JP2013022001A - Method for monitoring behavior and physiological index of animal using low frequency pressure sensor and device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and device for automatically and continuously monitoring the behavior and physiological indexes of animals.SOLUTION: Vibration data generated with muscle movement of feeding and rumination or breathing and heartbeat of animals are collected from a vibration detection sensor medium attached to the surface of the animal bodies. The behavior or physiological indexes are monitored by the use of the low frequency vibration detected.

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring behavioral and physiological indices.

  Devices and devices that are attached to the body surface of animals to acquire data on animal behavior indicators (foraging and rumination) and manage the health of the animals are already known (see Patent Document 1).

  In the invention described in Patent Document 1, an acceleration / temperature measurement module including an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor is attached to a collar of an animal (for example, livestock such as cows), and acceleration data and temperature measured by the sensor are attached. Based on the data, the animal's eating and rumination status, etc. are grasped and the animal's health status is managed.

JP 2008-228573 A

  Specifically, because the animal is in a posture with its neck lowered at the time of eating, it is in a foraging state when the measured value of the acceleration sensor is positive, and is in a posture of raising its neck at the time of rumination or resting Therefore, when the measured value is negative, it is determined that the subject is in a rumination or resting state. Also, discrimination between rumination and rest is determined by the magnitude of the absolute value of acceleration. When the absolute value is large, rumination is determined, and when the absolute value is small, it is determined that the person is in a resting state.

  In addition, temperature sensors are installed at two locations on the animal's jaw side and body side, and the measured value by the temperature sensor on the jaw side rises when the animal is foraging, and when the animal is rubbing or resting (lying down) Using the rise in measured values and using the temperature difference data of both measured values to eliminate the influence of outside air temperature, if the temperature difference data is positive, it is in the foraging state, if it is negative Is determined to be in a rumination state or resting (recumbent) state.

  According to this device, since the behavior of the animal can be grasped simply by fitting the collar with the acceleration / temperature measurement module to the neck of the animal, it is possible to reduce the labor of the administrator spending on the health management of the animal. It has the advantage of reducing the burden on the animals being managed.

  However, since the invention described in Patent Document 1 is configured to acquire an action index such as animal feeding or rumination using an acceleration sensor and a temperature sensor, the animal feed tank is arranged at a relatively high position, In a grass stand (equipment that puts hay away from the ground), the animal will not lower its neck when eating, so the feeding state and rumination state or resting state should be identified from the measured values by the acceleration sensor or temperature sensor Is impossible.

  In addition, the behavioral indicators to be acquired are foraging and rumination, and are not suitable for acquiring other behavioral indicators (for example, information on walking) and physiological indicators such as heartbeat and respiration. Health care is impossible.

  Therefore, the present invention obtains the animal's foraging and rumination behavior appropriately by acquiring the animal's behavior index by using the pressure sensor, not by the acceleration sensor or the temperature sensor. It is intended to provide a method and apparatus capable of acquiring not only behavioral indices such as foraging and rumination but also information relating to walking and physiological indices such as heartbeat or respiration.

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, low-frequency vibration generated with the movement of the muscles of the animal's body is acquired through a vibration detection medium attached to the body surface, and animal behavior and physiological indices are monitored by frequency analysis of the signal. To do.

  The invention according to claim 2 is provided with a vibration detection medium that is attached to the body surface of an animal and acquires low-frequency vibrations generated with the movement of muscles of the animal body, and frequency analysis of signals acquired by the vibration detection medium It is a device that monitors animal behavior and physiological indices from the above.

  According to the first aspect of the invention, since the behavior of the animal is monitored using the vibration detection medium, the feed is arranged at a relatively high position as in the case of monitoring using the acceleration sensor or the temperature sensor. It is possible to accurately grasp the foraging and ruminating behavior of animals even in tanks and grass stands.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, since it is possible to continuously obtain the behavioral index and physiological index of the animal in an unmanned state, it is possible to drastically reduce the burden of animal management, and for feeding and rumination Not limited to this, it is also possible to acquire information related to heartbeat, breathing or walking, so that it can be used as a comprehensive health management tool.

