Photography tools suitable for animal feed, etc.

Abstract

The present invention aims to construct a system that can estimate and grasp the moisture content of feed such as silage for ruminant livestock with high frequency, accuracy, ease, and low cost, and in particular to standardize the shooting environment in order to achieve high accuracy in application-based systems. [Solution] This system utilizes a component for housing imaging equipment with a specific structure, and an imaging equipment cover that can be connected to this component. This makes it easier to collect data that can be accurately compared by suppressing variations due to differences in photographers and shooting conditions, and enables the acquisition of high-precision images, resulting in better data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a photographing tool suitable for photographing feeds and the like. In particular, it relates to a photographing tool and kit that are very suitable for a system for estimating the moisture content of roughages such as dry hay and silage.

Background Art

[0002] Silage is a major nutrient source in the feeding management of ruminant livestock. Therefore, it is important to grasp its DMI (dry matter intake), that is, the moisture content.

[0003] The conventional problem of insufficient DMI (dry matter intake) was caused by changes in the moisture content and quality of feeds, especially roughages such as dry hay and silage, leading to a decrease in the feed intake of ruminant livestock, selective eating, etc., resulting in insufficient DMI, and through malnutrition and metabolic disorders, a decrease in milk and meat productivity sometimes occurred. This has been recognized conventionally.

[0004] In the present invention, not only the above-mentioned conventional problems are considered, but also new situations are further taken into account. That is, taking one step further from the above situation, the following is also considered. Poor recognition (misrecognition) of DMI (dry matter intake) feed intake due to poor grasp of moisture content leads to the collapse of the feeding plan, resulting in insufficient DMI (dry matter intake), nutritional deficiency and poor quality, which directly affects milk production decline. Furthermore, insufficient DMI directly causes stress and affects milk production. That is, if there is an incorrect understanding about the grasp of the moisture content, the components of the feed designed based on it are actually not fed to the cow's body as designed. If the moisture increases too much, the feed component concentration will naturally become thin (DMI will be insufficient), leading to nutritional deficiency in cows. Conversely, if the moisture content is low, the feed component concentration will become thick, causing various diseases such as metabolic diseases and resulting in a decline in milk production. From the perspective of cattle farmers, they may mistakenly believe that they are formulating feed based on the correct moisture content, but in reality, they may not be providing feed with sufficient concentration, which presents a new challenge. Furthermore, if this misperception is not corrected as quickly as possible, it will have a significant impact on the cattle. Therefore, the inventors of this invention have newly recognized the need to correct this misperception of moisture content as quickly as possible.

[0005] Therefore, in order to periodically understand phenomena that reduce productivity, such as a decline in milk production, a decrease in BCS (Body Condition Score: a score that quantifies the body shape and appearance of cows), or illness, and to investigate the causes, it is necessary to grasp the moisture content of the silage, recognize the results, and then go through a process of understanding the actual situation, analyzing, designing, responding, and restoring the health of ruminant livestock. Traditionally, in order to determine the moisture content of silage, which is central to the recovery process of livestock, it was necessary to analyze samples from multiple parts of the silo, as moisture content varies even within a single silage. However, due to economic reasons such as the capacity and cost of the analysis center, the method used was to collect and mix samples from multiple parts, use them as a representative sample, and send it to the analysis center for analysis.

[0006] However, conventional methods using this analysis center take at least one or two weeks to several weeks to complete the above process, resulting in significant impacts on the health of livestock and substantial economic losses during that time.

[0007] Furthermore, using an analysis center is costly and difficult to perform frequently. Therefore, there was a strong need for a method that could determine and estimate the moisture content of silage with high accuracy, frequency, ease of use, and low cost.

[0008] Furthermore, the inventors of the present invention have already invented a highly accurate moisture content estimation system for feed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-198914 (Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-84616: Patent Document 1) to address the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] The present invention aims to construct a system that can estimate and understand the moisture content of ruminant livestock feed, particularly silage, with high frequency, accuracy, simplicity, and low cost. Furthermore, this system aims to enable the monitoring of feed components other than moisture content. Furthermore, this system aims to enable continuous and high-frequency measurements, and by sharing data via communication, it will also facilitate rapid revisions of feed formulations at farms.

