Method and apparatus for data logging of physiological and environmental variables for domestic and feral animals

A GPS data acquisition collar incorporating an individualized rugged watertight collar that monitors factors including GPS location, gazing patterns, elevation, feeding patterns, temperature, movement speed, sleep patterns and signaling or beacon tracking options. Additionally the present invention provides options for visual representation or programming alerting of factors that may affect an animal or herd of animals in a monitored and recorded environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to animal husbandry and, more specifically, to an unobtrusive method and apparatus for acquiring physiological and environmental data concerning the habits and mode of living for domestic and feral animals.

The apparatus comprises a buckled collar having a power supply module and data acquisition module attached thereto. The power supply module having an integral watertight electrical connector is designed to be field replaceable by disconnecting the module from the collar and fastening a replacement module to the collar. To aid the user in replacement the power supply module provides a post mateable to a collar notch, both forming a keyway, to prevent reverse polarization. Also provided are color coded indicators as a further indicator of correct assembly.

One of the primary features of the data acquisition module is a SD card (Secure Digital Memory Card) with non-volatile high-density memory. The card provides the user with means for specifying parametric control data via a personal computer and simple text editor depending on the type of study being performed. This alleviates the user from having to return the collar for factory reconfiguration thereby adding a dynamic aspect to any study not found within the industry.

Along with the SD card the data acquisition module contains a GPS receiver for programmed time dependent recording of collar location which is stored on the SD card. The data acquisition module also contains a two-axis accelerometer for measuring the pitch and roll angle of the collar indicative of grazing, lying down and head posture. The present invention alternately provides for a third axis compass bearing sensor.

Further provided is a temperature sensor for recording the ambient temperature. The temperature sensor is thermally insulated from the collar providing a more accurate ambient temperature reading.

In addition to the aforementioned sensor a VHF transceiver is incorporated into the data acquisition module providing means for transmitting data on a preprogrammed basis. The SD card maintains the transmitted data should the transmission be lost. In addition to the transmission of data, the data acquisition module provides for beacon only transmission should preprogrammed parameters indicate that the batteries are low or there is no collar movement, for example: either the collar fell off or the animal is dead. The periodic transmissions provide means for locating the collar via a directional antenna and receiver or other radio-direction finding means.

In operation the GPS data acquisition collar provides means for collecting physiological and environmental data such as GPS location, gazing patterns, ambient temperature and movement providing analytical data for managing water and food resources in addition to environmental impacts such as buildings, fences and herd density. The integral VHF transceiver provides for recovery of the collar for stored data retrieval and field replacement of low batteries using the beacon only mode.

2. Description of the Prior Art

There are other animal tracking devices designed for tracking livestock. Typical of these is U.S. Pat. No. 3,336,530 issued to Sloan et al. on Aug. 15, 1967.

Another patent was issued to Lemnell on May 4, 1999 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,900,818. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 5,923,254 was issued to Brune on Jul. 13, 1999 and still yet another was issued on Jun. 18, 2002 to Solomon et al as U.S. Pat. No. 6,408,233.

Another patent was issued to Sciarra on Nov. 29, 2005 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,970,090. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 6,985,107 was issued to Anson et al on Jan. 10, 2006. Another was issued to Guice on Jan. 24, 2002 as U.S. Patent Application No. 2002/0010390 and still yet another was issued on Feb. 9, 2006 to Troxler as U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0027185.

Another patent was issued to Anderson on Apr. 11, 2006 as U.S. Pat. No. 7,026,941. Yet another U.S. Pat. No. 7,076,348 was issued to Bucher et al. on Jul. 11, 2006. Another was issued to O′Nuallain on Apr. 7, 2003 as British Patent No. GB2387465 and still yet another was issued on Mar. 21, 2002 to Thorstensen as PCT Patent No. WO03079773.

Another patent was issued to Fortuna on Jun. 17, 2004 as PCT Patent No. WO2005122755. Yet another Canadian Patent No. CA2396997 was issued to Grush on Aug. 7, 2002.