It is a perspective view of the animal (cow) which attached the low frequency detection apparatus of this invention. It is a perspective view of the said low frequency detection apparatus. (A) is a cross-sectional view which shows the main-body part which comprises the said low frequency detection apparatus, (b) is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the said main-body part. It is a front view of the animal (cow) which attached the said low frequency detection apparatus. It is a perspective view of the low frequency detection apparatus for attaching to a limb. (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the upper stage part of the main body part constituting the low-frequency detection device attached to the limb, (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the lower stage part of the main body part, (c) is the above-mentioned It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a main-body part. It is a front view of the animal (cow) which attached the said low frequency detection apparatus to the limb. It is a perspective view of the animal (cow) which attached the said low frequency detection apparatus to the limb.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a low-frequency detection device A according to the present invention is attached to an animal (a cow in this embodiment). The low-frequency detection device A is a belt around the neck of an animal (cow) 1. 2 is attached.

  FIG. 2 shows details of the overall configuration of the low-frequency detector A. As shown in FIG. 2, the low-frequency detection device A of the present invention includes a belt 2 that fixes the device A around the neck of an animal (cow) 1, a storage bag 3 that is inserted through the belt 2, and a belt 2. And a buckle 4 for fixing the tightening position, a balance weight 5 attached to the side opposite to the storage bag 3, and a weight 6 attached between the storage bag 3 and the balance weight 5. Yes.

  Reference numeral 7 denotes a main body stored in the storage bag 3, which is stored in the storage bag 3 by opening and closing a fastener 3 a provided in the storage bag 3. Next, the structure of the main body 7 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the main body 7. As shown in the figure, the main body portion 7 includes a sensor portion 8 and a battery portion 9. The sensor unit 8 includes a pressure sensor (hereinafter referred to as a high sensitivity sensor) 11 capable of detecting low-frequency vibration (for example, 0.2 to 100 Hz) and an action index ( It is configured to accommodate a wireless module 12 for transmitting foraging and rumination) to an external receiving device.

  On the other hand, the battery unit 9 houses a battery box 14 in which a battery (for example, three AAA batteries) can be attached.

  FIG. 3B is a longitudinal sectional view of the main body portion 7 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 3B, the sensor unit 8 and the battery unit 9 are physically connected by a bendable connection plate (for example, a resin plate having a spring property) 15. It is electrically connected by a power line 16 that supplies the power of the battery attached to the battery box 14 to the sensor unit 8 side.

  Specifically, the power line 16 is electrically connected to the high-sensitivity sensor 11 and the wireless module 12 that are electrically connected to the power line 16 via a connection board 17 housed and fixed in the sensor unit 8 as shown in FIG. Connected to supply power.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first air chamber is separated from the side (chamber) on which the high-sensitivity sensor 11 and the wireless module 12 are arranged in the case 10 of the sensor unit 8 with a partition 18 therebetween. 19 is formed. A detection surface 20 for detecting vibrations emitted from the animal (cow) 1 is attached to one surface facing the partition 18 of the air chamber 19.

  The detection surface 20 is made of, for example, a resin film, and the detection surface 20 is formed on the detection surface 20 in a substantially convex shape to ensure detection of vibrations emitted from the animal (cow) 1. The protrusion 21 is attached.

  On the other hand, in the case 13 of the battery unit 9, a second air chamber 23 is formed with a partition 22 separated from a side (chamber) on which the battery box 14 is disposed, and the partition 22 of the second air chamber 23 is formed. As with the structure of the sensor unit 8, a detection surface 24 (resin film) is attached to the one surface facing.

  Further, a projection 25 formed in a substantially convex shape is attached to the detection surface 24 for the same purpose as the sensor unit 8. In other words, the protrusions 21 and 25 have their surface shapes adapted to the body surface of the animal (cow) 1 in order to ensure the detection of vibrations emitted from the animal (cow) 1 (in this embodiment, the neck is uncomfortable) In other words, the accuracy of detecting vibration transmitted to the body surface of the animal (cow) 1 is improved.