[0010] To achieve the above objective, the inventors considered various approaches and ultimately focused on a method using machine learning models, which had previously received little attention in the feed industry. As a result of our investigation, we obtained a useful new finding: by processing pre-recorded silage footage using a machine learning model, we can quickly and accurately determine the moisture content.

[0011] Based on this finding, further research was conducted to concretize the system. As a result, it was discovered that the moisture content of silage can be estimated with high accuracy by taking images of the silage with a smartphone or similar device and processing them using, for example, Google Cloud Platform AutoML Vision, thus completing the invention. This is an overview of the invention described in Patent Document 1.

[0012] The photographic tool according to the present invention is suitable for photographing silage, and is particularly suitable for photographing silage in the system described in Patent Document 1.

[0013] While implementing the invention described in Patent Document 1, the inventors realized that there was a need to understand the state of the silage with higher precision. The inventors considered how this problem could be solved.

[0014] As a result, we found that, particularly in the invention described in Patent Document 1, in order to enable high-precision determination of moisture content, it is important that the object being photographed can be photographed under fair and equal conditions, regardless of who photographs it or where it is photographed. This is because if the object cannot be photographed under the same conditions, it is impossible to compare the state of the silage under the same conditions.

[0015] In other words, the inventors have found that standardization of the imaging environment is unavoidable in order to achieve high accuracy in the imaging of silage, particularly in realizing the invention described in Patent Document 1. Solving this is a novel challenge and is one of the main challenges to be solved by the present invention.

[0016] The inventors have found that factors hindering the standardization of the shooting environment include inconsistencies in the distance to the subject, i.e., the shooting range, the unintentional inclusion of objects other than the subject, such as silage, and illuminance. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0017] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-84616 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0018] The present invention aims to construct a system that can simply, accurately, and at low cost estimate and grasp the moisture content of feed such as silage for ruminant livestock with high frequency, and particularly aims to achieve uniform imaging environments for the system described in Patent Document 1.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0019] To achieve the above object, as a result of considering from various aspects, the present inventors have found the necessary conditions in the following method for unifying the imaging environment.

[0020] That is, the specific necessary conditions are as follows. First, it is necessary for the tool to have portability. It is required to be small and lightweight so that it can be used for imaging anywhere. Next, it is also necessary for it to be easy to operate by anyone and not be affected by external environments such as rain and wind. Furthermore, compatibility with other types of devices (such as smartphones) and ease of attachment and detachment of the device are also required.

[0021] And as required functions, it is preferable to also realize software, flash on, exposure adjustment function, white balance, etc.

[0022] The present inventors newly found that the functions of the imaging tool for solving these problems need to have the following characteristics. That is, this tool must have the following features: a) It must be sized to accommodate various smartphones. b) It must be an open type that can operate the smartphone screen. c) It must be able to insert and operate the smartphone while holding it. d) It must have an open window through which multiple types of camera lenses can take pictures inside the tool. e) A height at which autofocus is achieved during equal magnification shooting is required. For example, 8 cm or more is required. f) The angle and shooting position during equal magnification shooting must be such that the wall on the side of the tool is not reflected. For example, it should spread more than 15.4 degrees from the adhesive surface. g) In order to prevent halation by the flash, an inclination for shifting the reflected light is required. For example, 7 to 10 degrees. However, in order to completely avoid reflection, a considerably large angle is required, which increases the size of the tool and makes it impossible to maintain portability. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the compatibility of the conditions to some extent. h) It is also conceivable to attach an anti-reflection screen to the inner wall surface to prevent halation by the flash.

[0023] The inventors of the present application have found a useful new finding that the above problems can be solved by manufacturing a photographing tool under the above conditions, and have completed the present invention through further research and development activities.