A direction finding system comprising in combination:

A. a portable radio transmitter carried by moving body, said transmitter having.

(1) an oscillator developing high frequency electrical energy

(2) an omni directional antenna coupled to said oscillator to radiate said electrical energy into space in the form of radio signals.

(3) a modulator including an a stable multi vibrator and a capacitor connected to said oscillator to pulse modulate said radio signals, and

(4) acceleration responsive means comprising a switch operating to short out said capacitor in response to movement of said body so as to vary the pulse modulating rate of said modulator according to the motional activity of said body; and.

B. a remotely located receiver tuned to the frequency of said radio signals transmitted by said transmitter, said receiver having

(1) a directional antenna responding to said radio signals,

(2) a demodulator connected to said directional antenna to demodulate said radio signals, and (3) output means connected to said demodulator to provide an indication of the direction from said receiver to said transmitter and the activity of said moving body carrying said transmitter.

The present invention relates to a tracking system for indicating the direction and behavior of an animal such as a hunting dog. The system generally comprises a radio frequency transmitter for mounting on the animal's collar and a hand-held receiver which is capable of detecting and indicating not only the location of the animal but its behavior. The transmitter has a detector connected to a CPU which generates pulse train signals depending on the barking characteristics of the animal. The receiver receives the signals and indicates the animal's barking characteristics by light or sound signals and/or pulses. These indications help the user determine the animal's behavior, such as when the animal travels beyond ordinary sight and hearing range, which can be useful in hunting applications.

A field programmable tracking device which includes a programmably channelized multichannel transmitter. The transmitter includes a magnetically operable circuit which allows external programmability of transmission channel selection. Activation of the magnetically operable circuit for a first period of time activates a microcontroller. Continued activation of the magnetically operable circuit for a second period of time causes the microcontroller to initiate a verified channel count. Once a desired channel count is verified, activation of the magnetically operable circuit is stopped to select the desired channel. The transmitter is provided with a flexible antenna. Both the transmitter and the flexible antenna can be coupled to a collar.

Inventor: Gary Robert Soloman et al

There is provided an automated download vehicle monitoring system for use with a vehicle. The monitoring system is provided with a GPS receiver which is installed in the vehicle. The GPS receiver is configured to receive a GPS locational signal. The monitoring system is further provided with a data logger which is configured to store logged data therein. The data logger is in electrical communication with the GPS receiver for receiving therefrom GPS locational data representative of the received GPS locational signal. The data logger is configured to incorporate the received GPS locational data with the logged data. The monitoring system is further provided with a download controller which is in electrical communication with the data logger for retrieving logged data therefrom. The download controller is configured to determine a vehicle location of the vehicle based upon the received GPS locational signal. The download controller is configured to determine a vehicle distance between the vehicle location and a base station location. The monitoring system is further provided with a vehicle download transmitter which is in electrical communication with the download controller. The vehicle download transmitter is configured to automatically transmit the logged data in response to the determined vehicle distance being less than a predetermined download distance. The monitoring system is further provided with a base station receiver which is configured to receive the transmitted logged data from the vehicle download transmitter.

A pet tracking collar comprises a length of clear flexible tubing having a fastener adapted to fasten around the pet. Hermetically sealed within the tubing is an electrical ribbon cable extending through the length thereof. A plurality of light-emitting diodes, visible through the clear tubing, are wirelessly connected at spaced intervals to the cable. The tracking collar also includes an antenna within the electrical ribbon cable, and a radio transmitter secured to the cable adapted to transmit a radio frequency signal. The cable is secured within the flexible tubing such that strain along the length of the tubing is not transmitted to the cable therein. The collar's battery compartment has sufficient clearance between the battery and walls of the battery compartment to shed water after the collar is wetted. A radio frequency signal receive determines direction or distance of the collar with respect to the receiver.

