Animal monitoring system

Abstract

An animal monitoring system (100) comprises a board (25), a plurality of force sensors (40) mounted on the board (25), one or more plates (30) supported by the force sensors (40) for supporting one or more animal(s), and a set of magnet pairs (50) for securing the one or more plates (30) to the force sensors (40). Each magnet pair (50) includes a board magnet (52) mounted on the board and a plate magnet (54) mounted on a plate (30). The system is suitable for monitoring the properties of animals, such as their behavioural patterns, weight and position on the plates (30)

Description

[0001] Animal monitoring system

[0002] Field

[0003] The technology relates to the field of animal research and monitoring, specifically focusing on systems and methods for accurately measuring and tracking various properties of laboratory animals, such as their weight and position, in real-time. This field is essential for understanding animal behavior, health, and responses to various experimental conditions, ultimately contributing to advancements in scientific research and the development of new treatments and therapies.

[0004] Background

[0005] The field of animal monitoring has seen significant advancements in recent years, par- ticularly in the context of laboratory research involving small animals such as mice, rats, and guinea pigs. Accurate and reliable monitoring of these animals' properties, such as their weight, behavioral pattern and position on a surface, is crucial for various scientific studies and experiments. Systems on the market today use cameras, RFID and pressure sensitive mats, and scales to register movement of the animal, enable identification of the animal and record behavioral patterns of the animal.

[0006] However, several challenges and limitations are associated with the current state of the art in animal monitoring systems. One such challenge is securing the plate on the force sensors in a manner that ensures accurate force measurements and maintains the plate's stability even when tilted or flipped. The plate must be positioned correctly on the force sensors and remain stable to prevent inaccurate force measurements and potential damage to the system.

[0007] Another challenge is applying sufficient preload force on the force sensors. The weight of the plate alone is often not enough to provide the required preload force, which can result in inaccurate force measurements and reduced sensitivity to small forces applied to the plate. This is particularly important when detecting very small forces on the plate, as any friction resulting from forces on anything other than the force sensors can significantly impact the accuracy of the measurements. Attempts have been made to address these challenges using various mechanical attachments, such as the use of springs, to secure the plate and apply preload force. However, these solutions have been found to introduce significant unwanted friction and "absorb" some of the applied force to the plate, leading to inaccurate force measurements and reduced overall performance.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for an improved animal monitoring system that can securely position the plate on the force sensors, apply sufficient preload force, and detect small forces on the plate.

[0009] Summary According to a first aspect of the disclosure, an animal monitoring system is provided that comprises a board, a plurality of force sensors mounted on the board, one or more plates supported by the force sensors for supporting one or more animal(s), and a set of magnet pairs for securing the one or more plates to the force sensors. Each magnet pair comprises a board magnet mounted on the board and a plate magnet mounted on a plate. This system allows for accurate monitoring of the animal movements and weight distribution, providing valuable data for research and analysis.

[0010] Optionally in some examples, the set of magnet pairs comprises three magnet pairs per plate. This configuration provides a stable and secure connection between the plate and the force sensors, ensuring accurate data collection and preventing the plate from shifting or falling off during use. The number of magnet pairs may correspond to one magnet pair per force sensor.

[0011] Optionally in some examples, the magnet pairs provide a preload force to the force sensors). Applying a consistent initial force on the force sensor(s) helps to ensure accurate and reliable measurements. Force sensor(s) typically have a threshold below which they may not provide accurate readings, or they may exhibit non-linear behavior. By applying a preload force, the system ensures that the sensors are always operating above this threshold, thus maintaining their sensitivity and accuracy. This preload force compensates for any minor inconsistencies or variances in sensor performance, ensuring that even small forces exerted by the animal are detected accurately.

[0012] Optionally in some examples, the magnet pairs are configured to provide a magnetic coupling force between 0.1N and ION. Optionally in some examples, the one or more plates have a size between 25 cm2and 300 cm2. This size range accommodates a variety of animal sizes, making the system versatile and adaptable to different research needs.

[0013] Optionally in some examples, an air gap is present between the board magnet and the plate magnet when the plate is secured to the force sensors. This air gap enables controlled magnetic coupling that provides preload force to the force sensors while ensuring that the plate rests on the force sensors and not on the board magnet or board, which allows for accurate force measurements.

