WO2007064202A1 - Method and apparatus for animal identity verification - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for animal identity verification Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007064202A1
WO2007064202A1 PCT/NL2006/000609 NL2006000609W WO2007064202A1 WO 2007064202 A1 WO2007064202 A1 WO 2007064202A1 NL 2006000609 W NL2006000609 W NL 2006000609W WO 2007064202 A1 WO2007064202 A1 WO 2007064202A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
animal
electronic identification
identification system
passageway
animals
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NL2006/000609
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Albertino Bernardo Maria Verstege
Woltherus Karsijns
Original Assignee
Nedap N.V. Agri
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Nedap N.V. Agri filed Critical Nedap N.V. Agri
Publication of WO2007064202A1 publication Critical patent/WO2007064202A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K1/00—Housing animals; Equipment therefor
    • A01K1/0005—Stable partitions
    • A01K1/0017—Gates, doors
    • A01K1/0023—Sorting gates
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K11/00—Marking of animals
    • A01K11/006—Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for animal identity verification, wherein animals provided with an electronic identification label are guided along an antenna device of an electronic identification system.
  • the invention further relates to an apparatus for use of the method, which apparatus comprises at least one passageway for animals which is provided with an antenna device, which antenna device is connected with a transmitting/receiving device of an electronic identification system, which is arranged for recognizing those data which are stored in an electronic identification label fitted to a passing animal.
  • Electronic identification systems for animals have been known for a long time. Such systems are inter alia marketed by applicant and generally comprise a transmitting/receiving device provided with one or more antennas, with the aid whereof an interrogation field can be generated in a detection zone.
  • an identification label containing animal data in electronic form such as an identification code will influence the interrogation field in a manner depending on the specific identification code.
  • the transceiver of the identification system can determine the code of the label, and therefore the identity of the animal wearing the label.
  • identification labels may also be referred to by various other names, such as for instance identification plate, tag, responder, transponder, chip, etc.
  • identification labels may further be fitted to the animal in different places, so that this may then, for instance, involve a collar responder or label, an ear responder, ear label or ear stud, a leg responder.
  • the name chip is often used.
  • all these different types of labels, independent of the embodiment or name, can be used.
  • various types of identification systems can be used within the framework of the invention. What is important is only that the identification systems can read out the identification labels and, in some cases, can also determine the associated animal data.
  • Animal identification can be done in different places and with different purposes. For instance, at an auction or upon entering a loading body of, for instance, a truck, and/or with the purpose of separating some animals, livestock (cows, sheep, etc.) can be identified by means of an automatic identification system. Cows are usually also identified in the milking parlor.
  • the identification of the animals may, for instance, be done by having the animals walk through an alley or gate or the like, while, in or near the passageway or gate or the like, an antenna device with one or more antennas of an identification system is arranged.
  • the registering of the identified animals can be used to determine, for instance, which animals have passed the gate, passageway, etc. and/or in which order that has taken place.
  • An animal may, for instance, not wear a label, for instance because it has never been provided with a label or because the label has become detached.
  • a defect label, a weak label, multiple labels in an interrogation field, an incorrectly positioned label, unpredictable animal behavior, ambient noise, etc. may be involved.
  • a method of the above-described type is characterized in that the animals are guided through one or more . passageways provided with an antenna device of an electronic identification system and that the passage of an animal through the passageway is detected with the aid of one or more presence detectors.
  • An apparatus for animal identity verification of the above-described type is, according to the invention, characterized by detection means provided in, to or near the passageway for the detection of the presence of the animal, the presence detection means and the transmitting/receiving device being communicatively connected with a processing unit.
  • the single Figure schematically shows an example of an apparatus 1 for animal identity verification.
  • the apparatus shown comprises an alley or lock or corridor 4 formed by partitions such as fences, walls or the like, designated by 2 and 3.
  • one or more antenna devices 5, which may comprise one or more antennas 6, are provided in or near the corridor 4.
  • an antenna 6 is provided along the sidewall 3 of the corridor and that at such a height that an identification label 7 which is designed as an ear label in this example, of an animal 8 walking through the corridor, moves through the interrogation field operatively generated by the antenna.
  • the interrogation field is generated under control of a transmitting device 8, which also forms a receiving device for the identification signal generated by the ear label 7 or another identification label in this example.
  • the transmitting/receiving device 9 is further connected with a processing unit 10, to which the signals received by the transmitting/receiving device are fed and which can process these signals further.
  • the processing device 10 may, for instance, register the identity of the identified animals walking through the corridor, count the number of animals, etc.
  • the processing unit may, for instance, be computer.
  • the transmitting/receiving device and processing unit may also form an integrated unit.
  • an animal 8 passes the antenna 6, it may be the case that the animal is not recognized by the processing unit 10, for instance because the animal wears no identification label or a defect identification label. In order to be able to take appropriate measures, it is then important that the presence of an animal is detected.
  • means for presence detection are provided in, to or near the corridor, or other passageway.
  • the presence sensors may, for instance, comprise pressure-sensitive switches or mats, infrared sensors or a light barrier or the like.
  • a camera 12 is shown, which may be used instead of or in combination with presence sensors. If desired, it is possible to use multiple cameras and/or multiple (types of) presence sensors. This also holds for infrared cameras, which have the facility to record thermal images.
  • the presence sensors and/or the cameras are communicatively connected with the processing unit 10 via connecting lines 13, 14, 15 or optionally wirelessly.
  • the processing unit does not receive a (recognizable) signal from the transmitting/receiving device 9, while a signal has been received via the connecting line 15, there is an animal without a label or with a defect label, or an animal which does not walk further, or another disturbance.
  • the processing unit is arranged for delivering a signaling in such a situation, such as for instance an alarm signal and/or for indicating in a milking parlor that possibly one or more animals have not been recognized at certain milking positions and/or for marking the animal with the aid of a marking device, for instance with color, and/or for closing the corridor with the aid of one or more controllable gates at the end and preferably also at the beginning, so that the animal is isolated and can still be provided with a (correct) label or the like. It is also possible to guide the animal via one or more controllable gates to a separation space for further inspection or the like, and/or to guide the animal back to the beginning of the corridor or the like, and then through the corridor or the like to check the action of the identification label again.
  • a signaling such as for instance an alarm signal and/or for indicating in a milking parlor that possibly one or more animals have not been recognized at certain milking positions and/or for marking the animal with the aid of a marking device, for instance with color, and/
  • the signaling may comprise a light and/or sound signal and/or an indication on a display and/or the printing of an action list, etc.
  • a corridor a short passageway in the form of a security gate may also be used.
  • different gates, corridors or the like may be used together.
  • the passageway may be a passageway already present for other purposes, such as for instance a milking box, or a passageway placed specially for the described purpose.
  • different types of antennas may be used, partly depending on the fitting point of the identification labels to the animals. For instance, one or more frame antennas may be used through which the animals walk, or one or more antennas provided in the bottom and/or along the sides of the passageway may be used.