Inventor: Peter Anson et al

This invention relates to a method and system for the radio location of CDMA and non-CDMA enabled transmitters within a reception zone. The invention exploits the superposition of antenna patterns that create complex and asymmetrical interference structures at very small scales. By randomly distributing a random antenna array of M elements across a two or three-dimensional surface, fine scale interference structures on the scale of ¼ the carrier wavelength are generated. Once the minimum number of antennas are placed, additional antennas will not improve the resolution. Such interference structures when sampled at ⅛ the carrier wavelength or greater yields unique spatial patterns with respect to a given antenna array geometry and transmitter location. The invention incorporates signature recognition (matching) and orthogonal sub-space projection estimators to derive location estimates of a radio transmitter.

U.S. Patent Application Number 2002/0010390

A method and system (i.e., an Automated Animal Health Monitoring System—AAHMS) for automated monitoring and early warning of changes in parameters related to the health and status of animals is disclosed. The system includes implantable wireless “smart telesensor” elements that can be implanted within the animal where they measure, and may transmit, temperature and other parameters (e.g., blood oxygen, accelerations, vibrations, heart rate) related to the health and status of the animal being monitored. Optional relay elements may comprise simple transponders to boost the signals from the smart sensor elements and retransmit processed results. The system includes devices for alerting personnel responsible for care of the animals and identifying the animal needing attention. Installation tools include optional capabilities to program the smart sensor elements to adapt to animal type, season, diet, or other user needs, and to read and correlate electronic and machine read data with human readable animal identification (e.g., ear or collar tags).

U.S. Patent Application Number 2006/0027185

A collar to be worn on an object or a large or small animal has been designed incorporating (D)GPS technology. The operation of the device includes programming the three dimensional boundary into the memory of the device and simply installing the collar on the animal. As the animal approaches the preprogrammed boundary, a first alarm sounds when the subject is within an arbitrary user defined distance, and a second more drastic alarm such as a shock correction is applied when the subject approaches a second position closer to the boundary. Means to easily program the device are also included in the system. The device has the capability to call or transmit important information such as location, speed, identity, and medical parameters, etc. to a station automatically or when polled. All necessary analog and digital circuitry, microprocessor, programming, communications hardware are integrated into the collar. The device also has applications in land, air and sea navigation, farming, construction, tracking stolen vehicles, and keeping track of children. This device could also be embedded in a specialized lawnmower that would know where your yard ended and your neighbor's began, and traverse around all obstacles in the yard. Important Military applications would include warning and directing soldiers of front line boundaries, minefield mapping and 3D direction around MOA's for aircraft.

Inventor: John William Crisman Anderson

The present invention10provides a system and method of monitoring and tracking a plurality of physical variables from a remote location. The invention10utilizes a plurality of radio frequency identification transponders20each coupled with a sensor for measuring physical data. The transponders20are powered by a radio frequency reader/interrogator60that provides radio frequency excitation to the transponders20and receives and demodulates back scattered signals therefrom. The invention10is particularly advantageous in monitoring temperature in cattle herds as an aid to early diagnosis of bovine respiratory disease.

A monitoring system for an outdoor power implement. The monitoring system comprises an accelerometer, a GPS receiver, a processing module, and a storage device. The accelerometer collects impact force data of the outdoor power implement. The GPS receiver collects position data of the outdoor power implement. The processing module is coupled to the accelerometer and the GPS receiver and has a filter module operable to receive the impact force data from the accelerometer, filter the impact data, and provide filtered impact data. The filter module comprises a resistor capacitor filter circuit having a cutoff frequency at 50 Hz. The processing module also has a data extraction module operable to receive the positioning data from the GPS receiver. The storage device is coupled to the processing module and is operable to record the filtered impact data and the positioning data. The outdoor power implement may include a lawnmower.

A livestock monitoring system has RFID animal tags (2) which include GPS capability for real time monitoring of animal location. Animal identifiers and locations are uploaded in a local area wireless network to a receiver (3). The receiver (3) in turn uploads the data to a Web server (5) linked to a host processor (7) for databases (7-10). These databases are also updated by external systems (12-15) with medical and regulatory data. This provides for comprehensive real time animal monitoring.

