto.

[0066] Understandably, before using the aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensory bionic feeding and gas synchronous collection device, ruminants can undergo an adaptive training program to guide them to gradually approach the system's designated area. During this guidance process, strong light, high-frequency noise, or other stressors should be avoided to ensure the ruminants naturally approach the bionic feeding system in a pressure-free state. However, the specific content and procedures of the adaptive training program can be adjusted and determined based on actual conditions and are not limited to the above. Furthermore, the aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensory bionic feeding and gas synchronous collection device can be stably matched with the pen floor and surrounding spatial environment. Before use, an airtightness check can be performed on the device to ensure its airtightness and safety when the negative pressure fan 005 extracts gas from the first chamber.

[0067] In this embodiment, the ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device monitors the approach of ruminants using multiple TOF sensors. When a ruminant approaches, the device controls the LED light array to turn on, creating an attractive light spot with the acrylic plate. This induces the ruminant to insert its head into the first cavity to feed. During the feeding process, the TOF sensors continuously monitor the ruminant's head posture and feeding rhythm. This allows the device to control the activation of a negative pressure fan during the stable and continuous feeding process of the ruminant, collecting the gas exhaled by the ruminant during feeding through the holes in the three-dimensional gas collection partition. This improves the compatibility, efficiency, and accuracy of methane collection from ruminant exhalations.

[0068] Alternatively, please continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensing bionic feeding and gas synchronous collection device may further include: an intervention feeding inducement component, which is installed in conjunction with the aforementioned bionic feeding trough 002, and the intervention feeding inducement component is communicatively connected to the aforementioned controller.

[0069] The aforementioned intervention feeding inducement component is used to induce feeding intervention when the aforementioned TOF sensor 009 detects abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the aforementioned ruminant.

[0070] For example, the abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant may refer to the ruminant having a head pitch angle greater than a preset angle (e.g., >45°) for a preset duration (e.g., 20 seconds), and / or a feeding frequency less than a preset number of times within the preset duration, such as feeding less than 7 times within 5 minutes. In this case, the abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant is determined. Of course, the above is only a possible example. The actual determination of the abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant can be dynamically adjusted according to different ruminant species, body size, etc., and is not limited here.

[0071] Furthermore, based on the above embodiments, the above-mentioned intervention feeding component may include: a low-frequency vibration component 012 and an odor atomizing device 013.

[0072] The low-frequency vibration component 012 is disposed at the bottom of the bionic feeding trough 002. The low-frequency vibration component 012 is used to generate a low-frequency vibration with a frequency of 80Hz and an amplitude of 0.1mm when the TOF sensor 009 detects abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant.

[0073] The aforementioned odor atomizing device 013 is disposed at the opening of the aforementioned bionic feeding trough 002. The aforementioned odor atomizing device 013 is used to release feeding-inducing atomized components when the aforementioned TOF sensor 009 detects abnormalities in the aforementioned head posture and / or the aforementioned feeding rhythm of the aforementioned ruminant. It can be understood that the aforementioned odor atomizing device 013 being disposed at the opening of the aforementioned bionic feeding trough 002 can mean, for example, that the aforementioned odor atomizing device 013 is disposed near the opening of the aforementioned bionic feeding trough 002, or that the aforementioned odor atomizing device 013 is disposed at a certain distance from the opening of the aforementioned bionic feeding trough 002, and is not limited to the opening.

[0074] For example, the low-frequency vibration component 012 generates a low-frequency vibration with a frequency of 80Hz and an amplitude of 0.1mm, which can simulate the swaying of pasture and other grasses under natural wind conditions in a natural environment. The odor atomizing device 013 releases atomizing ingredients such as silage aroma to provide a more natural feeding environment for ruminants and enhance the feeding guidance effect on ruminants.

[0075] In addition, based on the aforementioned embodiment, the density of the gas collecting holes on the gas collecting slope 0042 is 18 holes / dm², and the density of the gas collecting holes on the side panel 0043 is 12 holes / dm².

