RFID ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION, RATIOMETRIC FLUORESCENCE MEASUREMENT, REFERENCE SIGNAL, UV / CAMERA READABLE AND REUSABLE POLYMER-QUANTUM DOT COMPOSITE CAT LITTER SYSTEM

Abstract

The invention relates to a cat litter system that incorporates an analyte-sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle phase immobilized within washable polymer composite cat litter granules, along with a reference fluorescent phase exhibiting a lower optical response change in the target analyte range compared to the analyte-sensitive phase; the system enables the visualization of the granules under excitation light via a camera, the ratioing of the sensor and reference signals, and the matching of the resulting measurement with an RFID-identified animal.

Description

RFID ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION, RATIOMETRIC FLUORESCENCE MEASUREMENT, REFERENCE SIGNAL, UV / CAMERA READABLE AND REUSABLE. POLYMER-QUANTUM DOT COMPOSITE CAT LITTER SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to washable polymer composite cat litter granules. immobilized analyte-sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle phase in the target analyte range showing a lower optical response change compared to the analyte-sensitive phase in question. Containing a reference fluorescent phase; granules are imaged through a camera under excitation light. display, ratio of sensor and reference signals and the resulting with a cat litter system that enables the measurement to be matched with an animal identified by RFID It is related. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE In the current state of the technology, cat litter intended for health monitoring is mostly used. This occurs depending on the pH of the animal urine or certain chemical components. It is based on the evaluation of color change with the naked eye. In such systems... The results obtained depend on the user's color perception, ambient light, and urine volume. from the moisture level of the sand and the imaging of the camera or screen used It is affected by its characteristics. Single-channel color change-based measurement, sensor. aging or washing that occurs in the material depending on usage It does not provide a sufficient reference to compensate for the subsequent signal shift. Therefore, the same urine profile may appear differently under different environmental or imaging conditions. It can be interpreted. Some color-changing additives are formulated as single-use or The sensor loses its function after the washing process. Fluorescent nanoparticles. or the direct and free mixing of similar sensor additives into the sand In this case, there are risks of nanoparticle leakage, direct contact with the animal, toxicity, cost, and Environmental contamination risks may arise. Furthermore, the actual contents of the cat litter... Since urine and feces can be present in the same environment during its use, fecal residue can be detected by the sensor. as a result of covering the surface, distorting the optical image, or giving a faulty analyte response It is possible to evaluate this. In known systems, it is covered with feces. 1 or by separating the contaminated areas from the image, excluding these areas from the measurement. Check if the sensor returns to the basal signal after leaving it and washing. This cannot be adequately ensured. Another problem with the current state of the technology is that the granules come into contact with urine. the inability to be segmented numerically and the optical changes occurring in the granules The problem is that it's not possible to keep records on an animal-by-animal basis over time, especially with many cats. Which animal does the measurement obtained in homes, shelters and veterinary clinics belong to? the inability to reliably determine whether the measurement results are based on individual baseline This makes it difficult to compare with values ​​and past trends. This situation, unique Going beyond single-day color observation, information on animal-specific anomalies and trends. It restricts its production. However, these applications mostly involve solutions, films, electrodes, or It remains in a single-use test format. Reusable, washable polymer cat litter. analyte-sensitive fluorescent phase immobilized within granules, along with an analyte-insensitive reference. Granules that carry the fluorescent phase together, imaged under UV light using a camera, granules that come into contact with urine, which ratio the analyte-sensitive signal to the reference signal. segmenting the image and excluding areas containing feces or contamination from the measurement, monitoring the return to the basal signal after washing and measuring it using RFID. There is no integrated tracking platform that links to the animal's profile. THE PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION The aim of the invention is to transform polymer cat litter granules into a material that only absorbs liquid. by making it optically readable under UV light, viewable with a camera, and a reusable sensor element that can be digitized through image processing The goal is to convert [the substance] into [acidity], [ammonium], or [urea] in animal urine, using pH. Optical response associated with protein or albumin, glucose, citrate, uric acid, blood, or hemoglobin. The aim is to monitor changes. The system is not for making a final medical diagnosis, but for home use. To generate anomaly and trend information in the environment and to provide veterinary control when necessary. It is used to provide early warning that directs attention. The system is also used by veterinarians. for use in clinics as an aid in preliminary screening, follow-up, or pre-confirmation monitoring. It is structured in a way that allows it to be used. Another objective of the invention is to generate an analyte-sensitive fluorescent signal within the target analyte range. Reference fluorescence showing a lower optical response change compared to the analyte-sensitive phase. stimulation intensity through signal-to-stimulation ratio, camera exposure, camera model, 2 viewing distance, amount of