Sow Estrus Detection via Standing-Lying Frequency Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies in pig raising cannot accurately determine estrus in sows, relying on experience or intuition, which hinders the increase in piglets born per year and proper reproductive cycle maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that measure the frequency of a sow's standing up and lying down over a set period, using a camera unit and server to calculate a cumulative score, which is then used by a determination unit to accurately determine estrus through machine learning algorithms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional behavior detection technology is used to detect abnormal behavior of sows, then the system can identify general abnormal behaviors, but it cannot accurately determine estrus state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the estrus determination problem from qualitative expert judgment to quantitative measurement by changing parameters: measuring standing/lying frequency, calculating cumulative scores, and comparing against thresholds. This parameter transformation enables objective, accurate estrus detection without requiring complex expert systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/expert judgment system with an automated measurement and calculation system. Instead of relying on breeders' experience and intuition, the system uses sensors to measure behavior frequency, processes data through algorithms, and automatically determines estrus state, achieving both accuracy and simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If expert experience and intuition are used to determine estrus, then the determination can be made without equipment, but the accuracy and consistency are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-determination of estrus state through objective measurement and calculation. The sow's own behavior patterns are measured and processed to automatically identify estrus, eliminating the need for expert intervention while maintaining or improving accuracy through consistent quantitative analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where behavior measurements are continuously collected, cumulative scores are calculated based on these measurements, and estrus determination is made by comparing scores against thresholds. This feedback mechanism enables automated, accurate, and consistent estrus detection without relying on human expertise.
3Measurement precision
If the frequency of standing up and lying down is measured repetitively over time, then estrus can be accurately determined through cumulative score analysis, but the measurement and data processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously measuring and accumulating behavior frequency data before estrus determination is needed. The cumulative score is built up over time from repeated measurements, so when estrus determination is required, the analysis can be performed quickly using pre-accumulated data, reducing actual decision-making time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic measurement intervals to collect behavior frequency data, calculating cumulative scores at regular intervals. This periodic approach balances the need for accurate data collection with time efficiency, allowing estrus determination without requiring continuous monitoring while maintaining measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a technology that allows estrus of a sow to be accurately determined without relying on experience or in intuition of an observer. An estrus determination device for a sow includes a measurement unit that measures, per unit time, a frequency of standing up and lying down of a sow raised in a stall and a determination unit that determines estrus of the sow on the basis of a plurality of frequencies repetitively measured by the measurement unit over a set given period.