[0076] Optionally, the adjustable side plate 006 includes a guide rail groove 0061 and a sliding baffle 0062. The sliding baffle 0062 is embedded in the guide rail groove 0061 and slides within the guide rail groove 0061 to adjust the opening size of the adjustable opening. The locking component 007 is a magnetic snap-fit ​​with a disassembly force ≤ 5N.

[0077] The aforementioned locking component 007 is a magnetic snap-on buckle with a disassembly operation force of ≤5N, which can further facilitate the disassembly of the aforementioned adjustable side plate 006. The expansion error of the adapter component of the aforementioned adjustable side plate 006 can be, for example, <1.5mm, but is not limited thereto.

[0078] In addition, the above-mentioned ruminant multimodal sensing bionic feeding and gas synchronous collection device may also include: a filter component 0141, which is disposed in the above-mentioned air outlet duct 014. The filter component 0141 includes: a primary stainless steel filter screen with a mesh size of 100 mesh, and a secondary activated carbon adsorption layer with a specific surface area ≥800m² / g.

[0079] For example, the filter component 0141 in the air outlet duct 014 and the negative pressure fan 005 can constitute a negative pressure filtration system. When the ruminant inserts its head into the first cavity to start feeding, and the TOF sensor 009 detects that the ruminant's head posture and / or feeding rhythm are normal, the negative pressure fan 005 can be activated to extract the gas in the first cavity at a gas flow rate of 0.3-0.8 m³ / min to form a stable negative pressure zone. This effectively guides the ruminant's exhaled gas during feeding through the negative pressure fan 005 and the air outlet duct 014 into an external collection and sampling container, thereby achieving simultaneous collection of metabolic products such as methane and carbon dioxide. During the extraction process, the gas in the first cavity also passes through the primary stainless steel filter and the secondary activated carbon adsorption layer, reducing particulate matter and impurities. This improves the purity of the gas entering the external collection and sampling container and the stability of the negative pressure filtration system.

[0080] Optionally, the acrylic plate 011 can be used in conjunction with the LED array 010 to form a blue-green spectrum of alternating light spots with a wavelength of 480-520nm, covering 60%-75% of the feed surface area in the biomimetic feed trough 002.

[0081] For example, the above design can effectively stimulate the visual perception of ruminants and improve their feeding focus, solving the problems of easy distraction and frequent feeding interruptions in ruminants during feeding in traditional feeding environments. It improves the feeding efficiency and behavioral stability of ruminants and provides a basis for improving the collection efficiency and monitoring accuracy of methane exhaled by ruminants.

[0082] In addition, the surface roughness of the bottom of the aforementioned biomimetic feeding trough 002 is ≤3.2μm, the angle between the surrounding plate and the horizontal plane is 15°-25°, the depth of the trough is adjustable from 200-400mm, and the frame is made of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) material. The color of the frame can be, for example, the matte gray of the German RAL7035 color card, but is not limited to this.

[0083] This reduces surface static interference, decreases feed pellet adhesion and secondary dust, and while maintaining structural strength and ease of cleaning, reduces the likelihood of interrupted feeding events in ruminants, thus improving the continuity and comfort of their feeding behavior.

[0084] Figure 3 This is a schematic flowchart of a ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection method according to an embodiment of this application. This method can be applied to the controller of the aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device. For example, the controller can be an embedded computer, a microcontroller, or other device with computing processing capabilities, but is not limited thereto. Please refer to... Figure 3 The above methods include:

[0085] S301. Upon receiving a monitoring signal from the TOF sensor 009, and after determining that a ruminant is close to the aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensing bionic feeding and gas synchronous collection device, the LED light array 010 is controlled to turn on according to the preset color temperature, preset illuminance, preset light type and preset light band.

[0086] For example, determining the proximity of a ruminant to the aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas synchronization collection device can, for instance, refer to determining the distance between the ruminant's head and the corresponding TOF sensor 009 using monitoring signals such as optical or acoustic signals from the TOF sensor 009, thereby determining the ruminant's position. Controlling the LED light array 010 to turn on according to preset color temperature, preset illuminance, preset light type, and preset light wavelength can, for example, refer to controlling the LED light array 010 to use warm white light with a color temperature of 3000K and an illuminance of 200 lux, combined with an acrylic plate 011 with 70% light transmittance to form alternating bright and dark light spots in the wavelength range of 450-600nm or 480-520nm, but this is not limited to these limitations.