Abstract

A method and apparatus for animal identity verification, wherein animals provided with an electronic identification label (7) are guided along an antenna device (5) of an electronic identification system, wherein the animals are guided through one or more passageways (4) provided with an antenna device of an electronic identification system and the passage of an animal through the passageway is detected with the aid of one or more presence detectors (11, 12) .

Description

Title: Method and apparatus for animal identity verification
The invention relates to a method for animal identity verification, wherein animals provided with an electronic identification label are guided along an antenna device of an electronic identification system. The invention further relates to an apparatus for use of the method, which apparatus comprises at least one passageway for animals which is provided with an antenna device, which antenna device is connected with a transmitting/receiving device of an electronic identification system, which is arranged for recognizing those data which are stored in an electronic identification label fitted to a passing animal. Electronic identification systems for animals have been known for a long time. Such systems are inter alia marketed by applicant and generally comprise a transmitting/receiving device provided with one or more antennas, with the aid whereof an interrogation field can be generated in a detection zone. If the label, and consequently also an animal wearing the label, is located in such an interrogation field, an identification label containing animal data in electronic form, such as an identification code will influence the interrogation field in a manner depending on the specific identification code. As a result thereof, the transceiver of the identification system can determine the code of the label, and therefore the identity of the animal wearing the label.
It is noted that such identification labels may also be referred to by various other names, such as for instance identification plate, tag, responder, transponder, chip, etc. Such identification labels may further be fitted to the animal in different places, so that this may then, for instance, involve a collar responder or label, an ear responder, ear label or ear stud, a leg responder. In case of an implanted responder, the name chip is often used. In the framework of the invention, all these different types of labels, independent of the embodiment or name, can be used. It is further noted that likewise various types of identification systems can be used within the framework of the invention. What is important is only that the identification systems can read out the identification labels and, in some cases, can also determine the associated animal data.
Animal identification can be done in different places and with different purposes. For instance, at an auction or upon entering a loading body of, for instance, a truck, and/or with the purpose of separating some animals, livestock (cows, sheep, etc.) can be identified by means of an automatic identification system. Cows are usually also identified in the milking parlor.
The identification of the animals may, for instance, be done by having the animals walk through an alley or gate or the like, while, in or near the passageway or gate or the like, an antenna device with one or more antennas of an identification system is arranged. The registering of the identified animals can be used to determine, for instance, which animals have passed the gate, passageway, etc. and/or in which order that has taken place. In practice, it is often found that not all animals passing an antenna of an identification system can be identified. There may be various causes for this. An animal may, for instance, not wear a label, for instance because it has never been provided with a label or because the label has become detached. Also, a defect label, a weak label, multiple labels in an interrogation field, an incorrectly positioned label, unpredictable animal behavior, ambient noise, etc. may be involved.
Therefore there is a need for a method and apparatus for automatically determining that an animal cannot be identified, so that subsequently appropriate measures can be taken. It is an object of the invention to meet this need. To this end, according to the invention, a method of the above-described type is characterized in that the animals are guided through one or more . passageways provided with an antenna device of an electronic identification system and that the passage of an animal through the passageway is detected with the aid of one or more presence detectors.
An apparatus for animal identity verification of the above-described type is, according to the invention, characterized by detection means provided in, to or near the passageway for the detection of the presence of the animal, the presence detection means and the transmitting/receiving device being communicatively connected with a processing unit.
In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the appended drawing of an exemplary embodiment.
