Controller for examining the performance of a wireless identification system, computer-implemented method, computer program and non-volatile data carrier

Abstract

To examine the performance of a system for wireless identification of animals, a controller (100) checks a presence signal (P) indicating that an animal (130) in a group of animals is detected in an identification zone where a tag (135) of the animal (130) is expected to be within a detection range (R) of an antenna system (150) for reading the tag (135). From a camera (140), the controller (100) obtains image data (Dimg) covering a portion of the identification zone where the tag (135) of the animal (130) is expected to be located. The controller (100) processes the image data (Dimg) to check if the tag (135) is detected; and if so, the controller (100) attempts to read out the code (ID) from the antenna system (150). If the read-out attempt is successful, the controller (100) stores the code (ID) in a database (160) together with a first functional status (stag1) designating that the tag (135) carried by the animal (130) associated with the code (ID) operates satisfactorily.

Description

[0001] Controller for Examining the Performance of a Wireless Identification System, Computer-Implemented Method, Computer Program and Non-Volatile Data Carrier

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to automatic identification of animals. Especially, the invention relates to a controller according to the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding computer- implemented method. The invention also relates to a computer program and a non-volatile data carrier storing such a computer program.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Inter alia for health and food quality reasons, today’s dairy industry requires that the extracted milk can be traced back to each animal from which the respective milk originates. This, in turn, demands an unfailing system for identifying the animals in connection with each milking. In addition, there are numerous other places in a farm environment, where reliable identification is key, for example at feeding stations and when determining a body condition score (BCS) for an animal.

[0006] Over many decades, various kinds of wireless animal identification systems have been developed. Normally, these systems rely on radio technology. However, magnetic and vision-based alternatives also exist for reading out information from identification animal-carried tags.

[0007] EP 1 441 583 shows a system for individually checking animals which each can be provided with an identification label, the system is provided with at least one read-out device for generating an electromagnetic interrogation field and recording a response signal comprising an identification code of an identification label present in the field, the system being further provided with detec- tion means are designed to detect the presence of an animal in the interrogation field. The system is further provided with distinguishing means designed for distinguishing an animal of which, with the aid of the detection means, it has been detected that the animal is present in the interrogation field and from which no response signal is received by the read-out device on the basis of which the identification code can be derived.

[0008] DE 10 2017 109 130 describes one example of vision-based control in a farm environment. Here, a stable cleaning device cleans a floor area of an open stable, which has a robot vehicle with a cleaning tool, which is autonomously movable and is set up to clean a floor area of an open stable. The stable cleaning device has at least one stationary image-processing sensor device for determining the position of the robot vehicle. The at least one image-processing sensor device is in an elevated position relative to the robot vehicle, in particular on a fence or a ceiling of the open stable, and is arranged to detect a floor area to be cleaned. The at least one image-processing sensor is set up to determine the position of the robot vehicle within a sensor's own reference system and to transmit it to the robot vehicle.

[0009] As exemplified above, there are systems that employ radio waves or image data to identify animals and control robot vehicles respectively. However, there is no solution for automatic supervision and / or troubleshooting of a wireless animal identification system.

[0010] SUMMARY

[0011] The object of the present invention is therefore to solve the above problem and offer a technical solution that provides automatic monitoring of a wireless animal identification system.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a controller for examining the performance of a system for wireless identification of animals. The controller is configured to obtain a code from an antenna system, which code is derived from a radio based read-out of a respective tag carried by each animal in a predefined group of animals. The tag may be an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag. Specifically, the controller is configured to check if a presence signal is received, which presence signal indicates that an animal in the predefined group of animals is detected in an identification zone where the tag of the animal is expected to be within a detection range of the antenna system; and obtain image data from a camera, which image data covers a portion of the identification zone where the tag of the animal is expected to be located when being within said detection range. The controller is also configured to process the image data to check if a predefined part of the animal, e.g. its left ear, is detected in a first region of interest within the image data. If the predefined part of the animal is detected in the first region of interest, the controller is further configured to process the image data to check if the tag is detected in a second region of interest within the image data. If the tag is detected in the second region of interest, the controller is configured to attempt to read out the code of the tag from the antenna system. If the read-out attempt is successful, the controller is configured to store the code together with a first functional status in a database. Here, the first functional status designates that the tag carried by the animal associated with said code operates satisfactorily.

