MXPA96004741A - System and method of measurement fenotipicatridimensional for anima - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for measuring and classifying the characteristics of three-dimensional phenotypic conformation of an animal, the system comprising: means for creating a plurality of laser light signals directed towards the animal to reflect them, means of image reception , to receive the reflected laser light signals and provide three-dimensional and image intensity data for each of the reflected laser light signals, and computer means, to receive the three-dimensional and image intensity data, to select conformation points on the animal, to measure the phenotypic volumetric and linear conformation characteristics of the animal between the selected conformation points, and to compare the phenotypic volumetric and linear conformation characteristics with predetermined phenotypic and linear conformation characteristics to provide the classification of the animal

Description

THREE-DIMENSION PHENOTYPIC MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR ANIMALS DESCRIPTION This application is a continuation in part of Application Serial No. 07 / 966,314 filed October 26, 1992 by James S. Ellis, entitled "Three-Dimensional Phenotypic Measurement System for Animals". This invention relates to a system for evaluating the physical characteristics of animals and more particularly to a laser system for measurement in three dimensions. Even more particularly, the invention relates to laser light that is projected onto an animal, measuring the repetition of light from the animal and using the measured light to reveal a three-dimensional surface scan, which can be used to measure both the linear and volume related characteristics of the animal. Through the history of the domestic livestock breeding industry, man has tried to measure animals, if the need is for them to be taller, longer, thicker, thinner, wider or stronger, taking measurements Exactly quickly has always been important. In modern times, it has become more and more important to measure the offspring of parent horses and compare those offspring groups with similar classes.

Obviously, parent horses that provide improved offspring are in greater demand and can provide the best improvement for a breed. Such future genetic progress will be attributed to the ability to improve the speed and accuracy of animal measurement. We have evolved from the measurement of horses using the approximate width of a hand; For example, a horse can be reported as 14 hands tall, which was approximately 142.24 cm (56 inches). Currently some animals are measured at 15 different conformation points, however, more often the measurements are only visual appreciations, with even a tape to measure that is rarely used. In this way, there is a tremendous need for more information and improved accuracy of this information * to accelerate the breed's progress. A method of collecting data is shown in U.S. Patent 4,745,472 issued May 17, 1988 to Hayes, entitled "Animal Measurement System". This method uses a video camera that takes an image of the animal and then the image is processed by a computer system to determine the measurements. Plastic patches are placed at various points on the animal and measurements are made only from these points. Since this system uses a conventional video camera, it can only measure in two dimensions using a single camera. In this way, in addition to the measurement of the camera, additional manual instruments usually need to be done, or the data of the various cameras must be coordinated. The coordination of data from the various cameras is a difficult task, which requires manual interpretation by an operator with skill. In this way it is apparent that there is a need in the art for an improved system, which measures the physical characteristics of an animal. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for such a system to measure in three dimensions. Another need is for such a system that does not require patches to be fixed to the animal before measurement. Still another need is for such a system that can measure in three dimensions using a single camera to provide the linear and volume measurements, as well as improve the measurement speed. The present invention meets these and other needs. It is an aspect of the invention to measure the physical characteristics of an animal. It is yet another aspect of the invention to measure the physical characteristics using the reflected laser light. Still another aspect is to measure the physical characteristics in three dimensions from a single camera.

