WO2001064029A1

WO2001064029A1 - Method and apparatus for livestock identification

Info

Publication number: WO2001064029A1
Application number: PCT/AU2001/000226
Authority: WO
Inventors: Josef Pfistershammer
Original assignee: Id+Plus Ltd
Priority date: 2000-03-03
Filing date: 2001-03-02
Publication date: 2001-09-07
Also published as: AUPQ603800A0

Abstract

A method and apparatus for the identification of livestock, the apparatus characterised by comprising a frame through which an animal is to pass, the frame having a lower portion defining a passage through which the animal must move to pass through the frame, the lower portion of the frame further having provided therein, or in association therewith, at least one camera means. The method characterised by comprising at least the following method steps: directing one or more animals through a frame in which at least on camera is provided; photographing the eyes of the individual animal(s); registering the image of the eyes' iris pattern electronically in a database means; and subsequently comparing for verification purposes further photographed animal eyes with images registered in the database means.

Description

"Method and Apparatus for Livestock Identification"

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for livestock identification. More particularly, the method and apparatus of the present invention are intended for use in the registration and verification of livestock identification.

Background Art

It is the nature of livestock industries that all persons and organisations involved need to know with certainty the identity of any animal with which they are confronted. There is particular pressure applied in this area by consumers also, requiring the ability to reliably "trace back" any individual meat-producing animal. Transaction monitoring by the relevant authorities is essential if this ability to "trace back" meat products is to be achieved.

Presently available identification techniques and devices include plastic or metal ear tags, number chains with or without transponders, ankle tags or straps, injectable transponders and rumen boluses. Each of these techniques and devices can be sufficient for the needs of many involved in livestock industries.

However, there is a greatly varying cost associated with each. In addition, none of these prior art techniques and devices provides a tamper-proof alternative since only the identifying device is identified, and not the animal per se. As a result, none avoids the possibility of fraud and consequently none is suitable for use in a National Identification Scheme.

Each of the above mentioned prior art techniques and devices require varying degrees of expenditure from individual livestock owners. It is one aim of the method and apparatus of the present invention to minimise the necessary contribution from individual livestock owners. Attempts have been made to provide animal identification by way of visual means. WO 00/02480 discloses a method for generating a database of biometric information utilising a record of an animal's retinal vasculative. WO94/25857 discloses a method of analysing animals involving illumination and image capture of the features of an eye of the animal, whereby a selected characteristic such as meat tenderness may be identified. US Patent 6081607 describes a process whereby animal body information, such as its granule or granula iridica data, is recorded photographically and compared to pre-stored body data for registration checking. Each of these prior art processes require the capture of an image of the eye of an animal, whilst none discloses an efficient method for doing so. Further, none describes how the animals involved may be handled to facilitate the capture of the required image, this being a particular problem if large numbers of animals are to be processed quickly.

The method and apparatus for livestock identification of the present invention has as one object thereof to overcome substantially the above-mentioned problems associated with the prior art.

The preceding discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge in Australia or any other country as at the priority date of the application.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Disclosure of the Invention

In accordance with the present invention there is provided an apparatus for the identification of livestock, the apparatus characterised by comprising a frame through which an animal is to pass. The said frame having a lower portion defining a passage through which the animal must move to pass through the frame, this lower portion of the frame further having provided therein, or in association therewith, at least one camera means.

A single camera means may be positioned on each side of the passage in the lower portion of the frame. The passage may preferably be formed in a substantially V-shape, having the/or each camera means positioned in the frame defining the lower portion.

Preferably, the/or each camera means is triggered upon an animal passing through the frame. A trigger means may be provided to trigger actuation of the/or each camera means, the trigger means being provided in the form of a light emitting diode or LED.

Each camera means may preferably have associated therewith a light source, which acts to cause the animal's pupils to contract. Preferably the light source is provided in the form of a neon light source. It is still further preferable that the light source is constant. It is further preferable that a light source and camera means is associated with each side of the lower portion of the frame.

