WO2016209159A1

WO2016209159A1 - Method and system for hoof analysis

Info

Publication number: WO2016209159A1
Application number: PCT/SE2016/050632
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maria SUNDIN; Magnus KARLSTEEN; Björn BERG; Arne ROSÉN; Henrik OTTERBERG; Daniel CEDERKRANTZ
Original assignee: Sundin Maria
Priority date: 2015-06-26
Filing date: 2016-06-27
Publication date: 2016-12-29
Also published as: SE1550888A1; SE541279C2

Abstract

The present invention generally relates to hoof analysis and more specifically to a non-invasive method for detecting damage and changes in an animal hoof. The invention also relates to a corresponding system and to a computer program product.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HOOF ANALYSIS

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to hoof analysis and more specifically to a non-invasive method for detecting damage and changes in an animal hoof. The invention also relates to a corresponding system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Hoof wall injuries and defects in the form of separations, losses, and cracks are frequent occurrences and are often a reflection of environmental conditions, inherent structural problems, and specific athletic endeavors. The range of structural damage varies from being insignificant to being unable to bear weight on a given limb.

Following a physical examination, it is currently possible to use a variety of techniques, such as radiography, contrast radiography, scintigraphy, ultrasonography, computed and digital radiography, thermography and magnetic resonance imaging for detecting possible problems with the hoof. However, these available techniques vary tremendously in cost, availability, usefulness and the experience required performing them.

One example of an x-ray based system and method for hoof analysis is disclosed in US7088847. In US7088847, images of an animal's hooves and legs are provided, and key points identified from the images are used for scoring the animal.

US7088847 also makes use of quantitative measures of a given hoof over time, in order to track changes, allowing monitoring of changes in conformation which may indicate developing problems, or track changes which may signify a gradual improvement in the horse's performance, comfort, and overall health.

The solution presented in US7088847 thus somewhat bluntly allows for identifying a problem with the hoof of an animal. However, when analyzing the x-rays taken of a hoof there is an element of chance involved in spotting the cracks or acesses. The x-rays have to be taken at exactly the right angle for anything to show up which makes it very hard to know if there is an abnormality in the hoof or if it was simply missed.

There is a general desire from veterinaries and farriers to acquire knowledge about the exact position of a possible problem with the hoof wall before performing surgical measures. Specifically, if having more knowledge of the exact location and problem with the hoof, the capsule of the hoof does not need to be compromised more than necessary. Such an approach would also limit the access possibilities for microbes; hence, less antibiotics might be needed.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide an improved method and system for analyzing the hoof of an animal, specifically for detecting and pin-pointing damage and changes in the animal hoof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the invention, the above is at least partly alleviated by a method for analyzing the hoof of an animal using a hoof analysis system comprising a control unit arranged in communication with at least one sensor, the sensor comprising a resistive element configured for allowing the passing of an electrical current, the method comprising the steps of arranging a front side of the at least one sensor in thermal contact with a surface of the hoof, wherein an insulating layer is arranged to cover a backside of the at least one sensor, providing, using the control unit, a predetermined electrical current to the at least one sensor during a set time period, continuously sampling, using the control unit, a voltage level across the sensor, determining, using the control unit, a change in the voltage level for the set duration of providing the predetermined electrical current, and determining, using the control unit, a thermal property of the hoof of the animal based on the change in the voltage level, wherein the step of arranging the front side of the sensor in thermal contact with the surface of the hoof comprises at least one of arranging a rigging arrangement comprising the at least one sensor to enclose on a portion of the hoof to apply a pressure to the sensor to contact the surface of the hoof, the pressure being within a predetermined range, or arranging a double sided adhesive element between the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof.

The invention is based on the understanding that thermal transport properties of a material depends on many things like structure, density, porosity and electrical conductivity. The transient plane source (TPS) technique can be used to measure thermal transport properties of a large number of materials as samples. Maximum applicability can be achieved by using a resistive element as both heat source and sensor. The resistive element can be arranged in different shapes as will be discussed further below, and it can for example be made of nickel or any other suitable conductor. During a measurement a current passes through the at least one sensor which generates heat at the surface of the hoof. The heat travels through the hoof at a rate dependent on its thermal properties. The sensor temperature response versus time is then recorded and from this the material characteristics can be recorded and determined. The change in voltage over the sensor will give an indication of change in temperature, as is further elaborated below.