The three-dimensional, accurate information can be collected from a single location using the reflected laser light. A three-dimensional image is created by projecting several (linear) beams of laser light and measuring their reflection. A device to perform this function is a laser camera, or lidar such as the Lasar (MR) camera manufactured by Sumitomo Corporation. The laser camera projects hundreds of thousands of modulated laser signals to scan an area and measure the distance at each point between the camera and the animal's surface, thus providing a total model of the animal's surface. The camera can send from 8 to 10 modulated laser signals for every 2.54 linear cm of the animal's surface, ie 64 to 100 signals per 6.45 cm2 of the animal, depending on the distance between the camera and the animal. Using this camera, a pattern of laser beams measuring 1000 vertical points and 1000 horizontal points are transmitted to the animal and its reflection returned to the camera in a very short time. Because the animals are symmetrical, only one image of one side of the animal needs to be taken. In this way, the individual lidar camera in a single location provides all the information of three dimensions necessary for the conformation of an animal. With some breeds, such as dairy cows, it may be necessary to use a second camera or take a second image of the hidden areas; for example a dairy cow may need a second image of the mammary system as seen from the back to provide additional accuracy for that portion of the animal. A computer system selects the desired animal points for conformation, measures the distance between these points to provide the conformation data, combines the conformation data selected for each animal with an identification number and stores the conformation and the number for each animal. In addition, an image of the animal, demonstrating the animal's marks, can be stored along with the other conformation data. The lidar camera and the computer that collects, supports and renews the data, can also be transported to any location, to provide convenience for the owner of the animal. The camera can take an image of an animal, which is standing on open ground, housed in a stable stall standing on a pole, tied in a halter or standing in a landfill. When a landfill is used, it is necessary to secure the animal using plexiglass or an individual bar on the side of the landfill that faces the lidar chamber and it may be appropriate to include a weighing device on the bottom of the landfill to obtain the weight of the body as additional information. A personal computer or laptop computer is used at a farm or animal location. With larger herds of cattle, however, an environment of a personal computer can not provide adequate memory, thus requiring a larger main computer at a central office. In this environment, information from the camera is transmitted to the main computer through telephone lines using a modem. Whether the computer collects and collects data from the lidar camera, however, a main computer in the central office provides the ability to collect a large amount of information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above aspects and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention, will be better understood by reading the following more particular description of the invention, presented together with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a view of the present invention that measures and collects data from an animal; Figure 2 shows a cross section of the individual linear latitude (horizontal end view) of an animal to illustrate a portion of the process of the image of the laser signals; Figure 3 shows a cross section of individual linear length (top view) of an animal to illustrate a portion of the process of the image of the laser signals; Figure 4 shows a block diagram of the present invention; Figure 5 shows a side view of the points indicated on the animal to be located; Figure 6 shows a single longitudinal linear cross-section (vertical section) of an animal to illustrate part of the process of the image of the laser signals; and Figure 7 shows a rear view of the points to be located indicated on the animal. The following description is the best mode currently contemplated to carry out the present invention. That description is not taken in a limiting sense, but is made solely to describe the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by reference of the appended claims. Figure 1 shows the system of the present invention, which measures phenotypic characteristics of three dimensions of an animal using a laser camera. An example of a laser camera is the Lasar ^ MR camera manufactured by Sumitomo Corporation, 2-2 Hitotsubashi, 1-chome Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-91 Japan and sold in the United States by Perceptron, Inc., 23855 Research Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48335. Now with reference to Figure 1, the animal 108 shown in Figure 1 is a dairy cow, standing in front of the laser camera 132. The cow 108 may be standing freely, tied, with the halter or in a landfill. The camera 132 generates a detailed map of the entire animal within the explored space that assigns values of intensity and range to each surface point, which receives a laser signal. There are 64 to 100 surface points per 6.45 cm2, depending on the distance between the chamber 132 and the animal 108, each point is generated by one of the laser signals 111. Figure 1 does not contain enough detail to illustrate 64 to 100 surface points by 6.45 cm2, in such a way that the lines 111 represent the number of modulated laser signals that could cover the whole animal (minus the tail, which has no value in the conformation). An electrical source (not shown) provides electrical power for the lidar camera 132, the personal computer 136 and the printer 128. In a retired environment, this electrical source can be provided by a portable generator. The data connection cable 140 transmits the information from the camera 132 to the personnel of the computer 136. A modem telephone 130 and wires 126 and 127 transmit the data of the personal computer 136 to a main computer 120 and return to the printer 124. A local printer 128 can also be used to print the data. When the horizontal, vertical and distance dimensions of two points on the animal are provided by 132 camera measurements, then the difference between those two points can be easily calculated. (See Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 5, Figure 6 and Figure 7 and the following description for more information on these calculations). By measuring hundreds of thousands of points on the animal, the system calculates hundreds of different measurements with an accuracy of approximately 0.25 cm (one tenth of an inch). The system also calculates the volume of the body and the mammary system of the animal. A particular advantage of laser measurements is that the system can calculate the distance to the animal, thus avoiding in accuracy of the prior art camera systems, when the animal is placed at an incorrect distance from the camera. The prior art visual measurement systems, which do not use a camera are not as accurate and can only evaluate approximately 90 to 100 animals per day. The present invention can measure approximately 50 animals per hour. A scale 122 can be placed under the animal to weigh the animal. The weight of the animal is sent to the computer system 136 via the wiring 138 and stored with the conformation data. The camera used in the present invention, or other types of three-dimensional scanning means, can register the scanned image with various levels of light intensity represented by the gray scale values for each scanned point. For example, the Lasar (MR) camera discussed in the foregoing provides 4096 levels of light intensity represented by shades of gray for each point. These levels of gray scale allow to form the image to distinguish marks in the animal. This is particularly effective for livestock, such as Holstein cattle, which have black and white markings. Those marks are similar to fingerprints in that two cows never have the same marks. By storing the photographic image of the animal along with the conformation data, the animal can be positively identified using a computer. The animal image and conformation data may be printed on the printer 128 or the printer 124 to ensure positive correlation between the particular animal and its conformation data. In addition, the computer system 120 or 136 stores this data for each group of processed animals and can scan the data bank for each new animal, to ensure that the same animal is not processed once more. This avoids error or fraud when measurements are taken and can identify stolen animals. As well, this mitigates or frees the owner of the animal from the tedious task of drawing the marks, if such drawing is required to register the animal. Some methods of marking an animal allow the brand to be easily distinguished. For example, freeze marking removes the pigment under the skin of the animal allowing the marked area to grow only with white hair. An example of this numbering is shown in Figure 1. This is used to mark a number on the animal that is easily distinguished. By marking the animal using easily recognized numbers, such as optical character recognition numbers, the lidar camera can convert the mark into a readable number on the computer used to positively identify the animal at any time when the conformation data are measured. Figure 2 shows a side cross-sectional view of the animal together with the measurement system, to illustrate measurements in three dimensions of the animal. Now with reference to Figure 2, the animal is shown with the separate side of the chamber 132 in dotted lines. The camera 132 scans an animal line from the top of the animal, ie 106 of Figure 1, to the ground or to the ground. This example helps to visualize the concept of modulated laser signals 111, since they measure the distance for each surface point. Figure 3 shows a top view of the animal and the laser signals 111 in which the side of the animal opposite the camera 132 is shown in dotted lines. Referring now to Figure 3, camera 132 scans an animal line from the front of the animal body to the back of animal 108 in Figure 3. This example helps visualize the concept of laser-modulated signals 111 as they measure the distance at each point on the animal. Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a computer system and the laser camera of the present invention. Referring now to Figure 4, the computer system 136 contains a processing element 402. The processing element 402 communicates to the other elements of the computer system 136 in a common connection 404 of the system. A board 406 and a laser camera 132 allow entry to the computer system 136. A mouse 410 provides the entry for locating specific points in the animal image as displayed on the graphics screen 408, which also provides a display of any other information that will be observed by a user of the computer system 136 . A printer 128 allows the output of paper to be observed by a user of the computer system 136. A disk 412 stores the software and data used by the system of the present invention, as well as an operating system and other user data of the computer system 136. A memory 416 contains an operating system 418 and an application program. 420, a phenotypic measurement system for animals. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the operating system 418 can be one of many different operating systems, including many windows-type operating systems and that many application programs can operate in a multi-task operating system. Figure 5 shows a display screen of the side view of an animal indicating the points to be located. Figure 5 divides the view of the animal into four regions or screens. Screen A contains two thirds of the front of the animal. Screen B contains the pelvic structure (haunches), Screen C contains the mammary system and Screen D contains the information of the posterior cuff and the alignment of the leg. The laser camera 132 in Figure 1 records numerous points containing the horizontal (X-coordinate) and vertical (Y-coordinate) positions in the image frame, and the distance (Z-coordinate) of the camera at that point. The image of the animal is loaded in a two-dimensional arrangement, where each location X, Y contains the value Z, the distance from the information of the camera. The measurement techniques used in Figure 5 (also in Figure 7) are calculated by linear, angular or volumetric means. Currently there are 15 conformation traits that are measured for Holstein cows. After each trait is measured by the system, then it is converted to a scale of 1 to 50. Knowing how each trait is classified, this conversion on a scale of 1 to 50 compares each cow measured to those represented within the biological extremes of the herd. Eleven of the traits use higher classifications to represent the positive biological extremes and lower classifications to represent the negative biological extremes. In a large unselected population of dairy cows, the classifications will produce a bell-shaped curve with very few animals at the ends and a large portion of the animals classified as close to the herd average in the classification of 25.