[0013] This controller is advantageous because it enables convenient, reliable and straightforward functional checking of the tags carried by all the individuals in a predefined group of animals, for example a herd of dairy animals.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the second region of interest is comprised in the first region of interest. For example, the predefined part of the animal may be the head. In such a case, the first region of interest preferably covers the head / face area of the animal, and the second region of interest preferably covers a particular one of the animal’s ears.

[0015] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, if the read-out attempt is unsuccessful, the controller is configured to register a first error indication in a log file. The first error indication designates that the animal represented by the image data has a tag that does not operate satisfactorily. Obviously, since the tag could not be read, the animal’s identity remains unknown at this stage.

[0016] Therefore, according to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, if the read-out attempt is unsuccessful, the controller is configured to obtain a position of the tag where the unsuccessful read-out attempt was performed and / or a point in time when the unsuccessful read-out attempt was performed. Based on said position and / or point in time, the controller is further configured to attempt to identify the animal. For example, the position may be a particular milking bail on a rotating platform, and the point in time may be represented by an occasion when a set of teatcups was attached to the animal’s teats. In such a case, the controller may obtain relevant milking-related parameters in respect of the animal whose tag could not be read, and / or information relating to at least one of the animals that were milked in the bails adjoining the bail in which the animal whose tag could not be read was milked. Based on this information, in turn, another read-out attempt may be made.

[0017] According to still another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, if a predetermined number of consecutive read-out attempts have been unsuccessful in respect of at least a subgroup of the predefined group of animals, the controller is configured to register a second error indication in the log file. The second error indication designates that the antenna system and / or a processing functionality configured to read out the codes of the tags from the antenna system does not operate satisfactorily. Namely, if repeated read-out errors occur although the tags are represented in the image data, this is most likely due to a radio-related problem.

[0018] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, if the presence signal is not received, however the code is received from the antenna system, the controller is configured to regis- ter a third error indication in the log file. The third error indication designates that the antenna system cross reads radio signals from at least one tag that is located outside of the identification zone. This in turn, may due to that an animal somehow has managed to position its tag within the detection range without triggering the presence signal, for example because the antenna has been moved out of position.

[0019] According to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the controller is configured to produce the presence signal based on the image data obtained from the camera. This is beneficial, since it obliviates the need for a dedicated presence sensor.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of this aspect of the invention, if the presence signal is received, however no animal is detected in the first region of interest, and still the code of the tag is obtained from the antenna system, the controller is configured to register a fourth error indication in the log file. The fourth error indication designates that the camera, a processing functionality configured to process the image data, or both do not operate satisfactorily.

[0021] Additionally, in response to registering the fourth error indication in the log file, the controller is preferably configured to store the code together with the first functional status in the database, since, here, the tag was successfully read.

[0022] According to another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, if the animal is detected in the first region of interest, the predefined part of the animal is detected in the first region of interest, however the tag is not detected in the second region of interest, the controller is configured to register a fifth error indication in the log file. The fifth error indication designates that the animal represented by the image data does not carry the tag. Again, since the tag could not be read, the animal’s identity obviously is unknown at this stage.

[0023] However, preferably, in response to registering the fifth error indication in the log file, in order to find an alternative identification of the animal, the controller is further configured to process the image data to check if an auxiliary identification item is detected that is carried by the animal and based on which auxiliary identification item the animal may be identified. If the auxiliary identification item is detected, the controller is configured to register a sixth error indication in the log file. The sixth error indication designates that the animal represented by the image data carries the auxiliary identification item.

[0024] Moreover, in such a case, according to one embodiment of this aspect of the invention, the controller is further configured to attempt to read out an identity of the animal from the auxiliary identification item via a secondary read-out arrangement. If the readout attempt is successful, the controller is configured to store the read-out identity together with a second functional status in the database. Here, the second functional status designates that the animal has been identified via the auxiliary identification item.

[0025] The auxiliary identification item may include a motion sensor unit containing an information string that is unique for the animal. The secondary read-out arrangement may be a radio interface adapted to read out said information string.

[0026] According to yet another embodiment of this aspect of the invention, alternatively or in addition to the above, in response to registering the fifth error indication in the log file, the controller is configured to process the image data to check if a visual characteristics is detected, e.g. an ear tag with an ID marking, based on which visual characteristics the animal may be identified. If the visual characteristics is detected, the controller is configured to register a seventh error indication in the log file. The seventh error indication designates that the animal represented by the image data has been identified via the visual characteristics.

