AU2017239570B2

AU2017239570B2 - Apparatus and system for identification, monitoring and control of animals

Info

Publication number: AU2017239570B2
Application number: AU2017239570A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Ian Smith
Original assignee: Ceres Tag Ltd
Current assignee: Ceres Tag Ltd
Priority date: 2016-10-11
Filing date: 2017-10-05
Publication date: 2021-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2037-10-05
Also published as: AU2021202601A1; AU2017239570A1; AU2021102218B4; AU2021202601B2; AU2021102218A4

Abstract

A wearable animal tracking and controlling apparatus (1000) for monitoring and controlling an animal wearing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a position detector (150) for determining position of the animal wearing said apparatus; a stimulator (160) for selectively applying stimulus to the animal; an identifying module (170) comprising information relating to the animal wearing said apparatus; a processor (180) in communication with the position detector, stimulator and said identifying module; the processor being provided for operating the stimulator (160) on the basis of the position of the animal wearing said apparatus, as determined by the position detector (150). The wearable apparatus (1000) may also include at least one sensor for monitoring the wearing animal's health or well-being, preferably including a temperature sensor. (Fig. 3) 2/7 220 200 4 1000 210 300A -300B 330 310 120 -100 160 195 175 170 Figure 3 1000 ----- --- 1 0 ---- Power----ource a 180 Transmittererometer Receiver195m letor0 - - - -- --------| ---------------- --------------- Power Source 210 - Processor eno30 RFID 170 ----- A ccelerometer Stimulator 160 Memory 205 190 Figure 4

Description

2/7

220 200 4 1000

210 300A -300B

330 310 120 -100 160

195 175 170

Figure 3 1000

-------- 1 0 ---- Power----ource - - - -- --------| a 180

Transmittererometer --------------- ---------------- Power Source Receiver195m 210 - letor0 Processor eno30

RFID 170 -----

A ccelerometer

Stimulator 160

Memory 205 190

Figure 4

AUSTRALIA PATENTSACT1990

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION, MONITORING AND CONTROL OF ANIMALS

The invention is fully described, including the best manner of performance, in the following statements:

APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR IDENTIFICATION, MONITORING AND CONTROL OF ANIMALS TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to an apparatus and system for identifying, monitoring and controlling animals. More specifically, the invention relates to monitoring, management and controlling livestock, for example sheep, cattle or other ruminant animals, in an open range.

BACKGROUND

The discussion of any prior art documents, techniques, methods or apparatus is not to be taken to constitute any admission or evidence that such prior art forms, or ever formed, part of the common general knowledge.

Monitoring and controlling livestock movement over large areas can be beneficial for many reasons. Monitoring of livestock is important for reducing losses through theft, disease and also complying with relevant laws. Livestock theft and fraud is a major issue and most incidents of livestock theft go unsolved. It is common for stolen livestock in one state to be transported across regional boundaries and be sold at full price in another region.

It is important for an overseer to monitor grazing patterns of livestock and control the grazing pattern of livestock and so avoid overgrazing of a pastoral area. Overgrazing occurs when a plant is grazed before it has recovered from a previous grazing. Overgrazing damages the natural balance of grazing lands. Overgrazing may be avoided limiting livestock movement in specific pastoral areas until a pasture has completely recovered. However, controlling the boundaries within which livestock graze is often difficult because expensive fencing must be erected to limit the movement of livestock within the fenced area. Erecting physical fencing is expensive and so it would be desirable to provide an improved manner of managing livestock to prevent overgrazing and managing livestock and pastoral lands.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a wearable animal tracking and controlling apparatus for monitoring and controlling an animal wearing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a position detector for determining position of the animal wearing said apparatus; a stimulator for selectively applying stimulus to the animal; an identifying module comprising information relating to the animal wearing said apparatus; a processor in communication with the position detector, the stimulator and said identifying module; the processor being provided for operating the stimulator on the basis of the position of the animal wearing said apparatus, as determined by the position detector; and a communications device coupled to the processor for transmitting information from the identifying module to a remote location over a communications network wherein the communications device includes a networking chip mounted on a circuit board with the processor, said networking chip being adapted for being powered by a power source wherein the networking chip includes a transceiver adapted for direct satellite communications wherein the identifying module provides animal related information to the processor for transmission from the communication device via direct satellite communication for uniquely identifying the animal wearing the apparatus.