An example of the classification of an individual feature, will be the height which is measured from the ground to the top of the cross. For example, Figure 5, Screen A, the upper part of cut A-3. Cows of 1.29 meters (51 inches) or less are extremely short and receive 5 points or less. Those which are 1.39 meters (55 inches) are on average and are given 25 points. Cows that are 1.49 meters (59 inches) or higher receive 45 points or more. Four of the 15 conformation traits that are measured use a classification of 25 (biological herd average) as the best classification. These four conformation features are the angle of the legs, angle of the hind leg, angle of the leg and length of the teat. In these traits both of the biological extremes are negative for the herd or herd improvement. An example of the classification of one of these features would be a teat length in Figure 5, Screen C, cut C-5. A teat length of 5.08 cm to 6.35 cm (2 to 2 1/2 inches) is more desirable and is classified with 25 points. A teat length less than 2.54 cm (1 inch) is undesirable and was rated 5 points or less. Also, the other biological end of the length of the teat is the excess of 10.16 cm (4 inches) is undesirable and was classified with 45 to 50 points.

Now with reference to Figure 5, the hip bone of the animal in the cut Bl in Figure 5 is manually designed using the mouse 410 (Figure 4), a tracer beam (an individual beam of illumination used as the animal is photographed), or another indicator on the computer screen. This manually designated point is the starting point for all other locations in the animal. The hip bone is initially used to place each animal image evenly 3 meters (10 feet) from the camera. In this way all the animals can be compared consistently. If the hip bone, which is indicated using the mouse as described above, is not 3 meters (10 feet) away from the camera, the complete image of the animal is adjusted appropriately, as shown by the pseudo code in Table 1. The hip bone is the point closest to the chamber along the cut Bl of Figure 5.

If the hip bone 106 in Figure 1 is less than 3.0 meters from the laser chamber 132 in Figure 1, increase the distance from the hip bone, the Z coordinate, by the difference between the hip bone and the hip bone. 3.0 meters (10 feet); increase all other distance coordinates in the image by the difference between the hip bone and 3.0 meters (10 feet); then adjust all the coordinates X (horizontal length) and Y (vertical height) to reduce the image; in any other mode, if the hip bone 106 in Figure 1 is more than 3.0 meters (10 feet) from the chamber 132 in Figure 1, decrease the distance from the hip bone, the Z coordinate, by the difference between the hip bone and 3.0 meters (10 feet); decrease all other distance coordinates in the image between the difference between the hip bone and 3.0 meters (10 feet); Then adjust all the coordinates X (length) and Y (height) appropriately to enlarge the image. Save these hip bone coordinates as the reference point in section B-l of Figure 5 for later use. Table 1.

Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the animal's distance from the camera could also be measured from the spine. As will be discussed in the following, the upper part of the animal or spine, can be determined in two different locations as the upper part of cut A-1 and the upper part of cut A-4. These two locations can be used to determine the line of the spine, and this line can then be used to position the animal at the correct distance, and to adjust the front or back of the animal, in such a way that the line of the spine is perpendicular to the beam of the camera that traces the center of the animal. Alternatively, each point along the top of the animal between cuts A-1 and A-4 can be evaluated (as will be discussed in the following) and these points can be formed in a line using the technique of least squares analysis. Then this line can be used as described in the above. After the formation of the image of the cow is graded to the desired distance and size, the location of the measurement points is determined. The cut A-6 in Figure 5 is a position on the front of the hip bone. This cut is used to find the upper and lower part of the body and the changes in the distance of the animal along this line can also be used to determine the volume of the animal in this location. The following Table 2 describes how to find all the points along the cut A-6 in Figure 5.

Increase the X-coordinate (length) of the hip bone B-l in Figure 5 by one unit. (One unit can be 0.25 cm, 1.27 cm, 2.54, etc. without changing the logic). Repeatedly increase the Y coordinate (height) of the hip bone height while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate, between two Y consecutive coordinates (height). (If the animal is 3 meters from the camera, 2% of this distance is approximately 6.35 ctp and one and a half inches). Two percent of the distance from the camera varies through the animal, because the animal is not flat). The decrement of the Y coordinate (height) once again returns to the body. The back of the animal has been reached. The X, Y and Z coordinates of the upper part of section A-6 in Figure 5 are stored. Return to the height of the hip bone. Gradually decrease the Y coordinate (height) by one from the hip bone, while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive Y coordinates (height). Increase the Y coordinate (height) once more to return to the body. The lower part of the body has been reached. Save the X, Y and Z coordinates of the lower part of section A-6 in Figure 5. Table 2.

Most locations in the animal are related to some perimeter conditions. The following pseudo code in Table 3 describes how to follow the edge of the animal from any view that is being used. This section of pseudo code must be given a starting point (X, Y, Z), the predominant direction for both X (length) and Y (height) and termination conditions, such as an abrupt change in the Z coordinate (distance ), generally 2% or greater, along the X or Y axis in the predominant direction (some obstacle is encountered or the animal does not continue in that direction) or the earth has been found. As the leg and hoof approach, the earth changes in the Z coordinate (distance) are less pronounced than the rest of the animal. The pseudo code in Table 3 is mentioned many times in the following tables.

In the next pseudo code, Table 3, the starting point is the upper part of cut A-6 on Screen A of Figure 5 that was located in Table 2. Both of the X (length) and Y (height) coordinates they increase predominantly, until the Z coordinate (distance) abruptly decreases between two X coordinates (length). After performing the pseudo code of Table 3, along the animal's back from the top of cut A-6 of the animal's ear or keeping the pond or looking for the head, the animal will be reached.

Starting from a point on the animal that was provided. Circuit A - Increase of the primary coordinate, this may be the X coordinate (length) or Y (height), in the predominant direction by one. If this point includes a Z coordinate (distance) within 2% of the last Z coordinate, this point is still on the animal. Save this point (X, Y and Z) as the new animal coordinate. Circuit B - Vary X (length) and Y (height), in increments of 0.25 cm (one tenth of an inch) around the new coordinate of the animal up to 1.27 cm from the new coordinate of the animal looking for the largest change in the Z coordinate between two consecutive X or Y coordinates.

If the largest change in the Z coordinate is at least 2% greater than the last Z coordinate, the edge of the animal runs between this point and the last point tested. Save the last point tested and return to Circuit A. A change, usually 5.08 cm or more, in Z indicates that a point is on some object apart from the animal's current edge. However, as the leg and hoof approach the ground, the change in the Z coordinate becomes much smaller. If X is the primary coordinate, Y must always vary around each X coordinate to find the • larger change in the Z coordinate. When there is no significant change in Z (ie, less than 0.63 cm) it can be detected, the earth has been reached. Save the last point on the animal and leave the function. End of Circuit E. In any other way, this point is outside the animal. Return to the previous point in the animal. The increase in the non-primary coordinate, this may be the X coordinate (length) or Y (height), in its predominant direction by one. If this point includes a Z coordinate (distance) within 2% of the last Z coordinate, this point is still on the animal. Save this point (X, Y and Z) as the new coordinate of the animal. Perform Circuit B.