[0024] That is, the embodiments of the present invention are as follows. (1) A photographing device assembly, characterized in that a portable photographing device can be housed inside a box-shaped container, the lower surface has an open window through which the camera lens of the device can take pictures, the upper surface is an open type that can operate the device, and the outer periphery has a groove that can be housed in a photographing device cover. (2) A photographing device cover, characterized in that in a trapezoidal shape, it has a mechanism and a flat surface on which the assembly described in (1) can be attached by cutting off the upper surface, has a slit for letting light escape at the lower part of the front surface, and has an inclination for shifting the reflected light on the side surface. (3) The photographing device cover according to (2), further characterized by attaching an anti-reflection screen to the inner wall surface. (4) The assembly described in (1) and the photographic equipment cover described in (2), characterized in that they are used to run an application. (5) A method of imaging characterized by using the assembly described in (1) and the imaging equipment cover described in (2) simultaneously. (6) A photographic tool characterized by comprising the assembly described in (1) and the photographic equipment cover described in (2). (7) A photographic tool suitable for feed and the like, characterized by comprising a photographic equipment assembly and a photographic equipment cover as specified below. However, the photographic equipment assembly is characterized in that it can house a portable photographic device inside a box-shaped container, has an open window on its bottom surface that allows the camera lens of the device to take pictures, has an open top surface that allows the device to be operated, and has a groove on its outer circumference that allows it to be housed in a photographic equipment cover. The photographic equipment cover is characterized in that it has a square pyramidal shape, has a mechanism and a flat surface that allows the assembly described above to be attached by cutting out the top surface, has a gap at the bottom of the front surface to allow light to escape, and has a slope on the side surface to shift reflected light. (8) The photographic tool described in (7), further characterized in that the photographic equipment cover has an anti-reflective film attached to its inner wall surface. (9) A camera tool as described in (7), characterized in that it is used to run an application. A shooting method characterized by using any one of the shooting tools described in (10)(7) to (9). A photographic tool characterized in that any one of the photographic tools described in (11)(7) to (9) is for estimating the moisture content of silage. (12) The method for estimating the moisture content of silage as described in (10). [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, when photographing an object, the shooting environment can be standardized, enabling high-precision photography. In particular, when photographing silage using an app or using the system described in Patent Document 1, variations depending on the photographer and shooting environment can be suppressed, and data can be compared more accurately under consistent conditions. As a result, the moisture content of silage can be measured with higher precision, and the system can be used to easily, conveniently, and accurately systematize the understanding of the health status of cattle and the feed that should be given. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0026] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the imaging equipment assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The units of measurement in Figures 1 and 2 are in millimeters (mm). [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a photographic equipment cover according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a photographic tool that uses a photographic equipment assembly and a photographic equipment cover simultaneously, which is one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows actual images of silage (photographs used as substitutes for drawings) taken using the apparatus of the present invention. The top row shows images taken with an early prototype of the present invention. The middle row shows images taken with a mid-stage prototype. The bottom row shows images taken with the invention of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] The present invention will be described in detail below.

[0028] This invention relates to a component for housing a photographic device that enables high-precision photography of livestock feed, and a photographic device cover that can be coupled to the component. By using this invention, it becomes possible to obtain data that can be correctly compared, suppressing variations due to differences in photographers and shooting conditions, for example, when using a specific application, particularly regarding the determination of the moisture content of the feed, and it becomes possible to obtain high-precision images, thereby obtaining better data.

[0029] Livestock feed, especially silage, is characterized by a wide range of moisture content, from approximately 15% to 80%, and by the presence of various components, including organic acids, unlike regular feed. Therefore, misjudging the moisture content can have a significant impact on nutrient concentration and other factors due to the wide range of moisture content, and there is a high risk of greatly misjudging the amount of nutrients given to the cattle. To determine the moisture content of silage, since there is variation in moisture content even within a single silage, ideally, each individual part of the silo should be used as an analytical sample. However, due to economic reasons such as the capacity and cost of analysis at the analysis center, and the time required in proportion to the number of samples, this was not feasible. Therefore, the method adopted was to collect and mix samples from multiple parts, use them as a representative sample, and send it to the analysis center for analysis. The varying moisture content across different parts of the cow's body hinders the accurate determination of the true moisture content in the feed. Ideally, each part of the silage should be analyzed, and feed designed and administered accordingly. However, for the reasons mentioned above, this is not possible, resulting in incomplete nutritional management that is limiting milk production.

