3D Camera Udder Imaging for Automated Breeding Rating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inspection for determining breeding traits in dairy cattle is labor-intensive, costly, and subjective, limiting the frequency and accuracy of breeding value assessments in dairy farms.
Innovation Solution
A combined teat position and breeding rating determining arrangement using a three-dimensional camera in an automatic milking system to record and process images of the udder, automatically determining teat shapes and calculating breeding ratings based on these shapes, eliminating the need for manual inspection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection is used to determine breeding traits, then breeding rating assessment can be performed, but it is labor-intensive and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection with an automated optical measurement system. A 3D camera captures images of the udder and teats, and image processing algorithms automatically determine teat shapes and calculate breeding ratings, eliminating the need for manual measurement and assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-assessment of breeding traits by the animal itself during routine milking operations. The 3D camera automatically captures images and the processing system independently calculates breeding ratings without requiring external expert intervention, making the assessment process autonomous and continuous.
2Measurement precision
If manual inspection is used to determine breeding traits, then breeding rating can be calculated, but it is subjective and dependent on the inspector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human judgment with objective computational analysis. The image processing system automatically extracts geometric features of teats and udder from 3D images and calculates breeding ratings based on predetermined criteria, eliminating inspector subjectivity and variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transforms physical breeding traits into quantifiable digital parameters through 3D imaging. Teat shape, udder conformation, and other breeding-relevant features are converted into measurable geometric parameters that can be objectively analyzed and compared, removing dependence on human perception and judgment.
3Productivity
If manual inspection is used for breeding traits, then assessment can be performed, but only at rare occasions due to labor constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates breeding rating determination into the existing automatic milking system. The same 3D camera and image processing infrastructure used for teat position detection during milking is also utilized for breeding trait assessment, allowing multiple functions (milking control and breeding evaluation) to share common hardware and software resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines breeding assessment with routine milking operations. By merging the breeding evaluation process with the existing milking workflow, the patent eliminates the need for separate inspection sessions, enabling continuous breeding rating updates without adding significant system complexity or requiring additional dedicated equipment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automated, frequent, and cost-effective calculation of breeding ratings without labor-intensive manual inspections, improving the accuracy and frequency of assessments while reducing subjectivity.
Implementation Method 1
a three-dimensional camera, such as e.g. a time-of-flight camera, directed towards the udder of the milking animal in the milking stall and provided to repeatedly record three-dimensional images of the udder
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A combined teat position and breeding rating determining arrangement for a milking system having a milking stall, a movable robot arm for automatically attaching teat cups to the teats of the milking animal, and a control device for controlling the movement of the robot arm based on determined positions of the teats of the milking animal. The arrangement includes a three-dimensional camera directed towards the udder of the milking animal that repeatedly records three-dimensional images of the udder, and a processing unit that repeatedly detects the udder or teats of the milking animal, determines their positions based on the recorded three-dimensional images, automatically determines the shapes of the udder or teats based on the repeatedly recorded three-dimensional images, and automatically calculates a breeding rating based on the determined shapes of the udder or teats of the milking animal.