End Yes. End Yes. Repeat Circuit A. Table 3.

The upper part of the cut A-l in Figure 5 is located using the pseudo code shown in Table 3. The cut A-l in Screen A of Figure 5 is one of the necessary reference points in the animal. Also, this cut helps evaluate the animal's confirmation. Table 4 describes the pseudo code necessary to follow the cut A-1 through the neck of the animal.

Start from the top of cut A-l. Repetitively decrease the Y coordinate (height), while remaining constant in the X coordinate (length), until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive Y (height) coordinates. The lower part of the neck has been reached. Increase the Y coordinate (height) by one to relocate the neck.

Save this point as the bottom of cut A-l in Figure 5. Table 4.

After the upper part and the lower part of the cut A-l are identified, the front leg must be near. Using the pseudo code in Table 3 to move along the lower part of the neck. Start from the bottom of the Al cut on Screen A of Figure 5 found in Table 4 and both of the X (distance) and Y (height) coordinates will be reduced predominantly, until the Z coordinate (distance) is abruptly reduced , when the nearest upper leg is reached. Save the first point located on the nearby upper leg. This point is used to call Table 3 again. Again, the use of the pseudo code in Table 3 to move down the near frontal leg until the earth is located. The beginning of the first point located on the near upper leg, reduces the coordinates Y (height) and X (length) until there is no significant change in Z (distance) can be detected. The ground in the front of the near frontal leg has been reached.

The back of the near front leg must be detected to identify the lower part of the A-3 cut. Since the edge of the animal can not be detected when working with the ground, Table 3 is used to move the front back of the near front leg until the Y coordinate (height) increases by 5.8 cm. It starts from the last one identified in the animal when it moves down the front of the near front leg, the Y coordinate (height) will be predominantly increased and the X coordinate (length) will be reduced predominantly, until the Y coordinate (height) It has been increased by 5.08 cm from the starting point. Table 5 contains the pseudo code necessary to move through the front leg near the back of that leg 5.08 cm above the ground. The back of the near frontal leg is detected by an abrupt change in the Z coordinate (distance).

Decrease the X coordinate repetitively (length), while keeping the Y coordinate constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate (distance: between two consecutive X coordinates.

Increase the X coordinate (length) by one to move back to the animal. The back of the front leg has been reached. Table 5 To find the bottom of cut A-3 on Screen A of Figure 5, the ground under the back of the near front leg must be located. This is done using the pseudo code in Table 3. The starting point is the back of the front leg located in Table 5. The Y coordinate (height) is predominantly reduced and the X coordinate (length) is predominantly increased, until that there is no significant change in the Z coordinate (distance) can be detected in any direction. The point is saved just before when no change of distance could be detected as the lower part of the cut A-3 in Screen A of Figure 5. The horizontal distance between the X coordinate (length) of the cut Al and the cut A- 3 determines the length of the neck of this animal and is classified. The cut A-3 is used as a reference point and the coordinates along this line are used to classify the strength and milk form of the animal, as shown by the pseudo code of Table 6. The upper part of the cut A-3 determines the stature of the animal and is classified.

Start from the bottom of cut A-3 on Screen A of Figure 5. Repeatedly increase the Y coordinates (height) while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by minus 2% on the last Z coordinate between two consecutive Y (height) coordinates and the Y coordinate is within 15.24 cm of the animal's height at the top of cut A-6 in Figure 5. Decrease Y (height) by a coordinate and save the X, Y and Z coordinates as the upper part of the A-3 cut in Figure 5. The difference between the Y coordinate (height) in the upper part of the A-3 cut and the lower part of the A cut -3 provides the stature of the animal. Compare all the Z coordinates (distance) along the A-3 cut with the optimal cow coordinates to provide a classification of the actual A-3 cut on the strength and milk form of this animal.

Table 6 The cut A-2 on Screen A of Figure 5 was also used to determine the strength and milk form of the actual animal. The cut A-2 is 60% of the route between the X coordinates (length) of the A-3 cut and the A-1 cut. The pseudo code in Table 7 shows the classification of cut A-2.

The use of the X coordinate (length) of the cut A-1 and cut A-3 to determine 60% of the distance from A-3 to A-1. This is the X coordinate (length) of cut A-2 in Figure 5. Use the Y coordinate (height) of the upper part of cut A-3 and the new X coordinate (length) for cut A-2. Increase repetitively JThe Y coordinate (height), while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, Until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive Y coordinates (height) Decrease the Y coordinate (height) by one to return to the neck of the animal.

Save this point as the top of cut A-2 on Screen A of Figure 5. Repeatedly decrease the Y coordinate (height), while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant. Until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive Y (height) coordinates. Increase the Y coordinate (height) by one to return to the bottom of the neck. Save this point as the bottom of cut A-2 on Screen A of Figure 5. Compare the Y (height) and Z (distance) coordinates along the A-2 cut with an optimal A-2 cut and classify the actual A-2 cut for resistance and milk form. The points along the A-2 cut can be formed in a curve using the least squares analysis technique and the radius of the curve can be classified. Table 7 Cutting A-4 on Screen A of Figure 5 also determines the strength and milk form of the animal. To locate the cut A-4 start at the bottom of the cut A-6 identified in Table 2 and use the pseudo code in Table 3 to move forward until the near front leg is found, then move the leg out of focus. Start from the bottom of cut A-6. Both of the coordinates X (length) and Y (height) will increase predominantly, until the Z (distant) coordinate is abruptly reduced to locate the near frontal leg. Since the A-4 cut on Screen A of Figure 5 is behind the knuckle point of the nearby front leg, call Table 3 to move back 5.08 cm. Start from the point just behind the close frontal leg on the animal. Both of the X and Y coordinates will decrease predominantly until X has reduced 5.08 cm from the back of the near frontal leg. This identifies the lower part of cut A-4 on Screen A of Figure 5. Cut A-4 followed by the lower part to the upper part of the animal and classified in Table 8.

Repeatedly increase the Y coordinate (height), while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two Y coordinates (consecutive height. Y coordinate (height ^ by one to return to the spine.