[0027] According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer-implemented method for examining the perfor- mance of a system for wireless identification of animals, which is performed in a processing unit in a controller. The method involves obtaining a code from an antenna system, which code is derived from a radio-based read-out of a respective tag carried by each animal in a predefined group of animals; checking if a presence signal is received, which presence signal indicates that an animal in the predefined group of animals is detected in an identification zone where the tag of the animal is expected to be within a detection range of the antenna system; obtaining image data from a camera, which image data covers a portion of the identification zone where the tag of the animal is expected to be located when being within said detection range; processing the image data to check if a predefined part of the animal is detected in a first region of interest within the image data; and if the predefined part of the animal is detected in the first region of interest, the method further involves processing the image data to check if the tag is detected in a second region of interest within the image data; and if the tag is detected in the second region of interest, the method further involves attempting to read out the code from the antenna system; and if the read-out attempt is successful, the method also involves storing the code together with a first functional status in a database. The first functional status designates that the tag carried by the animal associated with said code operates satisfactorily.

[0028] The advantages of this method, as well as the preferred embodiments thereof, are apparent from the discussion above with reference to the proposed controller.

[0029] According to a further aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer program loadable into a non-volatile data carrier communicatively connected to a processing unit. The computer program includes software for executing the above method when the program is run on the processing unit.

[0030] According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a non-volatile data carrier containing the above computer program.

[0031] Further advantages, beneficial features and applications of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the dependent claims.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The invention is now to be explained more closely by means of preferred embodiments, which are disclosed as examples, and with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 schematically illustrates an arrangement in which the controller according to a first embodiment of the invention is configured to examine the performance of a system for wireless identification of animals;

[0035] Figure 2 shows a first example of image data based on which the controller according to one embodiment of the invention may examine the performance of a system for wireless identification of animals;

[0036] Figure 3 shows a second example of image data based on which the controller according to one embodiment of the invention may examine the performance of a system for wireless identification of animals;

[0037] Figure 4 schematically illustrates an arrangement in which the controller according to a second embodiment of the invention is configured to examine the performance of a system for wireless identification of animals; and

[0038] Figure 5 illustrates, by means of a flow diagram, a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Figure 1 schematically shows a system for wireless identification of animals 130, e.g. dairy animals or meat cattle. Figure 1 also shows a controller 100 according to a first embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 shows a first example of image data Dimg, which the controller 100 is configured to utilize when examining the performance of the system for wireless identification of animals.

[0041] The controller 100 is configured to obtain a code ID from an antenna system 150. The code ID is derived from a radio-based read-out of a respective tag 135 that is carried by each animal 130 in a predefined group of animals, e.g. a herd.

[0042] Specifically, in order to evaluate whether the wireless identification system operates as intended, the controller 100 is configured to check if a presence signal P is received, which presence signal P indicates that one of said animals 130 is detected in an identification zone, where the animal’s 130 tag 135 is expected to be within a detection range R of the antenna system 150. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tag 135 is preferably an RFID tag, for example of LF (low frequency) or UHF (ultrahigh frequency) type. The antenna system 150 is configured to emit radio waves towards the tag 135 and receive radio waves reflected against the tag 135. The detection range R for the antenna system 150 is preferably relatively short, say less than or equal to 120 cm. However, for practical reasons, the detection range R is preferably at least 30 cm.

[0043] The identification zone is a physically delimited space configured to exclusively allow one single animal 130 at the time from the predefined group of animals to be present. The antenna system 150 may include an antenna 151 , which is arranged in relation to the physically delimited space such that the detection range R is contained in the physically delimited space. Thereby, the risk of false readings from tags outside the physically delimited space is minimized.

[0044] The presence signal P may be generated by a proximity sensor, e.g. operating based on light or sound waves, and / or a gate arran- gement for allowing the animal 130 into the identification zone. Preferably, however, according to one embodiment of the invention, a camera 140 is configured to register image data Dimgrepresenting the identification zone, the controller 100 is configured to obtain the image data Dimg from the camera, and based thereon produce the presence signal P, for example in response to an animal 130 being detected in the image data D img .