[0014] Optionally in some examples, an air gap is between 0.1 mm and 3 mm. This air gap range ensures sufficient magnetic coupling force for preload application while maintaining separation between magnets to prevent mechanical interference with force measurements.

[0015] Optionally in some examples, the one or more plates are arranged in a grid layout covering a portion of the board. This grid layout allows for the simultaneous monitoring of multiple animal(s), enabling comparison of data between different animal(s) at the same time. Optionally in some examples, the system is configured to monitor more than one animal at a time. This feature increases the efficiency of the system, allowing for the collection of data from multiple animals simultaneously, which can give vital information on animal interaction, and save time and resources in research settings.

[0016] Optionally in some examples, the animal monitoring system further comprises control unit configured to receive and process data from the force sensors, calculate the total force and center of gravity of the one or more plate(s), and determine one or more properties of an animal positioned on the one or more plate(s). This control unit provides a centralized location for data processing and analysis, making it easier for operators to access and interpret the collected data. Optionally in some examples, the properties of the animal determined by the control unit include the weight, position and movement of the animal on the one or more plates. This feature allows for detailed tracking of the animal movements and weight distribution, providing valuable insights into the animal's's behavior and physical condition.

[0017] Optionally in some examples, the control unit is further further configured to track multiple animals across the plates of the system grid over time. The control unit may be configured to receive identification data and correlate it with one or more properties of the animal, thereby tracking the multiple animals across the plates.

[0018] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a method of monitoring an animal using the animal monitoring system is provided. The method comprises the steps of detecting an animal on the one or more plates, measuring the force applied to the force sensors by the animal, calculating the total force and center of gravity of the one or more plates using the control unit, and determining one or more properties of the animal based on the measured force and calculated center of gravity. This method provides a systematic approach to animal monitoring, ensuring consistent and accurate data collection.

[0019] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an animal monitoring system, showing the arrangement of force sensors and magnet pairs. Figure 2 is a side view of the animal monitoring system of Figure 1.

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the control unit and its connection to the force sensors in the animal monitoring system of Figure 1.

[0022] Detailed Description

[0023] The detailed description set forth below provides information and examples of the dis- closed technology with sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an animal monitoring system 100, which includes a board 25 on which a plurality of force sensors 40 are mounted. The system also features one or more plates 30 that are supported by the force sensors 40 and are designed to support one or more animal(s). A set of magnet pairs 50 is used to secure the one or more plates 30 to the force sensors 40. Each magnet pair 50 consists of a board magnet 52 mounted on the board 25 and a plate magnet 54 mounted on a plate 30. The figure illustrates the arrangement of the force sensors 40 and magnet pairs 50 in relation to the board 25 and the plates 30. Figure 2 presents a side view of the animal monitoring system 100 shown in Figure 1. This view highlights the positioning of the force sensors 40 and the magnet pairs 50 in relation to the board 25 and the plates 30. The figure also demonstrates the presence of an air gap between the board magnet 52 and the plate magnet 54 when the plate 30 is secured to the force sensors 40. Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the control unit 20 and its connection to the force sensors 40 in the animal monitoring system 100 of Figure 1. The control unit 20 is configured to receive and process data from the force sensors 40, calculate the total force and center of gravity of the one or more plates 30, and determine one or more properties of an animal(s) positioned on the one or more plates 30. The figure shows the connections between the control unit 20 and the force sensors 40 and provides a visual representation of the data flow within the system.

[0025] 1 Animal Monitoring System Details

[0026] In one configuration, the animal monitoring system 100 is designed to detect and monitor various properties of an animal. The system 100 includes several components that work together to provide accurate and reliable data about the animal. These components include a board 25, a plurality of force sensors 40, one or more plates 30, a set of magnet pairs 50, and control unit 20. The system 100 is designed to support one or more animals), and can be used to monitor a variety of different types of animal(s), including but not limited to mice, rats, and guinea pigs.

