A detection device

Abstract

The invention relates to a detection device (10) to inform a user by detecting the time of birth and estrus of a female animal located in a certain area.

Description

[0001] A DETECTION DEVICE

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a detection device to inform a user by detecting the time of birth and estrus of a female animal located in a certain area.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] The birth period in animals refers to a critical period of time when the gestation period of a female animal ends and offspring are born. During this period, farmers and breeders monitor the birth process, observing various physical and behavioral signs indicating that the birth is approaching. Physical changes such as swollen mammary glands, onset of lactation, enlargement of the abdomen and relaxation of the coccyx are considered preparation for birth. In addition, among the prenatal symptoms are changes in the behavior of animals such as restlessness, isolation tendency, desire to nest and frequent resting. A decrease in body temperature may also indicate that the birth is approaching.

[0006] Monitoring the birth period allows to prevent possible complications and to give birth more safely, thanks to the early detection of the prenatal symptoms. This minimizes the risks to animal health and allows the offspring born to have a healthy life. The birth period monitoring process also provides farmers with an opportunity to intervene at the right time. A successful management of birth provides a basis for identifying an appropriate care and support needs of animals and for robust herd management. The birth period monitoring process is also important in terms of herd productivity and the control of the genotype. Farmers are able to make conscious decisions about mating at the right time and selecting animals with appropriate genotype. Effective monitoring of the birth period ensures the maintenance of healthy herds in animal breeding processes, increasing reproductive efficiency and increasing the success of agricultural enterprises in general.

[0007] In the state of the art, there are systems allowing the time of birth of an animal to be determined. These systems include birth monitoring cameras, rumen balloons, birth alarm systems, electronic ear stamps, and in-body monitoring devices. Said systems provide a warning to a user immediately before or at the time of birth. These systems cannot inform the user in advance.

[0008] The estrus period of animals generally refers to a period of time when females have the highest reproductive abilities. This period covers a period of time when the female becomes sexually mature and ready to reproduce. However, this period may vary greatly between different animal species. The estrus period occurs due to the hormonal changes in the reproductive systems of the females. This period is especially evident among mammals. Female animals undergo various physical and behavioral changes in order to attract males for mating and increase the likelihood of reproduction. The estrus period is usually limited to a certain time interval, and the female's reproductive ability is at a highest level during this period.

[0009] In the agricultural sector, accurate monitoring of the estrus period of animals offers a number of important advantages. This monitoring practice plays a critical role in animal breeding, mainly for improving the reproductive efficiency. Monitoring of the estrus period provides an opportunity to understand the fertility cycle of animals and to mate at the right time during this period. Thus, healthy offspring with the desired genotype are born. In addition, mating at the right time increases likelihood of success of pregnancy. This, in turn, affects the overall size and health of the herd.

[0010] Various systems used to detect the estrus period in animals offer significant advantages to farmers and breeders in planning mating at the right time and reproduction processes. These systems include body temperature sensors, activity monitoring devices, and hormonal tests. The body temperature sensors attempt to determine the estrus period by monitoring increases in the animal's body temperature. Activity monitoring devices monitor the animal's behavioral changes and consider these changes as signs of the estrus period. Hormonal tests, on the other hand, attempt to determine changes in the female's reproductive cycle by analyzing the hormone levels through blood or milk samples. However, these systems have some shortcomings. For example, the body temperature sensors can be affected by the environmental factors and have limitations in providing precise results. Activity monitoring devices may provide erroneous results in determining the estrus period based on the animals' general behavior. Hormonal tests, on the other hand, may be costly and sometimes provide indefinite results. These shortcomings mean that farmers and breeders may sometimes encounter difficulties in determining the correct mating time. Therefore, the limitations of estrus period detection systems should be taken into account in order to obtain accurate and reliable results, and it is important for farmers to carefully evaluate these systems.

[0011] Consequently, all the above-mentioned problems have made it necessary to make an innovation in the relevant technical field.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a detection device in order to eliminate the above mentioned disadvantages and provide the related technical field with new advantages.

[0014] An object of the invention is to introduce a detection device which detects the time of birth of a female animal.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a detection device which detects the estrus time of a female animal.

[0016] In order to achieve all the objects mentioned above and that will be appreciated from the detailed explanation below, the present invention is a detection device to inform a user by detecting the time of birth and estrus of a female animal located in a certain area. Accordingly, the detection device comprises a body to be attached to a predetermined area on the body of said animal; an adjustable switching element provided on said body for detecting the time of birth in a first position and the time of estrus in a second position; a first sensor unit for measuring the movement of the animal's body; a second sensor unit for measuring a contact movement in the area of the animal's body where it is positioned; a communication unit for data exchange with a remote server; and a processor unit configured to provide a first signal indicating that the animal's time of birth is approaching based on at least one body movement information received from said first sensor unit when the switching element is in the first position and a second signal indicating that the animal's time of estrus is approaching based on at least one contact movement information received from said second sensor unit when the switching element is in the second position, to send said first signal and said second signal to a remote server via said communication unit and to generate a warning signal for warning the user through a user interface connected to the server. Thus, the time of birth and estrus of a female animal are detected.