Advantages with the invention include the possibility of detecting and possibly pin-pointing abnormalities in the hoof of the animal, the animal for example being a horse. It may of course be possible to apply the inventive concept in relation to other types of animals having hooves. The knowledge of possible abnormalities and its location will allow e.g. veterinaries and farriers to approach the abnormalities in the best possible way and with a minimal impact on the animal.

Furthermore, in accordance to the invention it is also possible to determine a depth between the at least one sensor and the abnormalities in the hoof of the animal. Such a determination will allow further improve a subsequent procedure where e.g. a veterinarian is to perform surgery at the hoof for handling the abnormalities in the hoof of the animal.

The at least one sensor is as mentioned above arranged in thermal contact with the hoof. In accordance to the invention, this expression should be interpreted broadly and generally means that the sensor is arranged, in a non-invasive, at the surface of the hoof, i.e. in direct vicinity of the hoof.

To achieve a desirable quality measurement, it is necessary to arrange the at least one sensor such at the surface of the hoof such that a constant pressure may be applied during the set period for performing the measurements, where the contact pressure is arranged to be within a predetermined range. The at least one sensor may therefor be arranged in the above mentioned purposely constructed "rigging arrangement" for fitting with the hoof. To keep the pressure between the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof within the predetermined range, it may for example be possible to allow the rigging arrangement to further comprise e.g. a pressure sensor for measuring the applied pressure.

When arranging the at least one sensor with the hoof, the sensor (and/or the rigging arrangement) is to be provided with an insulation provided on "the back" of the sensor, i.e. facing away from the surface of the hoof. The sensor, typically being an extended flat sensor, is thus on one side directly exposed to the surface of the hoof and on the other side insulated. Thereby, the heat generated at the sensor will propagate into the hoof rather than being spread to the backside of the sensor/rigging arrangement. It may be desirable to provide the resistive element as a thin foil, for example having a thickness of 10 - 15 μπι. An insulating layer, for example of Kapton, may be provided on each side of the resistive thin foil, in an embodiment having a thickness of 15 - 25 μπι. Other thicknesses/materials may be possible and are within the scope of the invention. In an alternative embodiment (or also), a double sided adhesive element is to be arranged between the front side of the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof. The adhesive element is preferably selected to be elastic in such a manner that a roughness of the surface of the hoof is countered, whereby a solid thermal contact is achieved between the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof.

It may also be possible to polishing, prior to arranging the at least one sensor, a portion of the surface of the hoof where the at least one sensor is to be arranged, thereby reducing the roughness of the surface of the hoof such that the thermal contact between all of the area of the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof is essentially similar. As an alternative or also, a layer of a varnish may be provided at to a portion of the surface of the hoof where the at least one sensor is to be arranged, provided again for reducing the roughness of the surface of the hoof. It should be understood that it may be possible to combine usage of the rigging arrangement, the adhesive element, the polishing procedure and the application of the layer of varnish as seems fit for the specific analysis and e.g. based on an estimated surface structure of the hoof.

In a preferred embodiment the method further comprises the steps of selecting a position at the surface of the hoof for arranging the at least one sensor, and matching the rigging arrangement such that the at least one sensor comprised with the rigging arrangement is arranged at the selected position. The rigging arrangement may also advantageously be selected based on at least one of a size of the hoof and the breed of the animal comprising the hoof for analysis. Accordingly, using a fitted rigging arrangement, the above mentioned and desired contact pressure may further enhanced.