In an embodiment, the processor is programmable for: transmitting, via a communications device coupled to the processor, information from the identifying module to a remote location over a communications network; and applying a stimulus to said animal by activating the stimulator to deter said animal from crossing or approaching one or more pre-determined boundaries.

Preferably, the processor is in communication with a memory device, said memory device comprising executable instructions for: receiving information relating to said one or more pre-programmed boundaries from a user, said one or more boundaries separating a first area in which the animal is to be retained from a second area from which the animal is to be excluded; receiving data indicative of the position of said animal from said positioning detector, for example a satellite positioning receiver, for determining movement and direction of said animal relative to said one or more boundaries; receiving a query from the remote location and responding to the query with a first transmission of identification data from the identifying module over the network; comparing the data indicative of the position of said animal with the one or more predetermined boundaries of said one or more mapped areas; and applying the stimulus to said animal to deter said animal from crossing or approaching said one or more boundaries.

In an embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an accelerometer, preferably a three-axis accelerometer, in communication with the processor and for generating animal movement information.

In an embodiment, the processor may be programmed to receive and process data including information relating to the animal wearing said apparatus, including data indicative of the animal's status, such as temperature information provided by a sensor.

In an embodiment, the identifying module comprises a radio frequency identification (RFID) generator in communication, via the processor, with an antenna of the communications device.

In an embodiment, information from the apparatus may be transmitted to the remote location by radio transmission, preferably over at least one Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency band for ISM communications. The remote location may be a remote base station.

In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises at least one tag member adapted for housing electronic circuitry and an animal contacting portion for applying said stimulus to the animal.

Preferably, the apparatus comprises at least a first tag member adapted for being positioned in a spaced relationship relative to a second tag member and a securing portion positioned in between said first and second tags for securing said first and second tag members to the animal during use.

In an embodiment, at least a part of the securing portion contacts the animal during use such that at least a part of said securing portion is adapted to apply said stimulus to the animal upon activation of the stimulator.

Preferably, at least a part of the securing portion is biased, preferably spring loaded, for ensuring contact with the animal for applying the stimulus.

In an embodiment, a first of the tag members comprises an outwardly exposed solar panel for charging a rechargeable power source housed in the first tag member. This solar panel may be provided on a flat, curved or corrugated surface (or combination thereof) to maximise surface area for collecting light to generate power.

In an embodiment, a second of the tag members comprises said position detector and/or stimulator and/or said processor and/or said identifying module. Preferably, said second tag member comprises two spaced apart panels such that the position detector and/or the stimulator and/or the processor and/or the identifying module is positioned in between the spaced apart panels.

In an embodiment, the first tag member is adapted for being electrically connected to the second tag member during use.

In an embodiment, at least one and preferably two electrical connecting members extends outwardly from one of said tag members and wherein a connecting portion of each of said connecting members is received into a receiving portion of the other of the said tag members.

In an embodiment, the electrical connecting members extend outwardly from said one tag member wherein the connecting members are preferably formed integrally with the tag member.