International Patent Application Number WO03/079773

A system and method of tracking individuals divided into flocks by means of radio communication and positioning systems is disclosed. A flock leader is provided with a first electronic device (1) comprising a first transceiver (2) operating in a public radio communication network, e.g. GSM or GPRS, a position tracker (3), e.g. a GPS-receiver, and a second transceiver (4) operating in a short distance radio communication system, e.g. Bluetooth®. Each of the remaining individuals in the flock is provided with a second electronic device (6) comprising at least a third transceiver (7) also operating in the short distance radio communication system. The second electronic device (6) periodically transmits data identifying the associated individual to the first electronic device (1), so that the flock leader knows that the individual is localized in the flock (i.e. within the coverage area of the short distance radio communication system) as long as it receives the data. The first electronic device (1) communicates with a system controller through a public radio communication network managing the system and keeping track of the individuals in each flock.

International Patent Application Number WO2005/122755

The invention relates to an implantable data carrier unit for animals as well as a system and method for determining the position of and identifying an animal, comprising a GPS unit (6) for determining the position of the animal (11) by a satellite-aided locating system (12,16,17), a transponder (3) to which a memory unit (21) having a first memory (22) is assigned, whereby the first memory (22) provides a data key (10) assigned to the animal (11), and a power source (8) assigned to the GPS unit (6). An implantable data carrier unit for animals, which enables a sure and reliable identification and determination of the position of the animal while, at the same time, being easy to implant in the animal is designed in such a manner that the GPS unit (6) has an inactive first state and an active second state, the GPS unit (6) can be externally switched from the inactive first state and into the active second state, and the transponder (3) transmits, on request, the data key (10) assigned to the animal (10).

Canada Patent Number CA2396997

The present invention discloses a system and methods and processes to capture, filter and compress geometrically accurate, time-marked, paths (digital path maps or DPMs) taken by persons, animals, packages, vehicles or robots. These methods and processes can be stored and executed on small format devices for handheld, wearable, embeddable or implantable applications. This invention, often in conjunction with other processes operating on other technologies such as, but not limited to, personal computer or portal technologies, has realtime applications in military, paramilitary, exploration, remote sensing, wildlife studies, pet and livestock management, agriculture, surveying, large site inspection, parolee management, driver behavior modification, kid's safety, physical security, and certain classes of recreational and competitive sport.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention is a GPS data logger that is intended for gathering data about the behavior of animals, primarily livestock, but in alternate embodiments the collar may be used for wildlife, or other domestic animals. The collar gathers behavior data in several primary ways. The GPS receive provides a periodic position measurement to be made according to a programmable time interval and sensors within the unit for measuring the orientation of the collar using a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based angle sensor, as well as an ambient temperature sensor. The invention interrogates the angle sensor and the temperature sensor each time a GPS position fix is made. This data allows a researcher, producer (rancher or farmer) or animal care takers to make determinations of many different factors that represent animal behavior. These factors include where and how much time the animal spends time according to time of day, the influence of ambient temperature, and a degree of discrimination between resting, foraging/grazing, or traveling. These temporal and spatial data sets in combination with other data and observation enable a variety of management and behavioral conclusions to be reached more effectively and expediently than possible without this type of telemetry. Examples of this type of phenomena that this data is useful for are: the use or effectiveness of nutrient supplement locations, assist in water resource management, determine grass or forage plant species preferences, provide insight into seasonal or weather dependant behaviors or resource use, the degree of activity relative to other environmental factors, or forage and water availability, the interaction between animals within a herd and when multiple species are present including other livestock, and domestic animals.

While similar devices exist, the specific differences that make this invention unique are related to the reduction of cost and simplification of the unit and its use and maintenance during deployment. The ability to realize use of this type of device for livestock is strongly linked to the cost of the units specifically because operation involving livestock are necessarily for profit, and the cost of acquiring the data cannot exceed the value of the gains made by use of the technology, as is the case in previous inventions.

