U.S. patent application number 12/386450 was filed with the patent office on 2009-10-01 for handheld rfid reader.
Invention is credited to Robert Kleemeier.
Application Number | 20090243862 12/386450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40550401 |
Filed Date | 2009-10-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090243862 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kleemeier; Robert |
October 1, 2009 |
Handheld RFID reader
Abstract
A data collection device (i.e. reader or reader/writer) for the
animal husbandry industry that links to a database to accept
instruction protocols for listed animals. An operator scans animals
and reads data for each listed and/or located animal per
pre-determined sets of instructions unique to each RFID. Read
operations are confirmed with auditory, tactile and/or visual
feedback. The acquired data and/or operator entries and comments
are uploadable to the database. The data can also be collected and
transferred over a real-time communication link.
Inventors: |
Kleemeier; Robert; (Eau
Claire, WI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DOUGLAS L. TSCHIDA
Suite 202, 93 Little Canada Road West
St. Paul
MN
55117-2369
US
|
Family ID: |
40550401 |
Appl. No.: |
12/386450 |
Filed: |
April 17, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11300177 |
Dec 14, 2005 |
7522059 |
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12386450 |
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60635890 |
Dec 14, 2004 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
340/573.3 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 11/006
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
340/573.3 |
International
Class: |
G08B 23/00 20060101
G08B023/00 |
Claims
1-10. (canceled)
11. A system for reading and writing animal husbandry data
comprising: a) a database containing data peculiar to the identity
and condition of a plurality of animals; b) a plurality of wireless
transponders each mounted to an animal and containing
identification data identifying a unique animal; c) a duplex
wireless communications link; d) a system controller coupled to
said database and said communications link for directing animal
management activities and maintaining the data of said database; e)
a handheld wireless reader having i) transmitter and receiver means
coupled to said communications link for receiving data from each of
said transponders and said system controller and transmitting
collected reader data to said system controller and database, ii)
an alphanumeric display, iii) a memory containing data received
from said system controller including a) identification data
defining a list of animals, b) a plurality of predefined operator
tasking instructions peculiar to each of the listed animals, and
iv) means responsive to the reading of a transponder of a listed
animal for displaying the tasking instructions for the located
animal on said alphanumeric display, and v) means for writing data
collected to listed animals to said memory.
12. A system as set forth in claim 11 wherein at least one of said
transponders comprises a radio frequency responsive device and
wherein said reader includes means for enunciating an alert to the
operator with the detection and identification of a listed
animal.
13. A system as set forth in claim 12 wherein the enunciator means
produces a tactile operator alert.
14. A system as set forth in claim 11 wherein said reader includes
means for storing and communicating data identifying each listed
animal located, each listed animal serviced and any related
servicing data.
15. A system as set forth in claim 14 wherein said reader includes
means for transmitting said identification and collected data for
any of said listed animals to said system controller and
database.
16. A system for reading and writing animal husbandry data
comprising: a) a database containing data peculiar to the identity
and condition of a plurality of animals; b) a plurality of radio
frequency transponders each mounted to an animal and containing
identification data identifying a unique animal; c) a duplex radio
frequency communications link; d) a system controller coupled to
said database and said communications link for directing animal
management activities and maintaining the data of said database; e)
a handheld radio frequency reader having i) transmitter and
receiver means coupled to said communications link for receiving
data from each of said transponders and said system controller and
transmitting collected data to said system controller and database,
ii) an alphanumeric display, iii) a programmable memory containing
database data received from said system controller including a)
identification data defining a list of animals, b) a plurality of
predefined operator tasking instructions peculiar to each of the
listed animals, and iv) means responsive to the reading the
transponder of a listed animal for displaying the tasking
instructions for each located animal on said alphanumeric display,
and v) means for writing collected and operator entered task
completion data to said programmable memory.
17. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said reader includes
means for enunciating an alert to the operator with the detection
and identification of a listed animal.
