THERMAL IMAGING SYSTEM FOR LIVESTOCK HEALTH AND MANAGEMENT

Abstract

The invention is a thermal imaging system designed for real-time monitoring of livestock health and management. Utilizing a high-resolution infrared camera, the system detects temperature variations with high precision, enabling early identification of health issues, reproductive status, and environmental stress. It features custom algorithms for analyzing thermal images and an automated alert system that notifies farmers of any abnormalities. The user-friendly interface allows for remote access to real-time data and historical trends, facilitating informed decision-making. By addressing challenges like heat stress and optimizing reproductive management, the system enhances animal welfare, reduces operational costs, and improves overall productivity in livestock operations.

Specification

Description:The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The technical field of the invention encompasses agricultural technology, specifically focusing on livestock health monitoring and management systems. It integrates thermal imaging technology with advanced data processing algorithms to facilitate real-time detection of health issues, reproductive status, and environmental stress in livestock. The invention aims to enhance animal welfare, optimize farm management, and reduce operational costs through automated monitoring solutions. Additionally, it leverages wireless connectivity and data analytics to support informed decision-making in livestock operations.
BACKGROUND
[002] The increasing demand for livestock products has placed significant pressure on farmers to maintain high productivity while ensuring animal welfare. Traditional methods of health monitoring in livestock, such as visual inspections and physical examinations, are often labor-intensive and can lead to delayed detection of illnesses. This can result in economic losses due to decreased productivity and increased veterinary costs. Farmers need a more efficient solution that allows for early detection of health issues, reducing the reliance on manual checks and the associated labor costs.
[003] US9703195 discusses a system that employs infrared thermography to assess animal conditions and identify health anomalies. Similarly, US Patent No. 8,218,828 focuses on a method for detecting stress in animals using thermal imaging. These inventions demonstrate the potential of thermal imaging technology but often lack integration with automated data analysis and user-friendly interfaces for practical farm management.
[004] Another challenge in livestock management is the accurate monitoring of reproductive cycles. Traditional estrus detection methods, which rely on behavioral observations, can be inconsistent and require significant time investment. Existing patents, such as US Patent No. 9,109,415, describe systems for monitoring reproductive states using sensors; however, these solutions often require invasive procedures or constant human oversight, limiting their practicality in large-scale operations.
[005] Heat stress is a critical concern in livestock management, particularly during extreme weather conditions. Animals suffering from heat stress exhibit reduced feed intake and lower productivity, leading to significant economic impacts for farmers. While some prior art, like US Patent No. 10,001,241, outlines methods for monitoring temperature in barns, few have effectively integrated real-time monitoring of individual animals over expansive areas, which is essential for large herds.
[006] The growing trend of automation in agriculture has highlighted the need for solutions that reduce labor requirements while maintaining high standards of animal welfare. Patents such as US9830025 address the automation of health monitoring systems but often lack comprehensive features for environmental monitoring and integration with existing farm management systems.
[007] The importance of data-driven decision-making in livestock management cannot be overstated. Comprehensive analysis of health data can lead to better management strategies, yet many existing systems do not provide adequate tools for long-term data logging and trend analysis. Previous inventions, such as US8572600, have made strides in health data monitoring, but they often fall short in providing actionable insights through real-time data visualization and user-friendly interfaces.
[008] Additionally, the transportation of livestock presents unique challenges, as animals are susceptible to stress and injuries during transit. Prior patents, like US9204332, discuss monitoring temperature and conditions in transport vehicles, but few solutions effectively combine this with proactive measures to ensure animal welfare throughout the journey.
[009] While there have been advancements in thermal imaging and health monitoring technologies for livestock, there remains a gap in integrating these systems into a cohesive, user-friendly solution that addresses the multifaceted challenges of modern livestock management, including early disease detection, reproductive efficiency, environmental stress monitoring, and automation of health assessments.
SUMMARY
[010] The invention is a thermal imaging system specifically designed for monitoring livestock health, utilizing high-resolution infrared cameras to detect temperature variations that indicate potential health issues, reproductive status, and environmental stress in animals.
[011] The system employs custom algorithms to analyze thermal images, allowing for the early identification of conditions such as fever and inflammation, which facilitates timely interventions and significantly enhances overall animal welfare.
[012] An automated alert system is integrated into the design, notifying farmers of any abnormalities detected in real-time, thereby reducing the reliance on manual health checks and improving the efficiency of farm management operations.
[013] The user-friendly interface provides farmers with access to real-time data through mobile and desktop applications, offering a comprehensive overview of herd health and enabling informed decision-making based on detailed analytics.
[014] The invention also addresses challenges related to heat stress and reproductive management, allowing for proactive adjustments in farming practices and improved breeding outcomes, ultimately leading to increased productivity and profitability for livestock operations.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of the construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method disclosed in the document and the figures.
[016] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[017] Figure 1 provides the working prototype of the invention.