[0027] 1.1 Board

[0028] The board 25 may serve as a base of the animal monitoring system 100. The board 25 is designed to provide a surface for mounting the force sensors 40. The board 25 indirectly supports the plates 30, which are positioned on top of the force sensors 40. The board 25 is rigid and flat, providing a stable and level surface for the force sensors 40 and the plates 30. The board 25 is also non-magnetic, which prevents interference with the magnet pair 50 system. In some examples, the board 25 may be a printed circuit board.

[0029] 1.2 Force Sensors

[0030] In some examples, the force sensors 40 are mounted on the board 25. The force sensors 40 are designed to receive the total force applied to the plates 30. For instance, the plates 30 may be mounted on the force sensors 40, ensuring that all force applied to the plate is transferred to the force sensors 40.

[0031] In some configurations, there are at least three force sensors 40 per plate 30. In certain examples, there are exactly three force sensors 40 per plate 30. This arrangement of three contact points allows for triangulation of the position of the animal, providing more accurate data about the animal location and movements. In some examples, the force sensors 40 are positioned on the board 25 at the corners of each plate 30. The force sensors 40 have a sensitivity range that allows them to detect forces in the range of up to 100N. In some examples, the force sensors 40 have an accuracy of within 0.001N. The force sensors 40 can be implemented using a variety of technologies, including but not limited to load cells, strain gauges, piezoelectric sensors, Hall effect sensors, and capacitive sensors.

[0032] The force sensors 40 may extend from the board 25 toward the plates 30 further than the board magnet 52 extends from the board 25 towards the plates 30.

[0033] 1.3 System Grid

[0034] In some implementations, the animal monitoring system 100 includes a single plate 30 or a system grid of multiple plates 30. The present disclosure will discuss examples with multiple plates 30, but it is understood that examples may also include systems with just a single plate.

[0035] The plates 30 of system grid are arranged in a grid layout, which enables comparison of data between different animal(s) at the same time. The total force and 'center of gravity' information from multiple plates 30 are combined in the system grid.

[0036] The plates 30 can be arranged in different configurations within the system grid, such as a hexagonal grid arrangement or a rectangular grid arrangement. The grid layout is scalable to accommodate a variable number of plates 30. A triangular grid arrangement may also be used, forming a series of interconnected triangles plates 30. The grid layout is scalable to accommodate a variable number of plates 30. The grid layout establishes the physical arrangement of plates 30 on the board 25, with each plate 30 occupying a defined position within the overall monitoring area. The total monitoring coverage area is determined by the number and arrangement of plates 30 within the system grid.

[0037] 1.3.1 Plates The plates 30 are designed to provide support for the animal. The plates 30 rest on the force sensors 40, ensuring that all force applied to the plates 30 is transferred to the force sensors 40. The size of the plates 30 can vary between 25 cm2and 300 cm2. For instance, the plates 30 may be up to 75 cm2for mice and up to 300 cm2for rats. The animal monitoring system 100 may include one or more plates 30 per system grid. The plates 30 can be made from a variety of materials, including but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum, and carbon fiber. The plates 30 can also be formed from printed circuit boards (PCBs). 1.4 Magnet Pair

[0038] In some configurations, the animal monitoring system 100 includes a set of magnet pairs 50. The magnet pairs 50 are designed to secure the plates 30 in position on the force sensors 40. Each magnet pair 50 includes a board magnet 52 and a plate magnet 54. The board magnet 52 is attracted to the plate magnet 54, and vice versa, ensuring a secure connection between the plates 30 and the force sensors 40.

[0039] As used herein, the term "magnet pair 50" refers to two magnetically interactive elements that work together to create magnetic coupling force. The magnet pair 50 may comprise two permanent magnets arranged to attract each other, or may comprise one permanent magnet and one element formed of magnetic material (such as ferromagnetic material) that is attracted to the permanent magnet. Both elements of the magnet pair 50 are referred to herein as "magnets" regardless of their specific composition.

[0040] In some examples, there may be a different number of magnet pairs 50 than force sensors 40. For instance, there may be more magnet pairs 50 than force sensors 40 per plates 30. This arrangement provides extra stability and security in positioning the plate on the force sensors 40, minimizing the risk of the plate shifting or falling off. It also allows for a distributed preload force, reducing the risk of uneven force distribution on the sensors. In other examples, there may be fewer magnet pairs 50 than force sensors 40 per plates 30. This arrangement can save cost on materials by using fewer magnet pairs, reduce the complexity of the system by requiring fewer magnet pairs, and simplify the positioning and securing of the plate on the force sensors 40.

