Patent Application
20050012623
Not applicable.
This invention relates to the fields of electronics devices and computer programming. More particularly, it relates to an electronic estrus detection device that stores data based on external stimuli.
A pervasive problem that plagues animal breeding is determining the optimum time a female should be inseminated. Breeding bovine animals is made easier when an accurate determination can be made as to when a cow should be artificially inseminated. Generally, cows in heat are near ovulation and let themselves be mounted. Accurately determining when a cow is in heat, and hence should be inseminated, is important because of the scarcity of resources necessary to provide a successful insemination, the expense of those materials, and because the opportunity costs of failed inseminations are great. With respect to bovine animals, millions of dollars worth of semen is wasted each year because of unsuccessful inseminations, the vast majority of which were poorly timed.
Prior attempts have been made to determine when a cow is in heat. In one prior-art method, the animals are simply observed. When mating behavior is observed, a breeder determines whether to act. But such a method is impractical in light of the demands associated with physically observing many animals over long periods of time.
The SHOWHEAT device made by the IMV International Corporation of Minneapolis, Minn. is an exemplary prior-art device that is designed to help determine when a cow is in heat. But, this device makes an actual timing determination. Rather than providing raw data, which a skilled person could include as a factor in determining whether a certain time is the best time to commence insemination, prior-art devices remove the decision-making process from a breeder. Raw data related to recent animal behavior is not provided.
To illustrate this mere one shortcoming of the prior art, consider a group of females outfitted with prior-art devices. In situations where multiple prior-art devices simultaneously indicated that many females are ready for insemination, a breeder would be deprived of valuable information indicating which of the animals should be inseminated first. That is, if a herd of cows were gathered after a certain period of time, and multiple cows were flagged as ready for insemination, prior-art devices merely indicate that at some point the specific cows were ready to be inseminated, if such a determination was accurate. This problem is exacerbated when limited insemination equipment is available. Limited time may require deciding which cows to inseminate first, but the prior-art attempts do not provide a way to retrieve this data.
Another shortcoming of the prior art is the inability to retrieve historical data. This historical data could be used to better understand the mating-behavior events or behavior leading up to ovulation. Without this historical data, a breeder does not have as much information on which to base an insemination decision.
Still another shortcoming of various prior-art attempts is the recordation of false positives. A false positive erroneously indicates that a mount took place. For example, certain ineloquent males or females who lack the mounting prowess of others may fumble while attempting to mount a female. Thus, while attempting to register what should be considered a single successful mount, prior-art devices may erroneously register multiple mounting attempts as actual mounts.
Still another shortcoming of the prior art is that the historical devices are physically large, making them difficult to securely attach to the animal, such as bovine animals. Large devices are also difficult to maintain attached to the bovine animal during mounting behavior.
A final illustrative shortcoming of prior-art devices is the manner in which they provide feedback. Typically, prior-art devices do not provide detailed feedback in such a manner that is easy to observe from a safe or comfortable distance. A dairy farmer may have only a short time frame to read from many devices. Not being able to readily observe indications of mounting behavior or other breeding behavior (especially in its raw format) imposes resource burdens on a breeder.
There is a need for a method and system that more accurately tracks mating-behavior events and presents data related to those events so as to enable a decision maker to determine an optimum insemination time. The prior art could be improved by a device that provides raw data corresponding to mating-behavior events, thereby enabling a more complete, informed insemination decision to be made. The prior art could also be improved by providing a device that logs historical data related to mating behavior leading up to ovulation and that reduces the occurrence of false positives. The state of the art could be improved by providing a device with a sufficiently narrow footprint and low profile that would make attachment and retention to an animal easier and more reliable. Still further, the state of the art could be improved by providing a device that includes only a single actuator (button or switch) for data input.