[0087] S302. Determine the head position, head posture, and feeding rhythm of the ruminant based on the monitoring signal from the TOF sensor 009.

[0088] The head position, head posture, and feeding rhythm of the ruminant are determined based on the monitoring signal of the TOF sensor 009. Specifically, the distance between the ruminant's head and the corresponding TOF sensor 009 is determined by the monitoring signal of the optical signal or acoustic signal of the TOF sensor 009, and then the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant are determined. No specific limitations are imposed here.

[0089] S303. If the head position of the ruminant enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration, and the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant conform to the preset judgment rules, then the negative pressure fan 005 is controlled to extract the gas in the first cavity according to the preset gas flow rate.

[0090] For example, if the head of the ruminant enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration, and the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant conform to preset judgment rules, such as the ruminant's head completely entering the preset sampling area for 5 seconds, and the ruminant's head posture and / or feeding rhythm are normal (i.e., the ruminant's head pitch angle does not exceed the preset angle for a preset duration, and / or the feeding action frequency within the preset duration is not less than the preset number of times), then the negative pressure fan 005 is controlled to extract gas from the first cavity at a preset gas flow rate (i.e., 0.3-0.8 m³ / min, which can be adjusted and determined according to the actual situation).

[0091] Furthermore, in the above Figure 3 Based on the embodiments, after determining the head position, head posture, and feeding rhythm of the ruminant according to the monitoring signal of the TOF sensor 009, the method further includes:

[0092] If the head position of the ruminant does not enter the preset sampling area for a preset duration, or if the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant do not conform to the preset judgment rules, the control intervention feeding inducement component is activated to intervene and induce the ruminant to feed.

[0093] For example, if the ruminant's head position enters the preset sampling area for less than a preset duration (e.g., the ruminant's head position is fully in the preset sampling area for less than 5 seconds before leaving), or if the ruminant's head posture and feeding rhythm do not conform to preset judgment rules (e.g., the ruminant's head posture and / or feeding rhythm are abnormal, i.e., the ruminant's head pitch angle is greater than a preset angle for a preset duration, and / or the feeding action frequency within the preset duration is not less than a preset number of times), then the low-frequency vibration component 012 and the odor atomizing device 013 are activated to induce the ruminant to eat until the ruminant's head position enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration, and the ruminant's head posture and feeding rhythm conform to preset judgment rules, then the negative pressure fan 005 is controlled to extract gas from the first chamber at a preset gas flow rate.

[0094] The negative pressure fan 005 extracts gas from the first chamber at a preset gas flow rate. After the preset sampling time is reached, for example, after 27 seconds of extraction, the negative pressure fan 005 stops, and the sampling is completed. Alternatively, even if the ruminant stops eating before the preset sampling time is reached, the amount of food consumed (determined by the difference in feed quality between the start and end of feeding in the bionic feed trough 002) has reached the preset standard, for example, 500g of feed has been consumed. In this case, the negative pressure fan 005 stops, and the sampling is completed.

[0095] If the negative pressure fan 005 extracts gas from the first chamber at the preset gas flow rate but the preset sampling time is not reached and the ruminant stops eating, and the amount of food consumed does not reach the preset standard, then the sampling fails. The contents of steps S301-S303 can be repeated, and the intervention feeding component can be activated in a timely manner to intervene and induce the ruminant to eat until the sampling is completed.

[0096] To facilitate understanding of the complete process of the above-mentioned ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas collection synchronous method, Figure 4 For a complete flowchart of a ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas collection method according to an embodiment of this application, please refer to... Figure 4 The complete process of a multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection method for ruminants can be, for example, as follows:

[0097] S401, A monitoring signal was received from the TOF sensor 009.

[0098] S402. Determine whether the ruminant is close to the aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensing bionic feeding and gas synchronous collection device.

[0099] If the ruminant does not approach or leaves the aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas synchronization collection device after approaching, then continue steps S401-S402 until it is determined that the ruminant has approached the aforementioned ruminant multimodal sensing biomimetic feeding and gas synchronization collection device, then execute:

[0100] S403, control the LED light array 010 to turn on according to the preset color temperature, preset illuminance, preset light type and preset light band.