18. A system as set forth in claim 17 wherein the enunciator means
produces a tactile operator alert.
19. A system as set forth in claim 16 wherein said reader includes
means for storing and communicating data identifying each listed
animal located, each listed animal serviced and any related
servicing data to said system controller and database.
20. A method for managing a collection of animals and related
animal husbandry data comprising: a) programming a list of
identification data and a plurality of predefined operator tasking
instructions peculiar to each of a plurality of identifiable
animals tracked in a database via a full duplex wireless
communications link to a handheld wireless reader, wherein said
reader comprises i) transmitter and receiver means coupled to said
communications link, ii) an alphanumeric display, iii) a
programmable memory for storing a) identification data defining a
list of animals, b) a plurality of predefined operator tasking
instructions peculiar to each of the listed animals, and c) task
completion data; b) reading identification data via said handheld
reader from each of a plurality of wireless transponders
individually mounted to a group of animals; c) comparing the read
identification data to the stored identification data to locate
each listed animal; d) communicating the stored tasking
instructions to an operator for each listed animal as a listed
animal is located; e) storing task completion data into the
programmable memory; and f) communicating the identification and
task completion data for listed animals to a system controller for
updating said database.
21. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said reader includes
a tactile enunciator and including the step of alerting an operator
carrying the handheld reader upon locating a listed animal via said
enunciator.
22. A method as set forth in claim 20 wherein said wireless
communications link and said transponders operate at a radio
frequency.
23. A method as set forth in claim 20 including the step of storing
and displaying data identifying each animal located and any data
collected or entered by said operator.
24. A method as set forth in claim 23 including the steps of
storing and communicating data identifying each listed animal
located, each listed animal serviced and any related servicing
data.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/300,177, filed Dec.
14, 2005,U.S. Pat. No. 7,522,059; and provisional application Ser.
No. 60/635,890, filed Dec. 14, 2004.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to animal identification
systems and, in particular, to a system and equipment for reading
and writing data stored on identification media worn by monitored
animals.
[0003] There are several issues associated with the rapid adoption
and use of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and related
technology in the animal husbandry industry. Many individuals
believe that electronic readers are cumbersome and expensive
technology, which is not readily suited to their normal workday
functions. Others dislike the need for wires and connectors joining
multiple devices. Most are unable to envision what benefit accrues
to them personally when they identify an animal with an electronic
RFID tag.
[0004] There are two general ways in which dairymen and ranchers
organize their work in animal agriculture.
[0005] Batch--Where every animal receives the same treatment and
the treatment is so noted for the group.
[0006] Individual--Where individual animals are selected for a
specific treatment from a group with individual record updates to
be recorded for each animal.
[0007] My invention targets the way in which an RFID reader is used
in performing both batch and individual operations with animals.
The integrated memory reader (IMR) uses a programmed and integrated
memory chip in a unique and highly functional manner to direct
activities and to collect and store information associated with
individual RFID tags affixed to each animal in an identified group
of animals. Providing memory in the reader and using it in this
unique manner empowers the user without the usual burden of
requiring a nearby or linked computer in order to direct activities
and collect data. Specific activities can now be performed without
the expense and need for a sustained link with a computer. In fact
the flow of information is toward the memory on the IMR instead of
toward a computer, which is the usual direction for information to
travel.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,839 (Curkendall) teaches the use of
computers linked to an RFID reader by means of a wireless radio
frequency connection at the time of a key animal event. The nature
of the event to be signaled to the computer by reading an RFID tag
associated with and signaling that event as well as the RFID tag on
the animal which allows the computer to associate the action or
actions being taken with the correct animal. Any action taken is
then stored in the associated database for the animal or animals
involved. This is well suited to an unknown group of animals that
are presented in a batch for treatment or for measurement while the
reader is linked to a computer.