The present invention is an electronic device that stores and presents indicators corresponding to animal actions, which may indicate when a female animal is in heat. A reusable, cost-effective, raw-data collection device is provided that times, counts, and records prescribed heat-related actions (such as permitted mounts) and displays the recorded mounting behavior in a simple, easy-to-read format. The invention has several practical applications in the technical arts, not limited to presenting raw data that can be used to determine an optimal window to commence artificial insemination of certain animals. The present invention stores the applicable data for subsequent recall on demand.
In a first aspect, a detection device is provided. The detection device is a self-powered, self-contained device that includes a processing component, a storage component, a counting component, and a data-presentation component. The device allows for raw-data collection of times and number of valid mounts that a female allows prior to ovulation. As will be explained in greater detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment, the present invention includes a certain number of indicators such as twelve that are used to indicate times at certain intervals, such as hours, of recorded mounting behavior. Data is conveyed using flashing LEDs that can easily be read from a distance. The ability to easily observe recorded mounting behavior is a significant improvement over the prior art. The present invention offers the advantage of a narrow circuit board, approximately 2 cm, making attachment to a cow much easier. Moreover, the present invention includes a relatively low profile (see
In another aspect, a method is provided for determining when a female animal is in heat. The method includes tracking the number of mounts a female permits over a period of time. Once the female experiences a mount of preselected duration, such as two seconds, a clock is activated, whereby the present invention begins to display the hour and mounting behavior of the animal. Data validation is performed on input received. In some embodiments, validation takes the form of a mandatory delay interval, whereby subsequent data input received prior to the lapsing of the interval will not be attributed to a mount. Data validation offers the significant benefit of reducing the number of false positives. The behavior is presented by a series of indicators that can be readily observed by a breeder. This ability to display mounting behavior from a distance satisfies a long-felt need of breeders to be able to quickly and accurately observe the mating behavior of cows from a distance. Certain blink durations are employed to convey various data events.
In another aspect of the invention, a computer-program product is provided that tracks preovulation data, such as mounting behavior, and stores it for future recall and/or current presentation. The computer-program product includes embodied computer-useable instructions that monitor mounting behavior, stores the behavior, and presents indicators corresponding to the behavior automatically or on demand.
The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein and wherein:
The present invention provides an electronic mounting-behavior detection device useful for estimating the optimal time to inseminate animals by recording and displaying mounting behavior related to the estrus cycle, specifically the quantity of mounting events and the elapsed time since each event occurred. The device collects and displays raw data related to permitted mounts. The number of mounts permitted by an animal is stored along with other data during a prescribed period, such as a twelve-hour period. Other periods can be prescribed and are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Mounting behavior may include one female cow engaging in mounting behavior with another cow, which is sometimes referred to as sympathy mounting. Any mounting behavior, including sympathy mounting, is detected by the present invention. Although the device is described herein with reference to the mounting activities of cows, it to be understood that the invention is also applicable to other animals.
The present invention more accurately tracks mating-behavior events and presents data related to those events, thereby enabling a decision maker to determine an optimum insemination time. The present invention provides raw data corresponding to mating-behavior events. Being able to observe raw data, a breeder can make a more informed insemination decision. The present invention logs historical data related to mating behavior leading up to ovulation and reduces the occurrence of false positives. The present invention provides a narrow footprint that makes attachment to an animal easier and more secure. A low profile greatly helps the present invention stay in place while receiving inputs corresponding to mounting-behavior events.
As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the present invention may be embodied as, among other things. a method, system, or computer-program product. Accordingly, the present invention may take the form of a hardware embodiment, a software embodiment, or an embodiment combining software and hardware. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention takes the form of a computer-program product that includes computer-useable instructions embodied on a computer-readable medium.
Computer-readable media include both volatile and nonvolatile media, and removable and nonremovable media. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media include data-storage media and communications media. Data-storage media, or machine-readable media, include media implemented in any method or technology for storing information. Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data representations. Computer-storage media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Discs (DVD), holographic media or other optical storage devices, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magnetic storage devices. These memory components can store data momentarily, temporarily, and/or permanently.
