Animal Weight Estimation via Image Analysis and Distance Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal weight estimation methods are costly and pose safety risks, especially when measuring large animals, as they require expensive equipment and can lead to injuries during the measurement process.
Innovation Solution
An animal weight estimation system that captures images of animals, acquires outline or feature data, measures distances, and estimates weights using a database of sample data, potentially incorporating temperature measurements and 3D modeling to improve accuracy and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light projector and three-dimensional measurement apparatus are used to measure animal size, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses two-dimensional image copying instead of three-dimensional measurement. A camera captures a 2D image of the animal, and the system estimates weight by analyzing the 2D image data and comparing it with pre-stored reference data, eliminating the need for complex 3D light projection apparatus
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical 3D measurement system with an image processing system. Instead of using light projectors and 3D scanners, the system uses a camera to capture images and processes them through image analysis algorithms to estimate animal weight
2Measurement precision
If a weighing scale is used to measure animal weight, then measurement precision is improved, but safety deteriorates when animals go on the rampage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weighing scale system with an optical image-based estimation system. By capturing images and analyzing animal dimensions through image processing, the system eliminates the need for physical contact between the animal and weighing equipment, thereby removing safety hazards associated with restless animals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary estimation process between the animal and direct weight measurement. Instead of directly placing the animal on a scale, the system uses image capture and computational estimation as an intermediary method to infer weight without physical contact
Data Source
AI summary
It is an object to provide an animal weight estimation system, an animal weight estimation method, and a program, for suppressing increase of cost and improving safety when measuring a weight of an animal. An animal weight estimation system 1 for estimating a weight of an animal captures the animal, acquires outline data or a feature amount of the animal from a captured image which is captured, measures a distance between the animal and an image capturing position of the animal and estimates a weight of the animal from the acquired outline data and the measured distance when the outline data are acquired, and estimates the weight of the animal form the acquired feature amount when the feature amount is acquired.