Implantable RFID Animal Tracking for Multi-Animal Motion and Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current animal motion tracking systems fail to accurately record both animal movement and core body temperature simultaneously, especially when multiple animals are present in a confined space, due to the collision effect of low-frequency tracking chips and the need for miniature devices that can handle both functions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A miniaturized sensor capsule is implanted under the skin of animals to record core body temperature and movement, using a multiplexed RFID reader with an antenna array, and a computer tracking system to analyze and display motion and temperature data for multiple animals in a confined space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single antenna array is used to track multiple animals simultaneously, then the system complexity is reduced, but the collision effect occurs between multiple LF chips causing only the strongest signal to be tracked
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the tracking space into multiple zones using a plurality of antenna arrays, with each antenna array responsible for detecting animals in its specific zone. This spatial segmentation eliminates signal collision between multiple animals by assigning dedicated detection regions to each antenna, thereby maintaining tracking precision while managing system complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If a miniature tracking device is implanted in animals to record both location and temperature, then the device size is reduced for animal comfort, but the device cannot simultaneously provide high quality tracking signal and temperature recording functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the tracking chip and temperature recording sensor into a single integrated miniature implantable device. The tracking chip uses low-frequency RFID technology for location detection, while the temperature sensor records core body temperature. Both functions are combined in one small device that can be implanted in animals, achieving both miniaturization and multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The implanted tracking device is designed with universal functionality to perform both location tracking and temperature monitoring simultaneously. The device responds to RFID signals for position detection while independently measuring and transmitting temperature data, making it a multi-functional tool for comprehensive animal monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If video camera systems are used to record animal motion paths, then continuous motion tracking is achieved, but proper illumination and sharp contrast are required along with prolonged human monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the optical-mechanical video camera system with an electronic RFID detection system. Instead of using cameras that require illumination and contrast, the RFID system uses electromagnetic fields to detect and track animals automatically. This substitution eliminates environmental lighting requirements and enables automated tracking without continuous human monitoring.
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 simultaneous tracking and recording of multiple animals' motion and temperature data with high accuracy, overcoming the collision effect and providing real-time position and temperature monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna array configured to detect identification data from a respective detection component respectively associated with each of the plurality animals
Implementation Method 2
a miniaturized sensor (e.g., a capsule) is configured to be preferably implanted under the skin layer of an animal operable to record core body temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for identifying and monitoring passage of a plurality of animals in a passageway. The system includes a computer monitoring device having a processor and memory, and a detection device, communicatively coupled to the computer monitoring device. The detection device is positioned in proximity to an animal passageway. The detection device includes an antenna element configured to detect identification data from a respective detection component respectively associated with each of the plurality animals when located in close proximity to the passageway. The detected identification data includes a unique ID associated with the animal wherein each detection component consists of a capsule device configured to be located internal of an animal. The computer monitoring device is configured to receive the detected identification data of an animal from the detection device so as to record in a database the detected animal's unique ID in correlation with a date/time stamp of the animal's detected close proximity to the passageway.