Communications media typically store computer-useable instructions—including data structures and program modules—in a modulated data signal. The term “modulated data signal” refers to a propagated signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed to encode information in the signal. An exemplary modulated data signal includes a carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communications media include any information-delivery media. By way of example but not limitation, communications media include wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, infrared, radio, microwave, spread-spectrum, and other wireless media technologies. Combinations of the above are included within the scope of computer-readable media.
Turning now to
In a preferred embodiment, operating environment 100 includes a controller 110, which may include a timer 112, an input-control component 114, an output-control component 116, a memory 118, and a processor 120. One skilled in the art would recognize alternative names for the aforementioned subcomponents, all of which are not listed nor depicted due to their conventional nature. Timer 112 can receive an incoming clock signal and manipulate the signal to comply with desired parameters and track passage of time. Memory 118 can be, as described above, any computer-readable media for storing and reading computer-useable instructions. Memory 118 is preferably nonvolatile, so as to preserve historical data in the absence of a power source. Processor 120 coordinates data flow through the various subcomponents of controller 110, all of which are not shown due to their conventional nature. Although a litany of devices may be used, exemplary controller 110 suitable for use in the present invention include the PIC16LF627A or PIC16LF84A Microcontroller offered by Microchip Technology Incorporated of Chandler, Ariz.
In a preferred embodiment, controller 110 communicates with a power source 122, an actuator or switch 126, a timing device or clock 124, and a presentation interface such as LED array 128. Power source 122 includes one or more batteries in the preferred embodiment but could be any device that provides power to the system, such as a solar-panel array or a kinetic device that is motion-powered. When used, the batteries are preferably maintained in place with one or more battery holders that are vibration resistant and sufficiently sturdy to withstand vibrations present in manufacturing and in normal use. Clock 124 provides timing functionality to controller 110. Switch 126 can be any type of actuating device that signals the happening of an event. In some embodiments, the entire casing (described in greater detail below with reference to
Presentation interface 128 provides mounting-behavior feedback to an observer. Typically, the observer will be a human being, but an observer could be an inanimate device, such as a light-reading device that can read the data gathered by the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the presentation interface 128 is an array of LEDs. But presentation interface 128 may also include one or more audio-generating components such as a speaker. The LEDs, however, provide easy-to-read feedback that is readily observable by an observer. Although the number of LEDs can vary, the preferred embodiment uses twelve LEDs wherein each LED corresponds to a one-hour interval. This embodiment is illustrated in
An alternative embodiment is shown in
Turning now to
A playback mode is offered by the present invention to display historical data. Playback mode retrieves data stored in memory 118 and presents the data to a user. Additional memory may be provided to store more data. A more informed decision can be made with the benefit of historical data. Using the present invention, a veterinarian can observe prior mating-behavior events and decide what type of insemination procedures to facilitate. Playback mode can be triggered at a step 214. If it is, the stored data is displayed at a step 216, which will be described in greater detail with reference to
If playback mode is not entered then an optional sleep mode may be defaulted to at a step 218. This optional feature prolongs battery life and is exited when valid input is received. In a preferred embodiment, sleep mode is the default mode. If no action is taken, then sleep mode is entered at a step 220, which will be explained in greater detail with reference to
Turning now to
At a step 232, controller 110 determines the correct data set to display from memory 118. In the embodiment described immediately above, controller 110 receives the number of switch presses. One press will retrieve the most recently stored data. Two presses will retrieve the second most recently stored data and so forth. The desired data events are displayed at a step 234. The method explained to retrieve historical data should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. Historical data could be retrieved in a variety of ways; successive switch presses during a specific time is but one way. Some embodiments may use a separate switch to retrieve stored data. Other embodiments may present previous cycles by holding down switch 126. The ability to retrieve stored data is more important than the way the data is actually retrieved.