  The air chambers 19 and 23 of the sensor unit 8 and the battery unit 9 communicate with each other through a connection hose 28 via connection ports 26 and 27, and a change in air pressure in the air chamber 23 of the battery unit 9 is caused by the sensor unit 8. The structure is transmitted to the air chamber 19.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the air chamber 19 of the sensor unit 8 connects the connection port 30 attached to the through hole 29 of the partition 18 and the connection port 31 of the high-sensitivity sensor 11 with a connection hose 32. The high-sensitivity sensor 11 is communicated.

  The main body 7 configured as described above is stored in the storage bag 3 by opening the fastener 3a of the storage bag 3 shown in FIG. 2 as described above, but the main body 7 is stored in the storage bag 7. In this case, the protrusions 21 and 25 attached on the detection surfaces 20 and 24 shown in FIG. 3B are stored in a direction facing the body surface (neck circumference) of the animal (cow) 1. After the main body portion 7 is stored in the storage bag 3, the fastener 3 a is closed so that the main body portion 7 does not fall off the storage bag 3.

  When the low frequency detection device A in which the main body portion 7 is housed in the storage bag 3 is attached around the neck of the animal (cow) 1 as shown in FIG. 1, the belt 2 provided in the low frequency detection device A is attached to the animal (cow ) Wrap around 1 neck.

  At this time, the weight 6 shown in FIG. 2 is wound so as to be positioned under the neck of the animal (cow) 1. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the storage bag 3 is arranged on one side (the left side in FIG. 4) around the neck of the animal (cow) 1 and balanced on the other side (the right side in FIG. 4) opposite to this. The belt 2 is wound around the neck of the animal (cow) 1 so that the weight 5 is arranged.

  Then, after passing the belt 2 through the buckle 4 on the upper side around the neck (upper side in FIG. 4), the belt 2 is fixed by the buckle 4, whereby the low frequency detection device A is placed around the neck of the animal (cow) 1. Is fixed so that it cannot swing.

  As a result, the balance weight 5 balances with the weight of the storage bag 3 in which the main body 7 is stored, so that the storage bag 3 is not twisted on one side around the neck of the animal (cow) 1 and the low-frequency detection device A is attached. The position can be fixed.

  The pair of detection surfaces 20, 24 of the main body 7 stored in the storage bag 3 are located at two locations near the center around the neck of the animal (cow) 1 and slightly above the muscled part of the animal (cow) 1. Each is arranged. Precisely speaking, the protrusions 21 and 25 pasted on the detection surfaces 20 and 24 shown in FIG. 3 are placed on the muscled part of the animal (cow) 1 through the back surface 33 (see FIG. 4) of the storage bag 3. Contact.

  That is, by making physical contact with the muscle part of the animal (cow) 1 through the protrusions 21 and 25 formed in a shape adapted to the shape around the neck of the animal (cow) 1, the detection surface 20, The movement of the muscle of the animal (cow) 1 can be detected more reliably as compared with the case where 24 is directly brought into contact with the muscle part of the animal (cow) 1. As a result, even if, for example, the neck muscles are raised or lowered and the state of the bulge or dent of the neck changes, the protrusions 21 and 25 are securely attached to the animal (cow) 1 around the neck. The vibration can be detected with high accuracy.

  Note that the weight 6 shown in FIG. 4 serves to pull the low-frequency detection device A downward, so that the detection surfaces 20 and 24 are connected to the animal via the protrusions 21 and 25 and the back surface portion 33 of the storage bag 3. (Cow) It is possible to urge the muscle part of 1 with a certain strength.

  The storage bag 3 employs a durable material capable of preventing breakage, such as leather (whether artificial or natural).

  Next, a method for acquiring the behavior index of the animal (cow) 1 by the low frequency detection device A of the present invention will be described. As described above, the low-frequency detection device A of the present invention is suitable for, for example, foraging and rumination detection among the behavioral indices of the animal (cow) 1.

