• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.30 no.5 s.112
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• pp.299-305
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• 2005

This study was developed image processing algorithm for recognition of few teats of a cow in the image using black and white camera attached with infrared filter. Spectroscopic analysis was used for selection of a NIR filter to separate teats from udder skin in the image captured. To verify the performance of image processing algorithm was developed and NIR filter was selected, carried out an experiment with cows. NIR band-pass filter was used to pass the 975nm band of light spectrum. The image processing algorithm was developed could recognize all teats and the process time was 0.9 second to recognize the all teats and to acquire end position of teats.

• Journal of Biosystems Engineering
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• v.32 no.1 s.120
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• pp.44-49
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• 2007

A stereo vision system was developed for robot milking system (RMS) using two monochromatic cameras. An algorithm for inverse perspective transformation was developed for the 3-D information acquisition of all teats. To verify performance of the algorithm in the stereo vision system, indoor tests were carried out using a test-board and model teats. A real cow and a model cow were used to measure distance errors. The maximum distance errors of test-board, model teats and real teats were 0.5 mm, 4.9 mm and 6 mm, respectively. The average distance errors of model teats and real teats were 2.9 mm and 4.43 mm, respectively. Therefore, it was concluded that this algorithm was sufficient for the RMS to be applied.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.8 no.3
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• pp.165-170
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• 2002

This study was carried out to measure the 3D-distance of a cow model teat for an application possibility on Robotic Milking System(RMS). A teat recognition algorithm was made to find 3D-distance of the model by using Gonzalrez's theory. Some of the results are as follows. 1 . In the distance measurement experiment on the test board, as the measured length, and the length between the center of image surface and the measured image point became longer, their error values increased. 2. The model teat was installed and measured the error value at the random position. The error value of X and Y coordinates was less than 5㎜, and that of Z coordinates was less than 20㎜. The error value increased as the distance of camera's increased. 3. The equation for distance information acquirement was satisfied with obtaining accurate distance that was necessary for a milking robot to trace teats, A teat recognition algorithm was recognized well four model cow teats. It's processing time was about 1 second. It appeared that a teat recognition algorithm could be used to determine the 3D-distance of the cow teat to develop a RMS.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.93-100
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• 2011

This study was conducted to verify the applicability of robot milking system through acquisition and analysis of model teat's position information using scanning range finder (SRF). Model teats, same size and shape as real teats, were designed to analyze the properties according to the material, distance error and angle error of the sensor. In addition, 2-dimensional distance information of each teats was obtained at same time with 4 teat models and the result were as follows. 1. In the case of the fingers on the experiment for selection of materials for teat model, the distance error was from 4.3 mm to 1.3 mm, average was 2.8 mm as a minimum record. In the case of rubber material, average distance error was 4.3 mm. So, this material was considered to be a most suitable model. 2. The distance error was maximum at 100 mm distance. The more distance increased, the less error increased up to 300 mm. Then the error increased after 300 mm and decreased again. 3. The maximum angle error of 10.1 mm was measured at $170^{\circ}$, in case of $70^{\circ}$ the error was 0.2 mm as a minimum value. There was no specific tendency to error of angle. 4. In the 2-dimensional location error for 4 teat models, distance error was 3.8 mm as minimum and 7.2 mm as maximum. The angle error was $1.2^{\circ}$ as maximum. All of errors were included within the accuracy of sensor, the robot milking system was considered to be applicable to measure the distance of teats due to the measuring velocity of SRF and the hole size of teat-cup.

• Journal of Animal Environmental Science
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.29-36
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• 2009

The authors of this study have developed a robot milking system composed of a multi-articular manipulator, a teat-cup attachment system, and an image processing system. In order to verify the efficacy of this system, we have conducted a performance analysis and measurement experiment of milk yield, using dairy cattle. It was concluded that teat recognition using the image processing system, teat-cup attachment, and detachment system did not binder milking. The milking yield of the robot milking system was analyzed based on a lactation curve. As a result, it was determined that the use of a robot milking system had no significant effects on milking yields. The robot milking system described in this study is designed specifically with a focus on teat-cup attachment and detachment performance, as well as the effect of these factors on milking yield. In the future, in-depth studies regarding the washing of the teats prior to milking, teat massage, pre-treatment and post-treatment processes after milking, and disinfection processes shall be conducted, in order to render this system feasible for use in an actual milking parlor.