Playback of historical data may be interrupted at a step 236 by receiving another input stimulus. If playback is not interrupted, then historical data is persistently presented to a user. But if additional input is received, then a determination is made at a step 238 as to whether a valid reset request has been submitted. A valid reset request should require deliberate action. In a preferred embodiment, a reset request is triggered by five successive presses of switch 126. In other embodiments, switch 126 may be pressed four times, or ten times, etc. In embodiments that have multiple switches, one of the switches can be dedicated to perform a reset function. In still other embodiments, a magnet can be used in connection with an appropriate switch to reset the device. If a valid reset request is received, the present invention reinitializes at a step 212.
This first validation is provided to reduce false starts and is programmable. In a preferred embodiment, the input received passes validation if switch 126 remains closed for approximately two or three seconds. If the device is attached to an animal, such as a cow, it may be triggered by a variety of events. The main event sought to be tracked by the present invention is a mount permitted by a female animal. A two-second depression of switch 126 would most likely be caused by a successful mount. Any time interval may be used to suit an array of applications. But requiring some sort of minimum switch-depression interval reduces the likelihoods of false positives, recorded events that do not actually correspond to an attempted mount. If the input is valid, then it is logged at a step 224. If it is not valid, then a determination is made as to whether the input may be a reset request at a step 246. If not, then sleep mode is maintained at a step 240, but if the input provides a valid reset request, then the system is initialized at a step 212.
If the threshold has lapsed, then a threshold time alarm is presented at a step 256. This alarm can take a variety of forms and may even be omitted. But in one embodiment, the first LED 128A and last LED 128L flash in rapid succession, providing a clear indication to a breeder that the current recording cycle is complete. If a valid reset request is received at a step 258, then the system reinitializes it at a step 212. Otherwise, subsequent input is disregarded at a step 260, and the input behavior of the current cycle is displayed persistently.
If the prescribed cycle threshold has not lapsed at a step 254, then controller 110 updates by storing the event in memory 118. The update is immediately reflected by LED array 128. Thus, the hour and mounting behavior are immediately and easily observable. As will be described in greater detail below with reference to a preferred embodiment, a long blink designates the hour and short blinks designate the number of valid inputs—mounts in this example—in that hour. Input could be tracked by the half hour or any other time horizon; hourly tracking is merely exemplary. Additional input may be received at a step 264. If no input is received, the present invention continues displaying input data until the cycle threshold time passes. But if additional input is received, then it is validated at a step 266.
One of the many benefits of the present invention is its ability to reduce the occurrence of false positives. A false positive would be a recorded event that should not have been logged. In operation, a false positive may be generated by an animal pursuing a mount, but who merely strikes the device occasionally while attempting the mount. To reduce the occurrence of false positives, the data is validated at a step 266. In a preferred embodiment, validation includes the occurrence of two events: first, that switch 126 remain closed for a threshold duration (two seconds for example) and second, that a prescribed interval (such as three seconds) lapsed between successive input receptions. That is, switch 126 must be closed for approximately two seconds after having been open for approximately three seconds in this embodiment. The two- and three-second thresholds are exemplary in nature and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention. There may be many hundreds of different validation techniques that can be used in lieu of the described method. What is important is including a validation step, such as step 266. Although even the validation step can be eliminated without departing from the scope of the present invention, doing so would most likely result in less accurate data.
A novel aspect of the present invention is providing detailed feedback to a breeder using readily observable flashing lights (LEDs) blinking in a pattern composed of long and short flashes in a preferred embodiment. The actual sequencing can vary. What follows is a description of merely one example to sequence the LEDs of array 128 to present stored data. In the preferred embodiment, long blinks designate the hour—according to the respective flash LED—and short blinks designate the input events (hereafter “mounts”). Only one LED is active at any given time to ease reading. An illustrative example follows.