[0101] S404. Determine the head position, head posture, and feeding rhythm of the ruminant based on the monitoring signal from the TOF sensor 009.

[0102] S405. Determine whether the head position of the ruminant has entered the preset sampling area for a preset duration, and whether the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant conform to the preset judgment rules.

[0103] If the head position of the ruminant does not enter the preset sampling area for a preset duration, or if the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant do not conform to the preset judgment rules, then the following will be executed:

[0104] S406. The control intervention feeding component is activated to intervene and induce feeding in the ruminant until the head position of the ruminant enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration, and the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant conform to the preset judgment rules.

[0105] If the head position of the ruminant enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration, or if the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant conform to the preset judgment rules, then skip step S406 and proceed directly:

[0106] S407. Control the negative pressure fan 005 to extract gas from the first chamber according to the preset gas flow rate.

[0107] S408. Determine whether the negative pressure fan 005 has extracted gas from the first chamber according to the preset gas flow rate for the preset sampling time.

[0108] If the negative pressure fan 005 extracts gas from the first chamber according to the preset gas flow rate until the preset sampling time has been reached, then the sampling is completed for that time.

[0109] If the negative pressure fan 005 extracts gas from the first chamber according to the preset gas flow rate but the preset sampling time has not been reached, then execute:

[0110] S409. Determine whether the amount of food consumed by a ruminant in a given feeding session meets the preset standard.

[0111] If the amount of food consumed by the ruminant reaches the preset standard, the sampling for that session is complete.

[0112] If the amount of food consumed by the ruminant does not reach the preset standard, the sampling will fail and the process will restart from step S401.

[0113] Of course, the above is only a possible example of the complete process of a multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection method for ruminants. The actual complete process of the multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection method for ruminants may be the same as or different from the steps in the example above. The specific process can be adjusted and determined according to the actual situation, and no restrictions are imposed here.

Claims

1. A multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas collection device for ruminants, characterized in that, The device includes: a frame housing (001), a bionic feeding trough (002), a cavity partition (003), a three-dimensional gas collection partition, a negative pressure fan (005), an adjustable side plate (006), a feeder (008), a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor (009), an LED light array (010), an acrylic plate (011), and a controller. The controller is communicatively connected to the negative pressure fan (005), the feeder (008), the TOF sensor (009), and the LED light array (010). The adjustable side plate (006) is fixedly disposed on the outside of the opening side of the frame housing (001) by a plurality of locking components (007). The frame housing (001) has a first cavity and a second cavity. The first cavity is connected to the outside through the adjustable opening of the adjustable side plate (006). The cavity partition (003) is disposed between the first cavity and the second cavity. The negative pressure fan (005) is fixedly disposed at the bottom of the second cavity. The air inlet of the negative pressure fan (005) is connected to the first cavity through a through hole disposed on the cavity partition (003). The air outlet of the negative pressure fan (005) is connected to the outside through an air outlet pipe (014) passing through the frame housing (001). The bionic feeding trough (002) is located at the bottom of the first cavity. The main body of the bionic feeding trough (002) is food-grade antistatic plastic with a surface resistance of <106Ω. The bottom of the bionic feeding trough (002) has an elliptical slope bionic structure. The three-dimensional gas collection baffle surrounds the bionic feeding trough (002). The three-dimensional gas collection baffle includes a gas collection plane (0041), a gas collection slope (0042), and a side panel (0043). The gas collection plane (0041) is arranged parallel to the cavity baffle (003), and the gas collection slope (0042) is arranged opposite to the air inlet of the negative pressure fan (005). Multiple gas collection holes are provided on the gas collection plane (0041), the gas collection slope (0042), and the side panel (0043). The diameter of the gas collection holes is 3mm, and the density of the gas collection holes on the gas collection plane (0041) is 25 holes / dm², so that the negative pressure fan (005) can extract gas from the first cavity at a gas flow rate of 0.3-0.8m³ / min through the gas collection holes and the through holes on the cavity baffle (003). The feeder (008) is disposed in the first cavity. The feed port of the feeder (008) is connected to the outside through the opening at the top of the frame housing (001). The discharge port of the feeder (008) is connected to the bionic feeding trough (002). Multiple TOF sensors (009) are disposed in the first cavity, and the TOF sensors (009) are used to monitor the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant when it is feeding. The LED array (010) and the acrylic plate (011) are disposed in the first cavity. The LED array (010) is disposed on the top of the first cavity, and the acrylic plate (011) is disposed on the side wall of the first cavity. The acrylic plate (011) is used to cooperate with the LED array (010) to form a light spot with alternating light and dark in the wavelength range of 450-600nm.