A primary object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective animal analytics system comprising an animal mountable data logging collar that periodically initiates a transmission receivable by a remote frequency tuned receiver.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective animal analytics system that stores data on an onboard removable storage device for selective retrieval.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide the collar for animals taken from the group of domestic and feral animals.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide the collar with the functions of data logger, collar system status and transceiver.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide the collar with a latched band incorporating an integral VHF antenna with the collar having a field replaceable power supply module and electronics housing module fastened thereto.

A further object of the present invention is to provide the collar with a latching mechanism that may be electrically or mechanically unlatched under predetermined conditions.

A yet further object of the present invention is to provide the collar band with a weather tight fitting for mounting the field replaceable power supply thereto.

Another additional object of the present invention is to provide an electronics housing comprising a two piece gasketed structure with an exteriorly accessible removable panel providing access to the data logging storage device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a weather seal for said storage device access panel and housing resident desiccant for absorbing water vapor.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an electronics housing having a GPS receiver, VHF Radio, temperature sensor and angle sensor integrated into a circuit using a secure digital memory card for logging data thereto.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide the electronic housing manufactured as a two piece gasketed housing forming a weatherproof seal for a potentially long deployment in the field.

A further object of the present invention is to provide for user parametric data concerning the functioning of the collar system.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a collar for wildlife use wherein the collar will unlatch at a specified time dependant on the user parametric data.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide battery management to extend the operating life of the collar.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a collar beacon for locating the collar with the parametric data and design parameters energizing the beacon mode of the collar using the VHF radio.

An additional object of the present invention is to provide user parametric data sets for periodically transmitting data stored on the data storage medium.

A further object of the present invention is to provide the system with a computer having a sound card and Internet available software for receiving the collar transmitted data for collared animal(s) study.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an animal tracking device comprising a collar for recording and analysis of factors including but not limited to GPS location, gazing patterns, elevation, feeding patterns, temperature, movement speed, sleep patterns and signaling or tracking beacon type options.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a means for monitoring animal activity utilizing a tracking collar, GPS and other incorporated data representation and control devices.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a means for monitoring animal activity within a heard of animals while providing near real time data analysis and comparison of factors including but not limited to GPS location, gazing patterns, elevation, feeding patterns, temperature, movement speed, sleep patterns and signaling or tracking beacon type options.

A still yet further object of the present invention is to provide a means for recording and comparing environmental factors that may affect a herd or grouping of animals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a means for monitoring animal activity utilizing individual rugged watertight collars that monitor such factors as temperature, location and directional speed and vectors.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a means for monitoring a herd whereby a graphical interface is provided coordinating the stated factors into a combined visual, historical and statistical representation.

Still yet another object of the present invention is to provide a means for programming a plurality of limits and factors that may affect a herd and alert a user of such a situation.

The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a GPS data acquisition collar incorporating an individualized rugged watertight collar that monitors factors including GPS location, gazing patterns, elevation, feeding patterns, temperature, movement speed, sleep patterns and signaling or beacon tracking options. Additionally the present invention provided options for visual representation or programming alerting of factors that may affect an animal or herd of animals in a monitored and recorded environment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCED NUMERALS

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar reference characters denote similar elements throughout the several views, the figures illustrate the Method and Apparatus for Data Logging of Environmental and Physiological Variables for Domestic and Feral Animals of the present invention. With regard to the reference numerals used, the following numbering is used throughout the various drawing figures.10Method and Apparatus for Data Logging of Environmental and Physiological Variables for Domestic and Feral Animals of the present invention,12data acquisition collar14subject animal16computing device18telemetry receiver20sound card interface22GPS satellite system24two axis accelerometer26pitch of1228roll of1230compass bearing axis sensor32yaw34release buckle36disabling magnet38disabling slot40data acquisition and transmission module42power supply module44VHF/data acquisition antenna46SD card access cover48SD card50SD card port52beacon54water seal gasket56fastener57fastener recess60housing base of4062housing cover of4064housing seal ring66circuit board68GPS receiver70wire way72release mechanism74male latch element76female latch element78electronic controller80lock pin motor82lock pin drive84lock pin86alignment pin88battery90electrical connection92waterproof seal of9094housing of4296battery connection98power connection100upper electronic assembly102external VHF antenna/antenna feed line104internal VHF antenna