The frame preferably further comprises an upper portion defining in, whole or part, an arch structure above the lower portion. An interference means is preferably provided in the arch to interfere with, or impede slightly, the animal's passage through the frame. The interference means may comprise a curtain hanging from the arch to a point adjacent the lower portion of the frame.

In accordance with the present invention there is further provided a method of livestock identification, the method characterised by comprising at least the following method steps:

• directing one or more animals through a frame in which at least one camera is provided; • photographing the eyes of an individual animal;

• registering the image of the eyes' iris pattern electronically in a database means; and

• subsequently comparing for verification purposes further photographed animal eyes with images registered in the database means.

The method of the present invention may comprise the further method steps of:

• directing one or more animals through a frame for photographing of their eyes for registration or verification purposes; and

• the/or each animal activating a trigger means upon entering the frame, thereby causing the necessary photographs to be taken.

The method of the present invention may still further comprise the additional method step of:

• as the/or each animal enters the frame they are confronted by an interference means causing the/or each animal to bow their head, thereby presenting a consistent and predictable head position for the subsequent taking of the photographs.

The method of the present invention may yet still further comprise the additional method step of:

• as the/or each animal passes through the frame an RF (radio frequency) reader may be used to receive a signal emitted from a transponder in an ear tag fixed to the animal, this signal allowing comparison of the identification of the animal via the ear tag and that provided by the database means. The photographs of the animal's individual eyes are preferably combined and expressed mathematically, compressed and stored in the database means. This provides the individual identification (ID) code for the individual animal.

The method of the present invention may preferably utilise the recording and mathematical expression of the inner patterns of the iris, the iris being vertically transected by a straight line and the co-ordinates of the transection points between the said vertical line and the markings of the iris are recorded. It is envisaged that other features of the eye may also be utilised for this purpose.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The apparatus for livestock identification of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to one embodiment thereof and the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of an apparatus for livestock identification in accordance with the present invention, showing a frame through which animals may pass; and

Figure 2 is an upper perspective view of a hand-held camera for use in the method of the present invention.

Best Mode(s) For Carrying Out The Invention

In Figure 1 , there is shown an apparatus 10 for livestock identification, the apparatus 10 comprising in part a frame 12. The frame 12 in turn comprises an upper portion or arch 14 and a lower portion 16.

The lower portion 16 of the frame 12 defines a V-shaped passage 18 by way of inwardly sloping boxes 20. The frame 12 is completed by way of a base member 22 extending between the boxes 20.

The boxes 20 each have housed therein, in a preferably watertight manner, both a camera means 24 and a trigger means (not shown). Each camera means 24 is, for example, provided in the form of a digital camera. It is envisaged that each camera 24 may have a single wide-angle lens or a series of lenses 26 as shown. Each trigger means is, for example, provided in the form of a LED. A light source, for example a neon tube 29 provided in each side member of the arch (to be described hereinafter), is associated with each camera means 24.

The cameras 24 and trigger means' are positioned in the boxes 20 so as to be aimed into the V-shaped passage 18 at the approximate level of the eyes of an animal (not shown) to be registered or verified, passing there through with its head bowed.

The upper portion or arch 14 of the frame 12 comprises a pair of side members 28 and an uppermost cross member 30 spanning the side members 28. An interference means, for example a curtain 32, is provided so as to depend or hang from the cross member 30. The curtain 32 comprises a length of opaque material with a weighted lower edge 34. The lower edge 34 has a central notch, for example a v-shaped notch 36, provided therein to guide an approaching animal (not shown). The curtain 32 hangs within the frame 12 to a point substantially adjacent an upper extremity of the lower portion 16 thereof.

It is expected that the notch 36 will cause an approaching animal to align its head with the notch 36. This ensures the animal's head is located substantially centrally with respect to the passage 18, with its head bowed and substantially at the level of the cameras 24.

It is envisaged that the curtain 32 may depend from or be supported between the side members 28, thereby not requiring the cross member 30.

It is further envisaged that the interference means may be comprised of something other than the curtain 32, for example a chain curtain, and will perform the necessary function. Further, it is envisaged that the curtain 32 may also function to distribute/apply fly powder and/or other treatments to animals passing through the frame 12. A single cable 38 is provided to a power supply (not shown) and further enables electronic communication between the equipment housed in the boxes 20 and a remote or separate computer or processor (not shown).