granules viewed, granule aging, moisture content, and The aim is to reduce measurement differences caused by partial contamination. Thus, a single color or instead of visual assessment based on the intensity channel, common in measurement conditions obtaining a reference-normalized ratiometric measurement that reduces the effect of variations that is intended. Another objective of the invention is to incorporate fluorescent nanoparticles as free additives into fabric. Instead of dispersing, it allows the passage of liquid, ions and target small molecules, but Cross-linked or multiphase structures that limit the migration of fluorescent nanoparticles out of the granule The goal is to immobilize the urine components within a polymer network. This allows the urine components to enter the sensor phase. while ensuring that fluorescent nanoparticles are retained within the polymer matrix. in repeated sensing, washing, drying and verification cycles of composite granules It is intended for reuse. Another aim of the invention is to address the issues that arise during the natural use of cat litter. The aim is to manage the effect of potential fecal contact on the measurement. Accordingly, fecal masking of coated or optically contaminated areas in the camera image or excluding from measurement, checking for return to basal signal after washing. The aim is to analyze and classify the measurement as valid or invalid. Another purpose of the invention is to provide the same reading with the camera and UV reading module. The animal's collar is identified via an RFID reader and antenna integrated into the station. tag, subcutaneous microchip or RFID identification element registered in the system It is the perception and measurement of the data and its matching with the relevant animal identity. Thus, for many cats... In homes, shelters, and veterinary clinics, each measurement should be based on the individual baseline of the animal in question. The aim is to compare the value with past measurement trends. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention relates to a substance whose pH, ammonia, or ammonium, or urea, when in contact with animal urine, Optical response associated with protein or albumin, glucose, citrate, uric acid, blood, or hemoglobin. washable polymer-quantum dot composite cat that produces changes It consists of a camera system that detects these changes in the cat's litter. The sand allows the passage of liquid and target molecules while fluorescent nanoparticles at least one immobilized within a polymer network that limits leakage from the granule analyte-sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle phase and analyte that generates the comparison signal. It consists of granules containing an insensitive reference fluorescent phase. Camera The system uses a UV or UV-A light source to stimulate the fluorescent phases in the granules, 3 a camera or mobile device camera that images the granules underneath, the animal's RFID RFID reader that enables identification via tag or subcutaneous RFID transponder and its antenna, an optical reference that allows monitoring of stimulation intensity with camera exposure. or at least one processor with memory that processes the control area and the acquired images. It includes an image processing algorithm that analyzes urine-soaked areas and sensors. segmenting granules, areas covered with feces or optically contaminated areas by masking and excluding from measurement, color from appropriate image regions It derives emission intensity or fluorescence lifetime values. Analyzer-sensitive. A ratiometric output is obtained by ratioing the sensor signal with the reference signal; this output... Basal and past calibration and threshold data of the animal identified via RFID. The measurements are compared. This allows multiple cat litter boxes to be used by different people. The animal records are separated and constitute the final medical diagnosis for each animal. Non-existent anomalies, risks, and trend information showing change over time. The user is directed to veterinary control after the procedure. The washed and dried granules are then imaged again under UV or UV-A light, The ratiometric signal is checked to see if it has returned to the baseline value and if it is acceptable. This allows for the reuse of the transformed granules. Reusable polymer cat litter granules retain at least a portion of the urine liquid. The area carries the sensor and reference phases and undergoes repeated washing and drying processes. It is a durable composite body. The granules are spherical, cylindrical, irregular, chopped, or It can be formed into pellets and has a characteristic size ranging from 0.5 to 8 mm. It is possible. The polymer matrix of the granule is poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylamide (PAAm), polyacrylic acid (PAA), sodium polyacrylate, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone elastomer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), sodium alginate, chitosan, gelatin, agarose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, starch-based polymers, or their derivatives cross-linked, interwoven network, core-shell, porous or multiphase composite It contains at least one of these structures. The polymer matrix also has liquid absorption capacity. sodium polyacrylate, cross-linked polyacrylic acid, or starch-graft- With polyacrylate-based superabsorbent polymers; mechanical resistance and repeated washing. To increase its stability, polyurethane, silicone elastomer, EVA or TPU are used. It can be combined with at least one of its phases. The polymer network can combine with water, urine, protons, ammonium ions, urea, and target small molecules move towards the sensor phase. 