DESC: FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION: A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ONLINE CALIBRATION OF A MILK ANALYZER

2. APPLICANT:

0B1. (a) NAME : PROMPT EQUIPMENTS PVT. LTD.
(b) NATIONALITY : Indian
(c) ADDRESS : 3-B, VARDAN EXCLUSIVE,
NEAR STADIUM PETROL PUMP,
NEXT TO VIMAL HOUSE
NAVRANGPURA, AHMEDABAD- 380014,
GUJARAT, INDIA

3. PREMABLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
PROVISIONAL

The following specification describes the invention. ? COMPLETE

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

Field of Invention
The present invention relates to a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer and more particularly it relates to a system and method for online calibration of the milk analyzer having no manual intervention for the calibration of the equipment that ensures no error.

Background and prior art of the invention

Measurement of the component parts of milk, and real time knowledge of the results of these measurements, is an important factor in the efficient management of a dairy farm. Knowledge of the levels of almost all of the various component parts of the milk is important for different aspects of the herd management. These components include fat, SNF, total protein, casein, lactose, somatic cells, progesterone, amino-acids urea, and nucleic acid.

FAT and SNF (Solids-Not-Fat), in particular, are of great importance determining the price that the farmer will obtain for his milk and payment to farmer is done on basis of their measured % value in volume of milk. This is applicable to both the basic product - milk - and dairy products and moreover, is often used as an indication of quality and as an attractive factor for the consumer.

The farmers generally supply the raw milk in the dairy. The dairy managements have to give the price for the milk to the farmers. The price of the milk is decided by the value of the % FAT and % SNF contents present into the milk and these values of the % FAT and % SNF measured by the milk analyzer system. The milk analyzer system has to be calibrated time to time in order to check whether the measurement accuracy of the equipment is within the specified limit or not.

Various prior arts have been disclosed the process for identifying the defects in the milk analyzer system. One such prior art which disclose a method for identifying malfunctioning or deviating milk meter. The method only describes how to identify a malfunctioning in milk meter by using previously recorded actual milk yields and comparing them with calculated expected milk yields.

When a malfunctioning milk meter has been identified, a manual re-calibration of the malfunctioning milk meter is performed. The described method is limited in use since it assumes that the systematic error in measurement does not worsen at the same time on all milk meters, that an error in measurement will drift in one direction (directed error), and that the other milking equipment has no defects. The limitation of this disclosed method is, it only detects the malfunctioning of the milk analyzer.

Another method is available in which the milk analyzer is transferred to any certified calibrating laboratory for calibration. The calibration is done by the manual process in which the types of the milk are needed for example, Cow milk. In calibration the two known values of the milk parameters are needed i.e. high sample value and low sample value and the samples are measured 5-7 consecutive times. The limitation of this manual process is, it is very tedious and time consuming method. Moreover, in this method of analysis, it is a possibility to data manipulation.

The all conventional process encounters various problems which leads the difficulties as follows:

1. The hardware of existing, milk analyzer does not have capability to link up with android mobile/or other mobile system through bluetooth and hence, cannot be connected to laboratory portal through cloud application.

2. There are chances of manipulation in declared values of % FAT and % SNF of sample. Hence, financial loss can be occurred to the farmer or dairy cooperative society (DCS).

3. Daily or periodic cleaning of the milk analyzer can be compromised which severely affects the measured value of % FAT & % SNF of milk.

4. It is not possible to have records of calibration data or history.

Hence, to overcome the abovementioned problems it is desperately needed to introduce a system and method for online calibration of the milk analyzer.

Object of Invention:

The main object of present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer.

Another object of present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer to provide assurance to farmers that their milk, poured at the collection centre indicates correct % FAT and % SNF and they will get correct value of their poured milk.

Further object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer that has standard calibration procedures established by laboratory portal. So, it is free from adjustment and manipulation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer in which system will calibrate local equipment at field/collection center with standard equipment placed at the central laboratory.

Further, object of the present invention is to provide system and method for online calibration of milk analyzer in which only a person authorized by management can check / change Calibration parameters.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer having no manual intervention for the calibration of the equipment, ensuring it is free from the errors induced due to individual differences at the person end.

Another object of present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer which provides the complete calibration records along with complete history of the calibration records as an evidence.

Further object of the preset invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer in which a milk samples tested with any primary method or control samples (pretested samples) provided by the laboratory is used for calibration.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer in which if accuracy of any milk analyzer deviates from the specified limit, procedure of recalibration can be initiated, and digital device will calculate new calibration parameters and these new calibration parameters will be established in the affected equipment through application.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer for preventive check for robust operation / service free operation.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer with alerts to concern authority if the standardized operating procedure is not followed.

