AI Antler Image Scoring for Accurate Field Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal scoring systems require physical measuring devices and trained scorers, making it difficult and time-consuming for lay users to obtain accurate scores.
Innovation Solution
A mobile application on a smart device that uses a cloud platform and artificial intelligence to analyze images of animal antlers, eliminating the need for physical measuring devices and allowing lay users to score animals accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical measuring devices and trained scorers are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical measuring devices (tape measures, calipers) with a mobile application that uses camera imaging and artificial intelligence to measure animal features. The system captures images of animals and automatically extracts measurements through image processing algorithms, eliminating the need for manual physical measurement tools and trained scorers while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy (photograph) of the animal and performs measurements on this copy rather than the physical object itself. This allows multiple measurements to be taken from the same image without requiring physical contact or specialized measuring instruments, simplifying the scoring process while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If physical measuring devices and trained scorers are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application performs measurements and scoring automatically without requiring user expertise. The system self-calibrates by detecting animal features in images and calculates scores based on predefined criteria, allowing any user to obtain accurate scores without training. The application handles image processing, measurement extraction, and score calculation autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing the need for trained scorers with automated AI-based image analysis, the system makes the scoring process accessible to anyone with a smartphone. The complex task of accurate measurement and scoring is transferred from human experts to an automated system, dramatically improving ease of operation while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple measurements are taken manually, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs all measurement extractions and score calculations in a single automated process immediately after image capture. Rather than taking measurements sequentially with physical tools, the application simultaneously processes the image to extract all necessary dimensions and computes the final score, dramatically reducing the time required while maintaining the precision of multiple measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated image processing system replaces manual sequential measurement taking with parallel computational analysis. Multiple measurements are extracted simultaneously from the digital image through algorithmic processing, eliminating the time-consuming nature of manual measurement while preserving measurement precision through consistent application of measurement criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a smart device, cloud platform, and an application on the smart device. The smart device via the application may communicate with the cloud platform, which in turn, communicates with the smart device. The application allows a user to upload or capture images of antlers, horns, etc. and select the type of animal to be scored. Once the image is selected, it is sent to the cloud platform, where it is broken into separate cropped sections. Each section may contain a tine and one section may contain the main beam. Accordingly, each portion of the antler is measured. The completed measurements are then sent to the smart device as a score for the animal.