4 while allowing diffusion, the migration of fluorescent nanoparticles out of the granule and into the animal It limits direct contact. The polymer casing also prevents solid residues of fecal origin. mechanical resistance and surface that allows removal from the surface by washing It has the following characteristics. The analyte-sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle phase interacts with urine components, in question. through chemical environmental changes caused by the components or by a recognition Change in emission intensity resulting from the interaction of the element with the target component, fluorescence extinction, emission wavelength shift, fluorescence lifetime change, or It produces a different optical response. The recognition element in question is an enzyme, ionophore, ligand, aptamer, antibody, molecularly imprinted polymer, complexing compound, pH- At least one of the susceptible groups or combinations thereof may be present. Fluorescent. nanoparticle phase carbon quantum dots, graphene quantum dots, metal oxide base fluorescent nanoparticles, semiconductor quantum dots, heavy metal-free Quantum dots or hybrid combinations thereof can be selected. Total charge of fluorescent nanoparticles in polymer composite It can range from 0.01% to 10% by weight, and approximately 1% by weight in an application. It can be applied at the level of fluorescent nanoparticles in a polymer matrix. entrapment, cross-linking, surface functionalization, coating, using at least one of the following methods: microencapsulation or covalent bonding It can be immobilized. The reference fluorescence phase transitions to the analyte-sensitive sensor phase within the target analyte range. showing a lower optical response variation compared to the change in sensor phase. It produces a reference signal that allows for comparison. Analyzer-sensitive fluorescence. Nanoparticle phase and reference fluorescence phase have different emissions within the same granule. They can be arranged to form bands or reference with sensor granules. Granules can be found as separate granules within the mixture. The same granule... In the application where the sensor and reference phases inside are used, two emissions The signal is received under the same stimulation and display conditions. Separate sensor and reference. In applications where granules are used, the signals are the same image region, wetting class. or through predetermined spatial matching criteria The system also compares camera exposure, stimulation intensity, and optics. a fixed control region or reference granule that enables monitoring of system stability It may include, and the current control signal obtained from this element is the basal control. Correction used in normalizing the ratiometric output by comparing it with the signal. Its value can be determined. Different fluorescent nanoparticle phases for monitoring multiple urine components, to be sensitive to different analytes or different chemical sensing mechanisms It can be selected. A sensor phase can be chosen based on pH depending on protonation or deprotonation. change; a sensor phase ionophore, ligand or complexation mechanism via ammonia or ammonium; indirect pH change mediated by a sensor-phase urease. via urea; via a sensor phase enzymatic reaction or reaction product glucose; a sensor phase specific binding, molecular repression or binding dependent via fluorescence change to protein or albumin; another sensor phase is... absorption, internal filter effect, attenuation, complexation, or specific binding via its mechanism, the optical response is associated with citrate, uric acid, blood, or hemoglobin. They can be separated. The reference fluorescence phase is used for comparison within the target analyte range. It generates a signal. In a multiple or hybrid quantum dot architecture, different sensor phases are located within the same granule. It can be arranged in mixed, layered, or discrete regions, or separately. They can be found in sensor granules. Thus, different emission bands and densities can be achieved. Multiple evaluations can be made based on ratios or fluorescence lifetime values. And a multi-component optical fingerprint can be created in relation to urine components. The stimulus light source captures the fluorescent phases present in the polymer granules through the camera. It enables the production of emissions that can be detected by the warning light source. In the form of an LED or LED array operating in the 300-420 nm wavelength range. It is possible to use a center wave of 365 nm, 385 nm, 395 nm, or 405 nm in an application. It can have a certain height. The camera, with its stimulating light source, affects the ambient light. It can be positioned in an enclosed or partially enclosed reading station, reducing the risk of injury. To capture the fluorescence image, the mobile device camera is placed on the cat litter box. integrated camera, in-cover camera, macro camera, or optical sensor that suppresses warning light A camera module with a filter can be used. An RFID reader and at least one antenna are placed before the animal enters the litter box. reading the device to identify the user during entry or throughout the usage period. at the station, at the entrance to the cat litter box, in the entrance tunnel, around the box or is located on the cover section. The RFID reader is on the animal's collar. an RFID tag, subcutaneous RFID transponder, or other device registered in the system It detects an RFID identification element. The RFID read is taken when the animal is detected. 6 interval, camera image timestamp and obtained from sensor granules The measurements are combined under the same record. This increases the accuracy of the matching. RFID data for the purpose of; weight sensor, motion sensor, entry / exit detector, camera animal presence detection based on a predetermined time window This can be verified by at least one of the data points. The matched data includes animal-based profiles and The trend is being transferred to a database; in that database, the basal data of each animal is recorded. fluorescence rate, historical measurements, anomaly thresholds, and usage records. This allows measurements for multiple animals using the same cat litter to be stored. The records are separated from each other, and each measurement corresponds to the animal's own past trend. They are being compared. Upon contact of animal urine with the granules during use, urine The liquid, ions, and small molecules inside pass through the polymer network to immobilize the