U.S. patent application number 17/557625 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for livestock management system.
The applicant listed for this patent is 701x Inc.. Invention is credited to Keith D. Alsleben, Steven J. Berlinger, Kevin N. Biffert, Chad A. Brinkman, Maximillion K. Cossette, Peter S. Crowley, Braydon W. Love, Cole L. Mehring, Brian M. Morlock.
Application Number | 20220192151 17/557625 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220192151 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Biffert; Kevin N. ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
Livestock Management System
Abstract
A livestock management system for detecting, tracking, and
responding to livestock location and physical parameters, and for
determining livestock behavior and physical conditions correlated
thereto. The system generally includes a plurality of tags and
sensors attached to and implanted in a plurality of livestock, one
or more local sensors, a management platform, and a remote computer
system. Each tag receives, processes and maintains data regarding
the location, activity and physical parameters of a livestock to
which it is attached and locally determines the behavior and
physical conditions of the livestock. The tags communicate with
other nearby tags and sensors locally via dynamic mesh networks and
with the management platform and remote computer system via longer
range wireless networks. The management platform processes the tag
data and produces herd-related data. The remote computer uses the
tag data to generate and update livestock behavior and condition
models for download to the tags.
Inventors: |
Biffert; Kevin N.; (Horace,
ND) ; Cossette; Maximillion K.; (Fargo, ND) ;
Berlinger; Steven J.; (Dilworth, MN) ; Crowley; Peter
S.; (Fargo, ND) ; Mehring; Cole L.; (Fargo,
ND) ; Alsleben; Keith D.; (Fargo, ND) ; Love;
Braydon W.; (Fergus Falls, MN) ; Morlock; Brian
M.; (Fargo, ND) ; Brinkman; Chad A.; (Fargo,
ND) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
701x Inc. |
Fargo |
ND |
US |
|
|
Appl. No.: |
17/557625 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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63128948 |
Dec 22, 2020 |
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International
Class: |
A01K 11/00 20060101
A01K011/00; G01C 5/06 20060101 G01C005/06; G01P 15/00 20060101
G01P015/00; G01S 19/14 20060101 G01S019/14; A01K 29/00 20060101
A01K029/00 |
Claims
1. A system for monitoring livestock, comprising: a first tag that
is attachable to a first animal, the first tag comprising: a first
sensor adapted to sense a physical parameter regarding the first
animal; a first processor configured to receive and process a first
data from the first sensor; a first local memory adapted to receive
and store the first data provided by the first processor, and
further adapted to store one or more programs which are executable
by the first processor; and a first communications interface
adapted for wireless communications between tags and other devices;
wherein the first processor executes the one or more programs
stored in the first local memory to generate a determination
regarding the physical parameter of the first animal based on the
first data from the first sensor; and wherein the first tag is
adapted to transmit the determination to a remote computer system
via the first communications interface.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tag is further adapted
to transmit the first data to the remote computer system via the
first communications interface.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises a
barometer, wherein the physical parameter comprises an altitude,
and wherein the determination is that the first animal is
ruminating.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tag comprises an
inertial measurement unit, and wherein the determination is that
the first animal is ruminating as determined by motion detected by
the inertial measurement unit.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the first tag comprises an
inertial measurement unit, wherein the first sensor comprises a
barometer, wherein the physical parameter comprises an altitude,
and wherein the determination is that the first animal is engaging
in mounting behavior as determined by data from the inertial
measurement unit and the altitude.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises an
accelerometer, wherein the physical parameter comprises motion, and
wherein the determination is that the first animal is moving.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises a GNSS
receiver, wherein the physical parameter comprises motion, and
wherein the determination is that the first animal is moving.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the first sensor comprises an
accelerometer, wherein the physical parameter comprises motion, and
wherein the determination is that the first animal is eating.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more programs comprise
an algorithm received from the remote computer system, and wherein
the algorithm is created remotely with respect to the first tag
using machine learning to generate the algorithm from information
regarding the first animal received from the first tag.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the system uses the algorithm
and the first data to detect that the first animal is in
estrus.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the system uses the algorithm
and the first data to detect that the first animal is calving.
12. The system of claim 9, wherein the system uses the algorithm
and the first data to generate a health alert regarding the first
animal.
13. The system of claim 9, further comprising a second tag that is
attachable to a second animal, the second tag comprising: a second
sensor adapted to sense a physical parameter regarding the second
animal; a second processor configured to receive and process a
second data from the second sensor; a second local memory adapted
to receive and store the second data provided by the second
processor, and further adapted to store one or more programs which
are executable by the second processor; and a second communications
interface adapted for wireless communications between tags and
other devices; wherein the second processor executes the one or
more programs stored in the second local memory to generate a
second determination regarding the physical parameter of the second
animal based on the second data from the second sensor; wherein the
first tag and the second tag are adapted to exchange the first data
and the second data with each other; and wherein the algorithm is
created remotely with respect to the first tag and the second tag,
using machine learning to generate the algorithm from information
regarding the first animal and the second animal received from the
first tag and the second tag.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising a second tag that is
attachable to a second animal, the second tag comprising: a second
sensor that senses a physical parameter regarding the second
animal; a second processor configured to receive and process a
second data from the second sensor; a second local memory adapted
to receive and store the second data provided by the second
processor, and further adapted to store one or more programs which
are executable by the second processor; and a second communications
interface adapted for wireless communications between tags and
other devices; wherein the second processor executes the one or
more programs stored in the second local memory to generate a
second determination regarding the physical parameter of the second
animal based on the second data from the second sensor; wherein the
first tag and the second tag are adapted to exchange the first data
and the second data with each other; and wherein the second tag is
adapted to transmit the second determination to the remote computer
system via the second communications interface.
15. A system for monitoring livestock, comprising: a first sensor
adapted to sense a physical parameter regarding a first animal; a
first tag that is attachable to the first animal, the first tag
comprising: a first processor configured to receive and process a
first data from the first sensor; a first local memory adapted to
receive and store the first data provided by the first processor,
and further adapted to store one or more programs which are
executable by the first processor; and a first communications
interface adapted for wireless communications between tags and
other devices; wherein the one or more programs comprise an
algorithm and wherein the algorithm is created using machine
learning to generate the algorithm from information regarding the
first animal received from the first tag; wherein the first
processor executes the one or more programs stored in the first
local memory to generate a determination regarding the physical
parameter of the first animal based on the first data from the
first sensor; and wherein the first tag is adapted to transmit the
determination to a remote computer system via the first
communications interface.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the algorithm is received from
the remote computer system, and wherein the algorithm is created
remotely with respect to the first tag.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the first sensor comprises an
accelerometer, wherein the physical parameter comprises motion, and
wherein the determination relates to the health of the first
animal.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the first sensor comprises a
temperature sensor, wherein the physical parameter comprises
temperature, and wherein the determination relates to the health of
the first animal.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the first sensor comprises a
temperature sensor, wherein the physical parameter comprises
temperature, and wherein the determination is that the first animal
is in estrus.
20. The system of claim 15, wherein the first sensor comprises a
temperature sensor implanted in the first animal.
21. The system of claim 15, further comprising: a second sensor
that senses a physical parameter regarding a second animal; and a
second tag that is attachable to the second animal, the second tag
comprising: a second processor configured to receive and process a
second data from the second sensor; a second local memory adapted
to receive and store the second data provided by the second
processor, and further adapted to store one or more programs which
are executable by the second processor; and a second communications
interface adapted for wireless communications between tags and
other devices; wherein the second processor executes the one or
more programs stored in the second local memory to generate a
second determination regarding the physical parameter of the second
animal based on the second data from the second sensor; wherein the
one or more programs stored in the second local memory comprise the
algorithm, and wherein the algorithm is created using machine
learning from information received from one or more tags in the
system.
22. A system for monitoring livestock, comprising: a first sensor
adapted to sense a physical parameter regarding a first animal; a
first tag that is attachable to the first animal, the first tag
comprising: a first processor configured to receive and process a
first data from the first sensor; a first local memory adapted to
receive and store the first data provided by the first processor,
and further adapted to store one or more programs which are
executable by the first processor; and a first communications
interface adapted for wireless communications between tags and
other devices; wherein the one or more programs comprise an
algorithm; wherein the first processor executes the one or more
programs stored in the first local memory to generate a first
determination regarding the physical parameter of the first animal
based on the first data from the first sensor; a second sensor that
senses a physical parameter regarding a second animal; and a second
tag that is attachable to the second animal, the second tag
comprising: a second processor configured to receive and process a
second data from the second sensor; a second local memory adapted
to receive and store the second data provided by the second
processor, and further adapted to store one or more programs which
are executable by the second processor; and a second communications
interface adapted for wireless communications between tags and
other devices; wherein the second processor executes the one or
more programs stored in the second local memory to generate a
second determination regarding the physical parameter of the second
animal based on the second data from the second sensor, the second
determination relating to the health of the second animal; wherein
the one or more programs stored in the second local memory comprise
the algorithm; wherein the algorithm is created by a remote
computer system using machine learning to generate the algorithm
from information regarding the first animal and the second animal
received from the first tag and the second tag; wherein the first
tag and the second tag are adapted to exchange the first data and
the second data with each other via the first communications
interface and the second communications interface; and wherein the
first tag and the second tag are adapted to transmit the first
determination and the second determination to the remote computer
system via the first communications interface and the second
communications interface.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] I hereby claim benefit under Title 35, United States Code,
Section 119(e) of U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
63/128,948 filed Dec. 22, 2020. The 63/128,948 application is
currently pending. The 63/128,948 application is hereby
incorporated by reference into this application.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable to this application.
BACKGROUND
[0003] The described example embodiments in general relate to a
livestock management system for detecting, tracking, and responding
to livestock location and activity, and for determining livestock
behavior and physical conditions correlated thereto.
[0004] Tags fitted with sensors and electronics have been attached
externally to various body parts of cattle and other livestock as
components of livestock management systems to record and
communicate data regarding the location, certain physical
parameters, and the health and welfare of the livestock. For
example, such tags have been attached to the ears, dewlap, and
brisket regions of cattle. Any discussion of the related art
throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an
admission that such related art is widely known or forms part of
common general knowledge in the field.
SUMMARY
[0005] Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to a livestock management system that can manage various
types of livestock. Some of the various embodiments of the present
disclosure manage a herd of livestock within an area under
management. Some of the various embodiments of the present
disclosure generally include a plurality of tags each attached to a
livestock of a herd under management, one or more local
sensors/transceivers located in the area under management, a
management system platform, and a remote computer system. In some
other embodiments, one or more sensors may be implanted in and/or
attached to each livestock.
[0006] Each tag locally and autonomously receives and/or acquires
data regarding the location, orientation, movement of the livestock
and other data about the livestock from embedded receivers and
sensors, e.g., an embedded global positioning receiver, gyroscope,
and accelerometer. Each tag locally and autonomously receives
and/or acquires physical parameters of the livestock from one or
more sensors, e.g., an internal body temperature sensor. The
sensors may be implanted in and/or attached to the livestock
separate from the tag and/or incorporated in the tag. Each tag
locally and autonomously processes the data and physical parameters
and determines certain activities and behaviors of the livestock,
e.g., eating, ruminating, ambulating, and determines certain
physical conditions of the livestock correlated thereto, e.g.,
illness, injury, estrus, breeding, and calving. The tag can make
predictions and determinations about livestock activity and
physical condition by applying one or more AI models and/or other
detection algorithms to the received and acquired data. Each tag
also locally and autonomously receives or acquires data about
events and conditions external to the livestock, processes the
data, and determines whether a potential risk to the livestock is
present, e.g., a nearby predator or vehicle.
[0007] Each tag can locally and autonomously decide to generate an
alarm or alert in response to a detected or determined location,
activity and/or physical condition of the livestock and/or in
response to a detected or determined event or condition external to
the livestock. For example, a tag can generate an alarm or alert
when it detects the livestock has left the area under management or
a designated area within the area under management, when it
determines that the livestock is ill, injured, in estrus, or
calving, when it determines that a livestock has likely been
stolen, and/or when it determines that the livestock is threatened
by an external event or condition, e.g., predator, bad weather,
etc.
[0008] Each tag is capable of communicating its data,
determinations, and alarms with the management system platform
and/or the remote computer system, e.g., with the cloud, via one or
more long range wireless networks which can include cellular,
satellite, and/or IP-based networks, and/or LPWAN's such as LORA or
Sigfox. However, in an embodiment where it is not necessary or not
desired for every tag to communicate separately with the management
system platform and/or remote computer system, e.g., for power
conservation reasons, each tag can be configured to locally and
autonomously communicate its data and determinations with other
nearby tags and with local sensors/transceivers in an area under
management via one or more self-forming dynamic local mesh
networks, or each tag may communicate or attempt to communicate
data to other nearby tags, without formation of a mesh network.
Depending on the location of surrounding or nearby tags, one tag or
multiple tags may receive data from a sending tag. Thus, a sending
tag may not have data "awareness" of whether a single other tag or
multiple tags have received the sent data. This type of
transmission may be used for emergency alerts or general data
sharing, for example.
[0009] In either case, every tag in a local mesh network or in
sufficient proximity to other tags can have all or a subset of the
data and determinations of every other tag in the network or area.
The data can include, e.g., signal strength, battery power, and
external conditions and based on such data, each tag in the network
can autonomously determine the tag that is in the best condition to
communicate with the management system platform and/or the remote
computer network. That tag can then communicate the aggregated data
of some or all of the tags in the local mesh network or group of
tags in an area to the management system platform and/or the remote
computer network, e.g., to the cloud, via a long range wireless
network.
[0010] The management system platform receives, processes, and
stores the data from the tags and aggregates the individual
livestock data to produce herd-level data. The management system
platform also can respond to alarms from the tags and can generate
its own alarms. The management system platform monitors and manages
designated grazing areas and inventories of consumables, e.g.,
feed, hay, water, etc. The management system platform maintains and
manages genetics and lineage data, health and physical condition
histories, owner and location histories, and financial information,
among other things. The management system platform maintains and
manages access to the system, data, and functionality by external
users and can be configured to operate as a remote service
provider, e.g., to provide on-line auction and/or veterinary
services. The management system platform manages and monitors the
tags, including adding and deleting tags from the system,
populating tags with data and updates, provisioning tags for
operation, and monitoring battery level and operating
conditions.
[0011] The remote computer system can be separate from or
incorporated in whole or in part with the management system
platform. The remote computer system can provide mass storage for
very large volumes of tag data and determinations. The remote
computer system can also provide computing power and tools to
generate, train, and update AI models and/or other detection-based
algorithms for determining livestock activity, behavior and
conditions using the masses of tag data and determinations. The
remote computer system can download such AI models and/or other
detection-based algorithms and updates to the tags directly and/or
through the management system platform.
[0012] There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, some of the
embodiments of the livestock management system in order that the
detailed description thereof may be better understood, and in order
that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated.
There are additional embodiments of the livestock management system
that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject
matter of the claims appended hereto. In this respect, before
explaining at least one embodiment of the livestock management
system in detail, it is to be understood that the livestock
management system is not limited in its application to the details
of construction or to the arrangements of the components set forth
in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The
livestock management system is capable of other embodiments and of
being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are
for the purpose of the description and should not be regarded as
limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] Example embodiments will become more fully understood from
the detailed description given herein below and the accompanying
drawings, wherein like elements are represented by like reference
characters, which are given by way of illustration only and thus
are not limitative of the example embodiments herein.