In another aspect, the invention provides a system for monitoring and controlling position and/or movement of a plurality of animals, the system comprising a plurality of the animal monitoring and controlling apparatus as described hereinabove, wherein at least one of said apparatus is adapted for exchanging animal related information with at least another of said animal monitoring and control apparatus or with a remote base station during use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: Figure 1 is a first perspective view of a tracking and controlling device 1000 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a second perspective view of a tracking and controlling device 1000 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 3 is an underside perspective view of a tracking and controlling device 1000 in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the tracking and controlling device 1000;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an animal monitoring and controlling system 2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6 is another schematic diagram of the animal monitoring and controlling system 2000 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 7 is a side view of a tracking and animal controlling device 5000 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8 is a frontal view of a tracking and animal controlling device 5000;

Figure 9 is a first perspective view of the tracking and animal controlling device 5000;

Figure 10 is a second perspective view of the tracking and animal controlling device 5000; and

Figure 11 is an exploded view of the tracking and animal controlling device 5000.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to Figures 1 to 4, an animal tracking and controlling device 1000 is illustrated, including in the context of an animal A in a tracking and controlling system 2000 as shown in Figure 5. The device 1000 is provided in the form of an electronic tag and includes a first tag member 100 that is spaced away from the second tag member 200. During use a portion of animal's skin, such as an animal's ear, may be positioned in between the first tag member 100 and the second tag member 200 and mechanically interconnected by interconnecting members 300A and 300B that also electrically connect the first tag member 100 with the second tag member 200.

The first tag member 100 comprises two spaced apart panels 120 and 140 to define a housing 130 that houses electronic circuitry 110 for the device 1000. Specifically with reference to Figure 3 (wherein the second panel 140 is removed for clarity), the circuitry 110 includes a position detector in the form of a Global Positioning System ("GPS") receiver device 150 for determining position of the animal wearing the device 1000. In the preferred embodiment, the GPS receiver 150 is adapted for polling one or more GPS satellites 700, in a manner, as will be explained in the subsequent sections. The circuitry in housing 130 also includes a stimulator device 160. In the preferred embodiment, a piezoelectric buzzer operable for example at a frequency of 4KHz is used for selectively applying stimulus to the animal. An identifying module in the form of a radio frequency identification device ("RFID") tag 170 comprising information relating to the animal wearing the device 1000 is also provided in the housed circuitry 110.

The circuitry 110 within housing 130 of the tag member also includes an accelerometer 175. In the preferred embodiment, the accelerometer 175 functions as a three-dimensional ("3D") digital linear acceleration sensor and a 3D digital magnetic sensor. The circuitry 110 of device 1000 also includes a processor 180 that communicates with the GPS receiver device 150, stimulator device 160; RFID tag 170 and a memory unit 190. The stimulus device 160 may include an audible and/or vibrating warning module coupled to electrodes 205 extending from the said device. A warning can be issued when the livestock animal approaches an alert boundary or virtual fence, for example within a distance of 0-1Om, depending on allotted boundary distance. The audible and/or vibration warning stimuli is to alert the livestock animal that it is approaching the virtual fence. The livestock animal wearing the electronic tag is able to learn through experiencing alert vibrations and/or sounds and can then avoid future stimuli.

The processor 180 is also in communication with a non-transitory memory device 190, such as a ROM chip. The memory device 190 contains processor executable instructions for applying a warning to the animal, with sound and/or vibration, when the animal is within allocated distance from the virtual fence. A stimulus may also be applied to the animal wearing the device 1000, for example where it continues toward the virtual fence. Specifically, the instructions involve the steps of activating the warning and/or stimulator to deter the animal from approaching and/or crossing one or more pre determined boundaries and for simultaneously transmitting animal information from the RFID tag 170 to a remote location over a communications network. The processor 180 is also associated with a communications device, such as radio frequency transmitter/receiver 195 with an integrated RF antenna (not shown) which allows data transmission between the device 1000 directly to satellite, or via a terrestrial network 500 to a base station 600 according to a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) specification. The LPWAN is particularly suitable for wireless battery operated or powered devices such as the animal tracking device 1000 in regional networks. The LPWAN allows secure bi-directional wireless communication between a remote base station and the devices 1000 worn by animals (A) in a given geographical area or "virtual field". In an alternative embodiment, a networking chip providing a transceiver for direct satellite communications may be employed for communications purposes. One example is a device supplied by Myriota Pty Ltd of Adelaide, South Australia. This satellite architecture can obviate the need for a base station in some applications, in other applications a single base station can suitably provide a satellite link.