[0045] Irrespective of how the presence signal P is generated, the controller 100 is configured to obtain image data Dimg from the camera 140, which image data D img covers a portion of the identification zone where the animal’s 130 tag 135 is expected to be located when being within the detection range R of the antenna system 150. The controller 100 is further configured to process the image data Dimg to check if a predefined part 230 of the animal 130, for instance its head / face as exemplified in Figure 2, is detected in a first region of interest ROI1 within the image data Dimg .

[0046] If the predefined part 230 of the animal 130 is detected in the first region of interest ROI1 , the controller 100 is configured to process the image data Dimg further to check if the tag 135 is detected in a second region of interest ROI2 within the image data Dimg, which second region of interest ROI2 for example covers the animal’s 130 left ear 235. Typically, however not necessarily, the second region of interest ROI2 is comprised in the first region of interest ROI1. If the tag 135 is detected in the second region of interest ROI2, it assumed that the tag 135 should be readable. Therefore, the controller is configured to attempt to read out the code ID from the antenna system 150.

[0047] If the read-out attempt is successful, the controller 100 is configured to store the code ID together with a first functional status Stag 1 in a database 160. The first functional status stag1 designates that the tag 135 carried by the animal 130 is associated with the code ID and operates satisfactorily. In other words, it can be expected that the animal 130 will be identifiable via the code ID of its tag 135, for example in connection with an automatic milking procedu- re.

[0048] According to embodiments of the invention, the tag 135 may be positioned at other locations on the animal 130 than in the left ear. For instance, the tag 135 may be attached to a necklace. In such a case, the predefined part 230 of the animal 130 is preferably its neck. Thus, the first region of interest ROI 1 may comprise a region around the animal’s 130 neck, jaw and / or shoulder and the second region of interest ROI2 may comprise a region around the throat of the animal 130.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, if the attempt to read out the code ID from the tag 135 is unsuccessful, the controller 100 is configured to register a first error indication ei in a log file 170. Le. the log file 170 represents an information bank that a user may consult to identify and analyze various faults in the system for wireless identification of the animals. The first error indication ei designates that the animal 130 represented by the image data Dimghas a tag 135 that does not operate satisfactorily. Namely, the tag 135 was detected in the image data Dimg. Therefore, the tag 135 has not been lost, and is probably positioned at its intended location. However, since no code could be read out, it is likely that the tag 135 itself is defective.

[0050] Preferably, if the read-out attempt is unsuccessful, the controller 100 is configured to obtain a position of the tag 135 where the unsuccessful read-out attempt was performed and / or a point in time when the unsuccessful read-out attempt was performed. For example, if the read-out attempt was made on a rotating milking platform, the position may be a particular milking bail on the platform, and the point in time may be an occasion when a set of teatcups was attached to the animal’s 130 teats. Here, the controller is configured to attempt to identify the animal 130 via a means alternative to the tag 135, namely based on said position and / or point in time. In the rotating milking platform example, the controller 100 may obtain relevant milking-related parameters in respect of the animal 130 that was milked without being identified first. The milking-related parameters are typically unique for each animal and may thus serve as a signature, or “fingerprint,” for identification of the animal 130. Different strategies for such identification are revealed in EP 1 212 937 and US 5,959,526, which are both hereby incorporated by reference.

[0051] If, however, multiple read-out attempts have been unsuccessful in respect of different animals, this is rather an indication of that the error lies elsewhere that in the tags carried by these animals. Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, if a predetermined number of consecutive read-out attempts have been unsuccessful in respect of at least a subgroup of the predefined group of animals, say three in a row, the controller 100 is configured to register a second error indication e2 in the log file 170. The second error indication e2 designate that there is something wrong with the antenna system 150, e.g. its antenna 151 , a radio transceiver 153 associated thereto and / or a processing functionality configured to read out the codes ID of the tags 135 from the antenna system 150.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, if the presence signal P is not received, and the code ID is received from the antenna system 150, the controller 100 is configured to register a third error indication es in the log file 170. Namely, the code ID should only be readable if the animal 130 is located in the identification zone, which, in turn, should be indicated by the presence signal P. The third error indication es designates that the antenna system 150 cross reads radio signals from at least one tag 135 that is located outside of the identification zone. This may have different explanations. For example, an animal may somehow have managed to position its tag 135 within the detection range R without triggering the presence signal P, for example because the antenna system 150 has been moved out of position, or the animal has poked its head in and out of identification zone very swiftly. Alternatively, the detection range R may have been extended unexpectedly e.g. due to an anomaly or malfunction in the antenna system 150. According to one embodiment of the invention, if the presence signal P is received, no animal is detected in the first region of interest ROI1 , and the code ID is obtained from the antenna system 150, the controller 100 is configured to register a fourth error indication e4 in the log file 170. Here, it is assumed that the presence signal P has a different origin than from the image data Dimgobtained from the camera. The fourth error indication e4 namely designates that either the camera 140, a processing functionality configured to process the image data Dimg, or both do not operate satisfactorily. This is a reasonable conclusion because both the presence signal P and the code ID were received.