[0017] A possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the body contains a locking mechanism to be attached to the tail of an animal. Thus, the detection device is correctly located.

[0018] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the body contains multiple air ducts to prevent the same from falling from the animal's body. Thus, the detection device is securely attached to the animal's body and the risk of falling due to external factors is reduced.

[0019] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the body is made of a silicone material to prevent damage to the animal's body. Thus, the animal is not harmed.

[0020] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the first sensor unit contains a motion sensor.

[0021] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the second sensor unit contains a touch sensor.

[0022] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that it includes a temperature sensor on the body to detect the body temperature of an animal. Thus, the body temperature of the animal is detected.

[0023] Another possible embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the processor unit is configured to obtain at least one temperature data from said temperature sensor and to detect the time of birth and estrus of the animal.

[0024] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

[0025] Fig. 1 shows a representative view of the detection device.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a representative view of the working scenario of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] In this detailed description the subject matter of the invention are described with examples only for a better understanding of the subject in a non-limiting sense.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 1 , the invention relates to a detection device (10) to inform a user by detecting the time of birth and estrus of a female animal located in an area where freedom of movement is restricted. In a possible embodiment of the invention, the detection device (10) is used for cattle. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the detection device (10) is used for small cattle. Said detection device (10) includes a body (11 ) to be attached on an animal. In a possible embodiment of the invention, said body (11 ) is attached to the tail of an animal. The body (11) contains a locking mechanism (111) to be attached to the animal's body. Said locking mechanism (111) is provided in a pluggable form. The body (11 ) is made of a silicone material. Thus, the damage to the animal is prevented when it is attached to its body. For example, the metal materials may harm the animal after a certain period of time, depending on the weight. There are multiple air ducts on the body (11). Said air ducts help the body (11 ) to be attached to the animal's body in an easy and comfortable manner.

[0029] The body (11 ) contains an adjustable switching element (12) to detect the time of birth in a first position and the time of estrus in a second position. Said switching element (12) in a possible embodiment of the invention allows the body (11) to operate in different modes. In a possible embodiment of the invention, a button, a switch, etc., may be used as a switching element (12). In a possible embodiment of the invention, the switching element (12) may be replaced manually by a user. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the switching element (12) may be replaced remotely in an automatic manner by a user. The body (11 ) contains a first sensor unit (13) to measure the body movement of an animal. In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one motion sensor is preferably used as the first sensor unit (13). The body (11 ) contains a second sensor unit (14) to measure the contact movement in the area of the animal's body where it is located. In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one touch sensor is preferably used as the second sensor unit (14). The body (11 ) contains a temperature sensor to measure the body temperature of an animal. Referring to Fig. 2, the detection device (10) includes a communication unit (16) for data exchange via a remote server (17). Said communication unit (16) is configured to communicate wirelessly. The detection device (10) contains a processor unit (15). The processor unit (15) receives the motion data of an animal from the first sensor unit (13) when the switching element (12) is in the first position. The processor unit (15) compares the received motion data with the predetermined reference motion values. The processor unit (15) also receives a temperature data from the temperature sensor when the switching element (12) is in the first position. The processor unit (15) compares the temperature data with the predetermined reference temperature values. As a result of comparison, the processor unit (15) generates a first signal regarding the time of birth of the animal when it detects that the motion data measured by the first sensor unit (13) is within the range of reference values during the predetermined period. The processor unit (15) compares the temperature data received from the temperature sensor with the predetermined reference temperature values while the first signal is generated, thereby a control process being performed. The processor unit (15) receives the contact data of an animal from the second sensor unit (14) when the switching element (12) is in the second position. The processor unit (15) compares the received contact data with the predetermined reference contact values. As a result of comparison, the processor unit (15) generates a second signal regarding the time of estrus of the animal when it detects that the contact data measured by the second sensor unit (14) is within the range of reference values during the predetermined period. The processor unit (15) compares the temperature data received from the temperature sensor with the predetermined reference temperature values while the second signal is generated, thereby a control process being performed. The processor unit (15) sends said first signal and said second signal to the server (17) via the communication unit (16). The processor unit (15) generates a warning signal to warn a user via a user interface (18). A mobile application, a web application, etc., which may be accessed via a mobile device, are preferably used as said user interface (18) in a possible embodiment of the invention. There is provided a memory unit associated with the processor unit (15). Said memory unit storages data for later use.

