Livestock Sensor Power Generation for State Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing livestock management systems face challenges in accurately predicting meat quality and estimating the state of individual livestock animals, particularly for large-scale farmers, due to limitations in predicting meat quality based on individual animal data and the need for measuring body impedance.
Innovation Solution
A livestock management system that includes a sensor apparatus with a power generation unit capable of generating electric power from the environment and a control unit that estimates the state of the livestock animal based on received power generation information, allowing for accurate and efficient estimation of animal states without the need for extensive measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual livestock data is collected for meat quality prediction, then prediction accuracy is improved, but measurement burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus automatically measures livestock data and transmits it without requiring manual measurement operations by farmers. The power generation unit autonomously generates electricity from environmental sources to power the measurement and transmission functions, eliminating the need for farmers to perform impedance measurements or other manual data collection tasks while maintaining individual animal-level prediction accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual measurement operations with an automated sensor system that uses environmental energy sources (light, heat, vibration) to power continuous monitoring. This substitution eliminates the mechanical burden of manual impedance measurement while achieving more precise and continuous data collection for meat quality prediction
2Measurement precision
If power is continuously supplied to sensor apparatus, then measurement accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus dynamically adjusts its operation by using multiple power generation units that respond to varying environmental conditions. The system transitions between different power sources (solar, thermal, vibration) based on availability, enabling continuous measurement functionality while adapting power consumption to environmental energy availability rather than using fixed continuous power supply
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the sensor apparatus by switching between different power generation modes based on environmental conditions. The system modifies its power input parameters to match available environmental energy, thereby maintaining measurement functionality while optimizing power consumption according to external conditions rather than requiring constant high-power supply
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensor apparatus are deployed for individual monitoring, then prediction accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each sensor apparatus is designed as a universal multi-functional unit that combines power generation (multiple types), data sensing, processing, and transmission capabilities in a single integrated device. This universality allows multiple identical apparatus to be deployed across the livestock population without increasing system complexity, as each unit operates independently with the same standardized functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the monitoring function into independent, self-contained sensor apparatus units, each capable of autonomous operation. This segmentation allows individual animals to be monitored without creating a complex centralized system, as each unit processes and transmits its own data independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling individual-level prediction accuracy
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 easy and accurate estimation of livestock animal states, reducing the burden on large-scale farmers and improving meat quality prediction without the need for cumbersome impedance measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a power generation unit that generates electric power in a manner that depends on a surrounding environment
Implementation Method 2
a control unit that estimates a state of the livestock animal on the basis of the power generation information
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a livestock management system, a sensor apparatus, and an estimation method for a state of a livestock animal with which states of livestock animals can be easily and accurately estimated. A livestock management system according to the present technology includes a management apparatus. The management apparatus includes a reception unit that receives power generation information from a sensor apparatus attachable to a livestock animal. The sensor apparatus includes a power generation unit, a transmission unit, and a control unit. The power generation unit generates electric power in a manner that depends on a surrounding environment. The transmission unit transmits the power generation information of the power generation unit with the electric power generated by the power generation unit. The control unit estimates a state of the livestock animal on the basis of the power generation information.