[0030] However, this method involves collecting many samples even within the silo, sending them to an analysis center, and analyzing each one individually. While this allows for the acquisition of accurate data, it also has many disadvantages, such as the high cost, effort involved, and the significant amount of time required.

[0031] Furthermore, at the farm level, it's possible that the feed was being fed with an incorrect understanding of its moisture content. Later, when the moisture content was checked, it was discovered that it differed from expectations, requiring hasty adjustments. Due to the wide range of moisture content, this also led to significant health problems for the cattle. Naturally, the longer the time elapsed before the error was discovered, the greater the damage. The invention described in Patent Document 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "the Invention") provides a solution to these problems. In other words, according to the Invention, it is possible to instantly and accurately grasp the moisture content and quickly provide cattle farmers with a feeding menu based on the correct moisture content.

[0032] Despite the common technical understanding that it is difficult to estimate, identify, and analyze the components contained in feed from photographs and images, the inventors dared to discover that the appearance and image of feed can be used to estimate its moisture content with a practical degree of accuracy, leading them to this invention.

[0033] Specifically, the first step is to collect the target feed from a farm or similar location. Then, an image of the feed is taken using a smartphone or similar device. Alternatively, the collection surface of the silo is photographed directly. This image is saved to a database either on the smartphone or via a cloud network. At the same time, information such as the farm name, grass species, type, harvesting number, and field name can also be entered along with the feed image.

[0034] The image is then processed using a machine learning model. This machine learning model can be provided, for example, using Google Cloud Platform AutoML Vision.

[0035] Through the above process, instead of taking each sample individually and sending it to an analysis center to measure its moisture content, the moisture content of the feed in the image is displayed numerically, for example, on a smartphone screen. This is the core of the invention. Furthermore, since the moisture content is displayed immediately, another effect of this invention is that it allows for extremely rapid and instantaneous assessment of the moisture content.

[0036] Next, regarding further uses of the data acquired in this way, for example, the system makes it possible to measure moisture continuously and more repeatedly, enabling more precise moisture management. In other words, it becomes possible to manage the health of ruminants (e.g., cattle) more meticulously and effectively.

[0037] Furthermore, sharing this data via communication enables rapid revision of feed designs on farms. Providing this method can also contribute to improving productivity in the livestock industry.

[0038] As a further application, by incorporating a data collection mechanism into the operation of the analysis center, it becomes possible to continuously maintain high accuracy while collecting diverse data and improving and maintaining accuracy. This data can also be used to estimate various components.

[0039] The invention described in Patent Document 1 provides the effects described above, but in order to take advantage of these effects, the accuracy and objectivity of the data must be high. The higher these are, the higher the reliability. In order to further increase the accuracy and objectivity, it is necessary to ensure higher accuracy and high quality image quality, as well as objectivity unaffected by the photographer or shooting conditions, when collecting data. The present invention provides a means to solve this problem.

[0040] In other words, the present invention consists of an assembly (smartphone holder) for housing a camera, and a camera cover that can be attached thereto.

[0041] First, let me describe the assembly, which is the first element of this invention. The assembly consists of a flat rectangular parallelepiped that is thin vertically, from which the top surface and adjacent side surfaces have been removed. An imaging device can be inserted through the removed side surfaces, and the remaining side surfaces have grooves for fixing the imaging device.

[0042] Because the top of the assembly is cut off, the control screen can be operated while the imaging device is attached. Additionally, the bottom of the assembly has a hole that allows the camera lens of the imaging device to capture the object being photographed.

[0043] Next, let's describe the other element, the imaging cover. The imaging cover, as a whole, has the shape of a square pyramid with the top cut off. The flat top has grooves on its sides into which the aforementioned assembly can be inserted and secured.