2. The ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes: an intervention feeding inducement component, which is installed in conjunction with the bionic feeding trough (002) and is communicatively connected to the controller; The intervention feeding inducement component is used to induce feeding intervention when the TOF sensor (009) detects abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant.

3. The ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The intervention feeding component includes: a low-frequency vibration component (012) and an odor atomizing device (013). The low-frequency vibration component (012) is disposed at the bottom of the bionic feeding trough (002). The low-frequency vibration component (012) is used to generate a low-frequency vibration with a frequency of 80Hz and an amplitude of 0.1mm when the TOF sensor (009) detects that the ruminant’s head posture and / or feeding rhythm is abnormal. The odor atomizing device (013) is disposed at the opening of the bionic feeding trough (002). The odor atomizing device (013) is used to release feeding-inducing atomizing components when the TOF sensor (009) detects abnormal head posture and / or feeding rhythm of the ruminant.

4. The ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The density of gas collecting holes on the gas collecting slope (0042) is 18 holes / dm², and the density of gas collecting holes on the side panel (0043) is 12 holes / dm².

5. The ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustable side plate (006) includes: a guide rail groove (0061) and a sliding baffle (0062); The sliding baffle (0062) is embedded in the guide rail groove (0061), and the sliding baffle (0062) is used to slide in the guide rail groove (0061) to adjust the opening size of the adjustable opening; The locking component (007) is a magnetic snap-on buckle with a disassembly operation force of ≤5N.

6. The ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device further includes a filter assembly (0141), which is disposed in the air outlet duct (014). The filter assembly (0141) includes a primary stainless steel filter screen with a mesh size of 100 mesh and a secondary activated carbon adsorption layer with a specific surface area ≥800m² / g.

7. The ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acrylic plate (011) is used in conjunction with the LED array (010) to form a blue-green spectrum of alternating light spots with a wavelength of 480-520nm, covering 60%-75% of the feed surface area in the bionic feeding trough (002).

8. The ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas synchronous collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The biomimetic feeding trough (002) has a bottom surface roughness of ≤3.2μm, an angle of 15°-25° between the surrounding plate and the horizontal plane, an adjustable trough depth of 200-400mm, and a frame made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer ABS material.

9. A method for simultaneous feeding and gas collection of ruminants using a multimodal sensory biomimetic system, applied to the controller of the ruminant multimodal sensory biomimetic feeding and gas collection device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that... The method includes: Upon receiving a monitoring signal from the TOF sensor (009), and after determining that the ruminant is close to the ruminant multimodal sensing bionic feeding and gas synchronous collection device, the LED light array (010) is controlled to turn on according to the preset color temperature, preset illuminance, preset light type and preset light band. The head position, head posture, and feeding rhythm of the ruminant are determined based on the monitoring signal from the TOF sensor (009). If the head of the ruminant enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration, and the head posture and feeding rhythm of the ruminant conform to the preset judgment rules, then the negative pressure fan (005) is controlled to extract gas from the first cavity at a preset gas flow rate.

10. The method for simultaneous feeding and gas collection of ruminants with multimodal sensory biomimetic technology according to claim 9, characterized in that, After determining the head position, head posture, and feeding rhythm of the ruminant based on the monitoring signal from the TOF sensor (009), the method further includes: If the ruminant's head position enters the preset sampling area for a preset duration but the preset duration is not met, or if the ruminant's head posture and feeding rhythm do not conform to the preset judgment rules, the control intervention feeding inducement component is activated to intervene and induce the ruminant to feed.

Images