A palm reader 39 may optionally be provided on the frame 12 at a convenient location.

In Figure 2 there is shown a hand-held camera 40 for use with the present invention. The camera 40 comprises the same digital image capturing means through a central lens 27, but is provided in a portable housing 42. The housing 42 has a handgrip 44 and trigger 46 provided thereon. It is envisaged that any animals not 'registered' at the frame 12 may be registered through use of the camera 40.

The method and apparatus of the present invention utilise the knowledge that the irises of all ruminant eyes are different. The differences are unique to each individual animal and can be assessed by taking, preferably digitally, a picture of the eye. The iris images of both eyes of an individual animal are subsequently combined and, with their mathematical expression suitably compressed, they are stored in a database means. This database record provides the individual ID code for the animal, most commonly a cow, sheep or goat.

It is envisaged that as the/or each animal passes through the frame 12 an RF (radio frequency) reader may be used to receive a signal emitted from a transponder in an ear tag fixed to the animal, this signal allowing comparison of the identification of the animal via the ear tag and that provided by the database means.

It has been established that it is possible to detect imperfections of the surface of the iris. Despite the fact that the shape of the pupil in ruminants is known to vary between rectangular, oval, triangular and to a shape approximating that of an infinity symbol, it is the minor gradient lines beneath and above the pupil which provide the greatest variation, and subsequently the most accurate individual identification. Software associated with the output of the cameras 24 provide for the inner imperfections of the iris to be transected by a straight line and the coordinates of the transection points between the said vertical line and the markings of the iris are recorded. The relative distances between these concentric imperfections remain constant despite varying light conditions causing the pupil of the animal to dilate or contract. Further, the relative position of each transection point also remains a readily calculated constant and it is subsequently possible to concentrate on a particular section of the inner portion of the iris with any analysis. Analysing the images of both eyes for an individual animal and combining them results in what the inventor believes is a reliable identification code for an individual animal.

It is envisaged that other features of an animal' eye may be utilised for recording and comparison purposes.

The hardware for use with the method and apparatus of the present invention is based upon digital photography utilising digital cameras 24 with wide-angle lenses and very high resolution, preferably of the nature of 2,000 x 2,000 pixels. The cameras 24 are low-light sensitive and are combined with the neon tube 29 to make the pupils of the animal approaching and entering the frame 12 contract within milliseconds. The taking of the pictures by the cameras 24 is triggered by interruption of the trigger means as the animal walks through the frame 12. The shutter release for the cameras 24 is time delayed so as to ensure that the pictures are taken when the animal is at the ideal depth into and through the frame 12.

The V-shaped passage through the lower portion 16 of the frame 12 ensures that animals walking therethrough do so in a predictable and repeatable position. The curtain 32 provided hanging from the cross member 30 also aids in this regard. It is known to be the instinctive behaviour of ruminants to duck or bow their heads when they come up against a minor obstruction of the nature of the present interference means. This reflex action helps that animal to avoid leading with its nose or exposing its eyes to the obstacles. The V-shaped passage further acts to ensure that the eyes of the animal pass the cameras 24 within a preferred distance of 5 to 20 cm. Given the reflex action of the animal to bow its head when passing through the frame, there is a physical constraint upon the animal to keep its nose and head within the V-shaped passage. It should be noted that it is of no consequence that the two eyes of the animal are photographed from different distances. Further, the method of the present invention is not affected by the fact that original registration photographs may be taken at a different angle or distance to any subsequently verified photographs. The software associated with the method and apparatus of the present invention will manage such inconsistencies and correct the image to a standard size and angle prior to verification.

It is envisaged that the software supplied with the apparatus of the present invention may be coded to communicate only with a frame 12 sold therewith. A "slave" frame may be required in certain circumstances and this should be specified at the time of supply of the apparatus such that chips for the cameras 24 in the "slave" frames may be coded to match those in the original frame 12.