  That is, foraging and rumination involve opening and closing movements of the mouth associated with mastication of the animal (cow) 1, but the number of times the animal (cow) 1 opens and closes the mouth is 70 to 80 times / minute (1.17 to 1). .33 Hz) and generates vibrations in the low frequency region.

  Here, since the low frequency detection apparatus A of the present invention includes the high sensitivity sensor 11 capable of detecting low frequency vibration (0.2 to 100 Hz), the high sensitivity sensor 11 is used. Thus, the opening / closing operation of the mouth of the animal (cow) 1 in the low frequency region can be detected.

  That is, the low-frequency detection device A of the present invention has the detection surfaces 20 and 24 of the low-frequency detection device A attached to the animal (cow) 1 around the neck of the animal (cow) 1 to vibrate when the animal (cow) 1 is fed or ruminated. It is something to detect.

  And since the detection surfaces 20 and 24 form one surface of the air chambers 19 and 23 in each case 10 and 13, the vibration transmitted to the detection surfaces 20 and 24 is the air pressure in the air chambers 19 and 23. The change is detected by the high sensitivity sensor 11 connected to the air chamber 19 of the sensor unit 8 by the connection hose 32.

  In particular, since the air chamber 19 of the sensor unit 8 and the air chamber 23 of the battery unit 9 are connected by the connection hose 28, vibration transmitted to the detection surface 24 of the battery unit 9 is also generated in the air of the battery unit 9. A change in air pressure in the chamber 23 is detected by the high sensitivity sensor 11 provided in the sensor unit 8 by the connection hose 32 from the connection hose 28 through the air chamber 19 of the sensor unit 8.

  The reason why the detection surfaces 20 and 24 are provided in both the sensor unit 8 and the battery unit 9 (two places) is that, for example, depending on the posture of the animal (cow) 1, either the detection surface 20 or 24 and the animal (cow) 1 It is assumed that the contact condition between the body surfaces deteriorates and vibrations cannot be detected satisfactorily by the detection surfaces 20 and 24. To prevent this, the detection surfaces 20 and 24 are provided at two locations, and animals (cow This is because the action index is reliably detected without being influenced by the posture of 1.

  The behavior index of the animal (cow) 1 detected by the high-sensitivity sensor 11 in this way is sent to the wireless module 12 shown in FIG. 3 and wirelessly transmitted to an external receiving device (not shown) by the module 12. .

  The behavior index data wirelessly transmitted to the receiving device is captured by the computer, so that the state of the animal (cow) 1 can be continuously monitored using pattern recognition software installed in the computer.

That is, by attaching the low-frequency detection device A of the present invention to the animal (cow) 1, the behavior index of the animal (cow) 1 can be automatically acquired in an unmanned state, and the feed is processed by processing the signal. Even if it is an animal (cow) 1 raised in a barn equipped with a cistern or grass stand placed at a high position, it is possible to reliably identify and monitor foraging and rumination. Foraging and rumination can be identified by a characteristic spectrum pattern of low frequency vibrations observed during rumination.

  In the above embodiment, the case has been described in which the action index data of the animal (cow) 1 detected by the high sensitivity sensor 11 is wirelessly transmitted to the outside using the wireless module 12, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the wireless module 12, the behavior index data may be stored in a storage medium (not shown) such as a data logger or an SD card.

  And when using the action index data stored in the storage medium, open the fastener 3a of the storage bag 3 and take out the main body 7 from the storage bag 3, and connect the sensor unit 8 to an external computer, or What is necessary is just to take out and use an SD card etc. from the sensor part 8. FIG.

  Thus, even when the main body 7 is taken out from the storage bag 3, the low-frequency detection device A of the present invention can take out the main body 7 to the outside of the storage bag 3 simply by opening the fastener 3a of the storage bag 3. Therefore, it is not necessary to loosen the belt 2 and remove the low-frequency detection device A from the neck of the animal (cow) 1 so that the data can be easily used. The burden of restraint can be eliminated.