[0009] The foregoing schema requires that a number of implements be
in close proximity for rapid wireless data transfer and
verification of action taken. In the examples cited by the patent,
there is at the very least a laptop computer either tethered or
wirelessly connected to an RFID reader so that the RFID reader is
monitored and the data saved on the storage disk of the computer.
For example, this circumstance can occur where an operator is
working at chute side with a mobile scanning unit reading tags and
interfacing wirelessly with a computer that is being signaled and
guided by the reading of predefined RFID tags. Applicant and
Curkendall previously used a similar technique to monitor RFID tags
fastened to each end of a parlor to tell the computer which stall
would be the next one read in order to place cows in specific
stalls to record milk production. In the foregoing instances the
RFID reader is principally a passive device that is used to collect
RFID readings and relay them to a computer for processing thus
requiring a link.
[0010] In distinction to known systems and devices, the subject
invention provides an interactive functional memory. Associated
programming enables interaction between the IMR and the operator
such that a visual display gives the operator positive feedback for
initiating and verifying his actions. Other readers need to be
connected either wirelessly or via a cable to a computer while they
are in an operating task oriented endeavor in order to enable the
operator to do any more than perform a scan and save function that
is typically performed by RFID readers.
[0011] In particular, the IMR:
[0012] A) Displays messages requiring operator action from
previously downloaded instructions from a computer which prompt the
operator to perform the tasked function with each specific
animal.
[0013] B) Displays visible tag numbers (e.g. colored and numbered
ear tags) that are cross referenced to each RFID number so the
operator can verify that the correct animal is being serviced.
[0014] C) Displays preloaded services to be performed on each
animal from its memory.
[0015] D) Accepts and displays operator input signaling task
completion and outcome.
[0016] E) Multiple operator signals may be used including a
separate task key or keys, multiple keying of one or several keys
or just assigning RFID task tags to be scanned by the reader. With
additional memory the operator could give the IMR verbal commands
or record responses to a task.
[0017] F) Any device with a serial, USB or other communications
output port could be made into a wireless output and the response
sent to the memory on the IMR from the device. This would include
scales, digital thermometers, ultrasound units, milk-meters,
etc.
[0018] F) Can accept keyboard input for an animal from a
computer.
[0019] Thus the IMR acts as a data collector that can link to a
computer database prior to its use in the field and afterward to
upload the new data it has acquired. It can also be used in a
continuous real-time wireless link with a computer, but it doesn't
need to be so linked to be functional for the user.
[0020] The IMR with its unique task handling programming thus
reverses the usual direction of information flow in field
operations. It dramatically extends the functionality such that in
many situations the operator no longer needs to carry a PDA, data
phone or similar device having a supplementary keyboard and/or
processing capabilities as an intermediary for interfacing with a
main database. The IMR however is adapted for use with the
foregoing types of devices where the expense and inconvenience of
carrying and operating a second device is warranted.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a
radio frequency reader or reader/writer for the animal husbandry
industry.
[0022] It is a further object of the invention to provide a reader
that is compatible with half and full duplex RFID tags worn by
animals.
[0023] It is a further object of the invention to provide a reader
that accepts the preloading of lists of RFID numbers and related
operator instruction sets or protocols.
[0024] It is a further object of the invention to provide a reader
that collects listed and unlisted data and is operative to write
the data to a compatible herd database.
[0025] It is a further object of the invention to provide a reader
that is compatible with a variety of remote monitoring
equipment/sensors (e.g. electronic scales, thermometers, ultrasound
devices, etc.).
[0026] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
portable reader that permits use while roaming amongst or near a
collection of tagged animals and a subset of which comprise the
stored list of animals to be read and identified.
[0027] It is a further object of the invention to provide a
portable reader that confirms a successful read operation with
auditory, tactile or visual enunciation without requiring operator
viewing of a display.