[0014] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a tag component of a
livestock management system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 1B is a front view of a tag component of a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 1C is a side view of a tag component of a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 1D is a back view of a tag component of a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a graphical representation
of a livestock fitted with a tag component of a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the elements and
architecture of tag component of a livestock management system in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the elements and
architecture of a power source of a tag component of a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 5 is a combination block diagram illustrating the
elements and architecture of a communications interface of a tag
component of a livestock management system and graphical
representation illustrating communication relationships between the
communications interface and other elements of the system in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a graphical representation of livestock in
multiple dynamic local mesh networks within a livestock management
system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of livestock in
multiple different dynamic local mesh networks within a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0024] FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating some potential
functions performed, one possible logical flow, and associated data
received, processed, and maintained in a tag component of a
livestock management system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating one potential logical
data structure for potential data received, processed, and
maintained in a tag component of a livestock management system in
accordance with an example embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a combination block diagram illustrating the
elements and architecture of a management system platform of a
livestock management system and graphical representation
illustrating communications relationships between the management
platform and other elements of the system in accordance with an
example embodiment.
[0027] FIG. 11A is a block diagram illustrating some potential
functions performed, one possible logical flow, and associated data
received, processed, and maintained in a management system platform
of a livestock management system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0028] FIG. 11B is a block diagram illustrating some potential
functions performed, one possible logical flow, and associated data
received, processed, and maintained in a management system platform
of a livestock management system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0029] FIG. 11C is a block diagram illustrating some potential
functions performed, one possible logical flow, and associated data
received, processed, and maintained in a management system platform
of a livestock management system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 11D is a block diagram illustrating some potential
functions performed, one possible logical flow, and associated data
received, processed, and maintained in a management system platform
of a livestock management system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0031] FIG. 11E is a block diagram illustrating some potential
functions performed, one possible logical flow, and associated data
received, processed, and maintained in a management system platform
of a livestock management system in accordance with an example
embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 12A is a partial graphical representation of a
livestock illustrating a correlation between one orientation of a
tag component of a livestock management system and livestock
behavior usable by the system to determine a condition of the
livestock in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0033] FIG. 12B is a partial graphical representation of a
livestock illustrating a correlation between another orientation of
a tag component of a livestock management system and livestock
behavior usable by the system to determine a condition of the
livestock in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 12C is a partial graphical representation of a
livestock illustrating a correlation between another orientation of
a tag component of a livestock management system and livestock
behavior usable by the system to determine a condition of the
livestock in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a relationship between body
temperature and an ambulation behavior of a livestock over time as
detected by a tag component of a livestock management system and
used to determine a condition of the livestock in accordance with
an example embodiment.
[0036] FIG. 14A is a block diagram illustrating one potential
logical data structure for potential data received, processed, and
maintained in a management system platform of a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0037] FIG. 14B is a block diagram illustrating one potential
logical data structure for potential data received, processed, and
maintained in a management system platform of a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0038] FIG. 14C is a block diagram illustrating one potential
logical data structure for potential data received, processed, and
maintained in a management system platform of a livestock
management system in accordance with an example embodiment.
[0039] FIG. 15 is a chart illustrating power states for tags in
accordance with an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. Overview
[0040] Some of the various embodiments of the present disclosure
relate to a livestock management system that can manage various
types of livestock. Some of the various embodiments of the present
disclosure of the livestock management system 10 generally include
a plurality of tags 20 attached to a corresponding plurality of
livestock 12 under management, a plurality of local sensors and
transceivers 34 located in an area under management, a management
system platform 140, and a remote computer system 220. In some
other example embodiments, one or more sensors 32 are implanted in
and/or attached to each livestock 12.
[0041] Each tag 20 is adapted and configured to be attached to a
corresponding livestock 12 externally, preferably in an outer part
of the livestock's ear. Each tag 20 is self-powered and operates
autonomously and automatically for the most part.
[0042] Each tag 20 includes the elements and components necessary
to acquire or receive, to process, maintain, and communicate data
and information regarding the individual livestock 12 to which it
is attached. Such data can include, but is not limited to,
livestock location, movement, orientation, position and angle
relative to other nearby livestock 12, physical parameters such as
internal body temperature, etc. Each tag 20 is adapted and
configured to autonomously and automatically locally process
received and acquired data regarding location, orientation,
movement, etc. and physical parameters of the livestock 12 and to
make determinations about activities and behaviors of the livestock
12 by applying one or more models and/or algorithms. Such
activities and behaviors can include, for example, but are not
limited to, eating, drinking, ruminating, resting, ambulation,
breeding, etc. Each tag 20 is also adapted and configured to
autonomously and automatically determine from the data and the
determined activities and behaviors certain correlated livestock
health and other significant physical conditions by applying one or
more models. Such conditions can include, but are not limited to,
illness, injury, estrus, ovulation, breeding, pregnancy, and
calving.
[0043] Each tag 20 is also adapted and configured to generate and
communicate alarms and/or alerts in response to certain detected
activities and/or conditions, and to receive and respond to alarms
and/or alerts. Alarms or alerts can be communicated, for example,
to one or more mobile devices of a rancher, herd manager, etc.
Detected conditions that can trigger an alarm or alert include, but
are not limited to, estrus and calving. Detected activities that
can trigger an alarm or alert can include, but are not limited to,
lack of movement, a sudden physical shock and/or loud noise, and
maintaining a particular orientation for an extended period of
time. Each tag 20 can respond to an alarm or alert by taking an
action including, but not limited to activating an LED, tone
generator, and/or stimulator.
[0044] Each tag 20 is also adapted and configured to communicate
its data and determinations directly or indirectly with the
management system platform 140 and with the remote computer system
220 via one or more long range wireless networks. Such networks can
include, but are not limited to, cellular, satellite, and or
IP-based WAN/LAN networks, and/or LPWAN's such as LORA or
Sigfox.
[0045] Each tag 20 can also be adapted and configured to
communicate with and to receive data from one or more sensors 32
that may be implanted in and/or attached to the livestock 12 to
which the tag 20 is attached over a wireless connection. The
wireless connection can be, but is not limited to, a low power
Bluetooth (BLE) connection and an antenna-based RFID connection or
other RF link. Each tag 20 can further be adapted and configured to
process, maintain, and communicate the data from the sensor(s) 32.
The one or more sensors 32 can be adapted and configured to sense
various physical parameters, conditions, and/or activities of the
livestock 12 including, but not limited to, body temperature. In an
example embodiment, a temperature sensor can be implanted in or
attached to the livestock 12 at a location that is spaced apart
from the ear location where the tag 20 is attached. For food safety
reasons, the spaced apart location can include another location on
the ear for example. The sensor 32 can provide relative body
temperature readings of the livestock 12 that can be closely
correlated with the health-related and other physical conditions of
the livestock 12 that the tag 20 is to determine.
[0046] In addition to each tag 20 being adapted and configured to
communicate directly with the management system platform 140 and/or
the remote computer system 220, e.g., in the cloud, in some
embodiments each tag 20 can also be adapted and configured to
communicate directly with every other nearby tag 20 that is within
a certain signal range in a dynamic local mesh network. A plurality
of dynamic local mesh networks can be in existence at any given
time in a herd under management. The dynamic local mesh networks
are self-organizing such that as an individual livestock 12 leaves
the signal range of one such network and enters the signal range of
another, each network automatically updates its tag membership and
communicates the new membership information to the other tags 20 in
the network. The tags 20 in each dynamic local mesh network
communicate with each other over a wireless point-to-point
connection. The wireless point-to-point connections can comprise,
but are not limited to, low power Bluetooth (BLE) and/or LPWAN
connections.
[0047] Each tag 20 in a dynamic local mesh network at any given
time can be adapted and configured to receive all or a subset of
the data of each other tag 20 in the network and to transmit all or
a subset of its own data to every other tag 20 in the network. Each
tag 20 in the network can also be adapted and configured to
determine the tag 20 that is in the optimum condition to
communicate the aggregated data of all of the tags in the network
to the management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer
system 220, i.e., the cloud. That determination can be made based
on a plurality of factors including, but not limited to, relative
power levels, relative signal strengths, and other relative
transmission conditions. Each tag 20 can further be adapted and
configured to determine if and when to communicate the aggregated
data of the tags 20 in the local network to the management system
platform 140 and/or to the remote computer system 220. That
determination can be made based on a plurality of factors
including, but not limited to, the time and date, atmospheric
conditions, signal conditions, and power level and/or other
conditions of the tag 20 or conditions of the livestock. For
example, conditions of the livestock that may trigger a
communication of the aggregated data include the livestock 12's
health or a change in health status or condition, including but not
limited to estrus, calving, or a change in the livestock 12's
position, such as when it is detected that the livestock 12 has
left a designated area or entered an unauthorized area, e.g., has
crossed beyond a geo-fence.
[0048] The one or more local sensors and transceivers 34 can be in
fixed locations of an area under management or can be mobile within
the area under management, and are preferably in one or more areas
where livestock 12 also happen to be present from time to time.
Each local sensor and/or transceiver 34 is adapted and configured
to communicate with each tag 20 that is within a certain signal
range and can be a member of a dynamic local mesh network with
those tags 20. Each tag 20 is adapted and configured to communicate
with every local sensor and/or transceiver 34 that is within signal
range, and to receive, maintain, process, and communicate any data
received therefrom. Local sensors can include for example, but are
not limited to, a weight sensor connected to a scale, a
photo-sensor and/or camera mounted on or near a scale, a
photo-sensor and/or camera mounted on or near a feed or water
source, a feed or water level sensor, etc. Local transceivers can
also be used to communicate data between the tags 20 that are in
signal range, the management system platform 140, and/or the remote
computer system 220, for example when other forms of communication,
e.g., cellular or LPWAN are not available for some reason.
[0049] The management system platform 140 can be hosted in a fixed
location, such as on a desktop PC or on a cloud platform, or in a
mobile device such as a laptop PC, tablet computer, mobile phone,
etc. Instances of all or a portion of the management system
platform 140 can be distributed between one or more host devices at
a fixed location and one or more mobile host devices.
[0050] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured
to receive, process, and maintain the data and determinations by
the tags 20 attached to the livestock 12 under management. The
management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to
communicate directly with the tags 20 and with the remote computer
system 220 via one or more wireless and/or wired networks. The
networks can include, but are not limited to, cellular, satellite,
and/or IP-based WAN/LAN networks, and/or LPWAN's such as LORA or
Sigfox. To the extent the management system platform 140 is
embodied in a mobile host device, it can also be adapted and
configured to communicate with tags 20 via a shorter range wireless
connection, including but not limited to a Bluetooth connection.
The management system platform 140 also can be adapted and
configured to communicate with tags 20 that are within signal range
via a local RF transceiver in proximity to the tags 20 in the event
other communication connections are unavailable for any reason.
[0051] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured
to process the livestock tag data in substantially the same way as
the individual tags 20. The management system platform 140 can
track the locations and movements of individual livestock 12 and
the herd under management in general, and can use models and/or
other algorithms to determine certain activities and behaviors, the
existence of certain events, and the existence of certain physical
conditions such as estrus and calving in individual livestock 12,
among other things. The management system platform 140 is also
adapted and configured to respond to the detection of such events
and the determination of such physical conditions by taking actions
that can include, but are not limited to, communicating an alarm or
alert to one or more mobile devices of a rancher, herd manager,
etc., and causing the tag 20 associated with the event or physical
condition to take an action such as activating a tone generator,
stimulator, and/or LED.
[0052] The management system platform 140 is also adapted and
configured to manage the tags 20 and to monitor the operational
condition of each tag 20. The management system platform 140 can be
adapted and configured to add new tags 20 to the system, delete
tags 20 from the system, populate tags 20 with data and updates,
and provision tags 20 for operation in the system. The management
system platform 140 can monitor operational conditions of the tags
20 that can include, but are not limited to, battery level, signal
strength level, temperature, humidity, etc. The management system
platform 140 can take actions including generating and
communicating an alarm or alert when a monitored condition
indicates a need for service, repair or other intervention.
[0053] The management system platform 140 is also adapted and
configured to process the data and determinations from the tags 20
and to produce additional data and information that is beneficial
to managing a herd of livestock 12. Such data and information can
include both individual and herd level data and information. At an
individual level, such data and information can include for
example, but is not limited to, genetic and family lineage, history
of physical characteristics such as weight, health and medical
history, individual market value, anticipated costs etc. At a herd
level, such data and information can include for example, but is
not limited to, herd demographics and statistics, herd market
value, actual and anticipated costs, herd location relative to
pasturage, and the status of use and remaining inventories of
pasturage, feed, medical supplies, and/or other consumables.
[0054] The management system platform 140 also is adapted and
configured to receive, process, maintain and communicate external
information related to management of individual and herds of
livestock 12. Such information can include, but is not limited to,
ownership information and history, location information and
history, health related and other physical condition information
and history such as records of veterinary visits and treatments,
vaccination, injury, and illness, market prices for livestock,
market prices for feed and other consumables, financial information
such as interest rates, debt service, etc., and weather
information. The management system platform 140 can be adapted and
configured to include certain triggers to automatically generate
alarms or alerts to a user of the system when certain predetermined
threshold values are detected. Such triggers and alerts can
include, but are not limited to, an alert to buy or sell when a
certain market price is detected, an alert to move all or a portion
of the herd when a certain usage value of pasturage or a certain
weather condition is detected, and an alert to have vaccinations
updated when an amount of time has elapsed or a certain date and/or
illness has been detected.
[0055] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to provide one or more external access interfaces. The
external access interfaces can include login/password access
security. The management system platform 140 can be configured to
limit access to only designated portions of the management system
platform functions, data and information, either based on password
control or otherwise. For example, one or more external access
interfaces can be set up to provide access to certain information
by one or more banks or other financial institutions, insurance
providers, and/or government agencies. The management system
platform 140 can also be configured to operate as a remote service
provider for certain on-line services, such as veterinary services,
auction house services, or other livestock management related
services. In that case, external access interfaces can also be set
up to provide access to such services by registered users.
[0056] It is expected that once a tag 20 is activated and placed in
service, it will generate masses of data and determinations over
time. The management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer
system 220 can be adapted and configured to aggregate and maintain
the data and determinations, both current and historical, by all
tags 20 of a herd under management. Such data and determinations
can be used to create, develop, train, and subsequently update one
or more machine learning or artificial intelligence (AI) models
and/or one or more other detection algorithms for determining
livestock activity, behavior, and conditions. Such models can then
be embedded in the tags 20 and applied to data, e.g., location,
orientation, movement, physical parameter values, received and
acquired by the tags 20 in real time, and to determinations made
therefrom by the tags 20 in real time to accurately determine the
occurrence or existence of various significant physical conditions
of the livestock 12 including, but not limited to, estrus,
breeding, and calving.
[0057] After a model or algorithm or model or algorithm update is
generated, the management system platform 140 or the remote
computer system 220 can download it to the individual tags 20. Each
individual tag 20 is adapted to receive the models and/or
algorithms and updates, store them, and apply them with respect to
the real time data and determinations of the tag 20. As one
example, a tag 20 can apply a model or algorithm to determine that
a livestock 12 is in estrus using as parameters the orientation of
the tag 20 (indicating a first behavior of the livestock 12),
elevation of the tag 20, the movement of the tag 20 (indicating a
second behavior of the livestock 12), and the relative body
temperature of the livestock 12 from a sensor 32 (indicating a
physical parameter of the livestock 12).
[0058] The remote computer system 220 can be separate from or can
be a part of the management system platform 140. The remote
computer system 220 can communicate directly with the tags 20 and
with the management system platform 140 via one or more long range
wired and/or wireless networks including, but not limited to,
cellular, satellite, and/or IP-based WAN/LAN networks, and/or
LPWAN's such as LORA or Sigfox.
