Abstract: A system that compares, ranks, sorts and grades animals or carcasses into groups of like kinds according to previously determined predicted maximum values. For live animals, the system uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) on a single occasion to evaluate the animal and determine a number of days the animal must be fed to reach a maximum value. For carcasses, the system evaluates the carcass to grade the quality and quantity of meat the carcass will provide. The system also combines MRI imaging with a three-dimensional system to refine the number of days remaining for the animal to reach a maximum value, and the system, when used in a feedlot, will direct the animal to a feed pen based on the number of days remaining for the animal to reach maximum value.

Abstract: A system for determining a three-dimensional image of an animal, or other symmetric object, by projecting a pattern of light on the object and capturing two images of the reflected light with two cameras located a fixed distance apart. Using triangulation, the x, y, and z locations of each element of the light pattern is measured, thus creating a three-dimensional image of the surface of the object. Because animals are symmetric, an image need only be taken of one side of the animal, and the image mirrored, to determine the complete three dimensional characteristics of the animal.

Abstract: A system measures the three-dimensional linear, angular and volumetric characteristics of an animal or carcass, such as a beef animal. The system uses light spots from a structured light camera to measure multiple points on the animal. The system locates the vertical, horizontal and depth dimension for each point and uses this data to calculate the desired linear and volumetric measurements for conformation of the animal by combining measurements of some of the light spots projected on the animal. The system also provides rapid consecutive three-dimensional motion pictures of the animal.

Abstract: A computerized system that scans the animal using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). The scan data is analyzed within the computer to determine if an embryo is present or to determine if scar tissue is present, or to determine the size of organs within the animal. The scan data is produced as digital pixel values, coded as gray scale values, within scan wave lines wherein the gray scale values represent types of tissue. The size of the embryo is defined by separating the embryo tissue from the surrounding muscle tissue of the uterus. The embryo is classified by size by comparing and ranking within like kinds of animals to determine the age of the embryo.

Abstract: A computerized system scans an animal using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to produce digital pixel values representing internal tissue. The pixel values are coded as gray scale values representing of the density of tissue scanned. The computer system then classifies each pixel, based upon its gray scale value, as representing fat, muscle, cartilage or skeletal tissue. Once classified, the percentage of intramuscular fat is calculated and presented on the screen of the computer system. Once the pixel data is classified, a perimeter around the muscle being scanned is defined by separating the muscle tissue from the surrounding tissue, and, the area of the muscle is calculated and presented to the user of the system. Multiple scans are performed along one dimension of the animal to determine the volume of the muscle. The system also ranks the animal with animals of like kind.

Abstract: A system measures the three-dimensional phenotypic characteristics of an animal, such as a dairy cow. The system uses a large number of modulated laser light beams from a lidar camera to measure approximately 100 points per square inch of the animal. Each laser beam measures intensity, horizontal, vertical, and depth dimensions, and by combining the measurements, the system composes a very accurate three-dimensional image of the animal. The systems calculates the desired phenotypic measurements for conformation of the animal by combining measurements of selected points on the animal. The system then stores the measurements for each animal in a computer data base for later use. The system also stores a light intensity image of the animal's markings which is compared to other stored images.