The LPWAN network or direct satellite architecture used for implementing a system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention as depicted in Figures 5 and 6, is typically laid out in a star-of-stars topology. In this topology a gateway, such as the base station 600, forms a transparent bridge relaying messages between a plurality of animal tracking devices 1000 and a central network server 550 in the backend. In the case of the gateways, base stations may be connected to a network server via standard IP addressed connections, while the animal tracking devices 1000 may use single-hop wireless communication by utilising low radio frequencies to one or many gateways or base stations positioned within a regional area such as a livestock station. The network server can include a user interface allowing a user to pre-program the boundaries of animal use or exclusion areas, for example by entering map coordinates of virtual fence lines.

All end-point communications with the animal tracking device 1000 is expected to be generally bi-directional. However, the Applicant also envisions support for operations such as multicast enabling software upgrade over a mobile telephone network or other mass distribution messaging system to reduce the on-air communication time and thus conserve power consumption. Communication between the animal tracking devices 1000 and gateways or base stations 600 is expected to spread out on different frequency channels and data rates. In a preferred embodiment, the antenna associated with communications device 195 is suitable for use in a frequency range of 800-900 Mhz.

The second tagging member 200 includes a power supply that includes a battery 210, preferably a long life, rechargeable battery. The power supply may also include a solar collector 220, suitably mounted on an exposed surface of second tagging member, for trickle charging the battery 210. Solar re-charging can assist in reducing the number of times animals wearing the device must be captured and restrained to service batteries. External power jacks may also be added to facilitate fast recharging of the battery 210. In a further variation, the accelerometer or other inertial generator can also deliver current that may be used to charge the battery. During use, battery voltage and current readings may be monitored by the processor 180 and communicated to the user. Suitably the circuitry is provided with a "sleep" mode - such as when the animal is inactive - to reduce power consumption, whereby the apparatus can be "woken" by animal movement.

A variety of commercially available batteries are suitable for use herein, including but not limited to nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride batteries, and lithium ion batteries. In at least some embodiments, polymer batteries also known as an Integrated Power Source (IPS) with plastic characteristics that employ light weight solid substance electrolytes capable of accepting multiple charging and discharging cycles may be used. The polymer batteries lend themselves to be custom conformed, fitted, or tailored to many applications. For example, the battery 210 may be shaped in an oval configuration to conform to the shape of the second tag member 200. It is also envisioned that the second tag member 200 may manufactured by integrating polymer batteries and the solar collector in a single module may allow the housing, battery and charge management system to be constructed as a wholly integrated assembly, with the batteries also serving as a housing for associated electronic components used for charge management.

Each of the first and second tag members 100, 200 is mechanically interconnected by connecting members 300A, 300B which allow the device 1000 to be fastened onto the sagittal section of the pinna or other portion of the animal's ear. Each of the connecting members 300 comprises an outwardly extending male connector or barrel 310 (extending from the second tag member 200) that is adapted for being received and electrically connected to the first tag member 100. The connecting members carry out a number of important functions. First, the connecting members 300 electrically connect the power supply in the second tag member 200 to the electronic circuitry housed in the first tag member 100. The barrel 310 of the connecting member 300 is provided with an outer wall of conducting material to optionally deliver electric shock to a plurality of locations of the animal's ear. A spring-loaded contacting portion 320 contacts the surface of the animal's pinna where the barrel 310 pierces the tissue of the animal's ear. During use, the animal's pinna tissue functions as a dielectric between two contacting portions 320 (electrodes). Varying levels of stimulation are determined by the duration of the acoustic and/or electric shock information.

The connecting member 300 may also be provided with sensors 330 such as temperature sensors located along the connecting members 300A or 300B for recording the temperature of the animal or the temperature of the animal's surroundings and communicate the sensed information to the processor 180. Animal temperature of individual livestock animals may also be calculated by utilising information received from satellite using Infra-Red (IR) or other thermographic wavelength to determine the animal's health or well-being and be communicated into the network.