[0028] The foregoing objects, advantages and distinctions of the
invention, among others, are found in a handheld reader that is
adapted to communicate with a computer containing a herd database
and/or a personal digital assistant (PDA) device. The reader can
take the form a cane-like instrument that can be carried and
manipulated amongst a herd of animals. Predetermined lists of
animals can be transferred to the reader for monitoring to defined
instruction sets or protocols. Data is collected from RFID devices
worn by the animals and/or external devices and the collected data
is linked to the unique animal RFID numbers.
[0029] Still other objects, advantages and distinctions of the
invention will become more apparent from the following description
with respect to the appended drawings. Presently considered readers
and operational system improvements or modifications are described
as appropriate. The description should not be literally construed
in limitation of the invention. Rather, the scope of the invention
should be broadly interpreted within the scope of the further
appended claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] Similar reference numerals and characters at the drawings
refer to like structure at the various drawings, which are as
follows:
[0031] FIGS. 1A through 1E show a general flow chart to the steps
performed by the IMR during normal read operations and a couple of
variations thereof.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] In an effort to simplify all aspects involved in the
practical use of RFID readers and reader/writers in the workday
world, the subject reader or reader/writer provides a device that
is simple to use by following an "operator protocol" and requires a
less cumbersome set of equipment to facilitate field operation. In
a preferred embodiment of an RFID reader, the IMR comprises an
active device that includes sufficient programmable memory and
associated firmware coupled to an operator readable display and/or
other enunciator device that signals and/or instructs the operator
to take selective action upon reading a stored animal RFID.
[0033] In order to function in an active mode in the field, the IMR
relies on its uniquely designed memory that has been preloaded from
a database. In its present construction, the IMR is configured in
the form of a cane or wand having indicator lights, an audible
buzzer or vibrator and a 2-row LCD readout screen are used to
provide information to the operator. The programmable memory on the
IMR can be loaded with appropriate data via a suitable data link,
such as a wireless, a wired or an IR link, to a computer
database.
[0034] To simplify operation, the IMR, when it reads an RFID tag,
is designed to access the IMR memory for an ID tag, to locate a
short, pertinent operational instruction message for the operator.
The operator is thereby able to work independently of a computer or
any peripheral device as he/she complies with the variables and
parameters of the instruction message for that particular animal
and stores an outcome for the task. The operator can then transfer
the readings or wait to until a later time to transfer the
data.
[0035] Additional functionality can be obtained by connecting the
reader to a PDA or a laptop computer by a variety of common
communications links (e.g. hardwire, IR, wireless, BLUETOOTH). It
can then utilize the functionality and diversity of a complete
database. The reader, however, can function alone using the
available on-board memory and integral display.
[0036] Any RFID tagged animals not appearing on a reader provided
work list may be added to the computer database with interactive
programming on a computer or PDA that is linked to the reader. In
such instance, the PDA effectively provides a keyboard to enable
the entry of additional alphanumeric information using standard
data entry procedures. Many of the common field activities for
animal maintenance do not require the overhead and complexity of a
keyboard to function and gather information, which functions can be
readily performed by the RFID reader as a data collector.
[0037] The subject wireless portable RFID reader is therefore
preloaded with action prompts or tasking instructions, which
typically appear on the LCD display and instruct the operator
sufficiently so that he/she is able to carry out the specified
tasks. The operator may also be signaled in other ways, such as by
audible, visual and tactile means. It is to be understood that the
operating protocol requires that the defined tasks are performed,
as specified in the operator protocol, on all pre-designated
animals located and read by the portable reader.
[0038] Data may be collected and stored on each animal by signaling
the IMR in any of several ways after reading an RFID tag and
identifying the animal (e.g. pushing an additional function button
or reading function designated tags as in a barcode book of codes
or through multiple quick pushes on the read button, among other
operator actions).
[0039] If the portable reader and RFID tags have read/write
capabilities, the IMR can place an encrypted description of each
action taken or any other desired message onto the animal tag that
has just been read. One such message could be the encrypted "site
ID" of the premises on which the animal is located. By following a
specific protocol, a considerable amount of information can be
stored for each animal in such a distributed database. The database
on each animal tag can also be structured such that each premise is
recorded only one time without an intervening location. This
provides nearly instantaneous trace-back and/or owner
verification.
