Visual Animal Tracking via Image Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking animals in populations, such as toe clipping, tattooing, and RFID implantation, are inefficient, costly, and stressful for the animals, requiring manual handling and high maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the application of visual identifiers, such as clipped toes, tattoos, or fluorescent markers, which are digitally captured and processed using image recognition techniques to automatically identify and track animals, reducing the need for manual handling and minimizing animal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If RFID responders are attached or implanted to each animal for automated identification, then automated identification is achieved, but cost and maintenance effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses visual identifiers (images, patterns, or markers) that can be captured by cameras and processed through image recognition algorithms. Instead of using complex RFID hardware, the system creates a digital copy/representation of the animal's visual appearance or attached visual marker, which can be automatically recognized and processed by software, significantly reducing hardware complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining automated identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic RFID system with an optical system using cameras and image processing. The identification is achieved through capturing and processing visual information rather than through electromagnetic RFID communication, substituting a complex electronic system with a simpler optical-mechanical system that uses standard imaging equipment and software-based recognition
2Ease of manufacture
If animals are physically picked for identification (toe clipping, tattooing), then identification can be performed, but animal stress and handling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual identifiers to animals during initial setup or at convenient times when animals are already being handled for other purposes. The visual markers are applied in advance, so that subsequent identification can occur without additional handling or stress to the animals. The system captures images at any time without requiring physical restraint or isolation of the animal
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of permanently modifying the animal's body through toe clipping or tattooing, the system uses visual identifiers that can be attached or applied without invasive procedures. The identification is achieved by capturing visual information (images or patterns) that can be processed digitally, eliminating the need for physical alteration of the animal and reducing associated stress and ethical concerns
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
Enables efficient, reliable, and cost-effective automated identification and tracking of animals, allowing for continuous data collection with reduced animal stress and compliance with animal care guidelines.
Implementation Method 1
capturing a digital image of the visual identifier applied to the animal; recognizing the visual identifier by digitally processing the captured digital image
Data Source
AI summary
A method of tracking an animal in a population of animals is disclosed that includes applying a visual identifier to the animal, associating reference identifier data of the visual identifier to animal data of the animal, capturing a digital image of the visual identifier applied to the animal, recognizing the visual identifier by digitally processing the captured digital image, and identifying the animal upon recognition of the visual identifier.