The operation of the present method and system for monitoring animals by utilising the tracking device 1000 will now be described. In order to execute an animal tracking operation in accordance with an embodiment, the processor 180 may be programmed by storing executable instructions on the memory device 190 in communication with the processor 190.

In the preferred embodiment, the memory device 190 connected to the processor 180 includes executable instructions for: • receiving information relating to said one or more pre programmed boundaries (to define an invisible geo-fence) from users located at a remote location such that the one or more boundaries separate a first area in which the animal is to be retained from a second area which the animal is to be excluded from; • receiving data indicative of the position of said animal from the GPS receiver 150 for determining movement and direction of said animal relative to the one or more pre-programmed boundaries; • receiving a query from the remote location and responding to the query with a first transmission of identification data from the identifying module; • comparing the data indicative of the position of said animal with the one or more predetermined boundaries of said one or more mapped areas; and

• applying the warning and stimulus to said animal to deter said animal from crossing or approaching said one or more boundaries (or geo-fences). • to enable quantifying the number of animals with tags.

When animals are roaming in a grazing area (as shown in Figures 5 and 6), the base station may communicate with a plurality of the tracking device 1000 worn by the animals in the grazing area. In one example, the base station may receive the GPS coordinates of each animal wearing the tracking device 1000 every 0.1-15 seconds depending on conditions. Alternatively, when the animals are roaming in a grazing area, the GPS coordinates may be communicated directly to a remote location over a network without being routed via the base station.

At selected intervals, in this case 0.1-15 seconds, the GPS receiver 150 in each tracking device 1000 may be controlled by the processor 180 to poll the GPS satellites 700 and collect raw GPS data representing the associated animal's position within the grazing area (see FIG. 6). The raw GPS data is then conveyed to the processor 180 and upon receiving the GPS data, the processor may store the GPS data in the memory unit 190 provided in each of the tracking device 1000.

The processor 180 may be programmed to time stamp the GPS data and also associate the animal's unique identify information (contained in the RFID module 170) with the GPS information and optionally time stamp the GPS information.

In an embodiment, the base station or satellite may transmit a command for retrieving information from each of the tracking devices 1000. Upon receiving the command, the processor 180 responds to the command by sending the raw GPS data, animal related information and time stamp stored in its resident memory 190 to the base station or satellite. The base station or satellite may in turn transmit the received information with a unique identifier (associated with each animal) via a Radio Frequency (RF) communication link. Upon receiving the information, the base station (or the gateway) or satellite may process and/or transmit the information to a remotely located server for further processing.

During use, the user may provide user input on a computing device that is connected to one or more of the satellites, gateways or base stations to define the invisible geo-fence within which the user wishes to retain animals (wearing the device 1000) for a period of time. Upon receiving and processing the user input, the information relating to the invisible geo-fence may be transmitted and saved on the memory unit 190 to one or more of the devices 1000 in communication with the satellites, gateways or base stations. Advantageously, the user may be able to update or change the boundaries defining the invisible geo-fence, if such a need arises. The functionality of allowing remotely located users to update or change the boundaries defining the invisible geo-fence is advantageous for efficiently managing livestock by gradually changing the boundaries to herd the livestock into desired grazing areas and prevent overgrazing. Embodiments of the present invention may therefore allow users to dynamically change the position of the boundary encompassing the area within which the animal is to be retained thereby allowing the boundary to be dynamic. The present invention may also allow user to control the device 1000 such that the dynamic boundary can be gradually or incrementally changed so as to direct the animal toward a fresh grazing area. The dynamic fencing functionality therefore allows an improved way of managing grazing in large pastoral areas.