[0044] Furthermore, there is a hole at the top of the assembly, which allows the subject to be photographed without obstructing the lens of the camera attached to the assembly when the assembly is connected.

[0045] The lower front side of the camera cover has a groove. This groove allows light to escape, preventing reflections and halation when using a flash. This contributes to a more uniform shooting environment.

[0046] Furthermore, the sides of the cover are angled from front to back, with the cut being deeper at the back. This means that when it is used upright, the front will be slightly upward from horizontal, while the back will stand horizontally.

[0047] Furthermore, since the assembly and the shooting cover can be connected, they can be used as a set. By connecting the shooting equipment to the assembly, the distance of the shooting equipment to the subject is fixed, and the above-mentioned structures provide protection against light reflection, resulting in a homogenized shooting environment regardless of the photographer or circumstances.

[0048] A typical example of a photographic device is a smartphone. The significance of the present invention is maximized when using the application described in Patent Document 1. In addition, tablet devices, compact cameras, digital cameras, film cameras, and disposable cameras can also be used by employing a structure that allows them to be fixed to the assembly.

[0049] Various known materials can be used, including various resins, plastics, wood, ceramics, etc. They can also be manufactured using 3D printers, etc.

[0050] The following describes embodiments of the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the technical concept of the present invention. These will be explained with reference to the figures as appropriate. [Examples]

[0051] Figure 1 shows one form of an assembly for housing imaging equipment, which is one element of the present invention.

[0052] The top surface has been removed from the (slightly flattened) rectangular prism shape, and the adjacent side front is also left empty. Furthermore, there is a groove on the inner side surface into which a camera device such as a smartphone can be inserted.

[0053] Furthermore, the top surface has an opening that allows for smartphone operation, and a smartphone can be inserted from the side front. The bottom surface has a certain opening that does not obstruct the smartphone's camera, allowing it to directly capture objects placed beneath the assembly.

[0054] For example, the dimensions could be such that the width of the outer rectangular prism is 92 mm, the width of the hole on the bottom is 68 mm, and the height of the same hole is 70 mm. Alternatively, the width and length of the rectangular prism could be 102 mm, and the length and height of the interior of the rectangular prism, excluding the material thickness and grooves, could be 16 mm. [Examples]

[0055] Figure 2 shows one form of the photographic cover, which is another element of the present invention. Overall, it has the shape of a square pyramid with the top surface cut off. The assembly shown in Figure 1 can be attached to the flat top surface. There is a hole facing downwards, through which the lens of the photographic equipment can capture the subject placed below without any obstruction. The dimensions of the hole can be, for example, 40 mm vertically and 60 mm horizontally. The distance from the left edge of the top surface (the lowest point when viewed vertically) to the left edge of the hole (the bottom of the hole when viewed vertically) can be 30 mm. The overall width of the top surface can be 86 mm, the width excluding the assembly mounting groove can be 80 mm, and the width of the top plate excluding the cutout can be 83 mm. The vertical width of the cutout can be 10 mm. The overall vertical width of the top surface can be set to 120 mm.

[0056] When viewed from the front, the photographic cover can be shaped similarly to a trapezoid, with the upper horizontal side (upper base) measuring 80.44 mm and the lower horizontal side (lower base) measuring 139.2 mm. The height can be 91 mm. Additionally, there is a hole at the top of the lower horizontal side to allow light to escape, which can be 9.6 mm high. The hole is shaped to slope diagonally from the front to the back of the cover, and the length of the lower horizontal side excluding the hole can be 128.3 mm, while the length of the upper horizontal side excluding the hole can be 118 mm. The front-to-back width of the hole can be 18.6 mm. Furthermore, the angle between the top base and the side touching it can be 106°, and the length of that side can be 104.6 mm.