Summary of Invention:

The present invention relates to a system and method for online calibration of milk analyzer. The system mainly comprises milk analyzer a milk handling module, an ultrasound sensing module, a microcontroller module. The apparatus for fetching data having a data interfacing module, a digital device & a data comparison module, a data connectivity module and a data storage and analysis module. The milk analyzer is associated with apparatus for fetching data through data interfacing module. A digital device and data interfacing module configured to receives the data of milk % FAT and % SNF, added water and density of milk from the milk analyzer through data interfacing module. The data of pretested sample, whose quality parameters are known & it is stable for specific period of time are stored as reference value at the data storage and analysis module. The selection of sample is such that it covers the complete range of % FAT and % SNF, supposed to be tested by equipment. Similar set of samples are sent to the field. Results of measurement from field are compared with reference value fetched from data storage and analysis module by digital device and data comparison module. Hence, there is absence of manual intervention for the calibration of the equipment, free from the errors induced due to individual differences at the person end.

Brief description of drawings

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a system and method for online calibration of milk analyzer.

Detailed description of the Invention

Before explaining the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details. The invention is capable of other embodiment and of being practiced or carried out in a variety of ways. It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation.

It is to be also understood that the term "comprises" and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article "comprising" (or "which comprises") components A, B, and C can consist of (i.e., contain only) components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C but also contain one or more other components.

It is to be understood that “pretested sample“ includes milk samples tested with any primary method like Gerber for % Fat and Gravimetric for % TS or any authentic calibration liquid sample whose composition values are stored at laboratory portal for calibration purpose.

The present invention relates to a system for online calibration of a milk analyzer (1) comprises a milk analyzer (1) and an apparatus for fetching data (9) that is configured to communicate with the milk analyzer (1).

The milk analyzer (1) having a milk handling module (2) which manages pretested sample, is associated with an ultrasound sensing module (3) through a microcontroller module (4), the microcontroller module (4) electronically communicates with the ultrasound sensing module (3) to control milk analyzing operation, the microcontroller module (4) regulates temperatures of the pretested sample to different values in different stage of measurements. The ultrasound sensing module (3) measures the characteristics of the milk sample.

As describe in fig. 1, the apparatus for fetching data (9) comprises a data interfacing module (5) which is configured with the microcontroller module (4), a digital device and data comparison module (6) configured to receives the data of the pretested sample from the milk analyzer (1) through the microcontroller module (4) and the data interfacing module (5), a data connectivity module (7) is directly connected with the digital device and data comparison module (6) to transmit the calibration data and record into a data storage and analysis module (8). Said data storage and analysis module (8) stores calibration parameters and related data obtained from the milk analyzer (1) at a field from the digital device and data comparison module (6) through the data connectivity module (7) and pretested sample data of the calibration liquid obtained from the laboratory. The data storage and analysis module (8) also keeps record of calibration history of each milk analyzer connected with it. The data storage and analysis module (8) have capability to connect with more than one milk analyzers in the field.

In method for calibration of milk analyzer in accordance with present embodiments, first the composition values of “pretested samples” are stored in data storage and analysis module.

A method for online calibration of a milk analyzer comprises following steps:

a) A digital device is paired with a milk analyzer (1) to be calibrated through wireless connecting means, i. e, bluetooth. However, it is to be understood that the milk analyzer can be connected with digital device by any other physical connecting means.
b) A pretested sample is first introduced in a vessel at inlet of a milk sample handing module (2) of the milk analyzer (1).
c) The milk sample handing module (2) automatically load the pretested sample into the pipe with controlled heating.
d) The temperature of said sample is regulated by a microcontroller module (4) to different temperatures at different stages (i.e. 42 -45 °C to 60-65 °C).
e) The characteristics of said sample are measured by an ultrasound sensing module (3).
f) The measured sample data is stored in the memory and data is analyzed statically by the microcontroller module (4).
g) The data of pretested sample from data storage and analysis module is synchronized to the digital device and data comparison module (6).
h) The data of pretested sample which is measured by the milk analyzer (1) is communicated to the digital device and data comparison module (6) through a data interfacing module (5).
i) The digital device and data comparison module (6) compares the pretested samples data obtained from the milk analyzer (1) and data fetched from data storage and analysis module.
j) The digital device and data comparison module (6) calculates calibration parameters and the final result of calibration process with data are reported to a data storage and analysis module (8) through a data connectivity module (7).

For the identical pretested samples, if results of measurement for the equipment in the field and reference value stored at data storage and analysis module at the laboratory deviates beyond specified limit, procedure of recalibration is initiated, and new calibration parameters are established in the affected equipment remotely through application by digital device and data comparison module (6). Hence, the present invention provides a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer (1) having no manual intervention for the calibration of the equipment, free from the errors induced due to individual differences at the person end.
It further provides online calibration of a milk analyzer (1) for preventive check for robust operation / service free operation. Moreover, it provides a system and method for online calibration of a milk analyzer (1) with alerts to concern authority if the standardized operating procedure is not followed.