[0059] The remote computer system 220 preferably includes mass
storage, e.g., one or more high capacity, high performance
remote/cloud storage servers, with sufficient capacity to maintain
the masses of data and determinations generated by all of the tags
20 of a herd under management over time. The remote computer system
220 also preferably includes sufficient processing capacity and
power, e.g., one or more high performance central processing units,
and the necessary tools and facilities to perform machine learning
on the masses of data and determinations and to create, train, and
update desired models and/or other detection algorithms to be
downloaded to and embodied in the tags 20.
[0060] While it is contemplated that the example livestock
management system 10 as described herein will be particularly
useful for managing livestock 12, in particular cattle, it is
contemplated and will be appreciated that it can also be used more
generally to manage other domesticated animals and even wild
animals. Accordingly, the descriptions of the example livestock
management system 10 herein are not intended and should not be
interpreted as necessarily being limited to use with livestock
12.
B. Tags
[0061] The example livestock management system 10 includes a
plurality of tags 20. Each individual tag 20 is adapted to be
attached to an individual livestock 12. The individual livestock 12
can be managed individually and can be part of a plurality or herd
of livestock 12 being managed.
[0062] Each tag 20 is preferably adapted to be physically attached
to an external body part of an individual livestock 12 in a
location where the tag 20 will be both readily visible and readily
physically accessible. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 the
tag 20 may be attached to the outer ear or auricle 14 of a
livestock 12 in a location and manner familiar to those skilled in
the art.
[0063] Each tag 20 is self-powered and mobile with the animal to
which it is attached. The tags 20 are preferably relatively small,
light-weight, and shaped to avoid causing irritation, deformity, or
injury to the animal, particularly at the point of attachment,
e.g., the ear. For example, in one embodiment, the tags 20 will
have an inside the ear component with dimensions of about 60
mm.times.30 mm.times.15 mm, an outside the ear component with
dimensions of about 50 mm.times.25 mm.times.5 mm, and will weigh
about 20-40 grams.
[0064] Each tag 20 has indicia or markings allowing it to be
readily and uniquely identified visually even when attached to a
livestock 12. For example, each tag 20 has an external
outward-facing surface with printed, inscribed, etched or otherwise
applied indicia that uniquely identifies the tag 20 and
distinguishes it from other tags 20 attached to other livestock 12
under management. The indicia may include, but are not limited to,
alphanumeric and/or symbolic representations. Different tags 20
also may have various different colors which may identify different
models, types, classes, time periods placed in service, etc.
[0065] As described in detail below, each tag 20 is self-powered
and includes the data collection, processing, storage,
communications, control and other elements components, including
code, to receive, process, retain, and communicate data regarding
the individual livestock 12 to which it is attached as well as
aggregated livestock data. Such data may include, but is not
limited to, livestock location, movement, orientation, position
relative to other livestock, physical parameters, etc.
[0066] Also as described in detail below, each tag 20 is adapted
and configured to locally process received and acquired data
regarding physical parameters and activity of the livestock 12 to
which it is attached using one or more models to determine the
occurrence of various behaviors and correlated physical conditions.
Physical parameters may include, but are not limited to, relative
internal body temperature. Behaviors and conditions that may be
determined may include, but are not limited to, ambulation, eating,
and rumination. Correlated physical conditions that may be
determined may include, but are not limited to, estrus and
calving.
[0067] 1. Enclosure.
[0068] As best illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1D, each tag 20 comprises an
enclosure 22 with a male attachment element 24, a female attachment
element 26, and a solar energy cell 28. The enclosure 22 encloses a
sealed interior space in which the data collection, processing,
storage, communications, control and other elements and components
of the tag 20 are located so as to be protected against exposure to
the external environment, potential contaminants, and potential
damage. As described below, certain elements and components may
have at least a portion thereof exposed externally of the enclosure
22.
[0069] The enclosure 22 is preferably constructed of a material
that is inexpensive, light-weight, relatively rigid, resistant to
damage and to wear due to exposure to the external environment, and
that will not cause chemical, biological, or physical irritation to
the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached. A number of
commercially available plastic materials are suitable for these
purposes.
[0070] The enclosure 22 may have any shape consistent with the
foregoing purposes. In one example embodiment described herein, the
enclosure 22 may have a substantially square or rectangular
peripheral shape and a relatively thin depth dimension (FIG. 1C)
between the front exterior surface (FIG. 1B) and the rear exterior
surface (FIG. 1D). Preferably, all of the peripheral edges of the
enclosure 22 are beveled or rounded to minimize any physical
irritation to the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached.
[0071] The male attachment element 24 comprises a backing element
25, an elongated shaft 27 and a tip 29. The male attachment element
24 is selectively attachable and detachable from the enclosure 22
as described further below. The elongated shaft 27 has a first end
portion and a second end portion opposite of the first end portion.
The backing element 25 is connected, attached, or formed integrally
with the first end portion and the tip 29 is connected, attached,
or formed integrally with the second end portion. The tip 29 is
adapted and configured to pierce and extend through the tissue of
the outer ear or auricle of a livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is
to be attached from the outside back of the ear to the inside front
of the ear. Accordingly, the tip 29 is preferably tapered and has a
relatively sharp point. The backing element 25 is adapted and
configured to retain the male attachment element 24 on and against
the ear. It is contemplated that with the tag 20 attached to the
outer ear of the livestock 12 the backing element 25 will be in
contact with the outside back of the ear. Accordingly, the backing
element 25 is preferably shaped to securely retain the tag 20 on
the ear and also to minimize the potential for injury to the ear,
for example tearing of the tissue, and any discomfort to the
livestock 12. In one example embodiment described herein, the
backing element 25 is substantially cup-shaped. This spreads the
force on the ear due to the weight of the tag 20 over a wider
surface area and thus minimizes the potential for injury and
discomfort, and also helps prevent foreign debris from snagging and
resulting in damage to the tag 20 or animal.
[0072] The female attachment element 26 is connected, attached, or
formed integrally with the enclosure 22. The female attachment
element 26 comprises an extension or projection that extends or
projects outwardly from a peripheral edge of the enclosure 22. The
extension has a first end portion at and near the peripheral edge
and a second end portion opposite of the first end portion that is
spaced apart from the peripheral edge. The second end portion of
the male attachment element 24 is adapted and configured to be
selectively attachable and detachable to the female attachment
element 26. The second end portion has a socket with an opening and
passage that are adapted to selectively receive and retain the
second end portion of the male attachment element 24 such that the
male attachment element 24 is selectively attachable and detachable
from the female attachment element 26 and hence the enclosure 22.
Preferably, the second end portion of the male attachment element
24 and the opening and passage of the female attachment element 26
are configured and adapted so that the enclosure 22 is pivotable
about the shaft 27 of the male attachment element 24 with the tag
20 attached to the ear of a livestock 12. This enables the
enclosure 22 to pivot under the force of gravity and the tag 20 to
continue to hang downwardly as the livestock 12 moves and/or
changes orientation and regardless of the orientation of the shaft
27. The lateral forces on the ear tissue that could otherwise
result from the weight of the tag 20 and that could result in
injury are reduced. In addition, the uniform downward orientations
of the tags 20 render them easier to visually locate, identify, and
read or otherwise access. Various corresponding pivotable
quick-connect and disconnect structures can be included on the
shaft 27 of the male attachment element 24 and in the opening and
passage of the female attachment element 26 for the foregoing
purposes.
[0073] With the male attachment element 24 and the female
attachment element 26 being selectively attachable and detachable,
the tag 20 is selectively attachable and detachable from the
livestock 12. This feature beneficially allows the tag 20 to be
selectively detached, for example if necessary to replace a battery
of the tag 20, which is self-powered, or if the livestock 12 to
which the tag 20 is attached dies or otherwise ceases to be under
management, and then to be re-attached to the same or a different
livestock 12. However, it is contemplated and will be appreciated
that alternatively the male attachment element 24 and female
attachment element 26 may be configured and adapted for permanent
and one-time only attachment of the tag 20 to a livestock 12. In
that case, upon detachment either the male attachment member 24,
the female attachment member 26, or both, may be rendered
physically incapable of being re-attached to the other and thus the
tag 20 cannot be re-attached and a new tag 20 must be attached.
Both alternatives are intended to be included within the scope of
the example embodiments described herein.
[0074] As noted above, certain elements and components of the tag
20 may have at least a portion thereof exposed externally of the
enclosure 22. For example, the power system 40 of the tag 20, which
is described in detail below, may include one or more external
energy collectors such as one or more solar energy cells 28. As
illustrated in FIGS. 1A-1B, and 2, the sunlight collecting surfaces
of the one or more solar energy cells 28 are exposed to the
external environment in one or more external surfaces of the
enclosure 22. Similarly, other elements and components of the tag
20 that are intended to interact with the environment external to
the tag 20 may have portions exposed externally of the enclosure
22. These may include, but are not limited to, one or more LED's
64, a microphone 66, a speaker for a tone generator 68, and a lens
for a camera 72. Each of these elements is described in detail in
the sections below.
[0075] 2. Elements and Architecture.
[0076] Each tag 20 is self-powered and includes a self-contained
power system 40 within the enclosure 22. As illustrated in FIGS.
3-4, the power system 40 includes an external energy collector,
e.g., solar cells 28, and a power source 42.
[0077] The external energy collector is intended to generate
electrical energy from a source external to the power source 42. In
one example embodiment described herein, the external energy
collector may comprise one or more solar energy cells 28 that are
adapted and configured to convert sunlight to electrical energy.
However, the external energy collector also may comprise other
types of external energy producing elements, such as piezoelectric
elements that are adapted and configured to convert motion of the
tag 20 as the livestock 12 moves to electrical energy. The external
energy collector may include still other types of external energy
producing elements as well. The external energy collector also may
include one or a plurality of such elements in combination.
[0078] The power source 42 has an input and an output. The input is
electrically coupled to the external energy collector, e.g., solar
cells 28, and receives an electrical current produced by it. The
output is electrically coupled to the electrical inputs of the
various elements and components of the tag 20 that require
electrical power to operate and provides the electrical operating
power required such elements and components.
[0079] The power source 42 may include a voltage regulator 44, a
charging circuitry 46, and rechargeable energy storage 48. The
voltage regulator 44 has an input and an output. The input
comprises the input of the power source 42 and receives electrical
current (DC) from the external energy collector. Alternatively, the
input of the power source 42 may be directly connected to charging
circuitry 46 (without using voltage regulator 44). The magnitude of
the current produced by the external energy collector may vary over
a relatively wide range depending on environmental and other
conditions. The voltage regulator 44 is operative to produce at its
output an electrical voltage (DC) that has a magnitude within the
operating range of the charging circuitry 46 and the rechargeable
energy storage 48 and that is fixed within a fairly narrow range.
The output of the rechargeable energy storage 48 may also be
regulated by voltage regulator 49, the output of which is then the
output of the power source 42. The voltage regulator 49 can provide
a constant or nearly constant output voltage of power source 42 to
the various electronic elements and components of the tag 20
regardless of voltage fluctuations of the rechargeable energy
storage 48.
[0080] The charging circuitry 46 has an input and an output. The
input is electrically coupled to the output of the voltage
regulator 44. The charging circuitry 46 is operative to produce at
its output an electrical charging current (DC) having magnitude
that is related to the magnitude of the regulated voltage (DC) on
its input. The magnitude of the electrical charging current is
within the charging current limits of the rechargeable energy
storage 48. The charging circuitry 46 also may include circuitry
that detects and monitors the voltage level and/or current draw of
the rechargeable energy storage 48 and that is responsive to
automatically control the on/off state and/or the level of the
electrical charging current to recharge the rechargeable storage 48
when the charge level falls to a predetermined low level and to
discontinue charging when the charge level reaches a predetermined
max level to prevent over-charging.
[0081] The rechargeable energy storage 48 may comprise one or more
suitable batteries, although any other suitable form of
rechargeable electrical energy storage could also be used. The
rechargeable energy storage 48 has an input and an output. The
input is electrically coupled to the output of the charging
circuitry 46 and receives the electrical charging current to
initially charge and subsequently re-charge the rechargeable energy
storage 48 as necessary. The output comprises the output of the
power source 42 and provides the electrical operating power (DC
current and voltage) to the various electronic elements and
components of the tag 20 at required levels. Preferably the
electronic elements and components will consume as little power as
possible in operation, preferably less than a few milliwatts (mWs)
on average.
[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the data collection, processing,
storage, communications, and control components and elements of
each tag 20 may include a processor and memory element 50, a
three-axis accelerometer 52, a three-axis gyroscope 54, a compass
56, an altimeter 58, a barometer 59, non-volatile memory (NVM) 60,
a communications (COMMS) interface 62, one or more LED's 64, a
microphone (MIC) 66, a tone generator 68 and speaker, a stimulator
70, a camera 72, an air temperature sensor 74, and a humidity
sensor 76. The three-axis accelerometer 52 and the three-axis
gyroscope 54, collectively, may comprise or be referred to as an
Inertial Measurement Unit 55. When the accelerometer 52 is being
used, the gyroscope 54 may also be used in unison to detect motion
of the livestock 12.
[0083] The processor 50 may comprise one of the types of processors
described herein below. For example, the processor 50 may be a
commercially available microprocessor and/or microcontroller.
Preferably the processor 50 is a type that consumes a very small
amount of power while carrying out the intended functions and
operation of the tags 20 as described herein. The processor 50
executes programs, applications, models, etc. stored in the tag 20
in order to perform the functions and operations of the tag 20 as
described herein.
[0084] The processor 50 is configured and programmed to communicate
with, to control, and to manage the operation of the various other
components and elements of the tag 20 identified above and
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. The processor 50 is connected to and
communicates with each of the elements and components via a bus 78.
The bus 78 may comprise one or more physical and/or logical buses
adapted to carry data, instructions, commands, requests, control
words, etc. between the processor 50 and each of the other elements
and components to carry out the functions and operations of the tag
20 as described herein.
[0085] The memory element of the processor 50 comprises a memory
controller and volatile memory. The memory controller may be
entirely or partially on the same chip as the processor 50 or may
be entirely or partially on one or more separate chips. Similarly
the volatile memory may be entirely or partially on the same chip
as either the processor 50 or the memory controller, or may
entirely or partially on one or more separate chips. The memory
controller manages various aspects of the volatile memory and
provides an interface for reading and writing data from the
volatile memory. The volatile memory provides temporary storage for
an operating system, for run-time computations by the processor 50,
for data received and recorded by various data collecting
components of the tag 20 described below, and perhaps for programs,
applications, models, etc. being executed by the processor 50. The
volatile memory preferably comprises a fast, low power type of
random access memory. For example, the volatile memory can be
comprised of low power SRAM or DDR. The volatile memory can also be
supplemented or replaced with various non-volatile types of memory
that provide a power consumption advantage. For example, a phase
change type of memory (PCM) can be used.
[0086] The accelerometer 52 provides data indicative of the
movement of the tag 20 corresponding to movement of the livestock
12 to which the tag 20 is attached in three axes which may be
referred to as longitudinal, lateral, and vertical or pitch roll,
and yaw axes. The data provided by the accelerometer 52 is used to
determine when the livestock 12 is moving and stationary, as well
as the linear direction and perhaps the rate of movement. This
information can in turn be used to determine certain activities,
behaviors, and physical conditions of the livestock 12. The
accelerometer 52 may be a commercially available MEMs,
piezoelectric, or other type of accelerometer that is suitable for
carrying out and is consistent with the objectives and
functionality described herein. The accelerometer 52 may be
combined with one or more of the other data collection devices
described herein on the same chip or in the same package, or may be
a separate device on a separate chip or in a separate package. The
accelerometer data may be generated, communicated to, and/or
received by the processor 50 continuously or periodically. The
accelerometer data also may be generated and communicated to the
processor 50 automatically or on demand.