In an embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of measuring, using the control unit, a variation of the thermal property in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sensor arranged in heat conductive contact with the hoof. Such an approach allows for the possibility of detecting inhomogeneities in the hoof. To get the thermal properties as a function of distance from the surface it must first be assumed that the heat flow that the surface of the hoof is subject to is one dimensional. This assumption can be made during a relatively short period of time when the heating of the starts. How short of a time this can be assumed depends on the material. In an embodiment the set time period is up to 400 seconds, preferably 20 - 160 seconds.

For a material with high conductivity the time when the assumption is correct is shorter and for a material with low conductivity this time is longer. The maximum time to make an accurate measurement also depends on the area to which the heat is applied. For a larger area the heat flow can be assumed to be one dimensional for a longer time than for a smaller area. It would be possible to reduce the influence of boundary effects by applying heat to quite a large area and making the temperature measurements in the center of the heated area.

In general, the assumption of a one dimensional heat flow can be made for a depth or distance from the surface that approximately the same as the radius of the circular area being heated. The ideal size of the sensor is below 10 cm² and preferably less than 5 cm². A larger probe will provide a more noise free signal and provide data from a larger portion of the hoof, while a smaller one will make it easier to distinct points and is required to detect comparably small defects. A smaller one is also easier to handle and apply. For most applications the active area is preferably less than 5 cm², while some applications can call for sensors significantly larger than 10 cm². In some embodiments the sensor is arranged as a double spiral. The sensor could also, alternatively, be rectangular or any other form suitable for the selected implementation.

The thermal properties, i.e. the thermal conductivity and diffusivity, can be estimated from the measured temperatures (i.e. relating to the sampled voltage over the sensor). In order to make the estimation the measurement has to be made during such a short time that the heat flow can be assumed to be linear in a direction perpendicular to the heated surface. It is desirable if the predetermined electrical current is selected such that temperature in the sensor is increased with a maximum of 10 Kelvin for the set duration.

In a possible embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of establishing a connection with a database comprising a plurality of thermal property profiles for hooves, and matching the determined thermal property with at least one of the plurality of thermal property profiles stored in the database. Such an approach may for example allow for a real time matching with thermal properties for hooves of animals that have been previously acquired (and subsequently stored in the database), e.g. as reference profiles. The database may also be updated to also include the (currently) determined thermal property. Hence, the database may be continuously updated by different users of the inventive hoof analysis system, typically subsequent a validation of the thermal property.

In a possible embodiment of the invention the method further comprises the steps of determining a matching level between the determined thermal property and the at least one of the plurality of thermal property profiles stored in the database, and determining a condition for the animal hoof based on the matching level. Accordingly, a

matching/correlation between the currently determined thermal property and one or a plurality of thermal property profiles (e.g. a "cluster of values") stored in the database may be made, resulting in an indication of a condition of the hoof, such as a defect. It may typically be necessary to include information as to the type of animal for achieving a desirable validity of the matching, possibly also including information relating to the age of the animal, the breed, weight, height, etc.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention the hoof analysis system comprises at least two sensors and the method further comprises the step of determining, using the control unit, a thermal property of the hoof for the at least two sensors, and comparing, using the control unit, the thermal properties for the at least two sensors. In such an implementation it may be desirable to arrange at least a first of the sensors at a position at the hoof where no defect is expected and hence use the measurement acquired at this position as a reference to be compared to the measurements acquired using at least a second of the sensors.

In a possible embodiment of the invention the method further comprises the step of determining an average thermal property of a volume of the hoof. Such an

implementation of the invention may allow for reducing the measurement time, thereby also reducing the time necessary for handling of the animal. Here the heat flow from the sensor is allowed to be three-dimensional (as opposed to the previously described implementation where the flow is one-dimensional, in a direction perpendicular to the sensor radius), while the probed depth into the hoof is generally small. Sensors with an area of less than 1 cm² are appropriate and measurement times in the range of 5 to 40 seconds can be employed.

Sensors, preferably a plurality, are arranged horizontally and/or vertically on the hoof surface and the local average of the thermal transport properties can thus be mapped in the pattern of the sensors.