[0041] In some implementations, each magnet pair 50 has a similar strength / size and distance in order to apply a similar preload on all sensors. This ensures uniform preload on all sensors for accurate measurements. In some implementations, individual magnet pairs 50 may have different strengths, sizes, or configurations to optimize force distribution across the plates 30 or to accommodate specific system requirements, such as compensating for uneven loading conditions, adjusting for manufacturing tolerances in the force sensors 40, accommodating different plate geometries, or providing enhanced securing force in high-stress areas of the plates 30. The magnet pairs need to be strong enough to retain a load on the force sensors 40 even when the strongest applicable load is applied anywhere on the plates 30. The magnetic attraction between the board magnet 52 and plate magnet 54 creates a preload force that ensures the force sensors 40 operate above their minimum detection threshold. Force sensors typically have a threshold below which they may not provide accurate readings or may exhibit non-linear behavior, and this preload force com- pensates for sensor threshold limitations to ensure accurate detection of forces applied by the animal. Individual magnet pairs within the system may contribute different force components to achieve the desired total preload force. The combined resulting force from magnetic coupling of magnet pairs 50 is 0.1N - ION (Newtons), such as 0.2N - ION, for example IN, or 2N, or 5N; for example IN - 5N for example IN - 2N. The specific preload force can be selected based on the force sensor specifications and the expected range of animal weights to be monitored. The magnet pair 50 can be implemented using a variety of magnet types, including but not limited to neodymium magnets, alnico magnets, and ferrite magnets.

[0042] 1.4.1 Board Magnet In some implementations, the board magnet 52 is mounted on the board 25. The board magnet 52 is attracted to the plate magnet 54. The board magnet 52 may be positioned within 10mm of a force sensor 40. This positioning ensures that the plate is positioned correctly on the force sensors and remains stable even when tilted or flipped.

[0043] In some examples, the board magnet 52 may be a magnet where the plate magnet 54 is also a magnet. In this case, a concentric force exists between the board magnet 52 and plate magnet 54, enabling precise and stable positioning of the magnet pair 50. Alternatively, the board magnet 52 may be a magnet where the plate magnet 54 is a ferromagnetic metal, or the board magnet 52 may be a ferromagnetic metal where the plate magnet 54 is a magnet. In some implementations, an air gap is present between the board magnet 52 and the plate magnet 54 when the plate 30 is secured to the force sensors 40. This separation prevents direct physical contact between the magnets, which could interfere with accurate force measurements by creating additional mechanical constraints or friction. The magnetic attraction across the air gap provides the preload force while permitting the force sensors 40 to accurately measure all forces applied to the plate 30. In some implementations, the air gap may be maintained within a range that ensures adequate magnetic coupling strength while preserving measurement accuracy, for example between approximately 0.1mm and 3mm, such as between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm, though other suitable gap distances may be employed depending on the magnetic strength and system requirements. 1.4.2 Plate Magnet

[0044] In some configurations, the plate magnet 54 is part of the magnet pair 50 and is mounted on the plates 30. The plate magnet 54 is attracted to the board magnet 52. The plate magnet 54 may be a magnet where the board magnet 52 is a magnet or a ferromagnetic metal. Alternatively, the plate magnet 54 may be a ferromagnetic metal where the board magnet 52 is a magnet.

[0045] 1.5 A Control Unit

[0046] In some examples, the control unit 20 is a component of the animal monitoring system 100. The control unit 20 is configured to receive and process data from the force sensors 40.

[0047] The control unit 20 calculates the total force and center of gravity of the plates 30 based on the data received from the force sensors 40. The control unit 20 also determines one or more properties of the animal positioned on the plates 30.

