Rotary Milking Parlor Camera-Based Feature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic milking systems, particularly rotary milking platforms, face challenges in efficiently programming the control system with the specific configuration details of each customized installation, leading to time-consuming processes and risks of data errors.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a camera and control unit to automatically measure and process three-dimensional image data of the rotary milking platform, deriving key features such as stall dimensions and equipment positions, and storing this information for later use, enabling efficient control of robotic arms and improving milking operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data entry is used to program the control system with arrangement configuration details, then the control system can be programmed, but the process is time-consuming and prone to data errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data entry (mechanical/human operation) with an automated optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the rotary milking parlor arrangement, and image processing algorithms automatically extract configuration data such as stall positions, dimensions, and equipment locations. This substitution eliminates manual typing errors and significantly reduces programming time while improving data accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the milking parlor arrangement to 'measure itself' through automated image capture and processing. The camera and processing unit automatically detect and record the physical characteristics of the arrangement without human intervention, allowing the system to self-program its configuration data.
2Reliability
If manual data entry is used to program the control system, then configuration information can be entered, but data errors are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The automated optical measurement system replaces manual data entry to eliminate human errors in transcription and data input. The system directly captures physical measurements and automatically converts them into configuration data, ensuring high reliability without requiring time-consuming verification steps.
3Productivity
If factory default data are used for the control system, then setup time is reduced, but the data do not match customized installation configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automatic measurement and data extraction during the setup phase. By capturing images and processing configuration data before the milking operation begins, the system prepares accurate, customized configuration information without delaying productivity. This preliminary action ensures both speed and accuracy in system setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A rotating platform having a plurality of stalls is provided, each of the stalls being configured to house a respective animal during milking. The stalls are separated from one another by delimiting structures. A camera registers three-dimensional image data of the rotating platform within a field of view. A controller receives the image data that has been registered while the rotating platform completes at least one full revolution around its rotation axis. The controller processes the image data to derive a set of key features of the rotating platform, and then stores the set of key features in a data storage, which is configured to make the set of key features available for use at a later point in time.