In order to monitor the movement of the animals in over large areas, each animal may be fitted with device 1000. The RFID module 170 fitted on each individual tracking device 1000 is unique to a specific animal and may be assigned to the animal for long periods of time. The satellites, base station or gateway may regularly communicate with each individual tracking device 1000 and collect GPS information based on the positions recorded by the GPS receivers 150 in each of the devices 1000 in communication with orbiting GPS satellites 700. The collected GPS information attributed to each unique animal may be transmitted for being logged on a remotely located server in communication with the satellites or gateway over the network. Similarly, each animal's movement related information, as recorded by the accelerometer 175 in each tagging device 1000 may also be transmitted to the satellites and/or base station and a remote server.

The communication in between the tracking devices 1000 and the base stations may be carried out at selected time intervals. In some embodiments, the time interval may be pre-programmed into the memory unit 190 in communication with the processor 180 in each of the tagging devices 1000. In other alternative embodiments, an interrogator may also be used for regularly communicating with the tracking devices 1000 in a given area to obtain GPS and movement related information from each of the tracking devices 1000.

In some embodiments, the tracking devices 1000 may also communicate with each other to exchange information without communicating with the satellites or base station. By way of example, in some embodiments, some of the tracking devices 1000 may be pre-programmed for exchanging information with other pre-selected tracking devices 1000. Furthermore, these pre selected tracking devices 1000 may also be programmed for processing the exchanged information and selectively activating the warning or stimulator device. For example, the pre-selected tracking devices 1000 may be assigned to one or more bulls and these pre-selected tracking devices 1000 may be programmed to activate the stimulator device in the pre-selected tracking devices when the bulls are within a pre-defined distance to ensure that the bulls do not come into physical contact with each other.

The tracking devices 1000 in the preferred embodiment include RF (radio frequency) and wireless componentry for communication systems with very low power consumption, which can receive small signals at very long distances. The present technology may include a wireless communication system or datalink that may operate the gateway at a local livestock feeding operation or ranch/farm, which may be termed the base or headquarters. The tracking device 1000 is inexpensive, and by using RF based technology for communicating with each tagging device 1000, the need cellular capabilities in each tracking device 1000 is eliminated, thereby decreasing the cost significantly.

In other embodiments of the tracking device 1000, cell phone capability may be added to track the sensors over a longer range. The short range wireless function may be optional. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee and other standard wireless capabilities could also be added for use as a control, indicator, or other means.

In some embodiments, the tracking devices 1000 may remain in sleep mode for power management until the satellite or base station datalink provides the correct code to wake up one or more of the remote tracking devices 1000. Once the tracking device 1000 wakes up, it may transmit information including movement and location related information in a manner as previously described.

Referring to Figures 7 to 11, another embodiment of the invention in the form of a tagging device 5000 is illustrated. The device 5000 is provided in the form of an electronic tag and includes a first tag member 1100 that is removably connected to, but spaced away from, the second tag member 2200. During use, a portion of animal's skin such as an animal's ear may be positioned in between the first tag member 1100 and the second tag member 2200 and interconnected by interconnecting member, here in the form of a shaft 3300 that mechanically and also electrically connects the first tag member 1100 with the second tag member 2200. The first tag member 1100 comprises two spaced apart panels 1120 and 1140 to define a housing 1130 that houses electronic circuitry for the device 1000. The housing 1130 includes a position detector in the form of a GPS receiver, mounted on a circuit board 1190 for determining position of the animal wearing the device 5000. In the present embodiment, the GPS receiver is adapted for polling one or more GPS satellites 700, in a manner previously explained in the earlier sections. The housing 1130 also includes a stimulator device 1160. In the preferred embodiment, a piezoelectric buzzer operable at a frequency of 4KHz is used for selectively applying stimulus to the animal wearing the device 5000.

An identifying module in the form of an RFID tag comprising information relating to the animal wearing the device 5000 is also provided in the housing, suitably mounted on the circuit board 1190. The housing 1130 also includes an accelerometer that is mounted on the circuit-board 1190. In the preferred embodiment, the accelerometer 1175 functions as a 3D digital linear acceleration sensor and a 3D digital magnetic sensor. The device 5000 also includes a processor that communicates with the GPS device, the stimulator device 1160; RFID tag (not shown) and a memory unit.