[018] The given figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for illustration and better understanding only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[019] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[020] The invention comprises a thermal imaging system that utilizes a high-resolution infrared camera to capture detailed thermal images of livestock. The camera is designed to detect temperature variations with a sensitivity of ±0.1°C, making it capable of identifying subtle physiological changes that may indicate health issues or stress in animals.
[021] The system includes a robust data processing unit equipped with custom algorithms that analyze the captured thermal images. These algorithms can differentiate between normal and abnormal temperature patterns, enabling the detection of health conditions such as fever, localized inflammation, and reproductive readiness.
[022] A key feature of the system is its automated health monitoring capability, which continuously captures thermal data from the livestock at regular intervals. This allows for real-time monitoring of critical areas such as the head, body, and legs, where temperature changes are most indicative of health status.
[023] In one embodiment it is provided that, When the system detects a sustained increase in temperature beyond predefined thresholds, it generates alerts for potential health issues. For instance, an elevated temperature in a cow's udder may indicate mastitis, prompting immediate action from the farmer to mitigate health risks.
[024] The design incorporates a user-friendly interface accessible via mobile and desktop applications. This interface displays real-time thermal images, temperature graphs, and alerts, allowing farmers to monitor animal health efficiently and respond quickly to any identified issues.
[025] In addition to health monitoring, the system includes features for reproductive management. It analyzes subtle temperature changes associated with the estrus cycle, notifying farmers of optimal breeding times and monitoring pregnant animals for temperature variations that signal impending labor.
[026] In one embodiment it is provided, that the thermal imaging system also addresses environmental stress by assessing the thermal comfort of livestock. It monitors external temperatures and detects signs of heat stress or cold stress, enabling farmers to make necessary adjustments to shelter, ventilation, or hydration to maintain optimal conditions.
[027] Data from the thermal camera is logged and stored, creating a historical record of each animal's health and temperature patterns. This long-term data analysis allows farmers to identify trends and make informed decisions about herd management, feeding, and treatment plans.
[028] Results from initial field trials demonstrate improved early detection of health issues, leading to a reduction in disease spread within herds. Farmers reported quicker interventions, which resulted in higher recovery rates and decreased veterinary costs due to less severe cases.
[029] In one embodiment it is provided, that the system has shown to enhance reproductive efficiency by accurately detecting estrus cycles, resulting in higher conception rates and shorter calving intervals. Farmers noted significant cost savings from reduced manual checks and the elimination of hormone treatments for synchronization.
[030] By automating health monitoring and providing remote access to real-time data, the system reduces the labor burden on farmers, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively. This automation is particularly valuable in addressing labor shortages in the agricultural sector.
[031] The invention offers a comprehensive solution for livestock health and management that enhances animal welfare, optimizes productivity, and improves profitability. The integration of thermal imaging with advanced data analysis positions this system as a vital tool for modern, data-driven livestock farming practices.
[032] Referring to figure 1, showcases a thermal imaging system designed for livestock health monitoring, featuring a high-resolution infrared camera prominently positioned to capture thermal images of animals in a farm setting. The camera is aimed at a herd of livestock, highlighting areas such as the head, body, and legs where temperature variations can indicate health issues. The interface display in the image illustrates real-time thermal data analysis, with color-coded temperature maps representing the thermal profiles of the animals. Alerts and notifications are visible on the screen, indicating any detected abnormalities, such as elevated temperatures associated with fever or stress. Additional elements, such as graphs tracking temperature trends over time and options for accessing historical data, emphasize the system's comprehensive monitoring capabilities. Overall, the image conveys the advanced technology integrated into the system, illustrating its potential to enhance animal welfare and improve farm management through effective health monitoring and data-driven insights.
, Claims:1. A thermal imaging system for monitoring livestock health, comprising:
A. a high-resolution infrared camera configured to capture thermal images of livestock, detecting temperature variations with a sensitivity of ±0.1°C;
B. a data processing unit connected to the camera, equipped with custom algorithms for analyzing thermal images to identify health conditions and reproductive status;
C. a user interface accessible via mobile and desktop applications, displaying real-time thermal data, alerts, and historical temperature trends for individual animals and the entire herd.
2. The thermal imaging system of claim 1, wherein the infrared camera is capable of continuous or scheduled thermal imaging to facilitate real-time health monitoring of livestock.
3. The thermal imaging system of claim 1, further comprising an automated alert system that notifies farmers of detected temperature anomalies indicative of potential health issues.
4. The thermal imaging system of claim 1, wherein the data processing unit includes machine learning algorithms that adaptively learn the normal temperature patterns of individual animals for improved anomaly detection.
5. The thermal imaging system of claim 1, wherein the user interface allows for remote access, enabling farmers to monitor livestock health from any location via a cloud-based platform.
6. The thermal imaging system of claim 1, further comprising features for reproductive management, including the detection of temperature changes associated with the estrus cycle in livestock.
7. The thermal imaging system of claim 1, wherein the data processing unit is capable of logging historical thermal data for each animal, allowing for long-term health trend analysis and reporting.
8. The thermal imaging system of claim 1, further including environmental monitoring capabilities that assess the thermal comfort of livestock in relation to ambient temperature conditions, providing recommendations for climate control adjustments.

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