[0087] The gyroscope 54 provides data indicative of the orientation
of the tag 20 corresponding to the orientation of the livestock 12
to which the tag 20 is attached in relation to three axes, which
may be the same three axes to which the accelerometer 52 is
referenced. The data provided by the gyroscope 54 is used to
determine angular movement and orientation of the livestock 12,
which in turn can be used to determine certain activities,
behaviors, and physical conditions of the livestock 12. The
gyroscope may be a commercially available MEMs, piezoelectric, or
other type of gyroscope that is suitable for carrying out and is
consistent with the objectives and functionality described herein.
The gyroscope 54 may be combined with one or more of the other data
collection devices described herein on the same chip or in the same
package, or may be a separate device on a separate chip or in a
separate package. The gyroscope data may be generated, communicated
to, and/or received by the processor 50 continuously or
periodically. The gyroscope data also may be generated and
communicated to the processor 50 automatically or on demand.
[0088] The compass 56 provides data indicative of the direction the
tag 20 and hence the livestock 12 to which it is attached are
facing relative to the cardinal directions of the earth, e.g.,
north, south, east, and west. The data provided by the compass 56
is used to determine the geographic heading of the livestock 12.
This in turn can be used to help track the location of the
livestock 12, predict where it is headed, and determine certain
activities, behaviors, and physical conditions of the livestock 12.
The compass may be a commercially available solid state MEMs or
other type of magnetometer that is suitable for carrying out and is
consistent with the objectives and functionality described herein.
The compass 56 may be combined with one or more of the other data
collection devices described herein on the same chip or in the same
package, or may be a separate device on a separate chip or in a
separate package. The compass data may be generated, communicated
to, and/or received by the processor 50 continuously or
periodically. The compass data also may be generated and
communicated to the processor 50 automatically or on demand.
[0089] The altimeter 58 and/or barometer 59 provides data
indicative of the altitude or elevation of the tag 20 and hence the
livestock 12 to which it is attached. The altimeter 58 and/or
barometer 59 can provide data indicative of altitude or elevation
relative to sea level or another reference elevation or data
indicative of a relative change in altitude or elevation over time.
For example, the barometer 59 (or the altimeter 58) might not
always be able to determine a change in altitude reflecting an
animal behavior, if limited to absolute barometric pressure,
especially in an enclosed tag. But by using relative changes in
barometric pressure, the barometer 59 can detect small changes in
pressure occurring over very short time intervals to determine if,
for example, an animal has changed position so as to affect the
relative altitude (e.g., change in height) of the tag. The data
provided by the altimeter 58 and/or the barometer 59 can be used to
help track the location of the livestock 12. Variation or lack of
variation in elevation also can be used to determine certain
activities, behaviors, and health-related or physical conditions of
the livestock 12. The altimeter 58 may be a commercially available
solid state MEMs, piezoelectric, or other type of altimeter that is
suitable for carrying out and is consistent with the objectives and
functionality described herein. The altimeter 58 may be combined
with one or more of the other data collection devices described
herein on the same chip or in the same package, or may be a
separate device on a separate chip or in a separate package. The
altimeter data may be generated, communicated to, and/or received
by the processor 50 continuously or periodically. The altimeter
data also may be generated and communicated to the processor 50
automatically or on demand.
[0090] The barometer 59, the air temperature sensor 74, and the
humidity sensor 76 provide data indicative of environmental and
weather-related conditions in which the tag 20 is operating. The
data provided by these sensors can be used to determine if
conditions are suitable or unsuitable for a tag 20 to communicate
data. The data can also be used to determine if meteorological
conditions exist that may pose a risk to the livestock 12 and that
may warrant generating an alert and/or taking actions to safeguard
the livestock 12, such as moving them to shelter or to another
location. The barometer 59, air temperature sensor 74, and humidity
sensor 76 may be commercially available solid state diode, ceramic
dielectric capacitive, MEMs, piezoelectric, bi-metal or other
sensors or a combination thereof that are suitable for carrying out
and are consistent with the objectives and functionality described
herein. Each or all of the barometer 59, air temperature sensor 74,
and humidity sensor 76 may be combined with each other and with one
or more of the other data collection devices described herein on
the same chip or in the same package, or may be separate devices on
separate chips in separate packages. The barometer 59, air
temperature sensor 74, and humidity sensor 76 data may be
generated, communicated to, and/or received by the processor 50
continuously or periodically. The data also may be generated and
communicated to the processor 50 automatically or on demand.
[0091] The non-volatile memory (NVM) 60 provides long term storage
for an operating system, for certain unchanging or infrequently
changing parameters, settings, and data related to the tag 20 and
its functions and operations, e.g., a BIOS, and for programs,
applications, models, and related parameters and data, etc. that
are desired to reside permanently or semi-permanently in the tag
20. Some or all of these items may be copied or transferred to the
volatile memory component for execution by the processor 50. The
NVM 60 preferably comprises a memory type that can be over-written
so that the stored data, programs, models etc. can be changed from
time to time, for example to incorporate changes or updates.
Suitable types of memory for such purposes include a complementary
metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) type of Flash or other
electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), or an
erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM).
[0092] The communications (COMMS) interface 62 provides interfaces
to a number of different communication channels over which the tag
20 can communicate. These include channels for communicating with
one or more sensors 32 implanted in and/or attached to the
livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached, with other nearby
tags 20, with nearby local sensors and transceivers 34, with the
management system platform 140, with the remote computer system
220, and with global positioning satellites 83. The COMMS interface
62 also provides data regarding, among other things, the status and
availability of connections over the communications channels, and
data regarding the signal levels of the available connections. The
COMMS interface 62 is described in additional detail below with
reference to FIG. 5.
[0093] The LED 64, microphone (MIC) 66, tone generator 68 with
speaker, stimulator 70, and camera 72 components are adapted and
configured to collect various forms of data from the external
environment and to communicate and interact with the livestock 12
to which the tag 20 is attached. Similar to the solar cells 28 that
comprise the external energy collector, at least a portion of each
of these components may be exposed externally of the enclosure 22
of the tag 20 for those purposes.
[0094] The LED 64 is controlled by the processor 50 in response to
either a determination made locally by the processor 50 or commands
or instructions received from the management system platform 140.
The processor 50 may control the LED 64 to selectively cause it to
be activated and de-activated. For example, the processor 50 may
cause the LED 64 to repeatedly blink on and off to visually bring
attention to the tag 20. This can be used to help identify,
distinguish, and bring attention to an individual tag 20 attached
to an individual livestock 12 from among a plurality of tags 20
attached to a plurality of livestock 12 of a herd under management
when either the individual tag 20 or the individual livestock 12 to
which it is attached requires individual attention.
[0095] The microphone 66 and the camera 72 provide information
about sounds and still and/or moving video in the environment
around and external to the tag 20 and in some cases the livestock
12 to which the tag 20 is attached. The microphone 66 and camera 72
each may be accessed by the processor 50 in response to either a
determination made locally by the processor 50 or a command or
instruction received from the management system platform 140. The
processor 50 may access each of the microphone 66 and the camera 72
on a periodic schedule or on an on-demand basis. In addition, each
or either of the microphone 66 and the camera 72 may include
separate control circuitry that enables the microphone 66 and/or
the camera 72 to automatically respond to a sound and/or video
stimulus independent of the processor 50 and to communicate data
regarding the sound and/or video stimulus to the processor 50.
Alternatively, the microphone 66 and the camera 72 may share common
control circuitry for that purpose. For example, the microphone 66
may be controlled to automatically respond to a sound having
loudness above a threshold level or to a sound of a particular
type, such as a particular type of sound occurring in the external
environment or made by the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is
attached. Similarly, the camera 72 may be controlled to
automatically respond to certain detected shapes or movements in
the external environment.
[0096] The audio and video data provided by the microphone 66
and/or the camera 72 are helpful in determining the occurrence of
certain events external to the livestock 12 such as a nearby
gunshot, or the approach of a predator or vehicle. They are also
helpful in determining certain activities, behaviors and
health-related and other physical conditions of the livestock 12.
For example, detection of repeated or continuous bawling or mooing
sounds by the microphone 66 may indicate the livestock 12 is ill or
injured, has become separated from a calf, or that a predator is
nearby. The microphone can also be used to detect coughing or other
sounds, to aid in determining if a livestock 12 is ill. Similarly,
detection of certain video may indicate the livestock 12 is down,
ill or injured, trapped, etc. or that the livestock 12 is involved
in certain behavior such as mating.
[0097] The tone generator 68 and the stimulator 70 are controlled
by the processor 50 in response to either a determination made
locally by the processor 50 or commands or instructions received
from the management system platform 140. The processor 50
selectively causes the tone generator 68 to produce a tone or sound
that can be heard by the livestock 12. The tone or sound may be one
of a plurality of selectable tones or sounds. The processor 50
selectively causes the stimulator 70 to generate a physical
stimulus that can be felt by the livestock 12. The stimulus may be
one or more of a plurality of selectable physical stimuli. The
stimulus may comprise various haptics such as a vibration, buzzing,
rumbling, or other felt stimuli. The processor 50 may cause the
tone generator 68 to generate a tone or sound and the stimulator 70
to generate a stimulus in response to a detected or determined
occurrence or event external to the tag 20 and/or the livestock 12,
a detected or determined activity or behavior of the livestock 12,
or a determined health-related or other physical condition of the
livestock 12, etc. For example, the tone generator 68 may be caused
to generate a tone or sound and/or the stimulator 70 may be caused
to generate a stimulus when it is detected that the livestock 12
has left a designated area or entered an unauthorized area, e.g.,
has crossed beyond a geo-fence, to alert the livestock 12 to
return. The tone generator 68 also may be caused to generate a tone
or sound in an attempt to scare off a predator that is detected
nearby. The tone generator 68 also may be caused to generate a tone
or sound possibly in connection with the LED 64 being activated, to
identify, distinguish, and bring attention to an individual tag 20
attached to an individual livestock 12 of a herd under management
when either the individual tag 20 or the individual livestock 12 to
which it is attached requires individual attention.
[0098] In addition to the above, the processor 50 also communicates
with and controls the power source 42 and the communications
interface 62. The processor 50 can receive or determine the charge
or power level and/or charging state of the rechargeable energy
storage 48 from the power source 42. For example, the processor 50
can detect a voltage level of the rechargeable energy storage 48,
such as a battery or a supercapacitor, and/or detect the charging
current being supplied by the charging circuitry 46 via an analog
to digital converter (ADC). Depending on the nature of the power
source 42, other methods can also be used such as a gas gauge or a
battery model implemented in the processor 50. The processor 50
receives or determines the status, availability and signal levels
of connections over the various communications channels the tag 20
can use to communicate data from the communications interface 62.
This data from the power source 42 and/or the communications
interface 62 can be used alone or in conjunction with data provided
by the other elements and components described above to determine
if the tag 20 has sufficient power to communicate its data to other
nearby tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network and/or directly to
the management system platform 140 or remote computer system 220.
It is also used to determine which tag 20 in a dynamic local mesh
network is the optimum tag, i.e., in the best condition, to
communicate aggregated livestock data of the tags 20 in the local
network and if it has sufficient power and signal strength to do
so. The data may also be used as a trigger for the tag 20 to
generate and communicate to the management system platform 140 an
alert or alarm indicating a low-power or low-signal condition,
malfunction, and/or service request.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 5, each tag 20 is adapted and configured
to communicate via its communications interface 62 with one or more
sensors 32 implanted in and/or attached to the livestock 12 to
which the tag 20 is attached, with the management system platform
140, with the remote computer system 220, with any other nearby
tags 20, and with any nearby local sensors and transceivers 34. The
communications interface 62 of each tag 20 can include a global
navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver 82, and one or more of
a Bluetooth transceiver 84, a cellular network transceiver 86, a
satellite data network transceiver, one or more LPWAN transceivers
88, and an RFID transceiver 92. Although not identified separately,
each receiver and transceiver has a suitable corresponding antenna
or antennas. Each of the receivers and transceivers of the
communications interface 62 communicates with the processor 50 over
the bus 78. The receivers and transceivers may each be separate or
one or more of them may be integrated in one or more chips and/or
packages with each other and/or with other components, or may be
included within the processor 50. For example, in one embodiment
the Bluetooth and LPWAN transceivers 84, 88 could be integrated
with the processor 50 and one or more of the GNSS receiver 82,
satellite data transceiver, and cellular transceiver 86 could be
integrated with each other or another component.
[0100] The GNSS receiver 82 receives global satellite positioning
signals from satellites 83 and determines from the signals the
position of the tag 20 and hence the livestock 12 to which it is
attached in terms of latitude and longitude. The GNSS receiver 82
may comprise a commercially available receiver that is adapted and
configured to receive global positioning satellite signals from one
or more national and/or regional global positioning satellite
constellations. Suitable constellations and systems include, but
are not limited to GPS (Navstar), GLONASS, Galileo, and Beidou.
Preferably, the GNSS receiver 82 used is one designed for use in
battery-powered applications and has very low power consumption.
For example, some commercially available GNSS receivers designed
for low power applications operate intermittently to receive
satellite signals and determine position, then sleep in between
position determinations to reduce power consumption. Some receivers
also receive satellite position data (ephemeris) over terrestrial
low power network connections rather than via satellite
communication to reduce power consumption.
[0101] The Bluetooth transceiver 84 is operative to transmit and
receive data wirelessly with other nearby Bluetooth transceivers
that are within Bluetooth signal range. The Bluetooth transceiver
84 may comprise a commercially available Bluetooth transceiver, and
preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transceiver having lower
power consumption than traditional Bluetooth transceivers. In
addition to each of the tags 20, Bluetooth transceivers 84 may also
be embedded in sensor(s) 32 implanted in and/or attached to the
livestock 12 to which the tags 20 are attached and in local sensors
and transceivers 34 that are located in various areas or locations
of a property under management where livestock 12 may be present.
Such sensor(s) 32 and local sensors and transceivers 34 are
described in detail in the sections below. Each tag 20 is thus
adapted and configured to communicate wirelessly and directly with
the sensor(s) 32 of the livestock 12 to which the tag 20, and with
every other nearby tag 20 and every local sensor and transceiver 34
within Bluetooth signal range via their respective Bluetooth
transceivers 84.
[0102] It will be appreciated that the Bluetooth transceiver 84 is
one particular type of RF transceiver that can form a type of
wireless local area network (LAN) and that is suitable for
relatively short range wireless communications at relatively low
data rates. It is contemplated and will be appreciated that other
types of wireless communications transceivers or interfaces such as
a Wi-Fi transceiver, e.g., IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, may be used in
addition to or in lieu of the Bluetooth transceiver 84. Wi-Fi
transceivers are generally able to transmit data at considerably
higher data rates and over greater distances than Bluetooth
transceivers. However they also consume more power than Bluetooth
transceivers.
[0103] Bluetooth transceivers also may be embedded in one or more
commercially available Bluetooth gateways or hubs 85 that may be
located in one or more areas or locations of a property under
management where livestock 12 may be present. The Bluetooth
gateways/hubs 85 in turn may have one or more wireless and/or wired
connections to one or more other data networks to which the
management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system
220 are connected. Such other networks may include, for example, a
TCP/IP-based LAN or an HTTP-based WAN such as the Internet. The
Bluetooth gateways/hubs 85 thus provide nearby tags 20 that are
within Bluetooth signal range with at least one longer range
communication channel for the tags 20 to wirelessly and directly
communicate with the management system platform 140 and/or the
remote computer system 220. One or more Bluetooth gateways or hubs
85 also may be adapted and configured to function as Bluetooth
repeaters. In that case, tags 20 that are not in Bluetooth signal
range of each other can still communicate with each other
wirelessly via Bluetooth.