sensor. It reaches this phase. The pH of the urine, ammonia or ammonium, urea, protein or albumin, Changes in glucose, citrate, uric acid, blood or hemoglobin content, depending on the selected sensor. It produces an optical response in this phase. The urea-dependent change is indirectly caused by urea. This can be monitored via pH change. The analyte-insensitive reference phase is also monitored using the same measurement. It produces a comparison signal under these conditions. Composite granules in contact with urine. It is visualized via camera under UV or UV-A stimulation. An image operated by a control unit that includes at least one processor and memory. The processing algorithm identifies urine-soaked areas within the acquired image and the sensor It segments the granules. Areas covered with fecal matter or optically contaminated; Color and texture characteristics in a visible light image, fluorescence under UV stimulation. signal loss, reference signal falling below a predetermined threshold, obscuration. This is determined using at least one of the following: a confidence ratio or a classification confidence value. It is being masked and excluded from the measurement. RGB is used in the regions suitable for measurement. HSV or Lab color space values, spectral band intensities, emission intensities. or fluorescence lifetime values ​​are derived. The analyte-sensitive sensor signal is used as a reference. Ratiometric output is obtained by ratioing to the fluorescence signal. Optical reference. The current control signal obtained from the element, the optical reference element in question A correction value is determined by comparing it to a predetermined basal control signal. is generated. The ratiometric output is normalized using this correction value. In one application, the normalized ratiometric output is calculated as R = (I / I ) / C NSR o It can be calculated using the following relationship; where I is the analyte-sensitive sensor signal, and I is the reference signal. SR fluorescence signal and basal control with current control signal of optical reference element C. he 7 It shows the correction value, which expresses the relationship between the signals. Ratiometric output is applied to the calibration curve; excitation intensity, camera exposure, camera model, viewing distance, amount of granules viewed, granule Measurement of common changes resulting from aging, humidity, and partial contamination. Its impact is being reduced. Different colors and emissions are obtained when using multiple or hybrid quantum dot sensor phases. The signals obtained from the intensity channels are evaluated together. Each The response from the sensor phase is compared with an appropriate reference signal, and different urine samples are analyzed. multi-component optical fingerprint or multiple anomaly score associated with its components The calibration and threshold database is being created, containing the monitored analyte ranges and reference ranges. It includes values ​​and warning thresholds. Obtained as a result of image processing. Ratiometric values ​​are obtained from the data and the basal measurements of the animal in question. risk score, anomaly information, or change over time shown by comparison Trend records are being generated. User interface, pH trend, ammonia or ammonium increase, urea-related. indirect pH change, protein or albumin, glucose, citrate, uric acid, blood or hemoglobin optical changes associated with it in the form of animal-based anomaly warnings or trend information. It communicates this to the user. The system is the hardware where the image processing algorithm is located. The software inside detects unusual urine profiles, urinary tract infections, and kidney problems. an early sign that may be associated with dysfunction, diabetes, or changes in hydration This is considered a warning and the user is directed to veterinary check-up. It provides the following. The resulting output is not intended as a definitive medical diagnosis and requires veterinary evaluation. It provides helpful monitoring information before or during veterinary follow-up. If the cat litter comes into contact with feces during use, the composite material should be avoided. The polymer body allows fecal residue to be removed from the surface by washing. It provides. Areas covered with feces serve as a valid measurement region for the target analyte. Not accepted; color, texture in visible light and / or fluorescent image, at least one of the following criteria: obfuscation, signal loss, or reference signal distortion. It is determined using and excluded from the measurement. After washing. the effect of any remaining residue or surface contamination, ratiometric normalization, measurement Confidence level and return to basal signal control are used together for evaluation. Granules are used after contact with urine or feces, water, buffer solution, and surfactant. washing solution containing the substance, enzymatic cleaning solution or these They are washed using combinations of detergents and then dried. The dried items... 8 The granules are re-imaged under the stimulation light and ratiometrically after washing. The value R is determined. This value refers to the granule's condition before or after its first use. � The basal ratiometric value R in the verified clean state is compared. Basal � relative deviation from the value ∣R −R ∣ � � D= R � It can be calculated using the relation and the value of D is above a predetermined acceptance threshold. If the granules are small, they are classified as reusable. If the subject value exceeds the acceptable threshold, granule or relevant image region measurement is being discarded, re-washed, or its lifespan is being extended. It is marked as completed. The system's workflow initially involves identifying the animal using an RFID reader. It is detected, granules in contact with urine are visualized under UV stimulation, Sensor granules within the image and wetted areas are segmented, and fecal matter is detected. Areas covered with contamination are excluded from the measurement. Then the sensor and Reference signals are extracted, ratiometric values ​​are calculated, and calibration data is obtained. and comparisons are made with past measurements of the animal, and animal-based anomalies are identified. or trend output is generated. After use, the granules are washed, It is being dried and checked in terms of conversion to basal signal. Thus the granules are repeated in sensing, washing, drying and re-sensing cycles. Its use is ensured. 9