The acquired information can potentially give information on uneven wear and tear, stress or moisture levels in the hoof, thereby forming a prognosis for the future of the hoof. Using this, future damage to the hoof can be avoided by preemptive measures or altered training or environment for the animal. The data acquired in this fashion can be compared to a database to determine threshold values and normal distributions within a single hoof.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a hoof analysis system for analyzing the hoof of an animal, the system comprising at least one sensor, the sensor comprising a resistive element configured for allowing passing of an electrical current, wherein a front side of the at least one sensor is configured to be arranged in heat conductive contact with the hoof, wherein an insulating layer is arranged to cover a backside of the at least one sensor, and a control unit arranged in communication with the at least one sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to provide, during a set time period, a predetermined electrical current to the at least one sensor for activating the sensor, continuously sample a voltage level across the sensor, determine a change in the voltage level for the set duration of providing the predetermined electrical current, and determine a thermal property of the hoof of the animal based on the change in the voltage level, wherein arranging the front side of the sensor in thermal contact with the surface of the hoof comprises at least one of arranging a rigging arrangement comprising the at least one sensor to enclose on a portion of the hoof to apply a pressure to the sensor to contact the surface of the hoof, the pressure being within a predetermined range, the rigging arrangement comprised with the hoof analysis system, or arranging a double sided adhesive element between the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof, the adhesive element comprised with the hoof analysis system. This aspect of the invention provides similar advantages as discussed above in relation to the previous aspect of the invention.

The control unit preferably includes an ASIC, a micro processor or any other type of computing device. Similarly, a software executed by the processing circuitry for operating the inventive functionality may be stored on a computer readable medium, being any type of memory device, including one of a removable nonvolatile random access memory, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a USB memory, an SD memory card, or a similar computer readable medium known in the art.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following description. The skilled addressee realizes that different features of the present invention may be combined to create embodiments other than those described in the following, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figs, la and lb conceptually illustrate a hoof analysis system according to a currently preferred embodiment of the invention;

Figs. 2a - 2c illustrate a rigging arrangement to be positioned in contact with an animal hoof; Fig. 3 is a flow chart illustrating the method steps for hoof analysis according to the invention, and

Fig. 4 shows measurement curves acquired using the inventive hoof analysis system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which currently preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided for thoroughness and completeness, and fully convey the scope of the invention to the skilled addressee. Like reference characters refer to like elements throughout.

Referring now to the drawings and to Figs, la and lb in particular, there is depicted a hoof analysis system 100 according to a possible embodiment of the invention. The hoof analysis system 100 comprises a control unit 102 and a plurality of sensors 104. The plurality of sensors 104 (only a single sensor is shown in Fig. lb) are arranged in thermal contact with the hoof 106 of an animal, such as a horse 108. In Fig. lb, the sensor 104 is shown as a "bare" sensor positioned at a frontal wall of the hoof 106. However, it is generally desirable to use more than a single sensor 104, and place the plurality of sensors in a rigging arrangement as will be further illustrated below in Figs. 2a - 2b. The sensors 104 may be communicatively connected to the control unit 102 using a wired connection, alternatively by means of a wireless connection.

The control unit 102 may include a general purpose processor, an application specific processor, a circuit containing processing components, a group of distributed processing components, a group of distributed computers configured for processing, etc. The processor may be or include any number of hardware components for conducting data or signal processing or for executing computer code stored in memory. The memory may be one or more devices for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various methods described in the present description. The memory may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory. The memory may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities of the present description. According to an exemplary embodiment, any distributed or local memory device may be utilized with the systems and methods of this description. According to an exemplary embodiment the memory is communicably connected to the processor (e.g., via a circuit or any other wired, wireless, or network connection) and includes computer code for executing one or more processes described herein.

In a possible optional embodiment of the invention, the control unit 102 is in contact with a server 110 and a database 112, for example over a network such as the Internet 114 (or similar). The server 110 may be configured to perform some parts of the processing according to the invention, and the database 112 may be arranged to store reference data to be used in the determination of condition, such as a defect, for the hoof 106. The server 110 may also be arranged as a portal for experts to review thermal property data acquired using the hoof analysis system 100, thereby assisting e.g. the veterinary or farrier operating the hoof analysis system 100 in determining a condition for the hoof 106, with or without the use of further data stored in the database 112.