[0104] The cellular network transceiver 86 is operative to
wirelessly transmit and receive data to and from the tag 20 over
relatively long distances (longer than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) via one
or more cellular networks. Such a longer range communication
channel enables the tag 20 to send and receive data even when the
livestock 12 to which it is attached is not in proximity to a
shorter range transceiver such as Bluetooth, for example when the
livestock 12 is on an open range. The cellular network transceiver
86 may be a commercial available transceiver that is adapted and
configured to communicate data over one or more cellular networks,
including but not limited to, CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, GPRS, LTE, EDGE,
UMTS, and iDEN-based cellular networks. The cellular network
transceiver 86 communicates data with one or more cell towers 87
within cellular signal range. Commercially available cellular
network transceivers are generally capable of transmitting data
signals to cell towers 87 up to about forty-five miles away
depending on conditions. The cell towers 87 may communicate data in
both directions between individual tags 20 and the management
system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system 220 directly
over the cellular network or over the cellular network and an
intermediate LAN or WAN network, including but not limited to the
Internet. The data communicated may be data of an individual tag 20
or data aggregated from a plurality of tags 20 in a dynamic local
mesh network as described further below. One or more cellular
boosters, repeaters, and/or gateways may also form part of the
cellular communications channel between the tag 20 and the
management system platform 140 and/or remote computer system
220.
[0105] If included, the satellite data network transceiver is in
addition to the GNSS receiver 82. The satellite data network
transceiver is operative to wirelessly transmit and receive data to
and from the tag 20 over relatively long distances (longer than
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) similar to the cellular network transceiver 86,
except via one or more satellite data networks such as OrbComm,
Iridium, or Globalstar for example.
[0106] The LPWAN transceiver 88 is operative to wirelessly transmit
and receive data to and from the tag 20 over relatively long
distances (longer than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) with very low power
consumption. The LPWAN transceiver 88 can be a commercially
available LPWAN transceiver such as a LORA or Sigfox transceiver.
The LPWAN transceiver can comprise one or more different LPWAN
transceivers. LPWAN transceivers 88 are specifically designed for
use in applications requiring very low power consumption, e.g.,
battery-powered loT sensor applications, and currently are capable
of communicating data over distances up to about thirty miles
depending on conditions. Like the cellular and satellite network
communication channels, the LPWAN communication channel enables the
tag 20 to send and receive data even when the livestock 12 to which
it is attached is not in proximity to a shorter range transceiver
such as Bluetooth, for example when the livestock 12 is on an open
range. Commercially available LPWAN transceivers are generally
smaller and consume less power than comparable commercially
available cellular and satellite transceivers, but generally have
lower bandwidth and data rates. The LPWAN transceiver 88 can
communicate data with one or more LPWAN gateways 89 within signal
range. The LPWAN gateways 89 may communicate data in both
directions between individual tags 20, and between tags 20 and the
management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system
220 via one or more intermediate LAN, WAN, cellular and/or
satellite networks. The data communicated may be data of an
individual tag 20 or data aggregated from a plurality of tags 20 in
a dynamic local mesh network as described further in the sections
below. One or more signal boosters and/or repeaters may also form
part of the LPWAN communications channel between the tag 20 and
other tags, and/or between the tag 20 and the management system
platform 140 and/or remote computer system 220.
[0107] If included, the RFID transceiver 92 is operative to
transmit and receive data wirelessly with other nearby RFID
transceivers that are within signal range. The RFID transceiver 92
may comprise a commercially available RFID transceiver. In addition
to each of the tags 20, RFID transceivers 92 may also be embedded
in sensor(s) 32 implanted in and/or attached to the livestock 12 to
which the tags 20 are attached and in local sensors and
transceivers 34 that are located in various areas or locations of a
property under management where livestock 12 may be present. Such
sensor(s) 32 and local sensors and transceivers 34 are described
further below. Each tag 20 is thus adapted and configured to
communicate wirelessly and directly with the sensor(s) 32 implanted
in and/or attached to the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is
attached, and with every other nearby tag 20 and every local sensor
and transceiver 34 within RFID signal range via their respective
RFID transceivers 92.
[0108] It will be appreciated that some or all of the communication
functions performed by the RFID transceiver 92 embedded in the tag
20 may also be performed by the Bluetooth transceiver 84 and/or the
LPWAN transceiver 88. Accordingly, an RFID transceiver 92 may not
be necessary and may not be included in all embodiments.
[0109] If an RFID transceiver 92 is included, in lieu of embedding
it in the tag 20, it may be embedded in a chip that is implantable
in an ear or other body part of the livestock 12 separate from the
tag 20. In that case, the chip and the RFID transceiver 92 may be
powered externally by sunlight, a laser light, or by energy from an
external RFID reader or scanner. Upon being powered up, the chip
and RFID transceiver 92 would be adapted and configured to
communicate directly with the tag 20 and to transfer its
information directly to the tag 20. The chip can also be read by a
scanner/reader, for example to identify an animal with which a tag
20 is associated when the tag 20 has become detached and fallen off
the animal. Such data could include, but is not limited to,
information identifying the livestock 12 and associated tag 20,
e.g., unique identification number and tag ID. The chip and RFID
transceiver 92 could thus operate as a redundant backup of the tag
data should the tag 20 become detached, damaged, or otherwise
unavailable or unusable.
[0110] As noted above and as illustrated in FIGS. 6-7, the tags 20
can be adapted and configured so that when they are attached to
livestock 12 they can communicate with other nearby tags 20 and
nearby local sensors and transceivers 34 and autonomously and
automatically organize into one or more dynamic local mesh
networks. Depending on the relative locations of the individual
livestock 12 of a herd under management at any given time, one or
more dynamic local mesh networks may be formed and exist. In
addition, as the livestock 12 move and change location relative to
each other, the nodes or members, e.g., tags 20 and livestock 12,
of various dynamic local mesh networks may dynamically and
automatically change as well as the locations of the networks
themselves. It is contemplated that in practice with relatively
large herds under management, dynamic local mesh networks in excess
of 20,000 tags 20 may be formed when livestock 12 are aggregated in
a relatively small area of several acres, for example for
transportation, sale, slaughter, or at a feedlot. This could lead
to situations where tags 20 attached to livestock 12 belonging to
different owners or users of the livestock management system 10
could share data between them and communicate aggregated data of
different owners or users to the management system platform 140.
The management system platform 140 can be configured to limit
access to the data appropriate for each user in the manner
described in detail below.
[0111] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6, at one moment in time
individual livestock C1, C2, C3, and C4 are within Bluetooth or
LPWAN signal range of each other and a first local sensor 34. At
the same time, the tags 20 attached to individual livestock C5, C6,
and C7 are within Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range of each other and
a second local sensor 34. However, none of the tags 20 attached to
C1, C2, C3, and C4 are within Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range of
any of the tags 20 attached to C5, C6, or C7. It will be
appreciated that as used in this description, "Bluetooth or LPWAN
signal range" refers to the range within which the Bluetooth or
LPWAN signal strength is sufficient to establish and maintain
reliable communication. Using mesh network discovery and
communication techniques, the tags 20 attached to C1, C2, C3, and
C4 automatically discover and communicate directly with each other
and with the first sensor 34 and automatically form a first dynamic
local mesh network. Similarly, the tags 20 attached to C5, C6, and
C7 automatically discover and communicate directly with each other
and with the second sensor 34 and automatically form a second
dynamic local mesh network.
[0112] As illustrated in FIG. 7, at another moment in time,
livestock C3 moves and changes location and the tag 20 attached to
it passes out of Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range with the tags 20
attached to livestock C1, C2, and C4 and the first local sensor 34
and into Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range with at least one of the
tags 20 attached to livestock C5, C6, C7, and the second local
sensor 34. Again using mesh network discovery and communication
techniques, the tags 20 attached to C1, C2, and C4, automatically
discover that the tag 20 attached to C3 has left the first dynamic
local mesh network, automatically re-organize the first dynamic
local mesh network, and continue to communicate directly with each
other and with the first sensor 34. Similarly, at least one of the
tags 20 attached to C5, C6, and C7 automatically discovers that the
tag 20 attached to C3 has entered Bluetooth or LPWAN signal range.
The tags 20 attached to C3, C5, C6, and C7 automatically
re-organize the second dynamic local mesh network to include the
tag attached to C3, begin to communicate with that tag 20, and
continue to communicate with each other and the second sensor
34.
[0113] It will be appreciated that while in the example situations
described above both dynamic local mesh networks include a local
sensor and transceiver 34, it is also possible and in many
instances probable that only tags 20 attached to livestock 12 will
be in range to form a dynamic local mesh network. In such
instances, the tags 20 can share data between them and one or more
tags 20 can communicate aggregated data to the management system
platform 140 and/or the remote computer system 220 as described in
detail below directly and without the involvement of a local sensor
and transceiver 34. In another instance, for example, one or more
tags 20 of a local mesh network that includes a local sensor and
transceiver 34 may not be within signal range of the local sensor
and transceiver 34 but are within signal range of each other. If at
least one other tag 20 of the dynamic local mesh network is within
signal range of the local sensor and transceiver 34 and within
signal range of at least one of the tags 20 that are not within
signal range of the local sensor and transceiver 34, then the tags
20 that are not within range of the local sensor and transceiver 34
can communicate their data to the one or more other tags 20 that
are within range of the local sensor and transceiver 34 and those
other tags 20 can then communicate aggregated data to the
management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system
220 through the local sensor and transceiver 34 if desired. In this
way, the geographic range of a dynamic local mesh network can be
expanded to cover several miles or more.
[0114] The above description regarding detection of nearby tags 20
and organization into one or more dynamic local mesh networks based
on location and signal range is merely one example. As one
additional example, it is contemplated and will be appreciated that
tags 20 may detect more tags 20 that are nearby and are within
signal range than are feasible to form a local mesh network and
share data with. The tags 20 can thus be adapted and configured to
only form a dynamic mesh network with nearby tags 20 meeting
predetermined criteria, for example those within a predetermined
distance and/or with signal levels above a predetermined value. The
tags 20 also can be adapted and configured to limit the number of
tags 20 with which they form a local mesh network to a maximum
number, for example a predetermined number of tags with the highest
signal levels or the closest proximity.
[0115] Each tag 20 can be adapted and configured to receive all or
a subset of the livestock-related and/or other data, e.g.,
operational data, of each other tag 20 in a dynamic local mesh
network and to transmit all or a subset of its own
livestock-related and/or other data to every other tag 20 in the
network. Operational data can include for example, but is not
limited to, signal strength, stored power level (e.g., battery
level or voltage level), and operating condition data.
Alternatively, the tag 20 can be adapted and configured to receive
and transmit data with only a subset of the other tags 20 in the
local mesh network. The subset of tags 20 can be determined based
on predetermined criteria similar to the criteria used to determine
the tags 20 comprising the local mesh network, for example
proximity, signal strength, predetermined number, etc. Accordingly,
tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network can have a copy of all or a
subset of the livestock-related and other data of every other tag
20 in the network or of a subset of the tags 20 in the network.
Alternatively, the tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network can be
adapted and configured to communicate all or a subset of their data
to a single tag 20 in the network, for example the tag 20
determined to have optimal conditions to communicate with the
management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system
220.
[0116] Each tag 20 can be configured to determine from its own data
and/or from the aggregated data of the tags 20 in a dynamic local
mesh network which tag 20 is in the optimum condition to
communicate the aggregated data of the tags 20 to the management
system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system 220 via one
of the communications channels described above, e.g., cellular,
satellite, Bluetooth, and/or LPWAN. That determination may be made
based on a plurality of factors including, but not limited to,
relative power levels, relative signal strengths, and relative
conditions for transmission, e.g., atmospheric or meteorological
conditions.
[0117] Each tag 20 can further be adapted and configured to
determine if and when to communicate the aggregated data to the
management system platform 140 and/or to the remote computer system
220. That determination may be made internally based on a plurality
of factors including, but not limited to, the time and date,
conditions for transmission, e.g., atmospheric or meteorological
conditions, signal conditions, and power level and/or other
operating conditions of the tag 20 itself. The tag 20 can also be
triggered to communicate the data in response to an external input
received from a user, from the management system platform 140, or
from the remote computer system 220.
[0118] 3. Functions, Data, and Logical Flow.
[0119] Each tag 20 is adapted and configured to operate
autonomously for the most part. Accordingly, each tag 20 is adapted
and configured to autonomously and automatically acquire or
collect, receive, and locally maintain data and information,
including data and information about the individual livestock 12 to
which it is attached. Each tag 20 is configured to autonomously and
automatically process the data and information locally and to
autonomously and automatically perform various livestock management
functions and operations locally. As illustrated graphically in
FIG. 8, each tag 20 generally follows a logical flow for acquiring
and processing data and information, and for performing the
livestock management functions and operations. However, it will be
appreciated that the flow illustrated in FIG. 8 is merely an
example of one possible flow and one example of the data,
information, and functions that may be included in the flow. In
addition, it should be appreciated that the flow illustrated in
FIG. 8 is intended to be logical in nature and is not intended to
be interpreted as necessarily requiring a linear and sequential
flow of all of the steps or activities illustrated. Rather,
multiple logical steps and activities illustrated in FIG. 8 may be
carried out in various orders and simultaneously or
sequentially.
[0120] As shown in block 94, the tag 20 acquires or receives
various data and information. The data and information can include,
but is not necessarily limited to, data and information about the
individual livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is connected. For
example, the tag 20 can acquire or receive data about the
orientation of the livestock 12 from the gyroscope 54, the heading
of the livestock 12 from the compass 56, and the elevation of the
livestock 12 from the altimeter 58. The tag 20 can also acquire or
receive data about movement of the livestock 12, e.g., heading and
rate of speed, from the accelerometer 52, and about the absolute
position or location from the GNSS receiver 82. The tag 20 can also
receive data about the relative distance and angle between the
livestock 12 and other nearby livestock 12 from the Bluetooth
transceiver 84. The tag 20 can also acquire or receive data about
one or more physical parameters, conditions, and/or activities of
the livestock 12, including but not limited to its internal body
temperature, from the one or more sensor(s) 32 as described in
detail below. The tag 20 also can acquire or receive audio
information from the microphone 66 and video information from the
camera 72 as described above. The tag 20 is preferably adapted and
configured to acquire, receive, or sample some or all of the data
necessary to enable it to perform the livestock management
functions described herein repeatedly and periodically at the same
or different intervals of time.
[0121] The tag 20 can also acquire data and information about and
from other tags 20. As described above, the tag 20 can detect and
discover other nearby tags 20 and can automatically organize into a
dynamic local mesh network with other tags 20 based on
predetermined criteria, e.g., proximity, signal strength, and
number. The tag 20 can receive data and information from some or
all of the other tags 20 in the local mesh network and can
communicate its own data and information to some or all of the
other tags 20 in the network also based on predetermined criteria.
The data received from the other tags 20 may include, but is not
limited to, livestock-related and operational data, absolute
position or location, and relative position and angle with respect
to the receiving tag 20 and to other tags 20 in the dynamic local
mesh network.
[0122] The tag 20 also acquires or detects data and information
about itself. Such data and information may include, but is not
limited to, diagnostic data, e.g., detected faults, errors, or
other conditions in the components or elements of the tag 20, and
operational data, e.g., power level, signal strength levels from
the various interfaces of the communications interface 62, etc.
