Animal Nose Print Recognition via Optical Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current animal identification methods, particularly those using nose patterns, face challenges such as direct physical contact requirements, movement obstruction issues, and limitations in accommodating different species and environmental conditions, leading to inaccuracies and practical difficulties in non-professional applications.
Innovation Solution
An animal recognition apparatus and method utilizing a body stabilizer unit to minimize animal movement, an image acquisition unit for indirect illumination and flexible image capture, and an image recognition unit for generating and verifying nose pattern codes, enabling non-contact, accurate identification across various species and conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If direct physical contact methods (ink impressions) are used to capture nose patterns, then the identification process can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy deteriorates due to ink bleeds, distortions, and laborious processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ink impression system with an optical imaging system using a digital camera. Instead of physically transferring ink from the nose to paper, the system uses light to capture the nose pattern image digitally, eliminating ink bleeds and distortions while maintaining equipment simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy (digital image) of the nose pattern instead of a physical ink copy. This digital copying method preserves the accuracy of the original nose pattern without the degradation issues inherent in physical ink transfer methods
2Reliability
If traditional animal identification methods (ear tagging, branding) are used, then ownership proof is established, but the animal and handlers are put in potential harm's way
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical modification methods (branding, tagging) with a non-contact optical imaging method. The digital camera captures nose patterns without touching or altering the animal, eliminating the physical harm associated with traditional identification methods while maintaining reliable identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The nose pattern serves as the animal's own unique identifier without requiring external tags or modifications. The animal's natural nose pattern is used directly for identification, eliminating the need for separate identification devices that could cause harm
3Reliability
If external markers (ear tags, brands) are used for identification, then ownership can be proven, but the markers become damaged by physical activities or vandalism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital copy of the nose pattern stored in memory instead of a physical marker on the animal. This digital record cannot be physically damaged or vandalized, ensuring long-term stability of the identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical markers that can be damaged with a digital imaging and storage system. The identification information is captured optically and stored electronically, eliminating susceptibility to physical damage from animal activities or human vandalism
4Ease of operation
If ink impression methods are used on moist animal noses, then nose patterns can be captured, but the process becomes laborious and requires frequent reapplication
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the time-consuming ink transfer process with instant optical imaging. The digital camera captures the nose pattern image immediately without requiring ink application, drying time, or transfer steps, dramatically reducing the time and effort required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous identification operations without the intermittent labor of reapplying ink. The optical system can capture images rapidly and consecutively, maintaining continuous useful action without the workflow interruptions inherent in ink-based methods
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of an animal recognition using nose patterns, and particularly to an apparatus and method of an animal recognition comprising a body stabilizer unit to minimize movement of the subject animal for optimal nose pattern image acquisition, an image acquisition unit to obtain and store the nose pattern image, and an image recognition unit to generate, enroll, verify, and identify the raw or processed nose pattern code from the acquired nose pattern image.