Universal Animal Tag with Adaptive Algorithm Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current animal management tags are limited in their versatility and require multiple tags for different applications, making them impractical for farmers who need to monitor various aspects of livestock physiology and movement across different body parts.

Innovation Solution

An animal management tag equipped with a processor that can select and execute different algorithms based on its application, allowing it to function as multiple tags (e.g., leg, neck, ear, tail, and bolus) by automatically or manually selecting the appropriate processing method based on the measured data, eliminating the need for multiple tags.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tags are used for different body parts and applications, then measurement coverage and monitoring capability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement coverageVSAvoidnumber of tags
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tag is designed with a universal structure that can be applied to different body parts (neck, leg, ear, tail) and functions as multiple monitoring devices. The processor contains multiple algorithms that can be selectively activated based on the application, allowing one tag to replace multiple specialized tags while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple tags are used for different applications, then monitoring capability is improved, but ease of operation worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidtag selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The processor automatically selects the appropriate algorithm based on the tag's application without requiring manual intervention from the farmer. The system self-configures by detecting which algorithm is suitable for the current tagging scenario, eliminating the need for farmers to understand or select between multiple algorithms or tag types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a single tag is used for multiple applications, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoiddata accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The processor contains multiple specialized algorithms, each optimized for specific body parts and measurement types. The system selects and executes only the algorithm appropriate for the current application, ensuring that each measurement is processed with the highest precision method designed for that specific scenario, rather than using a generic processing approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If the processor automatically selects algorithms, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealgorithm selectionVSAvoidprocessor complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple algorithms are pre-loaded and stored in the processor's memory during manufacturing. The processor is pre-configured with the capability to recognize and select between different algorithms based on application parameters, eliminating the need for runtime algorithm loading or complex real-time decision-making logic

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3697204B1Animal management tag configured to be worn by an animal
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 NEDAP
  • EP3697204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3697204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3697204B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Animal management tag and system of carrier and tag, where the tag is configured to be worn by an animal, such as an ear stud, bolus, leg tag, neck tag and a tail tag. The tag is provided with at least one first sensor for performing a measurement on the animal. The tag is further provided with a processor connected with the at least one first sensor, at least for processing measuring results which have been obtained with the aid of the at least one first sensor. The tag is further also provided with a transmitting device connected with the processor, for transmitting information generated by the processor. The processor is configured to process the measuring results, whereby the manner of processing depends on the manner in which the tag, in use, is applied.