[0123] The tag 20 also can acquire or receive data and information
from local sensors and transceivers 34 that are within signal
range. For example, such data and information can include, but is
not limited to, the weight of the livestock 12 from a scale, the
presence of a livestock 12 at a feed or water station from a
proximity or presence sensor, etc.
[0124] The tag 20 also can acquire or receive data and information
from the management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer
system 220. For example, the tag 20 can receive data and
information comprising or related to health, medical, ownership,
ranch location and/or other matters regarding the livestock 12 that
are desired to remain permanently or semi-permanently in the tag
20.
[0125] In block 96, the tag 20 stores some or all of the acquired,
received, or sampled data locally in its volatile and/or
non-volatile memories for subsequent use in performing the various
livestock management functions and operations described herein, and
for subsequent communication with other tags 20 and with the
management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system
220. The tag 20 is preferably adapted and configured to store each
instance or sample of an item of data and information that is
acquired or received repeatedly over time, e.g., absolute location,
relative distance and angle, orientation, heading, internal
temperature, etc., in its local memory with the corresponding date
and time each such instance or sample was acquired or received. An
example logical structure for the data and information acquired and
stored by the tag 20 is shown in FIG. 9 and is described below.
[0126] In block 98, the tag 20 autonomously and automatically
processes some or all of the acquired and stored data locally and
autonomously and automatically performs various livestock
management functions and operations locally. Broadly, the tag 20 is
adapted and configured to perform functions and operations that
include and are based on detecting, monitoring and tracking the
absolute location of the livestock 12, and the position and
orientation of the livestock 12 relative to other nearby livestock
12. The tag 20 also is adapted and configured to perform functions
and operations that include detecting, determining, and monitoring
certain physical parameters, activities, and behaviors of the
livestock 12, and determining health-related and other physical
conditions of the livestock 12 that are correlated thereto. The tag
20 is also adapted and configured to perform functions and
operations that include detecting the presence of external
conditions that may indicate a threat or risk to the well-being of
the livestock 12. The tag 20 is preferably adapted and configured
to store any determinations made and any data or information
generated in connection with performing such functions and
operations in its local memory for future use and/or
communication.
[0127] More specifically, the tag 20 can detect, monitor, and track
the absolute location of the livestock 12 and determine whether the
livestock 12 is within a designated pasture area and identifying
the pasture area. This data can be used to manage the livestock 12
usage of available pasture areas. Among other data and parameters
stored in the tag 20, the coordinates that define one or more
virtual perimeter boundaries or geo-fences in connection with an
area under management, e.g., a ranch, can be stored, for example in
the non-volatile memory 60. Such virtual perimeter boundaries or
geo-fences may, for example, be defined to extend around one or
more designated pasture areas within the area under management. The
tag 20 is adapted and configured to determine if the livestock 12
is within one of the designated pasture areas and to identify the
designated area by plotting or comparing the absolute location of
the livestock 12 relative to the coordinates of each pasture area
bounded by a virtual boundary or geo-fence. If the location of the
livestock 12 is within the range of coordinates corresponding to a
pasture area bounded by the virtual boundary, the livestock 12 is
determined to be within the pastured area. Otherwise, it is
not.
[0128] The tag 20 also can detect, monitor, and track the absolute
location of the livestock 12, and can determine the amount of time
the livestock 12 has been present in a particular designated
pasture area. Together with data regarding certain livestock
activity, e.g., eating, this data can be used to manage livestock
12 usage of available pasture areas as well to monitor livestock 12
intake. The tag 20 is adapted and configured to acquire the
location of the livestock 12 from the GNSS receiver 82 repeatedly
at periodic time intervals and to store each instance of the
acquired location in its local memory with the corresponding date
and time the location was acquired. The tag 20 is adapted and
configured to determine the elapsed time the livestock 12 was
present in a designated pasture area from the difference between
the dates and times when the livestock 12 location was determined
to be within the range of coordinates corresponding to the
designated pasture area and when it was determined to not be within
the range.
[0129] The tag 20 also can detect, monitor, and track the absolute
location of the livestock 12 and monitor and track where and when
the livestock 12 has eaten, and perhaps how long it ate. This data
can be used not only to monitor livestock 12 intake, but also to
help protect the health of the livestock 12. For example, if the
livestock 12 becomes ill, the livestock's past location and eating
history can be traced backward to determine if the illness may have
been caused by something the livestock 12 ingested, and when and
where the livestock 12 came in contact with the source of the
illness. The livestock 12 can then be treated appropriately and the
condition of the illness can be identified, located, and
eradicated. As described further below, the tag 20 is adapted and
configured to determine from data acquired from the gyroscope 54
and perhaps the accelerometer 52 and/or altimeter 58 when the
livestock 12 is engaged in an eating activity. The tag 20 is
further adapted and configured to correlate the determined eating
activity with the absolute location of the livestock 12 at the time
to determine where and when the livestock 12 ate. The tag 20 can
determine for how long a livestock 12 ate at a particular location
in a manner similar to how the tag 20 determines how long the
livestock 12 was present in a designated pasture area as described
above.
[0130] The tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the absolute
location of the livestock 12 and determine the number of times the
livestock 12 goes to a point of interest in an area under
management. Points of interest can include for example feed and/or
water stations or sources, bogs, barns, cliffs, gates, chutes,
alleys, roads, shelters, minerals, houses, etc. The tag 20 can also
determine the identity of the point of interest, when the livestock
12 was there, and how long the livestock 12 spent there. This data
can be used to monitor livestock 12 intake and to manage livestock
12 use of consumable resources, inventory of such resources, etc.
The data can also be used to detect potentially dangerous
conditions and to monitor the health of the livestock 12. For
example, repeated visits to a road could pose a risk to the
livestock 12 and could indicate a need for action to be taken. A
reduction in the number of trips to drink water could indicate the
presence of a respiratory illness in the livestock 12 that could
require treatment. The location and identity of one or more points
of interest in an area under management can be among the data and
parameters stored in the tag 20, for example in the non-volatile
memory 60. The tag 20 is adapted and configured to correlate the
livestock 12 location data with the stored locations of the points
of interest to determine when the livestock 12 is in proximity
thereto. The tag 20 can determine for how long a livestock 12 was
present at a particular point of interest in a manner similar to
how the tag 20 determines how long the livestock 12 was present in
a designated pasture area as described above.
[0131] The tag 20 can also be configured and adapted to detect the
presence of the livestock 12 at a particular feed or water station
or other point of interest by communication with a local sensor and
transceiver 34 located at or near the point of interest. For
example, an RFID reader or scanner, a photocell, or another sensor
may detect the presence of the tag 20 and/or the livestock 12 at or
near a particular feed or water station, a bog, barn, etc. and
communicate that data and the identity of the point of interest to
the tag 20.
[0132] The tag 20 also can detect, monitor, and track the absolute
location of the livestock 12 and determine whether the livestock 12
has crossed over a perimeter boundary or geo-fence of a pasture
area or of the area under management. A livestock 12 may cross such
a boundary for a number of reasons. It may simply wander across the
boundary, or it may be taken or transported across the boundary.
Accordingly, this data can be used not only to prevent loss/theft
of the livestock 12, but also to prevent the livestock 12 from
becoming mixed with neighboring herds and/or destroying neighboring
property, and to prevent the livestock 12 from being hit by a car
or otherwise injured, etc.
[0133] The tag 20 can be configured and adapted to determine
whether a livestock 12 has crossed over a perimeter boundary in a
manner similar to that used to determine whether the livestock 12
is within a designated pasture area as described above. As
described above, the tag 20 is adapted and configured to acquire
the livestock 12 location data from the GNSS receiver 82 repeatedly
at periodic intervals of time and to store each instance of the
acquired location in its local memory with the corresponding date
and time that the location was acquired. The tag 20 is adapted and
configured to plot or compare each acquired location of the
livestock 12 relative to the coordinates of the pasture area(s)
and/or the area under management bounded by one or more virtual
perimeter boundaries or geo-fences. A determination that the
acquired location is outside the range of coordinates corresponding
to an area within the virtual boundary when a location acquired at
an earlier time was within the range indicates the livestock 12 has
crossed the virtual boundary.
[0134] The tag 20 can also detect, monitor and track the absolute
location of the livestock 12 and determine approximately when,
where, and how the livestock 12 crossed a boundary. The tag 20 can
be adapted and configured to determine approximately when the
livestock 12 crossed the boundary using any number of approaches.
For example, the tag 20 can assume the livestock 12 followed a
straight line at a fixed normal predetermined pace between the last
acquired location that was within boundary and the first acquired
location outside the boundary and extrapolate to approximate the
time the livestock 12 crossed the boundary. The approximate time
the livestock 12 crossed the boundary can be easily extrapolated by
calculating the distance between the last acquired location within
the boundary and the boundary, calculating the length of time for
the livestock 12 to cover that distance at the assumed heading and
pace, and adding the calculated time to the time corresponding to
the last acquired location within the boundary. It will be
appreciated that the extrapolation could also be performed using
livestock 12 heading and rate of motion data acquired from the
accelerometer 52 and compass 56 rather than the assumed values and
the use of such data could produce a more accurate result.
[0135] The tag 20 can similarly determine approximately where the
livestock 12 crossed the boundary by assuming the livestock 12
followed a straight line between the last acquired location that
was within boundary and the first acquired location outside the
boundary and calculating the point of intersection of the straight
line and the boundary. It will be appreciated that instead of or in
combination with assuming the livestock 12 followed a straight
line, actual livestock 12 heading data acquired from the
accelerometer 52 and compass 56 could be used to calculate the
point of intersection and the use of such data could produce a more
accurate result.
[0136] It is contemplated and will be appreciated that the tag 20
can also be adapted and configured to determine that a livestock 12
has crossed or is about to cross a perimeter boundary of an area
under management via communication between the tag 20 and one or
more local sensors and transceivers 34. For example, a plurality of
local sensors and transceivers 34 may be placed at spaced apart
locations corresponding to the virtual perimeter boundary of the
area under management. The livestock 12 may come into physical
proximity with and within signal range of one or more of the local
sensors and transceivers 34 as the livestock 12 approaches and
crosses the perimeter boundary. The tag 20 and the local sensors
and transceivers 34 can then establish communication and
communicate with each other and/or the management system platform
140 to indicate not only that the livestock 12 has approached or
crossed the perimeter boundary but also where. Such communications
may be used either alone or in combination with any or all of the
other approaches described herein to detect a livestock 12 crossing
the perimeter boundary.
[0137] The tag 20 can determine how the livestock 12 crossed the
boundary based on rate of motion data acquired from the
accelerometer 52. For example, rate of motion data from about the
time the livestock 12 crossed the boundary indicating the livestock
12 was moving at a normal relatively slow rate of speed indicates
that the livestock 12 likely merely wandered across the boundary on
its own. However, data from the accelerometer 52 indicating that
the livestock 12 was moving at an abnormally high rate of speed
indicates that the livestock 12 was likely transported across the
boundary by a vehicle and may have been stolen.
[0138] The tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the absolute
location of the livestock 12 and detect and determine the existence
of a potential theft situation regardless of whether the tag 20
detects that the livestock 12 has crossed a perimeter boundary of
the area under management. For example, the tag 20 can determine
from the location data acquired from the GNSS receiver 82, together
with the rate of movement data and heading data acquired from the
accelerometer 52 that the livestock 12 is at a location and is
moving in a direction and at a rate that indicates potential theft.
For example, a location on or near a roadway, a heading consistent
with the direction of the roadway, and an abnormally high rate of
motion, e.g., 20 mph, together may indicate that the livestock 12
has been stolen and is being transported away from the area under
management.
[0139] In addition to detecting, monitoring, and tracking the
absolute location of the livestock 12, the tag 20 also can detect,
monitor, and track the relative position and orientation of the
livestock 12 relative to other nearby livestock 12 and can use such
data to determine the health of the livestock 12 and the health of
a livestock's young, such as a calf. The tag 20 also can determine
from such data when the livestock 12 is in estrus and that breeding
and/or insemination has likely occurred. The tag 20 can also
generate data used to track the genetics and family lineage of the
livestock 12.
[0140] The tag 20 is adapted and configured to determine the
relative position and orientation of the livestock 12 relative to
other livestock 12 from data acquired at least from the Bluetooth
transceiver 84, the gyroscope 54, and perhaps the altimeter 58 and
barometer 59. The Bluetooth transceiver 84 may derive and provide
data about the distance and angular direction between the tag 20
and other nearby tags 20, and hence the distance and angular
direction between the livestock 12 to which the tags 20 are
attached, from the wireless signals communicated between the
respective Bluetooth transceivers 84 of the tags 20. As described
above, the gyroscope 54 in each tag 20 provides data about the
orientation of the tag 20 and hence the livestock 12 to which it is
attached. By comparing the orientation data from nearby tags 20,
the tag 20 can determine the orientation of the livestock 12 to
which it is attached relative to other nearby livestock 12.
Similarly, the altimeter 58 in each tag 20 provides data about the
elevation of the tag 20 and hence the livestock 12 to which it is
attached. By comparing the elevation data from nearby tags 20, the
tag 20 can determine the elevation of the livestock 12 to which it
is attached relative to the elevation of other nearby livestock 12.
The tag 20 can determine certain activities of the livestock 12
from the relative position, orientation, and elevation data, for
example mounting activity for breeding.
[0141] The tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the relative
position and orientation of the livestock 12 relative to other
nearby livestock 12 of a group or herd and determine that the
livestock 12 may have a health-related issue. For example, if the
tag 20 determines that the livestock 12 has remained relatively
more distant from the group or herd than other livestock 12 for a
period of time, that may indicate the livestock 12 is ill, injured,
or has another health-related issue. Similarly, if the tag 20
determines that the livestock 12 fails to remain in proximity to
other livestock 12 when the other livestock 12 move together as a
group or herd, that also may indicate the livestock 12 is ill,
injured, or has another health-related issue. Also similarly, if
the tag 20 determines that the livestock 12 has maintained an
orientation and perhaps elevation different from the other
livestock 12 of a group or herd, such as an orientation and
elevation indicating the livestock 12 has a lower than average
hanging head compared to an established baseline for the animal or
is lying on the ground when the other livestock 12 of the group or
herd are standing and/or moving, that also may indicate the
livestock 12 is ill, injured, or has another health-related
issue.
[0142] Similarly, the tag 20 can determine if the young of a
livestock 12 may have a health-related issue from the relative
positions and orientations of the livestock 12 and its young over
time and/or from the relative positions and orientations of the
livestock 12 and/or its young to other nearby livestock 12 of a
group or herd over time. For example, if the tag 20 determines that
the livestock's young has failed to stay in relatively close
proximity to the livestock 12 for a period of time that may
indicate that the young livestock has become separated or lost, or
may have an illness, injury, or other health-related issue.
Similarly, if the tag 20 determines that the livestock 12 and or
its young remain relatively more distant from the group herd than
other livestock 12 of the group or herd or fail to remain in
relative proximity to other livestock 12 when the other livestock
12 move together as a group or herd, that also may indicate the
young livestock is ill, injured, or has another health-related
issue. Also similarly, if the tag 20 determines that the livestock
12 and its young have maintained relatively different orientation
and perhaps elevations for a period of time, such as orientations
and elevations that indicate the livestock 12 is standing while its
young is lying on the ground, that also may indicate the young
livestock may have an illness, injury, or other health-related
issue.
