Digital Photo Age Estimation for Live Deer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the age of animals like deer are either subjective and inaccurate, requiring visual evaluation of body features or involve killing the animal for tooth examination, with limited accuracy above 2 years, especially for live animals.
Innovation Solution
A computer software system that uses digital photographs to analyze and calculate animal age through objective morphometric measurements and statistically-derived predictive equations, allowing for accurate age estimation without harming the animal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tooth replacement and wear examination is used to age animals, then age determination can be performed, but the animal must be killed and the method is only 25% accurate above 2 years
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses digital photographs as copies of the animal's physical appearance, capturing morphometric features without contacting or harming the animal. These photographic copies serve as the basis for age estimation, replacing the need for physical specimen examination
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/biological examination of tooth replacement and wear with a computational image analysis system. Software algorithms automatically measure morphometric features from photographs and apply predictive equations to estimate age, substituting objective computational methods for subjective visual evaluation
2Ease of operation
If subjective physical characteristics are used to estimate animal age, then live animals can be evaluated, but accuracy averages only about 24% for animals above 2 years
Solution Approach 1:
The software system performs automatic age estimation without requiring expert biological knowledge. The system self-services by automatically detecting morphometric features, calculating measurements, applying predictive equations, and generating age estimates, making the process accessible to relatively untrained individuals while achieving superior accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms subjective visual evaluation into objective quantitative measurements. By capturing specific morphometric parameters (body length, height, girth) from photographs and applying statistical predictive equations, the system converts qualitative assessment into precise numerical age estimates with approximately 54-62% accuracy
3Measurement precision
If quantitative morphometric measurements from photographs are used, then age estimation accuracy improves to 54-62%, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the age estimation process into distinct automated components: photograph capture, feature detection, measurement calculation, predictive equation application, and result generation. This modular segmentation manages system complexity by breaking down the complex task into manageable automated steps
Solution Approach 2:
The software system acts as an intermediary between the photograph and the age estimate. It automatically bridges the gap by detecting morphometric features, applying statistical models, and generating results, eliminating the need for complex manual measurement procedures while maintaining accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
The system and method of the invention utilizes computer software to determine an estimation of the age of an animal by measuring, analyzing, comparing, calculating, and presenting age features and the age of animals such as deer, moose, elk, bovids, pronghorns and the like from digital data and/or photographs of the animals.