The single Figure schematically shows an example of an apparatus 1 for animal identity verification. The apparatus shown comprises an alley or lock or corridor 4 formed by partitions such as fences, walls or the like, designated by 2 and 3. In or near the corridor 4, one or more antenna devices 5, which may comprise one or more antennas 6, are provided. In the example shown, an antenna 6 is provided along the sidewall 3 of the corridor and that at such a height that an identification label 7 which is designed as an ear label in this example, of an animal 8 walking through the corridor, moves through the interrogation field operatively generated by the antenna. The interrogation field is generated under control of a transmitting device 8, which also forms a receiving device for the identification signal generated by the ear label 7 or another identification label in this example. In this example, the transmitting/receiving device 9 is further connected with a processing unit 10, to which the signals received by the transmitting/receiving device are fed and which can process these signals further. The processing device 10 may, for instance, register the identity of the identified animals walking through the corridor, count the number of animals, etc. The processing unit may, for instance, be computer. The transmitting/receiving device and processing unit may also form an integrated unit.
If an animal 8 passes the antenna 6, it may be the case that the animal is not recognized by the processing unit 10, for instance because the animal wears no identification label or a defect identification label. In order to be able to take appropriate measures, it is then important that the presence of an animal is detected. To this end, means for presence detection are provided in, to or near the corridor, or other passageway. In the example shown, near the beginning of the corridor, presence sensors 11 are used. The presence sensors may, for instance, comprise pressure-sensitive switches or mats, infrared sensors or a light barrier or the like. In the Figure, further, a camera 12 is shown, which may be used instead of or in combination with presence sensors. If desired, it is possible to use multiple cameras and/or multiple (types of) presence sensors. This also holds for infrared cameras, which have the facility to record thermal images.
The presence sensors and/or the cameras are communicatively connected with the processing unit 10 via connecting lines 13, 14, 15 or optionally wirelessly.
If an animal enters the corridor, the presence of the animal is detected by the sensors 11 and/or the cameras 12 and a presence signal is fed to the processing unit. If then the animal is recognized by means of the ear label or another label, registration or the like of the animal can take place. If, however, the processing unit does not receive a (recognizable) signal from the transmitting/receiving device 9, while a signal has been received via the connecting line 15, there is an animal without a label or with a defect label, or an animal which does not walk further, or another disturbance. The processing unit is arranged for delivering a signaling in such a situation, such as for instance an alarm signal and/or for indicating in a milking parlor that possibly one or more animals have not been recognized at certain milking positions and/or for marking the animal with the aid of a marking device, for instance with color, and/or for closing the corridor with the aid of one or more controllable gates at the end and preferably also at the beginning, so that the animal is isolated and can still be provided with a (correct) label or the like. It is also possible to guide the animal via one or more controllable gates to a separation space for further inspection or the like, and/or to guide the animal back to the beginning of the corridor or the like, and then through the corridor or the like to check the action of the identification label again.
The signaling may comprise a light and/or sound signal and/or an indication on a display and/or the printing of an action list, etc. In this manner, an animal which is not provided with an identification label or which is provided with a defect label, or with which there is something wrong otherwise, can be traced quickly and effectively, and appropriate corrective measures can be taken.
It is noted that, instead of a corridor, a short passageway in the form of a security gate may also be used. Also, different gates, corridors or the like may be used together. The passageway may be a passageway already present for other purposes, such as for instance a milking box, or a passageway placed specially for the described purpose. Further, different types of antennas may be used, partly depending on the fitting point of the identification labels to the animals. For instance, one or more frame antennas may be used through which the animals walk, or one or more antennas provided in the bottom and/or along the sides of the passageway may be used.
After the foregoing, these and similar modifications are readily apparent to a skilled person.