I. Operation
[0040] With attention to the system organization, display
configuration and operation flow charts shown at FIGS. 1a-1e, the
general functional operation of the IMR reader/writer is as
follows:
[0041] 1. An export is made from a computer database, which holds a
"to do" list of animals that are to receive a specific service or a
set of services defined for each RFID numbered animal.
[0042] 2. The database list is transferred to the IMR via a
suitable wired, wireless, RF or IR communications link.
[0043] 3. The transferred list and other instructions and/or data
is received by the IMR and stored on an integrated memory chip.
[0044] 4. The IMR is then used to read a radio frequency
identifying tag (RFID) on successive animals. [0045] A) Many of the
animal tags being read may not have been stored on the database
list. For these animals, the reader will indicate only that they
were read. [0046] B) When each of the pre-designated animals on the
list is read, the reader alerts the operator to the identification
of a listed animal in a suitable manner (e.g. double beep, lighting
a specific colored read light or vibration etc.) and brings up the
preloaded information/instructions or protocol regarding each
animal and displays this protocol on the LCD display. [0047] i)
Visible ID tag on the animal for cowside confirmation. [0048] ii)
Service to be provided to said animal or measurement to be taken.
[0049] iii) The count of animals to be located is diminished by
one. [0050] iv) The cow record is flagged for later verification as
to which animals were located and received the service or on which
animals' measurements were made. [0051] v) RFID # may be displayed
as well as the visible tag #.
[0052] 5. When work is completed or substantially completed with
the listed animals. The count will be at or near zero on the "work
to-do" count list.
[0053] 6. Reestablish link between IMR and the computer database
and transfer the original work list with the flag added for those
animals that have been serviced or measured. Those animals on the
list that have not been flagged will have to be separately located
and identified to enable the operator to complete the task for all
tasked animals.
[0054] 7. The treatment, service or measurement may then be either
keyed or directly uploaded to the original master database for
those animals that have been serviced.
[0055] The foregoing operations enable the IMR to function in an
isolated stand-alone mode without being simultaneously connected or
linked to a computer or a network. An operator can perform tasks
without ongoing supervisory input and still transfer the results of
his activities back into the original database at a future point in
time.
II. Operational Variations
[0056] Some possible operational variations for the IM
Reader/Writer are as follows:
[0057] A. When no database exists and work is to be conducted based
upon the RFID identifier on the animal, the following protocol can
be used: [0058] 1. The RFID tag affixed to the animal is scanned
into the IMR. [0059] 2. Additional information may then be added to
this new animal file. For example, if a weight is being taken, the
scale head can be instructed to print the weight and the weight can
be transmitted via the serial port. If the data is sent via a
Bluetooth transmission, the BLUETOOTH connection on the IMR must be
entered, which will be stored together with the RFID # just read
into the IMR memory. [0060] 3. The same general sequence can be
followed with other electronic measurements (e.g. an ultrasound
device or a digital thermometer) using related, systematic
instructions determined for an operating protocol peculiar to the
instrument being monitored. [0061] 4. Inputs keyboarded from a
computer can also be stored in the IMR memory.
[0062] B. When the database exists and the operator desires to
associate certain bits of data with an animal already in the
database, the following protocol can be used and wherein each of
the steps stated above for normal operations through step I.4.B.iv)
are again performed, then: [0063] v) A signal is sent to the IMR,
such as by very rapidly keying the read or power switch a set
number of times or by scanning a status RFID tag (like in a barcode
book of ID code keys) pertaining to a question or status, and the
detected # or its translated value is placed onto the LCD display.