[0048] For instance, the control unit 20 may determine the position of the animal(s) across the plates 30 of the system grid over time. The control unit 20 may also analyze the center of gravity of the animal(s) on a particular plate(s) 30 over time to determine their position on the particular plate 30. In some implementations, the control unit 20 is configured to track multiple animal(s) across the plates 30 of the system grid over time. This capability enables simultaneous monitoring and data collection from different animal(s) positioned on different plates 30 within the system, allowing for comparative behavioral analysis and efficient use of the monitoring infrastructure. This tracking capability may be achieved using methods known to a person skilled in the art for animal identification and monitoring. For example, cameras or RFID tags may be integrated with or used alongside the force measurement system, though other suitable identification methods known to a person skilled in the art may also be employed. The control unit 20 may receive identification data from such systems and correlate it with the determined properties of the animal(s) from the plates 30 to maintain tracking records for individual animal(s) across the system grid.

[0049] 1.6 Animal The system 100 is designed to detect and monitor various properties of the animal. These properties may include the movement of the animal over time, the weight of the animal, and the position of the animal on the plate(s) 30. In some examples, the movement of the animal over time may be tracked across several plate(s) 30 of the system grid.

[0050] The animal monitoring system 100 may be capable of monitoring more than one animal at a time. This allows for simultaneous monitoring of multiple animal(s)s and comparison of data between different animal(s)s at the same time. The animal may be a lab animal, such as a mouse, a rat, or a guinea pig.

[0051] In some examples, the properties of the animal that are monitored by the animal monitoring system 100 include the movement of the animal over time. This movement can be tracked across several plate(s) 30 of the system grid, providing detailed data about the animal's's activity levels and patterns. The weight of the animal is another property that can be monitored by the system 100. This data can be useful for tracking the health and growth of the animal over time. The position of the animal on the plate(s) 30 is another property that can be monitored by the system 100. This data can provide insights into the behavior and preferences of the animal.

[0052] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0053] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0054] Relative terms such as "below" or "above" or "upper" or "lower" or "horizontal" or "vertical" may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element to another element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the Figures. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to the other element, or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0056] It is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the aspects described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present disclosure and appended claims. In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed aspects for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the disclosure being set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Claims1. An animal monitoring system (100) comprising: a board (25); a plurality of force sensors (40) mounted on a board (25); one or more plates (30) supported by the force sensors (40), the one or more plates (30) for supporting one or more animal(s); a set of magnet pairs (50) for securing the one or more plates (30) to the force sensors (40), each magnet pair (50) comprising a board magnet (52) mounted on the board (25) and a plate magnet (54) mounted on the plate (30); wherein an air gap is present between the board board magnet (52) and the plate magnet (54) when the plates (30) is secured to the force sensor.

2. The animal monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the set of magnet pairs (50) comprises three magnet pairs (50) per plate (30).

3. The animal monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the magnet pairs (50) are configured to provide a magnetic coupling force between 0.1N and ION, thereby providing a preload force to the force sensors (40).

4. The animal monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the one or more plates (30) have a size between 25 cm2and 300 cm2.

5. The animal animal monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the air gap is between 0.1 mm and 3 mm.

6. The animal monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more plates (30) comprise a system grid of multiple plates (30) arranged in a grid layout covering a portion of the board (25).

7. The animal monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a control unit (20) configured to receive and process data from the force sensors (40), calculate a total force and a center of gravity of the one or more plates (30), and determine one or more properties of the animal positioned on the one or more plates (30).

8. The animal monitoring system (100) according to claim 7, wherein the one or more properties of the animal determined by the control unit (20) include one or more of weight, position, and movement of the animal on the one or more plates (30).

9. The animal monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, whereinthe control unit (20) is further configured to track multiple animals across the plates (30) of the system grid over time.

10. The animal monitoring system (100) according to claim 9 , wherein the control unit (20) is configured to receive identification data and correlate it with one or more properties of the animal, thereby tracking the multiple animals across the plates (30).

11. A method of monitoring an animal using the animal monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 7 to 8, comprising the steps of: detecting the animal on the one or more plates (30); measuring the force applied to the force sensors (40) by the animal; calculating the total force and center of gravity of the one or more plates (30) using the control unit (20); and determining one or more properties of the animal based on the measured force and calculated center of gravity.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the one or more properties include one or more of weight, position, and movement of the animal on the one or more plates (30).

13. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 12, further comprising receiving identification data and correlating it with the determined properties of multiple animal from different plates (30) of the system grid to track the multiple animal(s) over time.

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