Automated Estrus Detection System for Sows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for monitoring estrus and ovulation in animals, such as sows, are labor-intensive and reliant on human observation, leading to variability and a high probability of fertilization failure, which increases costs and reduces animal productivity.

Innovation Solution

A sensing system that detects an animal's standing time and uses an algorithm to determine the ovulation time zone, providing indications for optimal fertilization times through a user interface, including countdowns and confidence level assessments, to automate the detection of estrus and ovulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional human observation methods are used to monitor estrus and ovulation, then the system is simple and low-cost, but the measurement precision and reliability of estrus detection deteriorate due to human variability and labor intensity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveestrus detection accuracyVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/human observation system with an automated electronic sensing system. Sensors detect physiological parameters (temperature, movement, lying time) and an algorithm automatically determines estrus status, eliminating human variability and improving measurement precision without requiring complex manual inspection protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-monitoring of estrus and ovulation status through automated sensors and algorithms. The animal's own physiological signals are processed to determine its reproductive state, eliminating the need for continuous human inspection while maintaining high detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If frequent human inspections are performed to detect estrus properly, then the reliability of fertilization timing improves, but the loss of time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefertilization timing reliabilityVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensing system operates continuously to monitor estrus and ovulation status without interruption. Sensors continuously collect physiological data and the algorithm continuously updates the estrus determination, eliminating the need for discrete frequent inspections and providing continuous reliable information for fertilization timing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback on estrus and ovulation status through automated detection and algorithmic analysis. The sensing system monitors physiological parameters in real-time and provides immediate feedback on reproductive state, enabling timely fertilization decisions without requiring repeated manual inspections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If conventional observation methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity of the animal decreases due to high costs and repeated fertilization attempts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanimal productivityVSAvoidmonitoring system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual inspection systems with automated electronic sensing and algorithmic analysis. This substitution improves animal productivity by providing precise, continuous monitoring of estrus and ovulation, enabling timely fertilization and reducing losses from failed attempts, while the system complexity remains manageable through standardized sensor protocols

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS8551012B2Method for monitoring estrus and ovulation of animals, and for planning a useful fertilization time zone and a preferred fertilization time zone

Publication Date: 2013.10.08 GRP RO MAIN INC

AI summary

Estrus of animals and particularly sows is determined for planning of a preferred time period of insemination by a sensing system arranged to detect standing of the animal. Data from the sensing system is collected and analyzed using an algorithm and information that is displayed on an indicating system to provide an indication to a worker of the time period of estrus and ovulation and of a useful insemination time period and a preferred insemination time period of the animal. The indicating system includes a countdown clock to the preferred time period of insemination. In the event that the insemination fails, an indication is provided about whether the actual time of insemination occurred at the preferred time of insemination indicated to the worker. When estrus is completed, a confidence level is provided about the likelihood of success based on the position of the actual time of insemination relative to ovulation.