Claims

1. RFID animal monitoring for tracking optical changes associated with animal urine. recognizable, ratiometric fluorescence measurement and rewashable polymer-quantum Nokta composite cat litter system; - polymer cat litter granules that allow liquid to be absorbed, - urine immobilized within the polymer cat litter granules. with its components, and the chemical environment formed by those components. through their changes or the interaction of a recognition element with the target component related changes in emission intensity, fluorescence extinction, emission wavelength shift, fluorescence lifetime change, or optical response producing at least one analyte-sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle phase, - compared to analyte-sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle phase in the target analyte range showing less optical response change and analyte-sensitive fluorescence a reference that allows comparison of the change in nanoparticle phase fluorescent phase, - water, urine, protons, ammonium ions, urea, and the target microorganism diffusion of molecules towards the analyte-sensitive fluorescent nanoparticle phase while allowing the migration of fluorescent nanoparticles out of the granules and into the animal a cross-linked or multiphase polymer network that limits direct contact, - Fluorescent phases in polymer cat litter granules as seen by camera a wavelength of 300-420 nm that enables it to produce detectable emissions at least one light source that produces a warning light within its range, - fluorescence of polymer cat litter granules under the aforementioned stimulus light an optical filter that captures images and optionally suppresses the stimulus light at least one camera containing, - camera exposure, stimulus light intensity, or optical system stability a fixed control area, reference granule or reference that enables monitoring an optical reference element containing at least one fluorescent region, - the RFID tag on the animal's collar, subcutaneous RFID transponder or detects the RFID identification element introduced into the system and identifies the animal as a cat before, during, or after insertion into the litter box RFID located at the reading station in a way that will identify its identity. with the reader and at least one antenna, - areas moistened with urine and sensor granules within the acquired image. segmenting, granule regions covered with fecal matter or optically contaminated Color, texture, opacity, signal in visible light and / or fluorescent images using at least one of the criteria of loss or reference signal distortion masking and excluding from measurement, color from areas suitable for measurement spatial values, spectral band densities, fluorescence intensities or image processing to extract fluorescence lifetime values at least one processor and memory configured to execute its instructions control unit, - by ratioing the analyte-sensitive sensor signal to the reference fluorescence signal generating a ratiometric output and transmitting that output from an optical reference element. Ratiometric calculation that normalizes with the obtained correction value. module, - containing monitored analyte ranges, reference values, and alert thresholds calibration and threshold database, - RFID reading, time interval when the animal was detected, camera the timestamp of the image and obtained from sensor granules By combining the measurements under the same record, the basal ratiometric measurements of each animal can be obtained. its value, historical measurements, usage records, and anomaly thresholds storing an animal-based profile and trend database, - Calibration of ratiometric output and threshold data related to the animal's basal and animal-based anomalies, risks, or trends by comparing them with historical measurements. the control unit that generates the information and the information in question as a final medical diagnosis. User who transmits non-transmitting auxiliary tracking information to the user its interface and, - Washed and dried polymer cat litter granules under stimulating light re-displaying the ratiometric value after washing versus the initial value. or the relative ratio between the basal ratiometric value and the verified clean state to determine the deviation and to assume that deviation is a predetermined value. If the threshold is exceeded, the relevant granule or image region is excluded from measurement. 11 by including control to return to the basal signal configured to release it It is characteristic.

2. The system described in Claim 1, whose characteristics are: poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), polyacrylamide (PAAm), polyacrylic acid (PAA), sodium polyacrylate, poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA), polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), silicone elastomer, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), sodium alginate, chitosan, gelatin, agarose, cellulose derivatives, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, starch polymers based on or in cross-linked, interwoven networks, core-shell, a polymer matrix having at least one porous or multiphase composite structure It is characterized by containing cat litter granules.

3. The system described in Claim 2, whose characteristic is to increase liquid absorption capacity. for this purpose sodium polyacrylate, cross-linked polyacrylic acid or starch-graft- With polyacrylate-based superabsorbent polymers; mechanical resistance and repeated washing. To increase its stability, polyurethane, silicone elastomer, EVA or TPU are used. Cat litter containing a polymer matrix combined with at least one of its phases It is characterized by containing granules. 12