[0143] The tag 20 can also detect, monitor, and track the relative
position, angle, and orientation of the livestock 12 relative to
other nearby livestock 12 and determine or confirm when a livestock
12, e.g., a cow, is in estrus. The automatic and autonomous
determination by the tag 20 that a livestock 12 is in estrus
reduces the burden on a rancher and/or herd manager to physically
monitor the herd and make that determination with respect to
potentially hundreds or thousands of heads of livestock 12. It thus
also decreases the chance that the estrus condition in an
individual livestock 12 will be missed and, if that livestock 12 is
to be artificially inseminated, increases the probability that the
insemination will be performed at the optimal time to successfully
achieve pregnancy. Automated and autonomous estrus determination by
each tag 20 can thus improve the conception rates when doing
artificial insemination, decrease the labor for those involved in
the artificial insemination, and increase the pregnancy rate and
calving production of the entire herd.
[0144] The tag 20 can determine or confirm that a cow is in estrus
at least in part by detecting, monitoring, and tracking the
relative distance between the cow and other livestock 12 of a group
or herd. For example, prior to standing estrus a cow may appear
nervous and restless. A typical behavior for a cow at that time is
to segregate and distance itself from the other livestock 12 of a
group or herd, for example to walk along a fence line in search of
a bull. Thus, by determining that the cow has segregated and
distanced itself from the other livestock 12 of a group or herd and
has remained segregated and distanced for a period of time the tag
20 can determine that a cow is in or about to be in estrus.
[0145] The tag 20 also can determine or confirm that a cow is in
estrus at least in part by determining that the cow is in close
proximity to another livestock 12 and that the angle or direction
between the cow and the other livestock 12 is consistent with the
other livestock 12 mounting the cow or the cow mounting the other
livestock 12. As described above the distance and angle between the
cow and the other livestock 12 can be acquired from signals
communicated wirelessly between the Bluetooth transceivers 84 or
LPWAN transceivers 88 in their respective tags 20. It will be
appreciated that each tag 20 will have the data whether the
livestock 12 to which it is attached is a cow or a bull, for
example, because that data will preferably be stored locally in the
memory of the tag 20. However, the sex of the other livestock 12 is
only a factor and not the only determinant of estrus. A cow in
estrus may mount another cow or be mounted by another cow as well
as by a bull. Thus, proximity and directionality data indicating
any mounting activity involving a cow can be a determinant of
estrus in the cow regardless of the sex of the other livestock 12
involved.
[0146] The tag 20 also can determine or confirm that a cow is in
estrus at least in part based on the orientation of the cow when it
is in close proximity to another livestock 12. If the tag 20
determines that the orientation of the cow indicates it is in a
standing position consistent with preparing to be mounted by the
other livestock 12, that provides yet another indication the cow is
in estrus. Again, the tags 20 have the data regarding the sex of
the livestock 12 to which they are attached, however, the sex of
the other livestock 12 is only one factor in determining that the
cow is in estrus because a cow in estrus will stand to get mounted
by other livestock 12 regardless of their sex, even other
cows/heifers/steers. A cow standing to be mounted is likely in
estrus (or at least approaching estrus) and the mounting cow is
likely to be approaching estrus.
[0147] It is contemplated and will be appreciated that the tag 20
can be adapted and configured to use any or all of the foregoing
approaches alone or in any combination to determine or confirm
estrus in the livestock 12. The inertial measurements (e.g., from
accelerometer 52, GNSS receiver 82, and gyroscope 54), as well as
other parameters from the barometer 59, internal temperature from
implanted body temperature sensor 32, can all be used to determine
if an animal is in estrus. Regardless of which approach(es) are
used, the tag 20 preferably also includes the natural estrus cycle
of the livestock 12 in the determination. Each tag 20 can have
stored in its memory a value or range of values for the natural
estrus cycle of the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached.
For example, a natural estrus cycle for a cow is typically about
17-24 days. The value or range of values stored in memory can be
based on the typical normal estrus cycle of like livestock or can
be based on empirical observations of the particular livestock 12
over time. When the tag 20 determines that the livestock 12 is in
estrus, it can save that determination along with the data in its
local memory. The tag 20 can then start a counter or store an
expected next estrus date or range of dates. The next time the tag
20 determines that the livestock 12 is in estrus, it can confirm
that determination against the stored data regarding the natural
estrus cycle of the livestock 12 to either confirm the
determination or provide an indication that the determination may
not be accurate. Over time, the tag 20 can learn the actual estrus
cycle of the livestock 12 to which it is attached, e.g., by
averaging the time between accurate estrus determinations, and
adjust the stored natural estrus cycle value(s) based thereon.
[0148] The tag 20 also can detect, monitor, and track the relative
position, orientation, and perhaps elevation of a livestock 12
relative to other nearby livestock 12 and determine or confirm that
breeding and insemination of the livestock 12 have likely occurred.
More specifically, the tag 20 can determine that a cow has likely
been bred and naturally inseminated by a bull. As described above,
each tag 20 has in memory the data whether the livestock 12 to
which it is attached is a cow or a bull. Regardless of whether a
tag 20 is attached to a cow or a bull, the tag 20 can determine
that breeding and natural insemination have likely occurred by
determining that a cow and a bull are in very close proximity and
that the relative orientations and perhaps elevations of the two
livestock 12 are consistent with the bull having mounted the cow.
The tag 20 can determine a cow and a bull are in very close
proximity based on the signals communicated wirelessly between the
Bluetooth transceivers 84 or LPWAN transceivers 88, or based on
GNSS data alone, in their respective tags 20 for example. The tags
20 also can determine the relative orientations and elevations
between the cow and the bull from the gyroscopes 54 and altimeters
58 in their respective tags 20. As those skilled in the art are
aware, when a bull mounts a cow, the orientation of at least the
front end of the bull is pivoted or tilted upward relative to the
cow. In addition, assuming the tag 20 attached to the bull is
attached somewhere near the front end of the bull, e.g., the ear,
the tag 20 will have a higher elevation than the tag 20 attached to
the cow. Thus, by determining that a male and a female livestock 12
are in very close proximity, that the male has an orientation that
is tilted or pivoted upward relative to the orientation of the
female, and that the male is at a greater elevation than the
female, each tag 20 can determine or confirm that breeding and
natural insemination of the female livestock 12 have likely
occurred. The tag 20 can also obtain and use the data from the
accelerometer 52 of the tag 20 attached to the bull to determine
its increased activity level and thus verify the mounting and
breeding activity for even more accurate results.
[0149] The following process could be used to determine if an
animal is mounting another animal, which can further be used to
make a determination of estrus and breeding activity. Data from the
IMU 55 (e.g. accelerometer and gyroscope data) can be processed by
the tag 20 or other parts of the system to look for a high rate of
acceleration in the forward and upward direction, indicating that
the tag has risen in elevation quickly, which would occur when an
animal is mounting another animal. The system will also compare the
IMU data to data from the barometer 59, which should also show a
quick rise in relative height if mounting has occurred. Similarly,
the data from the IMU 55 and the barometer 59 can be processed for
dismounting behavior, which will be indicated by reverse motion,
downward acceleration, a hard acceleration after the downward
acceleration, and a reduction in the relative height from the
barometer 59, all of which would indicate that the animal may be
dismounting.
[0150] The mounting behavior can be used in conjunction with data
from nearby tags (e.g., as determined by Bluetooth or GPS proximity
measurements), and also including compass and position data, which
can allow users to determine which animal was mounted.
Determinations can be made based on the sex of the mounting and
mounted animal (i.e., cows mounting cows determining standing
estrus, and bulls mounting cows determining breeding/insemination
has occurred). The timing (e.g., duration) of the detected motion
and relative altitude change can also be used to determine if
breeding and insemination actually occurred.
[0151] The tag 20 can further confirm that a cow has been
successfully impregnated either by natural or artificial
insemination. For example, following a detected breeding event or
an artificial insemination event, the tag 20 can determine that the
cow is not showing signs of estrus according to its typical estrus
cycle and can use that determination as confirmation that the cow
has been successfully impregnated.
[0152] The tag 20 can also determine that a particular male
livestock 12, e.g., a bull, has bred and impregnated a particular
female livestock 12, e.g., a cow. In the case of natural breeding
and insemination, the tags 20 attached to the cow and bull can
share their data in the manner described herein and the tags 20
attached to either or both animals can accordingly maintain a
record of the identity of each livestock 12 associated with the
event. Alternatively, if a livestock 12 has been artificially
inseminated, the straw used to inseminate the livestock 12 will
include information identifying the particular male donor which can
be scanned and verified or input into the system manually or in
another way. In either case, the identities of both involved
livestock 12 can be stored locally in the tags 20 and can be
communicated to the management system platform 140 where they can
be aggregated with similar determinations by the tags 20 attached
to other livestock 12 of the herd under management.
[0153] From the above-described determinations, each tag 20 can
automatically generate data to track the genetics and family
lineage of each individual livestock 12 of the herd under
management. Each tag 20 can store the genetic chain of the
livestock 12 to which it is attached locally in its memory. As new
livestock 12 are born the genetic chain of the newborn can be
stored in a tag 20, along with other information identified and
described herein, and the tag 20 is then attached to the
newborn.
[0154] The genetics tracking data automatically generated by the
tags 20 can be used to help improve the physical characteristics
and health of the livestock 12 and to reduce the proliferation of
hereditary conditions due to inbreeding. The automatic generation
of the genetics tracking data by the tags 20 can also reduce the
burden on ranchers and/or herd managers to manually track the
numerous genetic chains of the livestock 12 of a herd under
management and both enhance and ease the overall herd
record-keeping of the livestock management system 10.
[0155] With a livestock's genetic chain being known, appropriate
action can be taken to control the livestock 12 breeding. For
example, action can be taken to prevent the livestock 12 from
breeding with another livestock 12 in the same genetic chain. As
one example, when it is determined that a particular female
livestock 12, e.g., a cow, is in estrus as described above, the
female livestock 12 can be moved or placed in a location of an area
under management that is separate from or inaccessible to one or
more male livestock 12, e.g., bull(s), that are in the same genetic
chain as the female livestock 12. Alternatively, one or more bulls
may be moved away from the cow. Also alternatively, the cow may be
brought into proximity with a particular bull or bulls by which it
is desired for the cow to be bred.
[0156] In addition to detecting, monitoring, and tracking the
absolute location and the relative position and orientation of the
livestock 12, the tag 20 also can detect, determine, and monitor
certain physical parameters, activities, and behaviors of the
livestock 12, and determine health-related and other physical
conditions of the livestock 12 that are correlated thereto. As
described above, such physical parameters that can be detected and
monitored by the tag 20 can include, but are not limited to, the
body temperature of the livestock 12. The tag 20 can acquire or
receive instances or samples of the body temperature and/or other
physical parameters from one or more implanted and/or attached
sensors 32. Activities and behaviors that can be detected,
determined and monitored by the tag 20 can include, but are not
limited to, ambulation, eating, drinking, and rumination.
Correlated health-related and other physical conditions that can be
determined by the tag 20 can include, but are not limited to
estrus, ovulation, pregnancy, and calving. The tag 20 can also be
configured to make determinations such as optimal weaning time
based on the detected activities and behaviors of the livestock
12.
[0157] Beneficially, by acquiring or receiving instances or samples
of the internal body temperature of the livestock 12 over time, the
tag 20 can use the relative change in the value of such temperature
over time to make determinations about the existence of
health-related and other physical conditions of the livestock 12
rather than comparing the internal temperature to another value,
such as ambient temperature, which also varies over time and
independent of the condition of the livestock 12. The
determinations made by the tag 20 can thus be made more accurately.
For example, the tag 20 can detect that the internal body
temperature of the livestock 12 has risen by a certain amount over
the last acquired internal temperature value or over a long-term
average internal temperature value. From that data, the tag 20 can
determine that the livestock 12 has an illness, injury, or other
health-related issue, e.g., infection from a cut, viral infection,
etc.
[0158] The tag 20 also can combine the detected rise in internal
body temperature with other data to make determinations and/or to
improve the accuracy of determinations. For example, the tag 20 can
determine that the rise in temperature has occurred over a certain
time period and distinguish between normal variations in
temperature and those indicating a health-related issue. The tag 20
also can determine that the rise in temperature is in or not in
conjunction with the livestock's normal estrus cycle or other
normal cycles, for example, and determine whether the rise in
temperature is due or not due to one of those normal recurring
physical conditions.
[0159] In addition to physical parameters of the livestock 12, the
tag 20 can also detect, determine, and monitor certain activities
and behaviors of the livestock 12, and determine the existence of
health-related and other physical conditions of the livestock 12
that are correlated thereto. For example, the tag 20 can detect and
monitor certain physical activities and behaviors such as
ambulation, eating, and rumination. The tag 20 can then determine
from these activities and behaviors the existence of certain
health-related and other physical conditions that are correlated
thereto, e.g., estrus, ovulation, pregnancy, and calving.
[0160] By determining the existence of these conditions
autonomously and automatically without the need for a rancher, herd
manager, or other person to physically observe the livestock 12,
the tag 20 is able to improve the overall health, well-being, and
productivity of the herd. For example, calving is a critical time
for the health and well-being of both the livestock 12 and the
newborn. By autonomously and automatically determining when a
livestock 12 is calving or about to calve, the tag 20 can enable
action to be taken by the rancher, herd manager, or other person
responsible for the livestock 12 to more closely observe the
livestock 12 and newborn to ensure no complications occur and to
reduce the risk of mortality. By autonomously and automatically
determining when a livestock 12 is in estrus, the tag 20 can enable
action to be taken to artificially inseminate the livestock 12 at
an optimal time or to increase the likelihood of the livestock
being naturally inseminated at an optimal time to improve herd
productivity.
[0161] Ambulation, eating, and rumination are strong indicators of
the health as well as the existence of various physical conditions
of a livestock 12. On average, a healthy livestock 12 should
ruminate approximately seven to nine hours per day, eat
approximately four to five hours per day, and lie comfortably for
approximately 12-14 hours per day. Most rumination occurs while a
livestock 12 is lying down. Accordingly, from a detected decrease
or change in normal activity, such as ambulation, rumination, or
normal intake, such as eating and drinking, the tag 20 can
determine the presence of a respiratory disease well in advance of
the symptoms becoming visually noticeable. The tag 20 can then
enable action to be taken to treat the illness early before it can
be spread to other members of a group or herd and before the
livestock 12 becomes seriously ill.
[0162] Similarly, livestock 12 typically get up and lay down
frequently two to six hours before beginning calving. In addition,
eating and rumination activity in livestock 12 about to calve is
typically reduced from long-term baseline levels. Livestock 12 also
often isolate themselves from other livestock of a group or herd
when going into labor and many lie down to give birth, although
some remain standing. The internal temperature of livestock 12 also
typically drops within about 8-48 hours of calving. The tag 20 can
automatically detect and monitor these physical activities,
behaviors, and parameters of a livestock 12, can determine when
they coincide, and can determine therefrom that the correlated
physical condition of calving is underway or about to begin. The
tag 20 can then enable appropriate action to be taken as described
herein.
[0163] Also similarly, prior to and upon entering estrus, livestock
12 typically exhibit restlessness, which is indicated by an
increase in ambulation, and a substantial increase in internal body
temperature relative to the normal internal temperature of the
livestock 12 when it is not in estrus. FIG. 13 illustrates
graphically how the ambulation and internal body temperature of a
livestock 12 typically vary over time, and how an increase in
ambulation and in internal body temperature coinciding in time with
the normal estrus cycle of the livestock 12 provide an indication
of the existence of the correlated physical condition of estrus. In
addition, a livestock 12 in or entering estrus also often
segregates and distances itself from other livestock 12 of a group
or herd, and may bawl more than usual. By detecting and monitoring
these physical activities, behaviors, and parameters of a livestock
12, the tag 20 can automatically determine when they coincide and
from that determination can further determine that the livestock 12
is about to enter or has entered into the correlated physical
condition of estrus. The tag 20 can then send a notification to
enable appropriate action to be taken as described herein.
