Ultrasonic Cattle Weight Estimation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the live weight of cattle, such as manual chest circumference measurement with a tape measure, are labor-intensive, contact-based, and prone to errors, posing risks to both humans and animals.
Innovation Solution
A fully automatic, contactless, and portable digital system utilizing ultrasonic distance sensors and a palm-sized embedded system box to measure the chest circumference of cattle, calculate their live weight, and estimate carcass weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual chest circumference measurement with tape measure is used, then the method is simple and portable, but it requires close contact with the animal which poses safety risks and causes stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical tape measure with an ultrasonic distance sensor-based automated measurement system. The ultrasonic sensor uses acoustic waves to measure chest circumference without physical contact, eliminating the safety risks and stress caused by manual handling while maintaining portability through the compact sensor design.
2Device complexity
If manual chest circumference measurement is used, then the device is simple and portable, but it requires arithmetic calculations and is prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by having the ultrasonic distance sensor automatically perform all measurements and calculations without human intervention. The system autonomously measures chest circumference, calculates live weight using embedded tables, and determines carcass weight, eliminating arithmetic errors and reducing the need for manual calculation while maintaining device simplicity.
3Extent of automation
If camera-based image processing method is used, then measurement automation is improved, but the system becomes expensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex camera-based systems and implements it using a single ultrasonic distance sensor. By taking out only the necessary measurement capability and eliminating the need for multiple cameras, image processing units, and complex algorithms, the system achieves automation while reducing complexity and cost.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual chest circumference measurement is used, then the method is accessible in villages and farms without weighbridges, but it requires the animal to be in specific position which limits flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement system adaptable to different animal positions and orientations. The ultrasonic sensor can measure chest circumference regardless of whether the animal is standing, walking, or in various orientations, as the sensor dynamically adjusts its measurement based on the animal's actual position, greatly improving operational flexibility while maintaining accessibility in remote locations.
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 provides accurate, efficient, and safe live and carcass weight estimation, eliminating manual contact and arithmetic errors, and is suitable for use in settings without access to weighbridges.
Implementation Method 1
A fully automatic, contactless, and portable digital system utilizing ultrasonic distance sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a digital system, featuring a fully-automatic, contactless, and portable device reliant on ultrasonic distance sensors, designed to replace the conventional, manual, and contact-based method, wherein cattle's chest circumference is measured in centimeters via tape measure and converted into estimated live weight using the given table.