Although the method and use has been specifically described, it should be understood that variations in the preferred embodiment could be achieved by a person skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. It is also to be understood that the present invention is given with the understanding that this invention is intended only to be illustrations without serving as a limitation on the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

We Claim:

1. A system for online calibration of milk analyzer (1) comprises a milk analyzer (1) and an apparatus for fetching data (9) configured to communicate with the milk analyzer (1);

The milk analyzer (1) having a milk handling module (2) which manages a pretested sample associated with a ultrasound sensing module (3) through a microcontroller module (4), the microcontroller module (4) electronically communicates with the ultrasound sensing module (3) to control milk analyzing operation, the microcontroller module (4) regulates temperatures of said sample to different values in different stage of measurements, the ultrasound sensing module (3) measures the characteristics of said sample;

Characterized in that the apparatus for fetching data (9) comprises a data interfacing module (5) configured with the milk analyzer (1), a digital device and data comparison module (6) configured to receives the data of the pretested sample from the milk analyzer (1) through the micro controller module (4) and the data interfacing module (5), a data connectivity module (7) directly connected with the digital device and data comparison module (6) and transmit the same into a data storage and analysis module (8).

2. The system for online calibration of milk analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data storage and analysis module (8) stores calibration parameter and related data obtained by comparing the data of pretested sample from the milk analyzer (1) and the data stored in data storage and analysis module.

3. A method for online calibration of milk analyzer (1) comprises following steps:
(a) storing the data of a pretested sample in data storage and analysis module;
(b) paring a digital device with the milk analyzer to be calibrated (1);
(c) introducing the pretested sample in a vessel at inlet of a milk sample handing module (2) of the milk analyzer (1);
(d) automatically loading said sample into a pipe with controlled heating through the milk sample handing module (2);
(e) regulating the temperature of said sample by a microcontroller module (4) to different temperatures at different stages;
(f) measuring the characteristics of said sample by an ultrasound sensing module (3);
(g) storing the measured pretested sample data in the memory and analyzing the data statically by the microcontroller module (4);
Characterized in that,
(h) synchronizing the data of pretested sample stored in data storage and analysis module to the digital device and data comparison module (6);
(i) communicating the data of pretested samples measured by the milk analyzer (1) to the digital device and data comparison module (6) through data interfacing module (5);
(j) comparing the data of pretested sample obtained from the milk analyzer (1) and data stored in data storage and analysis module by the digital device and data comparison module (6);
(k) calculating calibration parameters through digital device and data comparison module (6) and final result of calibration process with data is reported to a data storage and analysis module (8) through a data connectivity module (7).

4. The method for online calibration of milk analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1 (step e), wherein regulating the temperature of the milk sample from 42-45 °C to 60-65 °C.

Dated this on October 31, 2020
,CLAIMS:We Claim:

1. A system for online calibration of milk analyzer (1) comprises a milk analyzer (1) and an apparatus for fetching data (9) configured to communicate with the milk analyzer (1);

The milk analyzer (1) having a milk handling module (2) which manages a pretested sample associated with a ultrasound sensing module (3) through a microcontroller module (4), the microcontroller module (4) electronically communicates with the ultrasound sensing module (3) to control milk analyzing operation, the microcontroller module (4) regulates temperatures of said sample to different values in different stage of measurements, the ultrasound sensing module (3) measures the characteristics of said sample;

Characterized in that the apparatus for fetching data (9) comprises a data interfacing module (5) configured with the milk analyzer (1), a digital device and data comparison module (6) configured to receives the data of the pretested sample from the milk analyzer (1) through the micro controller module (4) and the data interfacing module (5), a data connectivity module (7) directly connected with the digital device and data comparison module (6) and transmit the same into a data storage and analysis module (8).

2. The system for online calibration of milk analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said data storage and analysis module (8) stores calibration parameter and related data obtained by comparing the data of pretested sample from the milk analyzer (1) and the data stored in data storage and analysis module.

3. A method for online calibration of milk analyzer (1) comprises following steps:
(a) storing the data of a pretested sample in data storage and analysis module;
(b) paring a digital device with the milk analyzer to be calibrated (1);
(c) introducing the pretested sample in a vessel at inlet of a milk sample handing module (2) of the milk analyzer (1);
(d) automatically loading said sample into a pipe with controlled heating through the milk sample handing module (2);
(e) regulating the temperature of said sample by a microcontroller module (4) to different temperatures at different stages;
(f) measuring the characteristics of said sample by an ultrasound sensing module (3);
(g) storing the measured pretested sample data in the memory and analyzing the data statically by the microcontroller module (4);
Characterized in that,
(h) synchronizing the data of pretested sample stored in data storage and analysis module to the digital device and data comparison module (6);
(i) communicating the data of pretested samples measured by the milk analyzer (1) to the digital device and data comparison module (6) through data interfacing module (5);
(j) comparing the data of pretested sample obtained from the milk analyzer (1) and data stored in data storage and analysis module by the digital device and data comparison module (6);
(k) calculating calibration parameters through digital device and data comparison module (6) and final result of calibration process with data is reported to a data storage and analysis module (8) through a data connectivity module (7).

4. The method for online calibration of milk analyzer (1) as claimed in claim 1 (step e), wherein regulating the temperature of the milk sample from 42-45 °C to 60-65 °C.

Dated this on October 31, 2020