[0053] Preferably, since in the above scenario, the code ID was read out, in response to registering the fourth error indication e4 in the log file 170, the controller 100 is further configured to store the code ID together with the first functional status stag1 in the database 160. Thus, it is validated that the animal 130 in question carries an operating tag 135.

[0054] According to another embodiment of the invention, if the animal 130 is detected in the first region of interest ROI1 and the predefined part 230 of the animal 130 is also detected in the first region of interest RO11 , however the tag 135 is not detected in the second region of interest ROI2, the controller 100 is configured to register a fifth error indication es in the log file 170. The fifth error indication es designates that the animal 130 represented by the image data Dimg does not carry the tag 135. Of course, at this stage the animal’s 130 identity is unknown. However, further steps may be taken to establish the identity as will be explained below referring to Figures 3 and 4.

[0055] In Figure 3, we see a second example of image data Djmg, which the controller 100 is configured to utilize to examine the performance of the system for wireless identification of animals according to one embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 shows a schematic illustration of an arrangement in which the controller 100 according to this embodiment of the invention operates. According to one embodiment of the invention, in response to registering the fifth error indication es in the log file 170, i.e. that does not carry the tag 135, the controller 100 is further configured to process the image data Dimgto check if an auxiliary identification item 335 is detected that is carried by the animal 130 and based on which auxiliary identification item 335 the animal 130 may be identified as an alternative to the tag 135.

[0056] For example, the auxiliary identification item 335 may contain a motion sensor unit configured to register movements patterns and / or behavioral patterns for the animal 130. To this aim, the auxiliary identification item 335 contains an information string that is unique for the animal 130, which consequently may be used for identification purposes.

[0057] If the auxiliary identification item 335 is detected in the image data Dimg, the controller 100 is configured to register a sixth error indication ee in the log file 170. The sixth error indication ee designates that the animal 130 represented by the image data Dimg carries the auxiliary identification item 335.

[0058] Preferably, in response to registering the sixth error indication ee in the log file 170, the controller 100 is further configured to attempt to read out an identity of the animal 130 from the auxiliary identification item 335, for instance by using the above-mentioned information string. To this end, the controller 100 is configured to request data from a secondary read-out arrangement 450 configured to communicate with the auxiliary identification item 335. For example, if the auxiliary identification item 335 contains a motion sensor, the secondary read-out arrangement 450 may employ an ultrawide band radio channel or a UHF (ultrahigh frequency) channel to communicate with the auxiliary identification item 335. Radio signals emitted in both these frequency typically have relatively long range, say in the order of 10ths of meters. It is therefore advisable to somehow limit the range, for example via physical screening, a time-of-arrival delimitation and / or signal strength. If the read-out attempt from the auxiliary identification item 335 is successful, the controller 100 is configured to store the read-out identity together with a second functional status stag2 in the database 160. The second functional status stag2 designates that the animal 130 has been identified via the auxiliary identification item 335.

[0059] Additionally, or alternatively, according to one embodiment of the invention, in response to registering the fifth error indication es in the log file 170, the controller 100 is further configured to process the image data Dimgto check if a visual characteristics 345 is detected on the animal 130 based on which visual characteristics 345 the animal 130 may be identified. The visual characteristics 345 is typically represented by an ear tag with an ID marking. However, technically, the visual characteristics 345 may be any natural or artificial distinguishing feature that is unique for the animal 130 in question.

[0060] If the visual characteristics 345 is detected in the image data Djmg, the controller 100 is configured to register a seventh error indication e? in the log file 170. The seventh error indication e? designates that the animal 130 represented by the image data Dimghas been identified via the visual characteristics 345. Consequently, according to the embodiments of the invention, there are many alternative ways to identify the animal 130 if it is established that the animal 130 lacks a tag 135 or has a malfunctioning tag 135.