It is envisaged that the method and apparatus of the present invention may have particular application in the implementation of any National Livestock Identification Scheme. The following represents, by way of example only, the application of the method and apparatus of the present invention to such a scheme.

Those involved in livestock industries needs to know the identity of individual animals. This is especially true given the consumer driven demand for the ability to trace back individual meat producing animals.

None of the prior art methods is in any way fail safe or completely tamper proof, and thus is not suitable for any livestock industry, which wants to introduce a reliable National Identification Scheme. The present invention has as one object the improvement of the prior art techniques, and to offer the industry a method with low infrastructure costs, wherein each individual livestock owner need only contribute financially at a very low level. The only other contribution a seller would have to make is to slide his property ID card through an "EFTPOS" style terminal attached to the system and enter a PIN assigned to him or her.

The system is highly convenient since the animals are registered as they walk through the frame 12. A frame 12 may be mounted at the entry gate to every licensed livestock transportation truck and no further input would be required. The identities and the tally of the loaded animals would, via modem, be electronically recorded at the database. At the time of off-loading this recorded tally and the IDs are verified. All that is necessary for the faultless transaction recording is access to a modem-equipped mobile phone. If the latter is not available, it is then possible to store the registrations and the tally on diskette or the like. At the time of arrival at either a sale yard or an abattoir the disk is simply inserted into the resident computer and up-loaded to the database at this stage.

Should any Authority or buyer be in doubt as to the identity of an animal presented for sale, again, for a very small infrastructure expenditure, the facility can be put in place to provide this security. When an animal runs off a licensed livestock transportation truck a pair of "roller markers" may be employed to automatically paint a running number on its sides. This running number corresponds in the database to the registration of the animal concerned. All the information stored in the database connected with this animal may be made available at that instance.

It is envisaged that abattoirs may be able to utilise the method and apparatus of the present invention so as to protect not only their integrity but also to qualify for quality assurance (QA) accreditation. Equally, there is a distinct advantage, for whatever veterinary inspection purposes it may be, to be able to rely on a 100% accurate identification and origin determination of all animals. It is important to establish the source of any residues, be it hormonal or from pesticides, or pathogenic contamination. Being able to eliminate carcasses originating from quarantined areas from the chain with a 100% certainty would also be a great cost saving exercise. Regarding hardware, once again, all that is required is a frame 12 with a set of cameras positioned in an abattoir in the spot where the removed head is examined for veterinary purposes. The eyes remain available for scanning for up to 20 minutes post mortem. There is no need for any operator in-put, and carcasses would be labelled on the basis of the established registration.

Livestock producer compliance with prior art systems is rather poor due to the complexity of record keeping and the inconvenience of either filling out forms or attaching ID means to the beasts.

The following is a brief outline of the steps that would need to be taken:

1. all property owners are issued with a "Property Code Card" (PCC), containing possibly their relevant Lands Department's GPS code, and a "Personal Identification Number (PIN);

2. the National Database, with possible sub-centres in each state or region, contains a file relating to the PCC which, from the outside, can only be accessed via the proper PIN (a livestock owner has the ability to choose his or her own PIN);

3. whenever animals are being moved for the purpose of selling or slaughtering they must be transported in a "licensed" truck (a licensed truck is one fitted with the apparatus 10 of the present invention as described previously);

4. all these trucks must be equipped with an "Electronic Data Capturing and/or Transmission Terminal" (EDC/TT);

5. all official saleyards and abattoirs will be equipped with the present invention and be linked to the central or regional database;

6. administration of hormonal growth promotants (HGPs) and/or veterinary treatments must be entered into the PCC file; and 7. purchases must be verified by the buyer at the time of exit of the animals from the truck.

Assuming that within a National Animal Identification Scheme proper ID of all stock was to be made compulsory, the advantages, which will follow below, would be an added benefit inherent in the scheme. However, should enrolment in any Animal ID R&V Services be a voluntary exercise there are still economic benefits.

With cattle, for example, all presently available identification methods are either damaging to the hide, and thus quite costly, or they can readily be removed altogether, or altered to such an extent that they no longer resemble the original. However, it is presently impossible to alter an individual's iris pattern.