In a variation of the present embodiment, the device 5000 may also include additional stimulating means in the form of a warning module. Specifically, an audible and/or vibrating warning module may be built into the device 5000. The warning module (not shown) may emit a warning sound or a warning signal when the livestock animal approaches a pre-determined boundary. By way of example, the device 5000 may be configured to trigger the warning module when the animal is within 10 meters from the pre-determined boundary. An outer surface of the housing 1130 may also be provided with visual indicia 1135 indicating information related to the animal wearing the tagging device 5000.

As explained in the previous sections, the memory device in communication with the processor of tagging device 5000 includes executable instructions for triggering a warning for the animal with sound and/or vibration within an allocated distance from fence and provide a stimulus to the animal wearing the device 5000. Specifically, the instructions may involve the steps of activating the warning module to deter the animal from crossing or approaching one or more pre-determined boundaries and for simultaneously transmitting information from the RFID tag to a remote location over a network. The processor is also associated with a network communications chip (not shown) to allow bi-directional transfer of data about the animal back and forth via a network 500 from/to a remote location.

The second tagging member 2200 has a power supply that includes a battery 2100 located in the housing 1130, preferably a rechargeable battery. The power supply also includes a solar collector 2220 positioned on an outer surface of the second tagging member 2200 for trickle charging the battery 2100, thus reducing the number of times animals wearing the device must be restrained to service or replace batteries. External power jacks may also be added to the housing 1130 facilitate recharging of the batteries 2100 and/or the accelerometer or inertial generator may also be used to charge the battery. During use, battery voltage and current readings may be monitored by the processor and communicated to the user, as required.

Each of the first and second tag members 1100 and 2200 are interconnected by one or more connecting members 3300 which allows the device 5000 to be fastened onto the sagittal section of the pinna or portion of the animal's ear. The connecting member 3300 comprises an outwardly extending male connector (here extending from the second tag member 2200) that is adapted for being mechanically received by and electrically connected to the first tag member 1100. The connecting member 3300 in the present carries out a number of significant functions. First, the connecting member 3300 electrically connects the solar collector 2220 on the second tag member 2200 to electronic circuitry housed in the first tag member 1100. Secondly, the connecting member 3300 is provided with an outer wall of conducting material to optionally deliver electric shock to a plurality of locations of the animal's ear. A spring-loaded animal contacting portion, that protrudes from the housing 1130 in use, may also contact the surface of the animal's pinna where the connecting member 3300 pierces the tissue of the animal's ear. During use, the animal's pinna tissue may function as a dielectric between two contacting portions provided along a body of the connecting member 3300. Varying levels of stimulation are determined by the duration of the acoustic and/or electric shock information.

The connecting member 3300 may also be provided with sensors such as a temperature sensor (not shown) located along one of the connecting members 3300 for recording the temperature of the animal or the temperature of the animal's surroundings. The recorded sensor data can then be provided to the processor of the tagging device 5000, for storage and/or communication to remote location for exchange or monitoring purposes.

The tagging device 5000 may operate in a similar manner as the previously described tagging device 1000 in accordance with a method as explained in previous sections.

In at least some embodiments, the present invention encompasses an apparatus such as a bolus that can be inserted under the skin of the animal in at least some embodiments.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural features or methodical steps. The term "comprises" and its variations, such as "comprising" and "comprised of' is used throughout in an inclusive sense and not to the exclusion of any additional features or steps.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the apparatus, method and system herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.