[0061] It is generally advantageous if the controller 100 is configured to effect the above-described procedure in an automatic manner by executing a computer program. Therefore, the controller 100 may include a memory unit 105, i.e. non-volatile data carrier, storing a computer program 103, which, in turn, contains software for making processing circuitry in the form of at least one processor 101 in the controller 100 execute the actions mentioned in this disclosure when the computer program 103 is run on the at least one processor 101 . In order to sum up, and with reference to the flow diagram in Figure 5, we will now describe a computer-implemented method according to embodiments of the invention, which method is performed in the at least one processor 101 of the controller 100.

[0062] A first step 505 checks if a presence signal is obtained; and if so, a step 510 follows in which image data are obtained. As mentioned above, the presence signal itself may be generated based image data. In such a case, image data are obtained already in step 505. As further mentioned above, image data may be obtained also in the lack of a presence signal. Consequently, step 505 is optional in at least some embodiments of the invention, and the procedure may thus start in step 510.

[0063] In step 510, image data are obtained from a camera, which image data cover a portion of the identification zone where a tag of an animal is expected to be located when being within a detection range from an antenna system configured to read out a code from the tag.

[0064] In a subsequent step 515, the image data are processed and in a following step 520 it is checked if a predefined part of the animal is detected in a first region of interest within the image data. If the predefined part of the animal is detected in the first region of interest, a step 525 follows; and otherwise, the procedure continues to a step 560.

[0065] In step 525, the image data are further processed to check if the tag is detected in a second region of interest within the image data. If the tag is detected in the second region of interest, a step 535 follows; and otherwise, the procedure continues to a step 555.

[0066] Step 535 attempts to read out the code of the tag from the antenna system; and if the read-out attempt is successful, a step 545 follows. Otherwise, the procedure continues to a step 550.

[0067] Step 545 stores the code together with a first functional status in a database. The first functional status designates that the tag car- ried by the animal and associated with the stored code operates satisfactorily.

[0068] Step 550 stores a first indication in the log file, which first error indication designates that the animal 130 represented by the image data has a tag that does not operate satisfactorily. Thereafter, the procedure loops back to step 505.

[0069] Step 555 stores a fifth error indication in the log file, which fifth error indication designates that the animal represented by the image data does not carry a tag. Thereafter, the procedure loops back to step 505.

[0070] Step 560 checks if the code has been read out from the tag such that an identity of the animal may be obtained. If so, a step 565 follows; and otherwise, the procedure loops back to step 505.

[0071] Step 565 stores a fourth error indication in the log file. The fourth error indication designates that the camera and / or a processing functionality configured to process the image data does not operate satisfactorily. Thereafter, the procedure loops back to step 505.

[0072] The process steps described with reference to Figure 5 may be controlled by means of a programmed processor. Moreover, although the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the drawings comprise processor and processes performed in at least one processor, the invention thus also extends to computer programs, particularly computer programs on or in a carrier, adapted for putting the invention into practice. The program may be in the form of source code, object code, a code intermediate source and object code such as in partially compiled form, or in any other form suitable for use in the implementation of the process according to the invention. The program may either be a part of an operating system, or be a separate application. The carrier may be any entity or device capable of carrying the program. For example, the carrier may comprise a storage medium, such as a Flash memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), for ex- ample a DVD (Digital Video / Versatile Disk), a CD (Compact Disc) or a semiconductor ROM, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), or a magnetic recording medium, for example a floppy disc or hard disc. Further, the carrier may be a transmissible carrier such as an electrical or optical signal which may be conveyed via electrical or optical cable or by radio or by other means. When the program is embodied in a signal, which may be conveyed, directly by a cable or other device or means, the carrier may be constituted by such cable or device or means. Alternatively, the carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is embedded, the integrated circuit being adapted for performing, or for use in the performance of, the relevant processes.

[0073] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0074] The term “comprises / comprising” when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components. The term does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more additional elements, features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof. The indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. In the claims, the word “or” is not to be interpreted as an exclusive or (sometimes referred to as “XOR”). On the contrary, expressions such as “A or B” covers all the cases “A and not B”, “B and not A” and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

[0075] It is also to be noted that features from the various embodiments described herein may freely be combined, unless it is explicitly stated that such a combination would be unsuitable. The invention is not restricted to the described embodiments in the figures, but may be varied freely within the scope of the claims.