Claims

1. A method for animal identity verification, wherein animals provided with an electronic identification label are guided along an antenna device of an electronic identification system, characterized in that the animals are guided through one or more passageways provided with an antenna device of an electronic identification system and that the passage of an animal through the passageway is detected with the aid of one or more presence detectors.
2. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that an animal whose presence has been detected, but which has not been recognized by the electronic identification system, is guided through the passageway again.
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an animal whose presence has been detected, but which has not been recognized by the electronic identification system, is isolated for further inspection.
4. A method according to claim 1, 2 or 3, used for cows in a milking parlor, wherein, in the case that a cow is not recognized by the identification system, a signaling is delivered, which also indicates at which milking position the non-recognized cow has been detected.
5. An apparatus for animal identity verification, wherein animals provided with an electronic identification label are guided along an antenna device of an electronic identification system, which apparatus comprises at least one passageway for animals which is provided with an antenna device, which antenna device is connected with a transmitting/receiving device of an electronic identification system, which is arranged for recognizing animal data, which are stored in an electronic identification label fitted to a passing animal, characterized by detection means provided in, to or near the passageway for the detection of the presence of the animal, wherein the presence detection means and the transmitting/receiving device are communicatively connected with a processing unit.
6. An apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the presence detection means comprise one or more detection means from a group comprising cameras, light barriers, infrared sensors, pressure- sensitive switches or mats.
7. An apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the processing unit is arranged for delivering a signaling if the presence detection means detect an animal, while the processing unit receives no or no recognizable signal from the transmitting/receiving device.
8. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5-7, characterized in that the processing unit is arranged for operating one or more controllable gates in order to isolate an animal which has not been recognized by the electronic identification system, but whose presence has been detected.
9. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5-8, characterized by a marking device controllable by the processing device.
10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that the passageway comprises a passage gate.
11. An apparatus according to any one of claims 5-9, characterized in that the passageway comprises an alley formed by partitions.
12. An apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the alley is provided with at least one controllable gate.
13. A milking parlor provided with at least one apparatus according to any one of claims 5-12.
PCT/NL2006/000609 2005-12-02 2006-12-04 Method and apparatus for animal identity verification WO2007064202A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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NL1030582A NL1030582C2 (en) 2005-12-02 2005-12-02 Method and device for identity verification of animals.
NL1030582 2005-12-02