Save this point as the upper part of cut A-4 in Figure 5. Compare the Z coordinates along the cut A-4 with an optimal cut A-4 and classify the actual cut A-4. Subtract the lower part of the Y coordinate (height) from cut A-4 from the top of cut A-4 to determine the depth of the animal's body. Table 8 Only cut A-5 in Figure 5 remains to be identified on Screen A. Cut A-5 is 50% of the distance between cut A-6 and cut A-4. The cut A-5 is used to determine the depth of the body and strength of the real animal. The coordinates along the cut A-5 are compared with optimal measurements for these two traits and the actual animal is given a classification. Table 9 describes how cut A-5 is located and classifies.

Use the X-coordinates (length) of section A-6 in section A-4 to calculate 50% of the distance between A-6 and A-4. This provides the X coordinate (length) for the A-5 cut in Figure 5. Start with the X coordinate (length) for A-5 and the Y coordinate (height) of the hip part.

Repeatedly increase the Y coordinate (height), while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive Y coordinates (height) Decrease the Y coordinate (height) by one to return to the spine. Save this point as the upper part of the A-5 cut in Figure 5. Repetitively decrease the Y coordinate (height), while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2 % on the last Z coordinate between two consecutive Y (height) coordinates. Increase the Y coordinate (height) by one to return the animal. Save this point as the lower part of the A-5 cut in Figure 5. Compare the Y (height) and Z (distance) coordinates along the A-5 cut with an optimal A-5 cut and classify the cut A- 5 real. Subtract the lower Y coordinate (height) of cut A-5 from the upper part of cut A-5 to determine the depth of this animal's body in this location and classify the depth of the body. Table 8 All the cuts on Screen A of Figure 5 have been identified and evaluated. Figure 6 shows section A-4 of Screen A, Figure 5 from the front. The solid line shows the coordinates Y (height) and Z (distance) from the near side of the animal. The dotted line shows the far side of the animal as an image in the mirror. The spine 402 of the cow is used as the center of the cow. All the cuts, which extend from the upper part of the lower part of the cow, can be represented in this form and used to calculate and classify the volume of the cow. Table 10 shows how these points are determined. After the circumference of the cut is identified, it is assumed that the cut is 2.54 cm thick and the volume of that cut is calculated in square centimeters. One inch thick, along the X axis, cuts A-4 to A-6 can be calculated and used to determine the volume of this animal.

Start with coordinates A-4.

The Z coordinate (distance) at the top 602 of the cut A-4 defines a line down from the center of the animal. Repetitively decrease the Y coordinate (height) and subtract the Z coordinate (distance) for that point along the side of the animal 604 from the distance from the center 602. This gives the width of one side of the animal. Add this width to the central Z coordinate (distance) along the same Y coordinate (height) to determine the dimensions of the far side of the animal at point 6C6. Continue down on the animal's side until the distance Z increases by 2% between two consecutive Y (height) coordinates. Table 10 Return to the hip in section Bl in Figure 5 to begin evaluating Screen B. Screen B extends from the hip bone to the tip of the hip bone B-4 in Figure 5 and down 23% of the distance between the height of the hip bone and the ground. Screen C extends from the hip bone to the back of the animal, excluding the tail and from the bottom of Screen B down 75% of the height of the hip to the ground.

Use Table 3 to locate the land under the front of the near-end leg D-1 in Figure 5. The search for the land starts from the bottom of cut A-6. The Y coordinate (height) decreases predominantly and the X coordinate (length) varies, until the Z coordinate (distance) has no significant change. The last point identified at the edge of the animal is stored as location D-1 on Screen D of Figure 5. The use of the pseudo code in Table 11 to locate the two lines separating Screen B, Screen C and Screen D.

Use the Y coordinate (height) of the hip and the Y coordinate of the earth in D-1 to determine 23% of the distance from the hip to the ground. This new coordinate (height) is the bottom of Screen B in Figure 5. Use the Y coordinate (height) of the hip and the Y coordinate of the earth in D-1 to determine 75% of the distance of the hip to the earth This new Y coordinate (height) is the bottom of Screen C in Figure 5.

Table 11 To find the hip and the back of the animal, start from the hip and increase the Y coordinate (height) to find the back of the animal. The pseudo code for this is shown in the Table 12.

Start from the hip in the cut Bl of Figure 5. Repeatedly increase the Y coordinate (height) of the hip, while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 5.08 cm between two consecutive X coordinates. The back of the animal has been reached. Table 12.

Use the pseudo code in Table 13 to follow the animal's back until the perimeter of the animal drops enough to know that the animal's rearmost point has been found. The hip is the most posterior point in the cow, excluding the tail. The distance of the hip chamber is compared to the hip and the angle of the hind quarter is calculated and classified. The pseudo code for this is shown in Table 13.

Continue along the back of the animal to the cross using the pseudo code in Table 3, follow a line through the back and down the animal's cross. As the edge is followed, save the X, Y and Z coordinates of the point with the smallest X coordinate. Continue down the cross until the Y coordinate (height) 0.30 rr. smaller than the Y coordinate in the upper part of the cut B-l. Use the coordinates with the smallest X coordinate (length) found, while the cross is delineated. Repeatedly increase the X coordinate (length) by 10.16 cm, keeping the Y coordinate (height) constant. Save all Z coordinates (distance) at 10.16 cm. If the Z (distance) is decreased to at least 5.08 cm between two consecutive X points along this line Y (height), the smallest X coordinate was in the tail.

Save the X, Y and Z coordinates, after Z (distance) is decreased by at least 5.08 cm. This is the back of the animal. Repetitively decrease the Y coordinate (height), varying the X coordinate (length) as needed, to follow the line where the Z coordinate (distance) increases to at least 5.08 cm between two consecutive X or Y coordinates. Continue this line until Y (height) is 0.3 m lower than the spine at the top of cut Bl in Figure 5. Save the X, Y and Z coordinates in the smallest X coordinate (length) along the This line. End Yes. The coordinates at the smallest X location, not the tail, identify the B-4 hip in Figure 5 and the back of the animal. Use the X (length) and Y (height) coordinates of the hip and hip, calculate the angle of a line from the hip to the hip. Level or slight downward tilt of the hip to the hip bone is better. Table 13 The bone of the hip joint is used to calculate the linear width of the animal's cross. The bone of the hip joint is closer to the camera in section B-3 on Screen B of Figure 5. This bone is almost in the center of Screen B in Figure 5. The pseudo code in the Table 14 finds the bone of the hip joint and calculates the linear width of the animal.