As discussed above and with further reference to Figs. 2a - 2c, the sensors 104 are to be arranged in thermal contact with the hoof 106. To achieve the thermal contact with the hoof 106, the sensors 104 may be placed in a rigging arrangement 200. The rigging arrangement 200 comprises a body 202, preferably of a flexible material allowing the rigging arrangement 200 to at least partly encircling the hoof 106. In a possible implementation of the rigging arrangement 200, the sensors 104 are partly separated from each other at a predetermined distance and possibly in a slightly curved manner for allowing the final position, once placed at the hoof 106 as is shown in Figs. 2b and 2c, to be evenly spaced to e.g. the frontal portion of the hoof 106. The rigging arrangement may further be provided with a strap 204 for securely holding the rigging arrangement 200 to the hoof during the measurement cycle. As mentioned above, it may also or alternatively be possible to arranged the at least one sensor at the hoof using a double sided adhesive element, such as an elastic double sided tape, between the front side of the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof.

During operation of the hoof analysis system 100, with further reference to Fig. 3, the process starts by arranging, SI, the rigging arrangement 200 holding the sensors 104 in thermal contact with the hoof 106. The sensors 104 are then placed in communication with the control unit 102, where the control unit 102 is configured to provide, S2, an electrical current to the sensors 104 during a set time period not exceeding 400 seconds for inducing heat to the hoof 106. The control unit 102 will continuously sample, S3, the voltage level across the sensors 104. A large plurality of samples is preferably acquired during the set time period, for example 100 samples per second. Other sampling times, are possible (shorter or linger) and within the scope of the invention.

Based on the acquired samples, the control unit 102 will determine, S4, any changes to the voltage level and subsequently determine S5, a thermal property for the hoof 106. As understood, the change in voltage is an indication of a change in temperature of the hoof 106, i.e. the electrical current is typically kept constant (or at least being known) and a change in temperature will impact the voltage level across the sensors 104. It is desirable to select a material of the resistive element of the sensor 104 to have a suitably high and known TCR (Temperature Coefficient of Resistivity). In typical situations the TCR is of the order of 0.0001 (1/K) or higher, which means that a mean temperature increase of about one degree of the sensor 104 is sufficient for precise recording of both the thermal conductivity and the thermal diffusivity. In a transient and time limited measurement cycle the real-time voltage variation of the sensor 104 is sampled while it is exposed to a current which at the end of the transient event might have increase one degree or even less.

Accordingly, the thermal properties, thermal conductivity and diffusivity can be estimated from the measurements, i.e. the change in voltage level over the sensors 104 being in relation to a change in temperature of the area where the hoof 106 is probed. In order to make the estimation the measurement has to be made during such a short time that the heat flow can be assumed to be linear in a direction perpendicular to the heated surface, and the following equation may be used:

ΔΓ(ίϊ) = A_z + P₀ * (7T§ * r * λ_ζγ * (τ_ζί)

£ i ^ζ' ' ^subset

Where ΔΤ(ΐι) is the temperature increase at time ti, A_z is a free variable representing a thermal contact resistance between sensor and the surface of the measured object; P₀ is the heating power applied to the sensor, r is the radius of the sensor, z is a free variable representing a best-t thermal conductivity associated with d_z or t_z; ¾ is a dimensionless time; ¾ = (ti - tz,corr)° ⁵ * φζ^"° ⁵; t_z,corr is a free variable representing a time correction; φ_ζ is a free variable representing a characteristic time, φ_ζ = r²/a_z for a disk shaped sensor such as sensor 104 shown in Fig. lb; a_z is the best-t thermal diffusivity associated with d_z or t_z; φaverage is a characteristic time, φaverage = r²/a_average; and f(x) is a dimensionless time-function depending on the particular geometry of the sensor and evolution of heat flow. For short times, corresponding to essentially one dimensional heat flow, f(x) = τ for any plane sensor geometry (disc-shaped, square, strip-shaped etc.).

