Thermal Imaging for Automatic Milking Mastitis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automatic milking systems cannot effectively identify animals at risk of developing mastitis, particularly subclinical mastitis, leading to reduced milk quality and increased bacterial growth due to incomplete milking.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal imaging device to generate current and reference thermal images of the udder, with a processing device that detects temperature differences and adjusts milking parameters such as frequency, duration, and vacuum level to address potential mastitis, thereby reducing the risk of infection and improving animal health.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automatic milking systems use standard milking parameters for all animals, then the milking process is simple and efficient, but animals with subclinical mastitis cannot be identified and remain at risk of infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal imaging technology as an intermediary detection method between the animal and the milking system control. The thermal camera captures temperature distributions on the udder surface, which serves as an intermediate indicator of potential mastitis conditions. This intermediary measurement enables non-invasive, contactless detection that integrates into the existing automated milking workflow without requiring direct physical intervention or complex veterinary equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual inspection methods with optical thermal imaging technology. Instead of relying on physical examination, manual palpation, or simple flow rate measurements, the system uses infrared thermal cameras to detect temperature patterns on the udder surface. This substitution enables automated, objective detection of subclinical mastitis based on thermal signatures, integrating seamlessly into the automated milking system's control algorithms.
2Reliability
If milking frequency is increased for all animals to prevent mastitis, then animal health improves, but productivity and energy consumption decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring milking parameters to individual animals based on their thermal imaging results. Animals showing thermal patterns indicative of subclinical mastitis receive customized milking treatments (such as increased frequency, adjusted duration, or modified vacuum levels), while healthy animals continue with standard efficient milking schedules. This localized approach ensures that health interventions are applied only where needed, maintaining overall herd productivity while addressing individual health concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of milking parameters based on real-time or near-real-time thermal imaging data. The system continuously monitors udder temperature patterns and dynamically modifies milking frequency, duration, and intensity for each animal. This dynamic approach allows the system to respond to changing health conditions, increasing intervention only when thermal indicators suggest potential mastitis risk, thereby optimizing the balance between animal health and production efficiency.
3Reliability
If thermal imaging is implemented to detect subclinical mastitis, then early detection and treatment are possible, but device complexity and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves universality by designing the thermal imaging system to serve multiple functions within the automated milking operation. The same thermal camera and processing system that detect subclinical mastitis can also be used to monitor general udder health, track temperature changes over time, and potentially detect other thermal anomalies. This multi-functionality justifies the additional equipment investment by providing comprehensive health monitoring capabilities beyond just mastitis detection, maximizing the value of the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the thermal imaging system to automatically analyze temperature patterns and generate alerts or recommendations without requiring constant veterinary or operator intervention. The system processes thermal images, compares them against established criteria, and autonomously identifies animals needing attention. This self-service capability reduces the operational burden associated with the additional equipment, allowing the thermal detection system to function independently and integrate seamlessly into existing workflows.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively detects subclinical mastitis by identifying temperature variations, allowing for targeted adjustments in milking parameters to prevent bacterial growth and reduce antibiotic use, thereby improving animal health and milk quality.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal imaging device, configured for generating at least one current thermal image of at least a portion of an udder of said animal
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a system (1) for controlling an automatic milking system (2), configured for automatically receiving, identifying and selectively milking a lactating animal in accordance with a set of milking parameters associated with said animal. The system comprises a thermal imaging device ( 3 ), configured for generating at least one current thermal image of at least a portion of an udder of said animal, a storage device (4), configured for storing at least one reference thermal image of said udder, and a processing device (7), configured for comparing at least one current value derived from said at least one current thermal image and/or at least one current thermal image with at least one reference value derived from said at least one reference thermal image and/or at least one reference thermal image. The processing device is arranged to selectively provide a status indication of said animal in response to a result of said comparison.