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1is an illustrative view of the data acquisition collar12of the present invention10in use. Illustrated are ruminant subject animals14dispersed over a geographical area with each having a data acquisition collar12acquiring and storing physiological and environmental data to a removable storage device for computer16analysis. The data is also selectively retrievable through periodic VHF FSK data transmission to computer16enabled with a telemetry receiver18and sound card interface20. The collar is designed as a latched band12having a topside housing portion and a bottom side power supply portion, which is field replaceable, and of a weight to keep the topside housing, which includes GPS22positioning to determine movement of the tagged animal, in a topmost collar12position. The collar additionally provides for intended collar release and later retrieval via beacon52transmission.

FIG. 2is an illustrative view of the neck orientation function of the present invention10. The collar12of the present invention incorporates a two axis accelerometer24for recording and storing pitch26and roll28of collar-enabled data-acquisition animals14to determine foraging or grazing habits, which when included with location (GPS22determined), time and ambient temperature, all of which are recorded at preprogrammed intervals, provides preference information on food and water resources. A compass bearing axis sensor30may also be employed to determine the yaw32of the subject animal14.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of the data acquisition collar12of the present invention10. The data acquisition collar12comprises an appropriately sized collar having a release buckle34, power supply module42, a VHF antenna44, data acquisition module40incorporating radio wave data transmission circuitry fastened thereto, a disable magnet36, and an access cover46for an SD card. The power supply module42is designed to be field replaceable.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of the data acquisition collar12of the present invention10. The data acquisition collar12comprises an appropriately sized collar having a release buckle34, power supply module42, a VHF antenna44, data acquisition and transmission module40, the disable magnet36is displaced from the magnet receiving slot38, the SD access cover46and it's water seal gasket54are removed and the data storage SD card48is released from the SD card port50Radio wave data transmission circuitry is fastened thereto for periodically transmitting the accrued physiological and environmental data with the collar12alternately providing for future development of a collar data receiving function.

FIG. 5is a perspective view of the data acquisition and data transmission module40of the present invention10. Shown is the data acquisition and transmission module40having a VHF/data acquisition antenna44, a data storage SD card48protected by an SD access cover46and collar attachment fasteners56. The disabling magnet is shown as number36and that functions as the power switch.

FIG. 6is an exploded view of the data acquisition and transmission module40. The data acquisition and transmission module40is designed as a durable waterproof enclosure having a housing base member60and a housing cover member62with a housing seal ring64therebetween providing a waterproof enclosure housing the electronics of the device. The cover member62also provides a removable weather sealed SD access cover46as access to the removable storage device. Also shown is the circuit board66with GPS receiver68, external antenna44, wire way70and multiple fasteners56and fastener recesses57. The wire way70is where power and VHF RF penetrates the housing94for connection to the collar.

FIG. 7is a perspective view of the power supply module42of the present invention. The power supply42comprises housing94that is attachable to the collar and is designed to be field replaceable. Also shown are the electrical contacts90having a weather seal92therearound.

FIG. 8is an exploded perspective view of the power supply module42. The power supply42comprises housing94with a plurality of batteries88therein that is designed to be field replaceable by removing the power supply module42and replacing it with another.

FIG. 9is a perspective view of an alternate release collar buckle that is programmably releasable. Several types of collar latching mechanism72are provided by the present invention including a programmable release mechanism72as illustrated having a female latch element76with a battery88, an electronic controller78, a lock pin motor80and a lock pin drive82. The female latch element76has a mating male latch element74with a lock pin84and a pair of alignment pins86.

FIG. 10is a diagrammatic view of the present invention10. Depicted is a diagrammatic view of the collar12of the present invention10showing electronics connections including the battery88(alkaline or lithium), the battery connector96, the release unit72positions for the buckle34, the power connection98the upper electronics assembly100, the external VHF antenna and antenna feed line102and internal VHF antenna104.

FIG. 11is a block diagram of the method of the present invention10demonstrating the operation, function and interrelationship between the various components.