Estrus Detection Device Using Motion and Eating Period Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current estrus detection methods in cattle are unreliable due to high false interpretation rates, particularly caused by the animal's eating habits, and are often cumbersome or inaccurate, as they fail to distinguish between normal and estrus-related activity levels.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that combine data on an animal's motion and eating periods to neutralize the impact of eating habits, using sensors to detect head inclination and motion, and a microprocessor to statistically analyze this combined data for accurate estrus detection, with the ability to update behavior profiles continuously.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors are mounted on the animal's neck to measure general motion, then the device can detect animal activity, but the high neck activity during normal activities (eating, smelling, playing) causes false positives and prevents accurate estrus detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the activity detection into two independent components: a motion sensor to detect physical movement and an eating period sensor to detect feeding behavior. By separating these functions, the system can distinguish between motion caused by eating and motion caused by estrus behavior, thereby reducing false positives while maintaining detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary variable (eating period detection) that mediates the relationship between motion detection and estrus determination. The microprocessor uses the eating period information to filter out motion artifacts, acting as a mediator that prevents false interpretations of neck movement during feeding
2Device complexity
If simple mechanical devices are used to detect estrus behavior, then the device complexity is low, but the farmer must spend significant time monitoring and the reliability is low because not all animals exhibit riding behavior during estrus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the device to automatically monitor and record estrus indicators continuously without requiring farmer intervention. The microprocessor autonomously processes sensor data, identifies estrus events, and stores information, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while significantly improving detection reliability through continuous automated observation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple mechanical detection with an electronic sensor system that uses electromagnetic fields and digital signal processing. This substitution enables more reliable detection of subtle physiological changes during estrus while maintaining relatively simple device construction through the use of standard electronic components
3Measurement precision
If the device continuously monitors and stores detailed activity data for statistical analysis, then the estrus detection accuracy improves, but the data processing complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively processing and storing only the specific data combinations needed for estrus detection (motion patterns combined with eating period information), rather than continuously analyzing all possible activity parameters. This selective approach maintains high detection accuracy while minimizing unnecessary energy expenditure on redundant data processing
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
This approach significantly reduces false interpretations and improves the accuracy of estrus detection by isolating estrus-related activity from normal eating-related activity, allowing for reliable identification of estrus through statistical analysis and real-time monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
sensing and accumulating along time signals indicative of the motion of a cattle animal
Implementation Method 2
sensing and accumulating along time signals indicative of eating periods of the cattle animal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method and device for detecting estrus in animal by sensing along time the motion of the animal and identifying when the sensed motion is not related to eating periods of the animal. Based on the sensed motion which is not related to eating periods the estrus in the animal is identified.