Claims

Claims1 . A controller (100) for examining the performance of a system for wireless identification of animals, which controller (100) is configured to obtain a code (ID) from an antenna system (150), which code (ID) is derived from a radio-based read-out of a respective tag (135) carried by each animal (130) in a predefined group of animals, characterized in that the controller (100) is configured to: check if a presence signal (P) is received, which presence signal (P) indicates that an animal (130) in the predefined group of animals is detected in an identification zone where the tag (135) of the animal (130) is expected to be within a detection range (R) of the antenna system (150), obtain image data (Dimg) from a camera (140), which image data (Dimg) covers a portion of the identification zone where the tag (135) of the animal (130) is expected to be located when being within said detection range (R), process the image data (Dimg) to check if a predefined part (230) of the animal (130) is detected in a first region of interest (ROI1 ) within the image data (Dimg), and if the predefined part (230) of the animal (130) is detected in the first region of interest (ROI1 ), process the image data (Dimg) to check if the tag (135) is detected in a second region of interest (ROI2) within the image data (Dimg), and if the tag (135) is detected in the second region of interest (ROI2) attempt to read out the code (ID) of the tag (135) from the antenna system (150), and if the read-out attempt is successful store the code (ID) together with a first functional status (stagl) in a database (160), the first functional status (stag1 ) designating that the tag (135) carried by the animal (130) associated with said code (ID) operates satisfactorily.

2. The controller (100) according to claim 1 , wherein, the second region of interest (ROI2) is comprised in the first region of interest (ROI1 ).

3. The controller (100) according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the predefined part (230) of the animal (130) is at least one of a head and a neck of the animal (130), and the second region of interest (ROI2) comprises at least one of a region around an ear (235) and a region around throat of the animal (130).

4. The controller (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, if the read-out attempt is unsuccessful, the controller (100) is configured to register a first error indication (ei) in a log file (170), which first error indication (ei) designates that the animal (130) represented by the image data (Dimg) has a tag (135) that does not operate satisfactorily.

5. The controller (100) according to claim 4, wherein, if the read-out attempt is unsuccessful, the controller (100) is configured to: obtain at least one of a position of the tag (135) where the unsuccessful read-out attempt was performed and a point in time when the unsuccessful read-out attempt was performed, and attempt to identify the animal (130) based on said position and / or point in time.

6. The controller (100) according to any of claims 4 or 5, wherein, if a predetermined number of consecutive read-out attempts have been unsuccessful in respect of at least a subgroup of the predefined group of animals, the controller (100) is configured to: register a second error indication (62) in the log file (170), which second error indication (62) designates that at least one of the antenna system (150) and a processing functionality configured to read out the codes (ID) of the tags (135) from the antenna system (150) does not operate satisfactorily.

7. The controller (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, if: the presence signal (P) is not received, and the code (ID) is received from the antenna system (150),the controller (100) is configured to register a third error indication (es) in the log file (170), which third error indication (es) designates that the antenna system (150) cross reads radio signals from at least one tag (135) that is located outside of the identification zone.

8. The controller (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (100) is configured to produce the presence signal (P) based on the image data (Dimg) obtained from the camera (140).

9. The controller (100) according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein, if: the presence signal (P) is received, no animal is detected in the first region of interest (ROI1 ), and the code (ID) is obtained from the antenna system (150), the controller (100) is configured to register a fourth error indication (64) in the log file (170), which fourth error indication (64) designates that at least one of the camera (140) and a processing functionality configured to process the image data (Dimg) does not operate satisfactorily.

10. The controller (100) according to claim 9, wherein in response to registering the fourth error indication (64) in the log file (170), the controller (100) is further configured to store the code (ID) together with the first functional status (stag1 ) in the database (160).

11. The controller (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein, if: the animal (130) is detected in the first region of interest (ROI1 ), the predefined part (230) of the animal (130) is detected in the first region of interest (RO11 ), and the tag (135) is not detected in the second region of interest(ROI2), the controller (100) is configured to register a fifth error indication (es) in the log file (170), which fifth error indication (es) designates that the animal (130) represented by the image data (Dimg) does not carry the tag (135).