Define a square center on Screen B of Figure 5. The upper part of the center box is one third of the shape of the hip bone at the bottom of Screen B on the Y axis. Save this Y coordinate. The bottom of the center box is two thirds the distance from the hip to the bottom of Screen B on the Y axis. Save this Y coordinate. The left side of the center box is one third the distance from the hip to the hip on the X axis Save this X coordinate. The right side of the middle box is two thirds the distance from the hip to the hip on the X axis. Save this X coordinate. Start at the lower left corner of the center box, the location with the X coordinates and And. Lower in the central square. Repeatedly increase Y (height), while keeping X constant (length), until the upper part of the central frame is reached. Save the X, Y and Z coordinates of the point with the smallest Z value. The point closest to the camera. Increase the X coordinate (length) and use the Y coordinate (height) of the lower part of the central box. After all the Z values in the center box have been verified, the X, Y and Z coordinates of the smallest Z value found indicate the location of the hip joint. If there is more than one point with the same Z coordinate (distance), use the point closest to the center of this center box in Screen B of Figure 5. Start from the hip bone joint. Repeatedly increase the Y coordinate (height) of the hip joint, while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two Y coordinates ( height) consecutive. The back of the animal has been reached, and the upper part of cut B-3 of Figure 5 has been identified.

Subtract the Z coordinate (distance) from the hip bone joint of the Z coordinate of the upper part of the B-3 cut. Multiply this distance per 2. This gives the linear width of the cross of this animal. Compare this to an optimal width to classify this animal. Table 14 All the necessary cuts in Screen B have been identified and evaluated. Return to the hip bone in section Bl in Screen B of Figure 5 to begin the evaluation of Screen C. Screen C extends from the hip bone to the back of the animal and the lines defined in the Table 11 between Screen B and Screen C and between Screen C and Screen D. Screen C is used to evaluate the animal's breast system. Starting from the hip bone in B-l in Figure 5, locate the udder and tits of the animal.

The cut C-l in Figure 5 starts from the Y coordinate (height) of the line between Screen B and the Display C. The X coordinate (length) is the value of X in the hip bone. Repetitively decrease the Y coordinate (height), keeping constant X (longitude), until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% in the last Z coordinate between two consecutive coordinates Y vaitura. Increase Y (height) by one to return the animal. Save the X, Y and Z coordinates in the lower part of the C-l cut. Table 15 Then determine the length of the first tit found. The pseudo code in Table 16 evaluates Screen C in Figure 5. Starting from the bottom of the Cl cut as it is located by the pseudo code in Table 15 and following the edge of the animal observing for a 1.27 cm change in Y in 0.63 cm - in X. The first tit has been found. Measure the length of the tit for classification. Immediately after the first teat, cut C-6 is identified. The lower part of the C-6 cut is compared to the spine and the ground to classify the depth of the udder of this animal.

Decrease the X coordinate repetitively (length) varying the Y coordinate (height) as necessary, to follow a line along the bottom of the cow, where the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% between two consecutive X or Y coordinates. (This logic is very similar to the logic used in Table 3). When the Y coordinate (height) decreases by at least 1.27 cm within 0.63 cm of change in X (length) the first teat has been found. Save the X, Y and Z coordinates of the point on the udder before starting down towards the teat. Continue to decrease the Y coordinates (height), varying the X coordinate (length) as necessary, to follow the edge of the animal, until Y increases to at least half the distance between the lowest point on the teat and the initial point of the teat . Save the X, Y and Z coordinates in the minor Y coordinate. Calculate the height difference between the initial point of the tit and the lowest point on the tit, to finish the length of the tit. Compare the length of the tit with the length of the optimum tit to record a classification for the current animal. Continue to increase the Y coordinate (height), varying the X coordinate (length), until the X coordinate (length) decreases by at least 0.63 cm within a 0.63 cm change in Y (height), the udder behind the first tit has been found.

Save the X, Y and Z coordinates of the point on the udder as the lower part of the C-6 cut. Repetitively decrease the X coordinate (length) by varying the Y coordinate (height) as necessary to follow the edge along the bottom of the cow. Until the Z coordinate (distance) decreases by at least 2% of the last Z coordinate between two consecutive X (longitude) coordinates. The posterior leg has been found. Save the X, Y and Z coordinates at the beginning of the back leg. Table 16 The measurements of Screen C, Figure 5 are completed. More mammary measurements are taken from Figure 7. Screen D provides measurement of the hoof and leg for the current animal. If the angle of the leg with respect to the ground is too perpendicular or too steep, this causes other problems with this animal. The low points of the front of the near rear leg are located just before for Table 11. Use Table 3 to move back the front of the rear leg near 5.08 cm. Starting from the bottom of the cut D-1, the Y coordinate is predominantly increased and the X coordinate is predominantly decreased, until the Y coordinate is 5.08 cm above the ground level. Table 17 moving through the near rear leg.

Repetitively decrease the X coordinate (length), while keeping the Y coordinate (height) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 1% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive X coordinates (length). The distance outside the leg may be less here, due to the proximity to the ground. The back of the posterior leg has been reached. Increase the X coordinate (length) by one to return the animal. Table 17 Use Table 3 to follow the edge of the back of the back leg near the ground to obtain the necessary points to evaluate the angle of the hind leg. Starting from the point on the back of the near posterior leg found in Table 17, the Y coordinate is predominantly reduced and the X coordinate is predominantly increased until the edge of the animal can no longer be identified. Save the last point on the animal as the bottom of the cut D-4 on Screen D of Figure 5. Table 18 uses the points on the front and back of the nearby hind leg to evaluate the angle of the hind leg.

Start from the bottom of D-4. Repeatedly increase the Y coordinate (height), while keeping the X coordinate (length) constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) changes 5.08 cm between two consecutive points. Decrease the Y coordinate (height) by one to get the last point. Still on the animal. Save these X, Y and Z coordinates as the upper part of the D-4 cut in Figure 5. Call Table 3 to follow a line on the back of the next, nearby leg. Starting from the bottom of the cut D-4, the Y coordinate (height) is predominantly increased and the X coordinate (length) is predominantly reduced, until the Y coordinate is 0.3 meters above the Y value at the bottom of D -4.

Save the X, Y and Z coordinates of this point as the upper part of the D-7 cut. Calculate the angle of the leg from the ground in the lower part of the cut D-1 and the upper part of the cut D-7 in Figure 5 and give a classification. Calculate the ground angle of the ground in the lower part of the cut D-1 and the upper part of the cut D-4 in Figure 5 and give it a classification. Table 18 All the characteristics of Figure 5 have now been evaluated. With reference to Figure 7, a rear view of the cow as can be seen by a second laser camera positioned behind the cow. Figure 7 is divided into three areas. Screens E, F and G. Screen E and Screen G do not contain any of the evaluation points. Screen F contains the mammary system as seen from the back. A point in the upper center of the udder is designated manually using a tracer beam, mouse, or other indicator on the computer in the same way as it was designated in the above in the hip bone. This is the primary reference point for this observation of the animal. This point is used to place each animal image evenly at 0.30 meters from the camera. In this way all animals can be compared consistently. If the reference point is not 0.30 meters from the camera, the complete image of the animal is adjusted appropriately, as shown in Table 19.

