Infrared Animal Cage Tracking With Reflective ID Tags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing animal tracking systems in laboratory settings are inefficient and resource-intensive, requiring manual counting and observation to monitor animal presence, position, and behavior, especially during dark cycles when visible light is unavailable.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using infrared-emitting optical sensors and identification tags with unique infrared-reflective patterns to track animals within cages, enabling continuous monitoring and data logging of animal positions and behaviors through infrared imaging during both light and dark cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual counting and observation methods are used to track animals, then the system is simple and easy to implement, but the productivity is low and resource-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical observation with an automated optical imaging system. A camera captures images of animals in cages, and image processing algorithms automatically identify and track animals based on their identification tags. This substitution eliminates the need for manual counting and observation, significantly improving productivity while managing system complexity through software-based solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service tracking by having animals wear identification tags that are automatically detected and processed. The animals themselves serve as carriers of their identification information, and the system automatically processes images to track their positions and behaviors without requiring external manual intervention for each tracking action.
2Adaptability or versatility
If visible light is used for imaging, then the imaging process is simple, but tracking cannot be performed during dark cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the illumination parameter from visible light to infrared light. The system uses infrared illumination sources and infrared-sensitive cameras to capture images during dark cycles. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to different lighting conditions, enabling continuous monitoring throughout both light and dark cycles without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces infrared light as an intermediary medium to enable imaging during dark cycles. Infrared illumination serves as a mediator that provides necessary lighting without disrupting the dark cycle conditions for the animals, allowing the camera to capture images while maintaining appropriate environmental conditions.
3Duration of action of moving object
If infrared imaging is implemented for dark cycle monitoring, then continuous tracking is enabled, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the imaging system with multi-functionality to handle both light and dark cycle monitoring. The same camera system, with infrared capability, performs tracking during both illuminated and dark periods, eliminating the need for separate systems for different lighting conditions. This universal approach enables continuous monitoring while managing device complexity through a unified system design.
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 precise, non-invasive, and automated tracking and monitoring of laboratory animals, reducing manual effort and ensuring comprehensive data collection on animal presence, movement, and health indicators, even in low-light conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical emitter configured to emit infrared light toward an interior volume of an animal cage
Implementation Method 2
a first identification tag configured to install on a first ear of a first animal in a population of animals occupying the animal cage and including a first outer face configured to reflect infrared light in a first pattern
Implementation Method 3
an optical sensor configured to capture an infrared image of the interior volume of the animal cage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for animal identification and tracking includes, during a dark cycle: illuminating an interior of an animal cage with light outside of a visible light range; and capturing a first image of the interior of the animal cage. The method also includes: detecting a first identification tag in the first image; extracting a first set of tag features from the first image; identifying a first animal identifier of a first animal, tagged with the first identification tag, based on the first set of tag features; interpreting a first animal position of the first animal occupying the animal cage based on the first image; appending a cage log with the first animal identifier, a first timestamp corresponding to a time of capture of the first image, and the first animal position.