  Further, in the battery replacement operation in the battery unit 9 constituting the low frequency detection device A, similarly, it is not necessary to remove the low frequency detection device A from the neck of the animal (cow) 1. The burden on the animal (cow) 1 can be reduced. In particular, once the belt 2 is loosened and the low-frequency detection device A is removed from the animal (cow) 1, it is very difficult to attach it again in the same manner as the original attachment condition (attachment position and attachment pressure). In view of the above, it is very effective that the main body 7 can be taken out without removing the belt 2.

  In addition, although the said Example demonstrated the case where the main-body part 7 of the low frequency detection apparatus A was isolate | separated into the sensor part 8 and the battery part 9 (refer FIG. 3), the low frequency detection apparatus A is separated. Of course, the functions of the sensor unit 8 and the battery unit 9 may be configured as one unit.

  Moreover, although the said Example demonstrated the case where the low frequency detection apparatus A was attached to the circumference | surroundings of the neck of the animal (cow) 1, it is also possible to acquire the respiration information of the animal (cow) 1 by attaching to the circumference | surroundings of the abdomen. It is. For example, the respiration rate of a cow is 10 to 30 times / minute (0.16 to 0.5 Hz), but is a low frequency region that can be detected by the high sensitivity sensor 11.

  Next, a case where the low frequency detection device is attached around the limb of the animal (cow) 1 will be described. Note that the behavior index detected when the low-frequency detection device is attached around the limb includes information related to walking, and the physiological index includes information related to heartbeat.

  Below, the case where the information regarding a heartbeat is acquired is demonstrated. Among animals, the heart rate of cattle is 36 to 80 times / minute (0.6 to 1.3 Hz), and is a low frequency region detectable by the high sensitivity sensor 11 constituting the low frequency detection device of the present invention. .

  As shown in FIG. 5, the low-frequency detection device B attached around the limb includes a storage bag 33 formed in a substantially rectangular box shape, a pair of base end portions 34 and 35 connected to the storage bag 33, and a base end A belt 36 connected to the portion 34, a lid 37 that opens and closes the upper opening of the storage bag 33, and an outer peripheral belt 39 that is inserted into a belt passing portion 38 provided on the front surface of the storage bag 33.

  For example, hook and loop fasteners 40 and 41 are provided on the inner side surface of the belt 36 and the front side surface of the base end portion 35, and both are provided on the inner side surface of the lid 37 and the front surface of the storage bag 33. The hook-and-loop fasteners 42 and 43 to be fastened are provided. Further, surface fasteners 44 and 45 for fastening the both end portions are also provided on the front and back surfaces of the both end portions of the outer peripheral belt 39.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the main body 46 accommodated in the storage bag 33 is provided with a high-sensitivity sensor 48 and a physiological index (heart rate) detected by the high-sensitivity sensor 48 in the case 47. A wireless module 49 and a connection board 50 for transmitting to (not shown) are accommodated.

  Above the high sensitivity sensor 44 and the wireless module 45, as shown in FIG. 6A, the battery box 52 is placed on the installation base 51, and the power of the battery box 48 is connected to the power line 53. The high sensitivity sensor 48 and the wireless module 49 are supplied via the connection board 50.

  FIG. 6C is a longitudinal sectional view of the main body 46 shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 6C, an air chamber 55 is formed by separating the partition 54 from the side (chamber) where the high sensitivity sensor 48 is installed.

  In order to detect vibration emitted from the animal (cow) 1, for example, a detection surface 56 made of a resin film is attached to one surface of the air chamber 55 facing the partition 54. A protrusion 57 formed in a substantially convex shape is attached.

  The air chamber 55 has a connection hose 61 that connects a connection port 59 (see FIG. 10C) attached to the through hole 58 of the partition 54 (see FIG. 10B) and the connection port 60 of the high sensitivity sensor 48. By connecting, it is in communication with the high sensitivity sensor 48.

  The main body 46 configured as described above is stored in the storage bag 33 of the low-frequency detection device B shown in FIG. 5 in a direction in which the detection surface 56 faces the side that contacts the limb of the animal (cow) 1. Then, the lid 37 is closed using the hook-and-loop fasteners 42 and 43 so that it is stored in the storage bag 33.