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Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009016183A1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Gea Westfaliasurge Gmbh Device and a method for providing information about animals when walking through an animal passage
WO2010035305A1 (en) * 2008-09-26 2010-04-01 Andrea Biondi High speed system for electronic identification of livestock
NL2003641C2 (en) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-18 Nedap Nv Method for determining the identity of an animal at at least a first location.
NL2005696C2 (en) * 2010-11-15 2012-05-16 Nedap Nv DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF AN ANIMAL IN THE FEEDING FARM.
US8538126B2 (en) 2007-08-22 2013-09-17 Icerobotics, Ltd. Method and apparatus for the automatic grading of condition of livestock
WO2014102845A3 (en) * 2012-12-28 2014-09-18 Royal Tag Sa Individual electronic identification system of animals in confined spaces
US10660308B2 (en) 2015-11-04 2020-05-26 Delaval Holding Ab System and method for imaging and processing animal data
CN112036536A (en) * 2020-07-03 2020-12-04 佛山科学技术学院 Intelligent sheep counting method and system

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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003003820A1 (en) * 2001-07-04 2003-01-16 Aleis Trakit Pty Ltd Tracking and marking system
WO2003039247A1 (en) * 2001-11-05 2003-05-15 N.V. Nederlandse Apparatenfabriek Nedap System for checking the presence of an identification label with animals
WO2004008844A1 (en) * 2002-07-19 2004-01-29 Delaval Holding Ab Method and arrangement for automatically verifying identities of milk producing animals
WO2005043988A2 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-19 Westfaliasurge Gmbh Method and device for providing information on the occupancy of milking stations of a milking system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003003820A1 (en) * 2001-07-04 2003-01-16 Aleis Trakit Pty Ltd Tracking and marking system
WO2003039247A1 (en) * 2001-11-05 2003-05-15 N.V. Nederlandse Apparatenfabriek Nedap System for checking the presence of an identification label with animals
WO2004008844A1 (en) * 2002-07-19 2004-01-29 Delaval Holding Ab Method and arrangement for automatically verifying identities of milk producing animals
WO2005043988A2 (en) * 2003-11-07 2005-05-19 Westfaliasurge Gmbh Method and device for providing information on the occupancy of milking stations of a milking system

Cited By (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2009016183A1 (en) * 2007-07-31 2009-02-05 Gea Westfaliasurge Gmbh Device and a method for providing information about animals when walking through an animal passage
RU2469530C2 (en) * 2007-07-31 2012-12-20 Геа Вестфалиязурге Гмбх Device and method for providing information about animals as they pass through passage for animals
US8488844B2 (en) 2007-07-31 2013-07-16 Gea Farm Technologies Gmbh Device and a method for providing information about animals when walking through an animal passage
US8538126B2 (en) 2007-08-22 2013-09-17 Icerobotics, Ltd. Method and apparatus for the automatic grading of condition of livestock
WO2010035305A1 (en) * 2008-09-26 2010-04-01 Andrea Biondi High speed system for electronic identification of livestock
NL2003641C2 (en) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-18 Nedap Nv Method for determining the identity of an animal at at least a first location.
WO2011046434A1 (en) * 2009-10-14 2011-04-21 N.V. Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek Nedap Method for determining the identity of an animal at at least a first location
NL2005696C2 (en) * 2010-11-15 2012-05-16 Nedap Nv DEVICE FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF AN ANIMAL IN THE FEEDING FARM.
WO2012067504A3 (en) * 2010-11-15 2012-10-26 N.V. Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek Nedap Apparatus for detecting the presence of cattle in stock farming
WO2014102845A3 (en) * 2012-12-28 2014-09-18 Royal Tag Sa Individual electronic identification system of animals in confined spaces
US10660308B2 (en) 2015-11-04 2020-05-26 Delaval Holding Ab System and method for imaging and processing animal data
CN112036536A (en) * 2020-07-03 2020-12-04 佛山科学技术学院 Intelligent sheep counting method and system

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