If the upper center point of the udder, the center of the cut F-2 in Figure 7, is less than 0.30 meters from the laser camera 132 in Figure 1, increase the distance, the Z coordinate, by the difference between the center top of the udder and 0.30 meters; increase all other distance coordinates in the image by the difference between the top center point of the udder and 0.30 meters; then adjust all the coordinates X (horizontal length) and Y (vertical height) appropriately to reduce the image; in any other way, if the upper center point of the udder, the center of the cut F-2 to Figure 7 is more than 0.30 meters from the chamber 132 in Figure 1, decrease the distance, the Z coordinate or the difference between the top center point of the udder and 0.30 meters; r "decrease all other distance coordinates in the image by the difference between the top center point of the udder and 0.30 meters; then adjust all the coordinates X 5 (length) and Y (height) appropriately to enlarge the image Finish Yes. Save the coordinates of the upper center point of the udder in section F-2 of Figure 7 for later use. Table 19 After the image of the cow is graduated to the desired size and distance, the location of the measurement points. The line between Screen E and Screen F occurs 10.16 cm above the top center point manually designated on the udder in section F-2 of Figure 7. The line between Screen F and Screen G is the half of the distance to the earth. The land and the width of the animal are determined by placing the right side of the cow and following a line down on the side of the cow to the ground using the pseudo code from Table 3 above. Following, Table 20, contains the pseudo code to find the left and right sides of the animal in the F-2 cut.

Start from the upper center point on the udder in section F-2 of Figure 7. "Repeatedly decrease the X coordinate (length), while keeping the coordinate constant Y (height), Until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive X coordinates (length). This is the left side of the F-2 cut in Figure 7. Save the X, Y and Z coordinates of the left side of the F-2 cut. Return to the upper center point on the udder in section F-2 of Figure 7. Repeatedly increase the X coordinate (length), while keeping the coordinate constant Y (height), Until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive X coordinates (length). This is the right side of the F-2 cut in Figure 7.

Save the X, Y and Z coordinates of the right side of the F-2 cut. Table 20 Use Table 3 to locate the land going down on the right side of the animal. Starting from the right side of the F-2 cut, the Y coordinate is predominantly reduced and the X coordinate varies, until the edge of the animal can no longer be identified. The earth and the right side of the G-2 cut have been found. Calculate the line between Screen F and Screen G as half the distance from F-2 to Earth.

Calculate the distance between the Y coordinates of the F-2 cut and the ground to G-2. Then calculate 50% of this distance as the location of the line between Screen F and Screen G. Table 21.

To locate the lower part of the udder, follow the upper line on the inside of the right posterior leg. Locate the initial point of the udder, when the Y coordinate on the perimeter of the cow begins to move down. Save the initial point on the side of the udder and continue through the lower part of the udder. Save the lower point of the udder to determine the depth of the udder. Table 22 contains the pseudo code to delineate the interior of the right rear leg of the animal and the lower part of the udder. The code to follow the edge of the animal, would be similar to Table 3, but the points are kept along the distance are different and the termination conditions are different.

Start from the right side of the G-2 cut. Repeatedly increase the Y coordinate (height), while the X coordinate (length) is varied along a line where the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive X coordinates. Until * the Y coordinate (height) is at . 08 cm above the earth. Repetitively decrease the X coordinate (length) while keeping the Y coordinate constant, until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive X (length) coordinates. The inside of the right rear leg has been located. Repeatedly increase the Y coordinate (height), while varying the X coordinate (length) along a line where the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% between two consecutive X coordinates. Until the Y coordinate (height) is at least 2.54 cm smaller than the highest Y point reached. The udder has been reached. Save the X, Y and Z coordinates of the highest Y point reached. This is the connection of the udder with the right hind leg of the animal. Table 22 Several points along the udder need to be identified. The lowest point on the udder, not including a teat is needed to determine the depth of the teat. This point is also used to locate the F-6 cut on Screen F of Figure 7 which is used for measurements and classification of the udder width. The pseudo code for all this is shown in Table 23.

Start from the connection of the udder to the right posterior leg. Repetitively decrease the X coordinate (length), while varying the Y coordinate (height), along a line where the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% between two consecutive Y coordinates.

Until the Y coordinate (height) decreases by at least 1.27 cm within 0.63 cm along the X axis. A tit has been reached. Save this point for later use. Increase the Y coordinate (height) by 1.27 cm and save the Y coordinate as the height of the F-9 cut in Display F in Figure 7. Calculate the distance between the Y coordinates of the F-2 cut and the F-9 cut . Then calculate 50% of this distance as the location of the F-6 cut. The cut F-6 in Figure 7 occurs halfway between cut F-2 and cut F-9. Start with the X coordinate (length) from the top center point on the udder in the F-2 cut of Figure 7 and the Y-coordinate (height) F-6, keeping the Y coordinate constant and increase the X coordinate until the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% over the last Z coordinate between two consecutive X coordinates. While moving through the back of the cow and after moving 5.08 cm on the axis X, save the X coordinate (length) and the Z coordinate (distance) at the point where the Z coordinate is closest to the camera, but it is still on the animal. This identifies the crease on the right side of the udder.

Return to the X coordinate (length) of the top center point on the udder in the F-2 cut of Figure 7 and the Y coordinate (height) F-6, keep the Y coordinate constant and decrease the X coordinate until the coordinate Z (distance) increases by at least 2% between two consecutive X coordinates. While moving through the back of the cow and after moving 5.08 cm on the X axis, save the X coordinate (length) and the Z coordinate (distance) at the point where the Z coordinate is farthest from the cariara , but it's still on the animal. This identifies the crease on the left side of the udder. The distance between the left side of the udder and the right side of the udder in section F-6 of Figure 7 defines and classifies the width of the rear part of the udder. Table 23 The lowest point on a tit is needed, and the location and height of the cleft between the two sides of the udder is needed. All those points are located in the next second code, Table 24.

Start from the point where the first posterior teat was identified in Table 23.