12. The controller (100) according to claim 11 , wherein in response to registering the fifth error indication (es) in the log file (170), the controller (100) is further configured to: process the image data (Dimg) to check if an auxiliary identification item (335) is detected that is carried by the animal (130) and based on which auxiliary identification item (335) the animal (130) may be identified, and if the auxiliary identification item (335) is detected the controller (100) is configured to register a sixth error indication (ee) in the log file (170), which sixth error indication (ee) designates that the animal (130) represented by the image data (Dimg) carries the auxiliary identification item (335).

13. The controller (100) according to claim 12, wherein the controller (100) is further configured to: attempt to read out an identity of the animal (130) from the auxiliary identification item (335) via a secondary read-out arrangement (450), and if the read-out attempt is successful store the read-out identity together with a second functional status (Stag2) in the database (160), which second functional status (Stag2) designates that the animal (130) has been identified via the auxiliary identification item (335).

14. The controller (100) according to any of claims 12 or 13, wherein the auxiliary identification item (335) comprises a motion sensor unit containing an information string that is unique for the animal (130).

15. The controller (100) according to claim 11 , wherein in response to registering the fifth error indication (es) in the log file(170), the controller (100) is further configured to: process the image data (Dimg) to check if a visual characteristics (345) is detected based on which visual characteristics (345) the animal (130) may be identified, and if the visual characteristics (345) is detected the controller (100) is configured to register a seventh error indication (e?) in the log file (170), which seventh error indication (e?) designates that the animal (130) represented by the image data (Dimg) has been identified via the visual characteristics (345).

16. The controller (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tag (135) is a radio-frequency identification, RFID, tag.

17. A system for wireless identification of animals characterized in that the system comprises: the controller (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, and an antenna system (150) configured to read out a respective code (ID) from a respective tag (135) carried by each animal (130) in a predefined group of animals when the respective animal (130) is located in an identification zone a camera (140) configured to register image data (Dimg) that covers a portion of the identification zone where the tag (135) of the animal (130) is expected to be located when being within a detection range (R) of the antenna system (150).

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein a detection range (R) for the antenna system (150) is at least 30 cm and less than, or equal to 120 cm.

19. The system according to any of claims 17 or 18, wherein the identification zone is a physically delimited space configured to exclusively allow one single animal (130) at the time from the predefined group of animals to be present, and the antenna system (150) comprises an antenna (151 ) that is arranged relative to thephysically delimited space such that the detection range (R) is contained in the physically delimited space.

20. The system according to claim 19, wherein the identification zone comprises a milking bail on a rotating platform.21 . The system according to any of system according to any of claims 17 to 20, further comprising at least one of: a gate arrangement, and a proximity sensor configured to generate the presence signal (P).

22. A computer-implemented method for examining the performance of a system for wireless identification of animals, which method is performed in processing unit (101 ) in a controller (100), the method comprising: obtaining a code (ID) of the tag (135) from an antenna system (150), which code (ID) is derived from a radio-based read-out of a respective tag (135) carried by each animal (130) in a predefined group of animals, characterized by: checking if a presence signal (P) is received, which presence signal (P) indicates that an animal (130) in the predefined group of animals is detected in an identification zone where the tag (135) of the animal (130) is expected to be within a detection range (R) of the antenna system (150), obtaining image data (Dimg) from a camera (140), which image data (Dimg) covers a portion of the identification zone where the tag (135) of the animal (130) is expected to be located when being within said detection range (R), processing the image data (Dimg) to check if a predefined part (230) of the animal (130) is detected in a first region of interest (ROI 1 ) within the image data (Dimg), and if the predefined part (230) of the animal (130) is detected in the first region of interest (ROI 1 ), processing the image data (Dimg) to check if the tag (135) is detected in a second region of interest (ROI2) within the imagedata (Dimg), and if the tag (135) is detected in the second region of interest (ROI2) attempting to read out the code (ID) from the antenna system (150), and if the read-out attempt is successful storing the code (ID) together with a first functional status (stagl) in a database (160), the first functional status (stag1 ) designating that the tag (135) carried by the animal (130) associated with said code (ID) operates satisfactorily.

23. A computer program (103) loadable into a non-volatile data carrier (105) communicatively connected to a processing unit(101 ), the computer program (103) comprising software for executing the method according to claim 22 when the computer program (103) is run on the processing unit (101 ).

24. A non-volatile data carrier (105) containing the computer program (103) of the claim 23.

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