The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A wearable animal tracking and controlling apparatus for monitoring and controlling an animal wearing the apparatus, the apparatus comprising: a position detector for determining position of the animal wearing said apparatus; a stimulator for selectively applying stimulus to the animal; an identifying module comprising information relating to the animal wearing said apparatus; a processor in communication with the position detector, the stimulator and said identifying module; the processor being provided for operating the stimulator on the basis of the position of the animal wearing said apparatus, as determined by the position detector; and a communications device coupled to the processor for transmitting information from the identifying module to a remote location over a communications network wherein the communications device includes a networking chip mounted on a circuit board with the processor, said networking chip being adapted for being powered by a power source wherein the networking chip includes a transceiver adapted for direct satellite communications; and wherein the identifying module provides animal related information to the processor for transmission from the communication device via direct satellite communication for uniquely identifying the animal wearing the apparatus.

2. The wearable apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein the processor is further arranged to apply a stimulus to said animal by activating the stimulator to deter said animal from crossing or approaching one or more pre-determined boundaries.

3. The wearable apparatus of any one of claims 1 or 2 further comprising an accelerometer in communication with the processor, for generating animal movement information.

4. The wearable apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the communications device includes an RF transmitter/receiver and an associated antenna, suitably for radio transmission over at least one Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) frequency band.

5. The wearable apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the identifying module includes an RFID generator.

6. The wearable apparatus of any one of the preceding claims comprising at least one tag member adapted for housing electronic circuitry and an animal contacting portion for applying said stimulus to the animal.

7. The wearable apparatus of any one of the preceding claims wherein the apparatus comprises at least a first tag member adapted for being positioned in a spaced relationship relative to a second tag member and a securing portion positioned in between said first and second tag members for securing the tag members to the animal during use.

8. The wearable apparatus of claim 7 wherein at least a part of the securing portion contacts the animal during use such that said part of the securing portion is adapted to apply said stimulus to the animal upon activation of the stimulator.

9. The wearable apparatus of claim 8 wherein said contacting part of the securing portion is outwardly biased for ensuring contact with the animal for applying the stimulus.

10. The wearable apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 9 wherein one of the tag members comprises an outwardly exposed solar panel for charging a rechargeable power source housed in said first tag member.

11. The wearable apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 10 wherein another of the tag members carries one or more of said position detector, said stimulator, said processor and/or said identifying module.

12. The wearable apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein said other tag member comprises two spaced apart panels such that components carried by the other tag member are disposed between the spaced panels.

13. The wearable apparatus of any one of claims 7 to 12 wherein the first tag member is adapted for being electrically connected to the second tag member during use.

14. The wearable apparatus of claim 13 wherein at least one electrical connecting member extends outwardly from one of said tag members and wherein a connecting portion of each of said connecting members is received into a receiving portion of the other of the said tag members.

15. The wearable apparatus of any one of the preceding claims further including at least one sensor for monitoring the wearing animal's health or well-being, preferably including a temperature sensor.

16. The wearable apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the processor is in communication with a memory device, said memory device comprising executable instructions for: * receiving information relating to said one or more pre-programmed boundaries from a user, said one or more boundaries separating a first area in which the animal is to be retained from a second area from which the animal is to be excluded; * receiving data indicative of the position of said animal from said positioning detector for determining movement and direction of said animal relative to said one or more boundaries; • receiving a query from a remote location and responding to the query with a first transmission of identification data from the identifying module over the network; * comparing the data indicative of the position of said animal with the one or more predetermined boundaries of said one or more exclusion areas; and • applying the stimulus to said animal to deter said animal from crossing or approaching said one or more boundaries.

17. A system for monitoring and controlling position and/or movement of a plurality of animals, the system comprising: a plurality of the wearable animal monitoring and controlling apparatus as defined in any one or more of claims 1 to 16, wherein at least one of said wearable apparatus is adapted for exchanging animal related information with at least another of said animal monitoring and control apparatus or with a remote base station during use.

18. The system of claim 17 further including an inner warning boundary and an outer virtual fence forming a boundary of an animal retaining area, whereby the wearable apparatus when worn by an animal is arranged to issue an audible warning when the animal crosses the warning boundary and/or apply a stimulus to the animal when said animal approaches the virtual fence.

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