[0030] The detection device (10) includes a processor unit (15) configured to provide a first signal indicating that the animal's time of birth is approaching based on at least one body movement information received from said first sensor unit (13) when the switching element (12) is in the first position and a second signal indicating that the animal's time of estrus is approaching based on at least one contact movement information received from said second sensor unit (14) when the switching element is in the second position, to send said first signal and said second signal to a remote server (17) via said communication unit (16) and to generate a warning signal for warning the user through a user interface (18) connected to the server (17).

[0031] An example working scenario of the invention is described as follows.

[0032] A user attaches the detection device (10) to the tail of a pregnant cow in the farm to detect the time of birth. After attaching the detection device (10) to the animal, the user locks the locking mechanism (111). The user also brings the switching element (12) to the first position. The processor unit (15) instantly receives the measured motion data by means of the first sensor. The processor unit (15) compares the motion data received from the first sensor with the reference motion data. The processor unit (15) receives the body temperature data of the animal from the temperature sensor. The processor unit (15) generates a first signal indicating that the birth of the animal approaches when the motion data is detected to be between the predetermined periods and the reference motion values and the temperature data is detected to be between the reference temperature values. The processor unit (15) sends the first signal to the server (17) via the communication unit (16). A warning signal is sent to a user interface (18) connected to the server (17), which indicates that the time of birth of the animal approaches. Depending on the warning signal, a warning message is sent to the mobile device through which the user interface (18) is logged in. An audible and / or visual warning message may be sent. Thus, the user is informed in advance about the time of birth of the animal. The processor unit (15) instantly records the collected data in the memory unit. Thus, the data is stored for later use.

[0033] If the user operates the switching element (12) in the second position, the processor unit (15) instantly receives the contact data measured by the second sensor. The processor unit (15) compares the motion data received from the second sensor with the reference motion data. The processor unit (15) receives the body temperature data of the animal from the temperature sensor. The processor unit (15) generates a second signal indicating that the time of estrus of the animal approaches when the contact data is detected to be between the predetermined periods and the reference contact values and the temperature data is detected to be between the reference temperature values. The processor unit (15) sends the second signal to the server (17) via the communication unit (16). A warning signal is sent to a user interface (18) connected to the server (17), which indicates that the time of estrus of the animal approaches. Depending on the warning signal, a warning message is sent to the mobile device through which the user interface (18) is logged in. An audible and / or visual warning message may be sent. Thus, the user is informed in advance about the time of estrus of the animal. The processor unit (15) instantly records the collected data in the memory unit. Thus, the data is stored for later use.

[0034] Farmers may evaluate the time of both estrus and the birth of the animal by means of the detection device (10). This provides ease of use by reducing the cost.

[0035] The scope of protection of the invention is specified in the attached claims and cannot be limited to what is explained in this detailed description for the exemplary purposes. That is because it is clear that a person skilled in the art may represent similar embodiments in the light of what has been explained above without departing from the main spirit of the invention.

[0036] REFERENCE NUMBERS IN THE FIGURE

[0037] 10 Detection device

[0038] 11 Body

[0039] 111 Locking mechanism

[0040] 12 Switching element

[0041] 13 First sensor unit

[0042] 14 Second sensor unit

[0043] 15 Processor unit

[0044] 16 Communication unit

[0045] 17 Server

[0046] 18 User interface

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A detection device (10) to inform a user by detecting the time of birth and estrus of a female animal located in a certain area, characterized in that it comprises a body (11) to be attached to a predetermined area on the body of said animal; an adjustable switching element (12) provided on said body (11) for detecting the time of birth in a first position and the time of estrus in a second position; a first sensor unit (13) for measuring the movement of the animal's body; a second sensor unit (14) for measuring a contact movement in the area of the animal's body where it is positioned; a communication unit (16) for data exchange with a remote server (17); and a processor unit (15) configured to provide a first signal indicating that the animal's time of birth is approaching based on at least one body movement information received from said first sensor unit (13) when the switching element (12) is in the first position and a second signal indicating that the animal's time of estrus is approaching based on at least one contact movement information received from said second sensor unit (14) when the switching elements is in the second position, to send said first signal and said second signal to a remote server (17) via said communication unit (16) and to generate a warning signal for warning the user through a user interface (18) connected to the server (17).

2. A detection device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the body (11 ) contains a locking mechanism (111 ) to be attached to the animal's tail.

3. A detection device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the body (11 ) contains multiple air ducts to prevent the same from falling from the body of the animal.

4. A detection device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the body (11 ) is made of a silicone material to prevent damage to the animal's body.

5. A detection device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first sensor unit (13) contains a motion sensor.

6. A detection device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the second sensor unit (14) contains a touch sensor.

7. A detection device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that it contains a temperature sensor on the body (11) to detect the body temperature of the animal.

8. A detection device (10) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the processor unit (15) is configured to obtain at least one temperature data from said temperature sensor and to detect the time of birth and estrus of the animal.

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