In the equation above the thermal properties are related to time points. To relate them to depth instead the following equation can be used:

Const * (β-average

Where d_z is the probing depth; const is a dimensionless constant in the interval [1;3];

aaverage is the average thermal diffusivity inside the measured object; t_z is the time

representing the time interval selection of time measurement points [t_z; t_z +t_subset] - This makes quite a good approximation for the depth but it could be improved by choosing the constant to some reference for material or group of material having similar thermal transport properties. These two equations together give the thermal conductivity, λ, as a function of the depth from the surface which in turn gives information of how the structure varies.

Turning finally to Fig. 4 illustrating measurement curves acquired using the inventive hoof analysis system 100. In the diagram, a first curve 402 is provided illustrating a measurement cycle performed on a hoof having no defects, and a second curve 404 where void defects are present within the hoof. The first curve 402 shows a stable bulk values until a probing depth of approximately 12 mm, corresponding to the thickness of the hoof capsule. The value then starts to decrease as the heat wave reaches the far wall and the lamellas of the hoof. This is to be compared with the second curve 404 (void defects) where the thermal conductivity starts dropping at ca 7 mm, at which depth the defect occurs. The result confirms that the inventive method is capable of detecting defects in hooves, and that an indication of the thermal conductivity of the anomaly is acquired.

In summary, the present invention relates to a method for analyzing the hoof of an animal using a hoof analysis system comprising a control unit arranged in

communication with at least one sensor, the sensor comprising a resistive element configured for allowing the passing of an electrical current, the method comprising the steps of arranging the at least one sensor in thermal contact with the hoof, providing, using the control unit, a predetermined electrical current to the at least one sensor during a set time period, continuously sampling, using the control unit, a voltage level across the sensor, determining, using the control unit, a change in the voltage level for the set duration of providing the predetermined electrical current, and determining, using the control unit, a thermal property of the hoof of the animal based on the change in the voltage level. Advantages with the invention include the possibility of detecting and possibly pin-pointing abnormalities in the hoof of the animal, for example being a horse, etc. The knowledge of possible abnormalities and its location will allow e.g. veterinaries and farriers to approach the abnormalities in the best possible way and with a minimal impact on the animal.

The control functionality of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine- readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. When information is transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a machine, the machine properly views the connection as a machine-readable medium. Thus, any such connection is properly termed a machine-readable medium.

Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures may show a sequence the order of the steps may differ from what is depicted. Also two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Such variation will depend on the software and hardware systems chosen and on designer choice. All such variations are within the scope of the disclosure. Likewise, software implementations could be accomplished with standard programming techniques with rule based logic and other logic to accomplish the various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps and decision steps. Additionally, even though the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplifying embodiments thereof, many different alterations, modifications and the like will become apparent for those skilled in the art. In addition, variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by the skilled addressee in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. Furthermore, in the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A method for analyzing the hoof of an animal using a hoof analysis system comprising a control unit arranged in communication with at least one sensor, the sensor comprising a resistive element configured for allowing the passing of an electrical current, the method comprising the steps of:

- arranging a front side of the at least one sensor in thermal contact with a surface of the hoof, wherein an insulating layer is arranged to cover a backside of the at least one sensor;

- providing, using the control unit, a predetermined electrical current to the at least one sensor during a set time period;

- continuously sampling, using the control unit, a voltage level across the sensor;

- determining, using the control unit, a change in the voltage level for the set duration of providing the predetermined electrical current, and

- determining, using the control unit, a thermal property of the hoof of the animal based on the change in the voltage level,

wherein the step of arranging the front side of the sensor in thermal contact with the surface of the hoof comprises at least one of:

- arranging a rigging arrangement comprising the at least one sensor to enclose on a portion of the hoof to apply a pressure to the sensor to contact the surface of the hoof, the pressure being within a predetermined range, or

- arranging a double sided adhesive element between the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of:

- selecting a position at the surface of the hoof for arranging the at least one sensor; and