Decrease the Y coordinate repetitively (height), while varying the X coordinate (length) as needed, along a line where the Z coordinate (distance) increases by 2 or less between two consecutive X coordinates. Save the lowest Y coordinate (height) reached. Until the Y coordinate (height) increases by 1.27 cm in a decrease of 0.63 cm along the X coordinate. Save the lower Y coordinate (height) as the height of the F-ll cut in Figure 7. Repetitively decrease the X coordinate (length), while the Y coordinate (height) is varied as necessary, to it. along a line where the Z coordinate (distance) increases by at least 2% between two consecutive X coordinates. Save the X and Y coordinates of the highest point reached by the Y coordinate. Until the Y coordinate (height) decreases by at least 2.54 cm by 2.54 cm along the X axis. The highest point defines the height of the cut F -7 in Figure 7 and the cleft of the udder. Save the X and Y coordinates of this point.

Begin with the X coordinate (length) of the top center point on the udder in section F-2 of Figure 7 and the Y coordinate (height) F-9, keep the Y coordinate constant and increase the X coordinate until the coordinate Z (distance) increases by at least 1% within 7.62 cm along the X coordinates. The most distant Z coordinate marks the inside of the right udder in the F-9 cut. Return with the X coordinate (length) of the upper center point on the udder in section F-2 of Figure 7 and the Y coordinate (height) F-3, keep the Y coordinate constant and decrease the X coordinate until the coordinate Z (distance) increases by at least 1% within 7.62 cm along the X coordinates. The most distant Z coordinate marks the inside of the left udder in the F-9 cut. The cleft of the udder in the F-7 cut along with the inside of the left and right udder define the cleft of the triangular udder of this cow. Compare this cleavage of the triangular udder with the optimal cow and classify the current animal. Table 24 Although the general inventive concepts and systems have been described in relation to their currently preferred and illustrative embodiments, it is understood that other embodiments of those general concepts and systems may be included within the scope of the claims of this application and any patent issued therefrom. For example, the number of traits or phenotypic characteristics of animals and the manner and methods of determining such traits or characteristics may be expanded or contracted depending on the intended purposes and the state of knowledge with respect to them. It is contemplated that the use of the present invention will be capable of increased recognition with respect to the correlation between the measurable characteristics and features of animals and their offspring. Although the general concepts and systems of the invention have been illustrated and described with reference to a particular animal class, ie a dairy cow, it is understood and contemplated that the general concepts can be applied to other types of animals, such as dogs , pigs, cattle for meat, horses, chicken, etc., and human beings for any purpose.

Claims (16)

1. CLAIMS 1. A system for measuring physical characteristics of three preselected dimensions of an animal, to provide a classification for the animal, the system is characterized in that it comprises: a laser camera aligned to project a plurality of laser light signals towards the animal and align them to receive the laser light signals reflected from the animal, to provide the three-dimensional reflection location data for each of the laser light signals reflected from the animal; and a computer that has a classification subsystem, which receives the three-dimensional reflection location data, combines the three-dimensional reflection location data, to measure the physical characteristics of the animal in three dimensions, preselected and compares the physical characteristics of the animal in three dimensions with the physical characteristics in three predetermined dimensions to provide a classification for the animal. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer further comprises a subsystem that modifies the distance (Table 1) to modify the distance information within each point of the three-dimensional reflection location data, for place an image of the animal at a predetermined distance from the laser camera. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that the subsystem that modifies the distance (Table 1) further comprises: a line location subsystem to determine a first line between at least two predetermined points in the animal; and a second distance alignment subsystem for aligning each point of the three dimensional reflection location data of the animal to cause the first line to be perpendicular to a second line between the laser camera and a center of the first line. 4. The system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the computer further comprises a storage device for storing the three-dimensional reflection location data together with the three-dimensional physical characteristics, in which the brand images on the animal are stored for later identification. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer further comprises: a storage device for storing the three-dimensional reflection location data; and a comparison subsystem within the computer to compare the three-dimensional reflection location data for all laser light data stored during a predetermined amount of time and a display system within the computer, to display an indication of error if a coupling occurs between the three-dimensional reflection location data and the three-dimensional reflection location data previously stored during at least one previously measured animal, by which it indicates that the animal has been previously measured. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that the computer further comprises an optical character recognition system for converting a portion of the three-dimensional reflection location data containing an image of at least one symbol located in the animal in an identification value processable by the computer. 7. The system in accordance with the claim 1, further characterized, because it comprises: a scale located under the animal and connected to the computer to provide a signal of the weight of the animal to the computer; and a storage device within the computer medium for storing the weight signal of the animal along with the three dimensional physical characteristics of the animal. 8. The system in accordance with the claim 1, characterized in that the computer further comprises a volume measurement system for measuring, from the three-dimensional reflection location data, a volume of at least a portion of the animal. 9. A method for measuring physical characteristics in three dimensions, preselected from an animal, the method is characterized in that it comprises: (a) projecting a plurality of laser light signals towards the animal for reflection from it; (b) receiving the reflected laser light signals containing the three-dimensional reflection location data for each of the laser light signals that are reflected from the animal, wherein the three-dimensional reflection location data comprises the distance data, horizontal and vertical location data and intensity data for each reflected laser light signal; (c) combining the three-dimensional reflection location data to measure the physical characteristics of three preselected dimensions of the animal; and (d) comparing the physical characteristics of three dimensions, preselected with physical characteristic data of three predetermined dimensions to provide a classification for the animal. 10. The method of compliance with the claim 9, characterized in that step (b) further comprises the step of: (bl) aligning (Table 1) each point of the three-dimensional reflection location data, received to place an image of the animal at a predetermined distance from a point from which the laser light signals are projected. 11. The method according to the claim 10, characterized in that step (bll) further comprises the steps of: (bla) determining a first line between at least two points within the three-dimensional reflection location data on the animal; and (blb) aligning each point of the three-dimensional reflection location data of the animal, to cause the first line to be perpendicular to the second line formed from the point of projection of the laser light signals to a center of the first line. 12. The method according to claim 9, further characterized by comprising the step of storing the three-dimensional reflection location data together with the physical characteristics of three dimensions in which the marks on the animal are stored for later identification. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that step (c) further comprises the step of weighing the animal and storing the weight resulting from the weight only with the physical characteristics of three dimensions. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that step (c) further comprises the step of converting a portion of the three-dimensional reflection location data containing an image of at least one symbol located on the animal in an identification value processable by the computer. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that step (c) further comprises the step of measuring, from the three-dimensional reflection location data, a volume of at least a part of the animal. 16. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that step (b) further comprises the steps of: (bl) storing the three-dimensional reflection location data; (bll) comparing the three-dimensional reflection location data from the animal with all the three-dimensional reflection location data stored during a predetermined, predetermined amount of time; and (bilí) exhibiting an error, if the stage finds a coupling between the three-dimensional reflection location data and the three-dimensional reflection location data previously stored for at least one animal previously measured.