  When the low-frequency detection device B shown in FIG. 5 is attached around the limb of the animal (cow) 1, the low-frequency detection device B is attached to the tube part of the animal (cow) 1 (the narrowest part of the limb at the upper part of the joint). The belt 36 is wrapped around the limb neck and fastened by using the belt 36 and the hook-and-loop fasteners 40 and 41 of the proximal end portion 35, so that the animal (cow) 1 is wrapped around the limb as shown in FIG. Fix it. Thereafter, the outer peripheral belt 39 is wrapped around the limb of the animal (cow) 1 and the hook-and-loop fasteners 44 and 45 are fastened to press the main body 46 in the storage bag 36 against the limb of the animal (cow) 1. The storage bag 33 employs a durable tent that can prevent damage.

  When the vibration due to the heartbeat is transmitted to the surface of the limb tube while the animal (cow) 1 is stationary, the detection surface 56 of the low frequency detection device B transmits the vibration through the back surface of the storage bag 33. The air pressure in the air chamber 55 shown in FIG. 6C is detected and changed.

  This change in air pressure is detected by a high-sensitivity sensor 48 communicated with the air chamber 55 and the connection hose 61, and transmitted as a physiological index (heartbeat) of the animal (cow) 1 to the wireless module 49 shown in FIG. . The wireless module 49 wirelessly transmits the data to an external receiving device (not shown), and continuously monitors the physiological index of the animal (cow) 1 using pattern recognition software of a computer provided outside. it can.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the low-frequency detection device B is attached to the tube of the forelimb of the animal (cow) 1 has been described. However, as shown in FIG. Of course, it may be attached.

  As described above, according to the low-frequency detection device A of the present invention, the low-frequency vibration is detected by the low-frequency pressure sensor, and the animal behavior index (foraging, rumination) is acquired. Therefore, unlike conventional management systems that use acceleration sensors and temperature sensors, even in animals raised in livestock sheds with a tank or grass stand that distribute feed at relatively high places, the foraging status and rumination status or It becomes possible to reliably identify the resting state.

  Moreover, according to the low-frequency detection devices A and B, it is possible to manage animals by automatically and continuously acquiring animal behavior and physiological indices in an unattended state, and the information to be acquired is only foraging and rumination. In addition, since information on walking, heartbeat, or breathing can be acquired, various behavioral indices and physiological indices can be combined and used as a comprehensive health management tool.

  It is possible to automatically acquire behavior and physiological indices of animals, in particular, continuously acquire behavior and physiological indices of livestock and use them as a comprehensive health management tool.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cow 2,36 Belt 3,33 Storage bag 3a Fastener 4 Buckle 5 Balance weight 6 Weight 7,46 Main body part 8 Sensor part 9 Battery part 10,13,47 Case 11,48 High sensitivity sensor 12,49 Wireless module 14, 52 Battery box 15 Connection plate 16, 53 Power line 17, 50 Connection substrate 18, 22, 54 Partition 19, 23, 55 Air chamber 20, 24, 56 Detection surface 21, 25, 57 Protrusion part 26, 27, 30, 31, 59, 60 Connection port 28, 32, 61 Connection hose 29, 58 Through hole 34, 35 Base end part 36 Belt 37 Lid 38 Belt passage part 39 Peripheral belt 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 Surface fastener A, B Low frequency detector

Claims (2)

  Acquire low-frequency vibrations generated by the movement of the muscles of the animal's body or breathing or heartbeat through a vibration detection medium attached to the body surface, and monitor animal behavior and physiological indices by analyzing the acquired frequencies. A method for monitoring animal behavior and physiological indices using a low-frequency pressure sensor.   A vibration detection medium that is attached to the body surface of the animal and acquires a low-frequency vibration generated by the movement of the muscles of the animal body, breathing or heartbeat, and the animal from the frequency analysis of the signal acquired by the vibration detection medium A monitoring device for animal behavior and physiological indices using a low-frequency pressure sensor, characterized by monitoring the behavior and physiological indices of the animal.

Images