Rodent Tail Marking Machine with Dual-Axis Motion and Vine Code
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current animal identification systems in vivariums face challenges such as limited code space, high cost, complexity, and reliability issues with both machine-readable and human-readable markings, particularly on rodent tails, which are prone to curvature and rotation, making accurate and efficient identification difficult.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines machine-readable and human-readable codes using a vine code with a spine and a reduced alphanumeric symbol set, allowing for unique identification of animals within a study or across the vivarium, with error detection mechanisms and mapping tables to ensure reliability and reusability of codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If machine-readable markings are used for animal identification, then reading speed and accuracy improve, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines machine-readable barcode markings with human-readable alphanumeric text on the same animal identifier (ear tag or collar). This allows the system to benefit from both machine reading speed/accuracy and human verification capability, while using standard, low-cost tagging equipment that doesn't require specialized expensive readers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a redundant copy of the identification information in two formats: a machine-readable barcode and a human-readable alphanumeric code. This duplication allows different reading methods (automated scanning vs. manual verification) to use the same physical marker, reducing equipment requirements while maintaining high identification accuracy
2Reliability
If a large code space is used to provide globally unique IDs, then animal identification uniqueness improves, but marking complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the identification system into two segments: a machine-readable barcode portion that can encode large unique numbers for global uniqueness, and a human-readable alphanumeric portion that provides verification. The barcode handles the complexity of large code spaces while the human-readable portion simplifies verification, reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a second dimension of readability to the identification marker by including both barcode (machine-readable) and alphanumeric text (human-readable) on the same tag. This dimensional expansion allows the system to achieve global uniqueness through barcode capacity while maintaining simplicity through human-readable verification
3Ease of manufacture
If manual tattooing is used for animal marking, then equipment cost decreases, but marking speed and throughput increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses self-adhesive ear tags or collars that are pre-marked with both barcode and alphanumeric identifiers. The tags are simply attached to the animal without requiring manual tattooing or specialized marking equipment, eliminating the trade-off between low equipment cost and low throughput. Multiple animals can be marked simultaneously by simple attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-marks the identification codes on the tags before attachment to the animals. The barcode and alphanumeric codes are printed on the tags in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming marking procedures during animal handling. This preliminary preparation enables high throughput while using simple, low-cost attachment methods
4Ease of operation
If human-readable markings are used, then readability and verification improve, but machine-readability and automation capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges human-readable alphanumeric text and machine-readable barcode into a single integrated identifier system. Both formats appear on the same ear tag or collar, allowing handlers to verify codes manually while automated scanners can quickly read the barcode, achieving both readability and automation capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent assigns different functional qualities to different parts of the same identifier: the barcode portion is optimized for machine reading with high precision, while the alphanumeric text portion is optimized for human reading and verification. This local differentiation allows each portion to excel at its intended function without compromising the other
Data Source
AI summary
A machine suitable for marking codes on rodent tails is disclosed, for marking both machine-readable and human-readable codes and such codes combined. An embodiment comprises two axes of motion: one aligned with the rodent tail and one perpendicular. Only one axis need move at one time for disclosed codes. One axis is linear motion of a marking head on a gantry. The second axis provides a rolling motion of the rodent tail. Codes include symbol sets consisting of orthogonal straight line segments, including both a reduced alphanumeric symbols set and a vine code with a marked spine. Delete markings and replacement locations are defined for marking error correction. Embodiments include mapping tables from animal codes as marked to animal IDs for use in managing animals in vivaria. The mapping tables also provide error detection.