[0057] When viewed from the side, the photographic cover has a height of 100mm and a top width of 80.3mm. The front length is 93.88mm and the rear length is 83mm. Therefore, due to the angles formed by these edges, the top edge, and the contact surface, the photographic cover will stand tilted backward. The angle between the top edge and the edge touching it can be 106° in both the front and back directions. The holes for escaping light can be formed by creating a contact surface with a 10mm straight section at the front when the cover is standing upright with the front grounded, as shown in Figure 2, and then connecting to the rear edge at a 9° angle from there.

[0058] The base on which the upper assembly is placed can have a vertical width of 120 mm, and the vertical width of the cutout can be 10 mm.

[0059] The assembly and the photographic cover according to the present invention can be combined and used simultaneously as a single unit, thereby achieving maximum effectiveness. Figure 3 shows one such embodiment. A photographic device such as a smartphone can be inserted into the assembly from below, and the present invention can be applied as a three-in-one photographic tool consisting of the photographic device, the assembly, and the photographic cover. [Examples]

[0060] Figure 4 shows an actual image taken with a shooting tool that consists of a smartphone housed in an assembly and connected to a shooting cover, which is one embodiment of the present invention, as well as comparative data images.

[0061] The images are shown vertically from top to bottom: an image taken using an older type of device prior to the present invention, an image taken using an improved version from the intermediate period leading up to the present invention in the middle section, and an image taken using the present invention in the bottom section.

[0062] From left to right horizontally, the images shown are taken with a Sharp AQUOS smartphone, a Google PIXEL smartphone, and a Samsung GALAXY smartphone.

[0063] Looking at these, it can be seen that, generally speaking, the image quality improves in the order of older devices, mid-term devices, and the present invention. This is evidence that the image quality is improved by the elements constituting the present invention. For example, if you focus on the individual particles because you can't capture the silage in detail, the image will be too bright and unsuitable. In the present invention, it is possible to illuminate the subject with only the light necessary for it. Furthermore, with the older equipment, the image was too bright due to light reflection, which was unsuitable. In the present invention, light reflection is suppressed, resulting in a proper image.

[0064] Furthermore, with older and mid-generation equipment, there was variability in the stability of image acquisition from one capture to the next; sometimes the images were captured successfully, but other times they were not. Specifically, when the actual moisture content was 30%, it was sometimes output as 70%. In contrast, the present invention achieves a reproducibility of 95%.

[0065] Although the older and mid-term devices mentioned above are inferior to the present invention, they still produce better image quality than conventional devices or simply taking pictures without any device. Since the present invention is superior to these devices, the effects it produces are said to be very significant.

[0066] The present invention can be summarized as follows:

[0067] The present invention aims to construct a system that can estimate and grasp the moisture content of feed such as silage for ruminant livestock with high frequency, accuracy, ease, and low cost, and in particular to standardize the shooting environment in order to achieve high accuracy in application-based systems.

[0068] As a solution, a component for housing imaging equipment with a specific structure and an imaging equipment cover that can be connected to this component are used. This makes it easier to collect data that can be correctly compared by suppressing variations due to differences in photographers and shooting conditions, and it becomes possible to acquire high-precision images, resulting in better data.

Claims

1. A photographic equipment assembly characterized by having a box-shaped container that can house a portable photographic device, an open window on its bottom surface that allows the camera lens of the device to be photographed, an open top surface that allows the device to be operated, and grooves on the outer circumference that can accommodate a photographic tool.

2. A photographic equipment cover characterized by having a square pyramidal shape, a mechanism and a flat surface on which the assembly described in claim 1 can be attached by cutting off the top surface, a gap at the bottom of the front surface to allow light to escape, and a slope on the side surface to shift reflected light.

3. Furthermore, the photographic equipment cover according to claim 2 is characterized by having an anti-reflective film attached to the inner wall surface.

4. The assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it is used to run an application, and the photographic equipment cover according to claim 2.

5. A method of taking photographs, characterized by using the assembly described in claim 1 and the photographic equipment cover described in claim 2 simultaneously.

6. A photographic tool characterized by comprising the assembly described in claim 1 and the photographic equipment cover described in claim 2.

Images