- matching the rigging arrangement such that the at least one sensor comprised with the rigging arrangement is arranged at the selected position.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the rigging arrangement is selected based on at least one of a size of the hoof and the breed of the animal comprising the hoof for analysis.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of:

- polishing, prior to arranging the at least one sensor, a portion of the surface of the hoof where the at least one sensor is to be arranged.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of:

- applying, prior to arranging the at least one sensor, a layer of varnish to a portion of the surface of the hoof where the at least one sensor is to be arranged.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claim, further comprising the step of:

- measuring, using the control unit, a variation of the thermal property in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sensor arranged in heat conductive contact with the hoof.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claim, wherein the resistive element of the sensor is arranged as a double spiral.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the set time period is up to 400 seconds, preferably 20 - 160 seconds.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 - 7, wherein the at least one sensor has an area of less than 1 cm² and the set time period is within the range of 5 to 40 seconds.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the predetermined electrical current is adjusted in accordance to a predetermined stepping function.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of:

- establishing a connection with a database comprising a plurality of thermal property profiles for hooves; and

- matching the determined thermal property with at least one of the plurality of thermal property profiles stored in the database.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising the step of:

- determining a matching level between the determined thermal property and the at least one of the plurality of thermal property profiles stored in the database; and

- determining a condition for the animal hoof based on the matching level.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the condition for the animal hoof is a defect to the animal hoof.

14. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hoof analysis system comprises at least two sensors, the method further comprising the step of:

- determining, using the control unit, a thermal property of the hoof for the at least two sensors, and

- comparing, using the control unit, the thermal properties for the at least two sensors.

15. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of:

- selecting the predetermined electrical current provided to the at least one sensor for determining a thermal property depth profile for the hoof.

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of:

- determining an average thermal property of a volume of the hoof.

17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of: - selecting the predetermined electrical current to increase the temperature in the sensor with a maximum of 10 Kelvin for the set duration.

18. A hoof analysis system for analyzing the hoof of an animal, the system comprising:

- at least one sensor, the sensor comprising a resistive element configured for allowing passing of an electrical current, wherein a front side of the at least one sensor is configured to be arranged in heat conductive contact with the hoof, wherein an insulating layer is arranged to cover a backside of the at least one sensor, and

- a control unit arranged in communication with the at least one sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to:

- provide, during a set time period, a predetermined electrical current to the at least one sensor for activating the sensor;

- continuously sample a voltage level across the sensor;

- determine a change in the voltage level for the set duration of providing the predetermined electrical current, and

- determine a thermal property of the hoof of the animal based on the change in the voltage level,

wherein arranging the front side of the sensor in thermal contact with the surface of the hoof comprises at least one of:

- arranging a rigging arrangement comprising the at least one sensor to enclose on a portion of the hoof to apply a pressure to the sensor to contact the surface of the hoof, the pressure being within a predetermined range, the rigging arrangement comprised with the hoof analysis system, or

- arranging a double sided adhesive element between the at least one sensor and the surface of the hoof, the adhesive element comprised with the hoof analysis system.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the rigging arrangement is selected based on at least one of a size of the hoof and the breed of the animal comprising the hoof for analysis.

20. The system according to any one of claims 18 and 19, wherein the control unit is further configured to measure the variations of the thermal properties in the direction perpendicular to a surface of the sensor arranged in heat conductive contact with the hoof.

21. The system according to any one of claims 18 - 20, wherein the resistive element of the sensor is arranged as a double spiral.

22. The system according to any one of claims 18 - 21, wherein the set time period is up to 400 seconds, preferably 20 - 160 seconds.

23. The system according to any one of claims 18 - 21, wherein the at least one sensor has an area of less than 1 cm2 and the set time period is within the range of 5 to 40 seconds.

24. The system according to any one of claims 18 - 23, the system comprising a plurality of sensors arranged in an adjacent manner in heat conductive contact with the hoof.

25. The system according to claim 24, wherein the control unit is further configured to sequentially activate the plurality of sensors.