Patent ID: 7214128
Filing Date: 2007-05-08
Classification: A01K,A22B,G06K

Abstract:
1. A method for measuring the physical characteristics of an animal having a frame size, a thickness, first and second sides and a back, said animal being positioned within a target zone having first and second sides, an upper portion and a bottom portion using an apparatus comprising means for defining the target zone, a first camera disposed on said first side of said target zone, a second camera disposed on said second side of target zone, a third camera disposed proximate said upper portion of said target zone and data processing means operably associated with said first, second and third cameras for processing data received from said cameras, said first, second and third cameras, said method comprising the steps of: (a) positioning the animal within the target zone; (b) using the first camera, obtaining a range of images of at least a portion of the first side of the animal; (c) using the third camera, obtaining a range of images of at least a portion of the back of the animal; and (d) entering into the data processing means, said range images to produce a plurality of entered range images and processing said plurality of entered range images to form a three-dimensional set representing at least a portion of the surface of the animal.