[0064] a) This facilitates a quick data input on the selected
animal. (Yes--No), (Elevated Temp.--Normal Temp.), or
(Preg.--Open-Cystic). [0065] b) The Status tag or rapid keying can
input other preset information into the IMR, including weights,
measurements, market criteria, etc. [0066] c) Rapid Keying or
reading a Status Tag can also cue the IMR to list the visible tag
numbers for those animals "not yet located" or "missing" near the
end of the task session as a reminder to the operator. Not until
the missing RFID numbers are scanned will they be flagged in the
IMR. [0067] d) Accessing the visible tag numbers while still in the
field enables the operator to conduct a rapid visual search for the
few animals that still need to be serviced.
[0068] 5. A link between the IMR and the computer database is then
reestablished and the original work list with the flag added and
the status indication identifier, are transferred.
[0069] 6. Now the list contains distinct groups of tags requiring
further processing. [0070] a) Animal tags with no flags (i.e. yet
to be located and serviced); [0071] b) Animal tags with flags
indicating service completed; and [0072] c) Animal tags with flags,
an accompanying status indicator and the data for the status.
III. Example Application--
[0073] Assume twenty designated animals in a string of 200 dairy
cows from a herd of 2000 are to be given a vaccination. The list of
twenty animals is moved to the Reader Integration Program from any
herd management software package that may be in use to store
individual cow records. This aligns the data format for loading
onto the RFID reader. In certain situations, the action list may go
direct from a herd management software database to the IMR. This
file of animals will contain the individual RFID #'s, and possibly
the visual ear tag numbers for positive cowside ID, and the action
indicated to be performed.
[0074] When loaded into the IMR, the IMR is ready to locate and
alert the operator when each of the selected twenty animals is
found. Messages displayed at the LCD screen then instruct the
operator what task is to be performed when the animal is located.
As each animal on the list is read and identified and the task
performed, the stored animal record may be given another character
to designate that the task has been performed. If the IMR is linked
wirelessly to a PDA, the list of serviced animals would appear in
the PDA file. If not linked, the list can be downloaded when it is
completed and the unmarked animal files noted as not having been
accomplished. The screen may also show a count of the animals to be
given this vaccine or service. This count will automatically
decrease toward zero as each animal on the list is located and will
show the count of the animals not yet located.
[0075] The IMR, which is not linked, can also show a list of the
animals yet to be serviced which enables the operator to locate the
missed animals via their visual tag and thus complete the task
prior to re-linking with a computer. To do this, the operator
rapidly keys the button a set number of times that is different
from when keying task entry's. This rapid keying brings up
un-serviced animals with visible tag numbers and scrolls through
them with each sequential click. Thus a visual tag cross-reference
provides a final strategy for locating all animals to be serviced
for each task.
[0076] By utilizing a memory chip in a unique fashion to collect
and collate data along with prompting operator tasks to be
performed and the data to be collected based on downloaded RFID
numbers that are to be read into the memory, the IMR becomes a
functional entity inherently different from other RFID systems
which read and store tag numbers or send all information direct to
a computer for processing and storage.
[0077] This approach utilizes the IMR memory, LCD display and
indicator lights plus audio stimulation, as well as an operator
protocol, to simplify and reduce the amount of equipment required
on site in order to perform tasks and record observations or event
completion. Thus when RFID reading, memory programming with
interactive access, operator protocol, wireless communications and
battery driven equipment are combined in a single device with
minimal operator inputs it results in an effective non-cumbersome
tool well suited to the needs of animal agriculture that can be
operated at a remote site independently from a computer or PDA. The
use of a PDA or computer linked to the RFID memory reader extends
this basic utility, but these peripherals are not required for the
IMR to be efficient and for the operator to function
independently.
[0078] While the invention has been described with respect to
several presently considered reader and system constructions and
considered modifications and improvements thereto, it is to be
appreciated that still other constructions may be suggested to
those skilled in the art. The scope of the invention should
therefore be construed broadly within the spirit and scope of the
following claims.
* * * * *