The method and apparatus of the present invention competes favourably against any electronic ID currently being offered in the market place. The main advantage is the obvious cost saving since each animal is born with its identification means. There is no need to furbish all individual animals with expensive electronic devices, which can either be lost or fail to function from time to time.

Should an animal become injured within the one eye, the only necessary step that may need to be taken is that this particular beast is re-registered with the new pattern as its ID.

With regard to Station/Ranch Management Practices, in this particular section of the cattle industry most are aware that establishing ownership is of great concern. By simply registering the identity of all animals during the annual muster (i.e. run all beasts through a frame 12 obtained through a contractor) an accurate and cost efficient method of ownership establishment can be adopted. These identities cannot be altered except by removing both eyes, and the value of the hides are in no way compromised.

With reference to Beef Studs, or Breeding Centres it should be noted that all that is required is that during any routine management operation, such as tagging, drenching, mustering, etc., all animals (i.e. from as young as 1 month old) are run through a frame 12 in the race.

The job of subsequently checking the identity of an animal is both very easy and accurate, as described previously. Equally, whenever any animals leave the farm for a temporary stint elsewhere or for the care under someone else's management, it will be easy to find out whether the returned beasts are the same as those originally sent away.

Dairy herd management based upon daily feeding adjustments corresponding to individual milk production can benefit from use of the apparatus and method of the present invention. Especially, identification within a milking robot system would no longer require the installation of specific sequential steps should the prior art attached ID of an animal not be recognisable.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the identification of livestock, the apparatus characterised by comprising a frame through which an animal is to pass, the frame having a lower portion defining a passage through which the animal must move to pass through the frame, the lower portion of the frame further having provided therein, or in association therewith, at least one camera means.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a single camera means is positioned on each side of the passage in the lower portion of the frame.

3. An apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the passage is formed in a substantially V-shape.

4. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the/or each camera means is triggered upon an animal passing through the frame.

) 5. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a trigger means is provided to trigger actuation of the/or each camera means.

6. An apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the trigger means is provided in the form of a light emitting diode (LED).

7. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the/or each camera means has associated therewith a light source, which acts to cause the animal's pupils to contract.

8. An apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the light source is provided in the form of a neon light source.

9. An apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the light source is constant.

10. An apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein both a light source and camera means are associated with each side of the lower portion of the frame.

11. An apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame further comprises an upper portion defining, in whole or part, an arch structure above the lower portion.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein an interference means is preferably provided in the arch to interfere with or impede slightly, the animal's passage through the frame.

13. An apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the interference means comprises a curtain hanging from the arch to a point substantially adjacent the lower portion of the frame.

14. An apparatus according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a notch is provided in a lower edge of the interference means.

15. An apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein a lowermost edge of the interference means is weighted.

16. A method of livestock identification, the method characterised by comprising at least the following method steps:

directing one or more animals through a frame in which at least one camera is provided;

photographing the eyes of the individual animal(s);

registering the image of the eyes' iris pattern electronically in a database means; and subsequently comparing for verification purposes further photographed animal eyes with images registered in the database means.

17. A method according to claim 14, wherein the method comprises the further method step of:

The/or each animal activating a trigger means upon entering the frame, thereby causing the necessary photographs to be taken.

18. A method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the method still further comprises the additional method step of:

as the or each animal enters the frame they are confronted by an interference means causing the or each animal to bow their head, thereby presenting a consistent and predictable head position for the subsequent taking of the photographs.

19. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the method still further comprises the additional method step of:

as the or each animal passes through the frame an RF (radio frequency) reader is used to receive a signal emitted from a transponder in an ear tag fixed to the animal, this signal allowing comparison of the identification of the animal via the ear tag and that provided by the database means.

20. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the photographs of both an animal's eyes are combined and expressed mathematically, compressed and stored in the database means, thereby providing the individual identification (ID) code for the individual animal.

1. A method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein the method utilises the recording and mathematical expression of the inner patterns of the iris, the iris being transected by a straight line and the co-ordinates of the transection points between the said vertical line and the markings of the iris are recorded.