The first standing mount will cause first LED 128A to blink in a certain manner. In this embodiment, the first LED will blink one long blink to indicate the hour and one short blink to indicate the standing mount. Thus, a breeder observing the device would understand that hour one is being recorded and that one mount or attempted mount has taken place in that hour. If the animal accepts another mount in hour one, then LED 128A will blink one long blink (still indicating that mounts are being recorded for hour one, the first hour) and two short blinks (indicating that two mounts have taken place in that hour). After the first hour lapses, cycling extends to the next LED, whereby LED 128B will begin to blink—one long blink. If the cow or other animal permits a mount in the second hour, then that mount will be indicated by one short blink of LED 128B. This information is persistently presented. A breeder would observe the first LED blink once long, followed by two shorts, followed by a long blink from the second LED and then one short blink of the second LED. The cycle would then repeat. After the second hour completes, the third LED 128C will begin to blink one long blink. This process will continue for the prescribed cycle duration, such as twelve hours.
In this embodiment, the total number of short blinks corresponds to the total number of mounts. But the present invention will also provide an indication of the peak mounting period. Assuming a cow's optimal breeding window occurs approximately twelve hours after its first mount, a breeder may simply wait until the threshold-cycle alarm is presented. That cow can then be inseminated. With access to raw data—more data than a mount indication—a breeder can distinguish valid mounting activity from other activity and better predict optimal time for insemination, including consideration of variables such as the period of peak mounting activity or the past behavior of the particular cow in question.
Upper casing 302 is preferably transparent or translucent so that flashes of LED array 128 can be easily observed through the case, as well as through a transparent sleeve that is affixed to the animal and adapted to receive device 310. In other embodiments, a window may be provided to enhance observability of LED array 128 (see
In an alternative embodiment, upper housing 302 and lower housing 316 work together to trigger switch 126. In this embodiment, there is no push button 320. In its stead, the casing as a whole transitions from a first position to a second position during a mounting event. After the mounting event, the device 310 returns to its first position.
Lower casing 316 is adapted to receive the upper casing 302. A suitable set of fasteners 318 secure the casings together and can withstand the weight of the mounting animal and other conventional wear and tear. Fasteners 318 may be screws. The size of the casings, and the device 310 as a whole, is preferably minimized to reduce catching of the device on the mounting cow or other objects.
As previously explained, one skilled in the art would appreciate a variety of components and arrangement of components that may be used to provide the functionality of the present invention. Electronics console 314 is but one example. It illustrates an arrangement of components on a printed circuit board (PCB) 322. Affixed to PCB 322 in this embodiment is LED array 128, switch 126, controller 110, clock 112, and two replaceable batteries 122. Two batteries are not necessary but provide extended power. As shown, the layout enables PCB 322 to have a width 324 of approximately two centimeters, a height 326 of less that six millimeters, and length of less than ten centimeters. Without the second battery 122, PCB 322 can be only 7.5 cm long. The small footprint of PCB 322 reduces the overall width of the device 310, offering a significant advantage of making attachment to a cow's tailbone more stable and secure. The components of electronics console 314 can preferably be coated with a water-resistant material to increase reliability.
Turning now to
Turning now to
Not all steps are necessary. The order of the steps is not mandatory. Those skilled in the art will appreciate alternative ways of providing the same functionality described in
As can be seen, the present invention is well-adapted to provide a new and useful method for, among other things, determining an optimal time to artificially inseminate animals, such as cows. Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
The present invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments, which are intended in all respects to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. For instance, additional LEDs may be employed to indicate that a cow permitted more behavior than merely a mount. Many alternative embodiments exist but are not included because of the nature of this invention. A skilled programmer may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present invention.
It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need to be carried out in the specific order described.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/488,582 filed on Jul. 17, 2003 and entitled “Method And Apparatus For Monitoring Breeding Behavior” and is expressly incorporated herein, in its entirety, by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60488582 | Jul 2003 | US |
