Animal Tag Sensor Control for Energy Conservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for monitoring animal behavior are complex and energy-demanding, making them inefficient for detailed behavioral parameter sensing.
Innovation Solution
An animal tag with a processing unit that selectively activates sensors based on movement data, using a multi-axis accelerometer for three-dimensional movement vectors and optional multi-axis gyroscope or compass for orientation, allowing for precise behavioral status determination and energy conservation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are continuously activated to monitor detailed behavioral parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor activation based on detected movement states. The accelerometer continuously monitors basic movement, and only when specific movement patterns are detected does the system activate additional sensors (gyroscope, compass, temperature sensor) to capture detailed behavioral parameters. This dynamic adaptation allows high measurement precision when needed while conserving energy during normal states.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic sampling of behavioral parameters rather than continuous monitoring. Sensors are activated in periodic intervals based on movement detection, with the accelerometer providing periodic baseline data and other sensors activated periodically when behavioral events are detected. This periodic action reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate measurement precision for behavioral analysis.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are activated to capture detailed behavioral data, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is segmented into hierarchical levels: a primary accelerometer that continuously operates for basic movement detection, and secondary sensors (gyroscope, compass, temperature sensor) that are activated only when specific conditions are met. This segmentation allows the system to maintain measurement precision for detailed behavioral analysis while managing device complexity through conditional activation of sensor subsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The accelerometer serves multiple functions: it continuously monitors basic movement for animal activity detection, triggers activation of other sensors when behavioral events are detected, and provides baseline data for behavioral parameter determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated sensors, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
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 detailed behavioral monitoring with reduced energy consumption, allowing the tag to function throughout an animal's lifespan without battery replacement, providing valuable data for animal handling and management.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of sensors (210) in the animal tag (200) is configured to repeatedly produce a first amount of data (D1) representing a movement vector (Mxyz) of the animal tag (200) with respect to a fix reference frame (x, y, z)
Implementation Method 2
a second set of sensors (220) in the animal tag (200) is configured to produce a second amount of data (D2(1), D2(2) and/or D2(3)) representing micro movements of the animal tag (200) with respect to an orientation (Oαβγ) of the animal tag (200)
Implementation Method 3
The second set of sensors may contain a multi-axis compass configured to determine an orientation of the animal tag in three dimensions relative to the fix reference frame
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Animal behavior is monitored via first and second sets of sensors (210; 220) in an animal tag (200). The first set of sensors (210) repeatedly produces a first amount of data (D1) representing a movement vector (Mxyz) of the animal tag (200) relative to a fix reference frame (x, y, z). The second set of sensors (220) produces a second amount of data (D2(1), D2(2), D2(3)) representing micro movements of the animal tag (200) with respect to an orientation (Οαβγ) relative to the fix reference frame. A processing unit (230) receives the first and second amounts of data (D1, D2(1), D2(2), D2(3)), and based thereon determines a behavioral status of an animal (A) that carries the animal tag (200). The processing unit (230) also controls (C2(1), C2(2), C2(3)) at least one sensor (221, 222, 223) in the second set of sensors (220) to be active or inactive based on the movement vector (Mxyz) represented by the first amount of data (D1). Thus, the energy resources in the animal tag (200) can be economized.