[0164] The tag 20 can autonomously and automatically determine the
above-described physical parameters, activities and behaviors of
the livestock 12 from data acquired from the sensor(s) 32,
accelerometer 52, gyroscope 54, compass 56, altimeter 58, barometer
59, etc. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A, 12B, and 12C,
the tag 20 can determine when and whether a livestock 12 is
ruminating, eating and/or ambulating at least in part from
orientation data acquired from the gyroscope 54, alone or in
combination with other sensors, such as the accelerometer 52 and
barometer 59. Inputs from the gyroscope 54 and the accelerometer
52, in combination, may be referred to as inertial measurements.
The Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) 55 can measure the motion of a
livestock 12, which may include measuring step count, high
acceleration motion, reduction in motion, and average motion, for
example.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 12A, a livestock 12 that is standing or
ambulating will typically have a first orientation relative to
three axes, e.g. pitch, roll, and yaw. A livestock 12 that is
ruminating will typically have a second orientation wherein the
pitch, roll, and yaw axes are rotated or pivoted somewhat downward
in relation to the first orientation as shown in FIG. 12B.
Rumination will also typically include detecting motion (i.e.,
inertial measurements from the IMU 55), and may also include
detecting changes in altitude measured by the barometer 59, which
can measure relative changes in height of the sensor. Similarly, a
livestock 12 that is eating will typically have a third orientation
wherein the pitch, roll, and yaw axes are rotated or pivoted even
further downward in relation to the first and second orientations
as shown in FIG. 12C. Further, the tag 20 can use data from the
GNSS receiver 82 and inertial measurements from the accelerometer
52 and the gyroscope 54 (i.e., collectively, inertial measurement
unit 55) to determine that the livestock 12 is eating, which is
typically indicated by low GPS speed, and low acceleration and
movement related to eating.
[0166] In addition to orientation data, the tag 20 can also use
data from the accelerometer 52 in determining and distinguishing
between the three activities. For example, the tag 20 can determine
from the accelerometer 52 data and GNSS data from GNSS receiver 82,
when and whether the livestock 12 is standing still or moving as
well as the position and rate at which the livestock 12 is moving.
From this data, the tag 20 can further distinguish when a livestock
12 is ambulating as compared to substantially standing still while
eating or possibly ruminating. The tag 20 can also use data from
the altimeter 58 and/or the barometer 59 to further distinguish
between the three activities. As seen in FIGS. 12A-12C, the
elevation of the head of a livestock 12 above ground typically will
be different depending on whether the livestock 12 is standing or
ambulating, ruminating, or eating. In addition, livestock 12
typically ruminate while lying on the ground. The tag 20 can thus
use the altimeter 58 data or barometer 59 data to determine the
elevation of the livestock's head (assuming the tag 20 is attached
to the ear of the livestock 12) relative to the ground and to
further determine and/or confirm whether and when the livestock 12
is engaged in one of the three activities. The barometer 59 can
determine relative changes in height and provide the data to the
processor/memory 50 of the tag 20.
[0167] The tag 20 can autonomously and automatically detect,
determine, and monitor physical parameters, activities and
behaviors of the livestock 12, and determine the existence of
certain health-related and other physical conditions as described
above by determining when one or more items of acquired
livestock-related data coincide. However, preferably, the tag 20
has one or more artificial intelligence (AI) models and/or other
detection algorithms embedded in its local memory and executes one
or more of the AI models and/or other detection algorithms with
respect to one or more of the acquired livestock-related data items
to predict or determine the occurrence or existence of one or more
physical activities or behaviors of the livestock 12, and to
predict or determine one or more health-related or other physical
conditions of the livestock 12 correlated thereto.
[0168] More specifically, the tag 20 preferably includes one or
more AI models and/or other detection algorithms that can predict
or determine the existence of one or more physical activities
and/or behaviors of the livestock 12 including, but not limited to,
ambulating, ruminating, and eating, from one or more
livestock-related acquired data items including, but not limited
to, movement over ground (from GNSS receiver 82 and/or
accelerometer 52), orientation (from gyroscope 54), and elevation
(from altimeter 58 or barometer 59). The tag 20 also preferably
includes one or more AI models and/or other detection algorithms
that can predict or determine from one or more of the determined
physical activities and/or behaviors the existence of one or more
health-related or other physical conditions of the livestock 12
including, but not limited to, illness, injury, estrus, ovulation,
pregnancy, and calving. These AI models and/or other detection
algorithms preferably also include one or more parameters that
correspond to one or more external and physical parameters related
to the livestock 12 including, but not limited to, body temperature
(from implanted and/or attached sensor(s) 32 or a sensor 32
embedded in the tag 20), absolute location and relative position
and angle (from GNSS receiver 82 and Bluetooth transceiver 84),
heading (from compass 56), etc.
[0169] The AI models and/or other detection algorithms embedded in
the tag 20 can be created using suitable machine learning and AI
model and/or algorithm creation and development tools at the
management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system
220. The AI models and/or other detection algorithms can be
generated, trained, and updated from time to time using data
acquired and received by the tags 20. The data from the tags 20
attached to livestock 12 of a herd under management can be
aggregated and the aggregated data can be used to create, develop,
train, and update the AI models and/or other detection algorithms.
In addition, the aggregated data can also be aggregated with the
same data aggregated from tags 20 attached to livestock 12 of other
herds under management by the same or different ranchers, herd
managers, owners, etc.
[0170] It is contemplated and will be appreciated that the tag 20
can use one or more AI models and/or other detection algorithms to
make the various determinations of physical activity and/or
behavior of the livestock 12, and the various determinations of
health-related and other physical conditions of the livestock 12
either alone or in combination with one or more of the various
discrete methods described herein. For example, one or more of the
discrete methods for determining estrus, e.g., based on relative
position and angle of the livestock 12 to nearby livestock 12, can
be incorporated as one or more parameters of an AI model or other
detection algorithm that predicts or determines estrus, or can be
used by the tag 20 separately from the AI model or other algorithm,
for example as an additional confirmation of the model or algorithm
prediction or determination. Alternatively, the tag 20 can use one
or more of the discrete methods described herein alone or together
to make the various determinations with or without also using an AI
model and/or other detection algorithm.
[0171] The tag 20 is also adapted and configured to autonomously
and automatically perform functions and operations that include
detecting the presence of external conditions that may indicate a
threat or risk to the well-being of the livestock 12 or that may
affect the operation of the tag 20. Such functions may include, but
are not limited to, detecting the presence of a loud noise, such as
a gunshot or vehicle motor, detecting the presence of a potential
predator, detecting the presence of other dangerous conditions, and
detecting weather or meteorological-related conditions. By
detecting such conditions, the tag 20 can send alerts and enable
appropriate action to be taken to protect the livestock 12, for
example driving off a shooter, predator, or potential thief, and/or
relocating the livestock 12 to a safer location.
[0172] The tag 20 can detect the presence of a loud noise, such as
a gunshot or vehicle motor, from audio data acquired or received
from the microphone 66. In the same manner, the tag 20 can detect
the presence of noise associated with another potentially dangerous
condition, e.g., flowing water. The tag 20 can acquire, record,
e.g., store, and analyze audio data from the microphone 66
periodically or on demand. The microphone 66 can also include
circuitry that automatically responds to a loud sound and
automatically provides a sample of the audio. The tag 20 can store
the audio data without analysis for subsequent communication to the
management system platform 140. Alternatively, the tag 20 and/or
the management system platform 140 can analyze the audio by
comparing it to stored samples or by executing an AI model or other
algorithm to attempt to identify the nature of the noise. The tag
20 preferably stores or records audio data with the time and date
it was acquired or received to assist a rancher or herd manager
with any subsequent investigation or evaluation of the noise. The
tag 20 can determine the absolute position of the livestock 12 from
the data provided by the GNSS receiver 82 and enables the livestock
12 to be located and appropriate protective action to be taken. The
tag 20 and/or the management system platform 140 also can
approximate the location of the noise by triangulation techniques
based on the time and/or direction of detection of the noise by
several of the tags 20 attached to several livestock 12 of a group
or herd. The tag 20 also can take action to acquire additional
audio data from the microphone 66 and/or to acquire other data to
assist determining the nature, source, and location of the noise.
For example, the tag 20 can activate the camera 72 and acquire
video data.
[0173] The tag 20 also can detect the presence of a potential
predator, such as a wolf, based on unusual or anomalous activity of
the livestock 12. For example, the tag 20 can detect abnormal
movement of a livestock 12, e.g., movement in an unusual direction
and/or at an unusual pace, and determine that it likely indicates a
potential predator is in the area of the livestock 12. The tag 20
can acquire the movement, heading, and pace information of the
livestock 12 from the accelerometer 52 and/or compass 56. The tag
20 can also acquire data indicating the absolute position of the
livestock 12 and any unusual change in the location from the GNSS
receiver 82 and can use that data in the determination. By
communicating with other tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network,
the tag 20 can also acquire similar data regarding the activities
of other nearby livestock 12 of a group or herd and include that
data in the determination. For example, the tag 20 can determine
that other nearby livestock 12 are reacting in the same way and in
the same direction as the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is
attached and use that determination to confirm that a predator is
likely nearby.
[0174] The tag 20 also can detect or confirm the presence of a
potential predator or another dangerous condition from audio data
acquired or received from the microphone 66 and/or from video
information acquired or received from the camera 72 in the same
manner described above. For example, the livestock 12 may bawl more
than usual when a predator is nearby or when it encounters another
dangerous condition. The predator itself may also make
characteristic sounds, such as howling. The tag 20 can detect such
unusual bawling, characteristic sounds, etc. from the audio data
and determine therefrom that a predator or other dangerous
condition is present. The tag 20 can also acquire the absolute
location of the livestock 12 from the GNSS receiver 82 and data
regarding motion of the livestock 12 from the accelerometer 52.
From this additional information, the tag 20 can determine if the
livestock 12 is stationary and can determine therefrom that the
livestock 12 is injured or otherwise immobilized, e.g., tangled in
wire or stuck in the mud, and in need of assistance.
[0175] The tag 20 also can detect the presence or imminent presence
of weather or meteorological-related conditions that may pose a
threat or risk of injury to the livestock 12. For example, the tag
20 can determine from data acquired from the barometer 59
(pressure), the ambient temperature sensor 74 (air temperature),
and/or the humidity sensor 76 (air humidity) that a severe storm is
approaching (e.g., rapid falling pressure), and/or that dangerous
temperature, heat index, and/or wind-chill conditions exist (e.g.,
combination of high or low temperature and high or low humidity).
The tag 20 can thus enable a rancher or herd manager to take
appropriate actions to protect the livestock 12, for example by
relocating it to shelter or otherwise providing additional
protection against the conditions or autonomously urge the
livestock 12 to move to a safer location.
[0176] Similarly, the tag 20 can detect the weather and
meteorological conditions and determine therefrom if changes to its
own operation are necessary to optimize and prolong its operation.
For example, the tag 20 can determine that temperature and humidity
conditions are such that its operations should be reduced, slowed,
or suspended in order to avoid over-heating or unduly depleting its
stored electrical power. Similarly, the tag 20 can determine that
current conditions are not conducive to successful long range
communications with the management system platform 140 and/or the
remote computer system 220, for example due to heavy rain or fog,
or a known poor coverage area, and thus delay such communications
until conditions are more favorable to optimize the use of its
stored electrical power. Also similarly, the tag 20 can determine
that conditions are not suitable to sufficiently recharge its
stored electrical power to support on-going operations, e.g., due
to heavy overcast or night-time conditions, and can reduce,
minimize, or slow down its operations until conditions improve for
sufficient recharging.
[0177] Referring to block 102, the tag 20 is adapted and configured
to generate and communicate or transmit alarms and alerts in
response to certain conditions, events, and/or occurrences detected
and/or determined by the tag 20. The tag 20 can communicate the
alarms and alerts to the management system platform 140, the remote
computer system 220, and/or to one or more mobile and/or stationary
devices of a rancher, herd manager, owner, etc. The alarms and
alerts also can comprise certain local actions by the tag 20, such
as activating the LED 64, tone generator 68, and/or stimulator 70.
The tag 20 can communicate the alarms and alerts in the form of
email, text messages, or direct device to device communications.
The content of the alarms and alerts can vary depending on the
conditions, events, and/or occurrences that caused the tag 20 to
generate them. The tag 20 can communicate the alarms and alerts via
the cellular transceiver 86 over a cellular network, via the
satellite data network transceiver over a satellite network, via a
LAN or WAN network, via the LPWAN transceiver 88 with or without a
gateway 89, or via the Bluetooth transceiver 84 and a suitable
gateway 85.
[0178] The tag 20 also can determine if the determined condition,
event, or occurrence is one that requires immediate attention and
immediately communicate the alarm or alert if the operating
conditions of the tag 20 and the communication conditions are
suitable for immediate communication. If either condition is not
met, then the tag 20 can delay communicating the alarm or alert
until a next scheduled time for communication or until operating
and/or communications conditions become suitable for the
communication. Alarms or alerts that may require immediate
attention include, but are not limited to, detections or
determinations that livestock 12 have crossed a perimeter boundary,
may have been stolen, may be seriously ill or injured, or are
calving or about to calve. Other such alarms or alerts may include,
but are not limited to, detection of a predator, gun shot, or
vehicle nearby, or the detection or determination of any other
condition or event that could cause immediate injury to the
livestock 12. Conditions that may cause the tag 20 to delay
communication of an alarm or alert include, but are not limited to,
a low stored electrical energy in the tag 20, unavailability of a
suitable communications channel or detection of no or a poor
communications signal, poor weather conditions, etc.
[0179] More specifically, the tag 20 is preferably adapted and
configured to generate and communicate an alarm or alert in
response to determining that a livestock 12 has crossed the
perimeter boundary or geo-fence of a designated area within an area
under management or of the area under management as described
above. The alarm or alert can contain information that the
livestock 12 has crossed a perimeter boundary and alerting the
recipient to take appropriate action. The alarm or alert can also
include information about the most recent location and movement of
the livestock 12, e.g., GPS coordinates, direction of movement,
etc. The alarm or alert also can comprise a local action by the tag
20 including activating the tone generator 68 to generate a sound
or noise and/or the stimulator 70 to generate a physical stimulus,
e.g., a rumble or shock, to urge the livestock 12 to return to the
designated area or the area under management. The alarm or alert
can also comprise a local action by the tag 20 to activate the LED
64 to assist in locating and identifying the livestock 12.
[0180] The tag 20 preferably is also adapted and configured to
generate and communicate an alarm or alert in response to
determining that a livestock 12 may have been stolen as described
above. The alarm or alert can contain information advising that the
livestock 12 may have been stolen and to contact the appropriate
authorities. The alarm or alert can also include information about
the most recent detected location and movement of the livestock 12,
e.g., GPS coordinates, speed, direction, etc. The alarm or alert
can also comprise a local action by the tag 20 to activate the LED
64 and/or to play a message via the tone generator 68 and speaker
to the effect that the livestock 12 is stolen property.
[0181] The tag 20 preferably is also adapted and configured to
generate and communicate an alarm or alert in response to
determining a health-related or other physical condition of the
livestock 12 that may require attention. Such conditions include,
but are not limited to, determinations that the livestock 12 may be
ill or injured, is in estrus, is in the process of being bred,
and/or is about to be or is in the process of calving. The alarm or
alert can contain information identifying and describing the
condition that resulted in the alarm or alert and the detected or
determined data underlying the condition, e.g., internal
temperature, lack of movement for a period of time, etc. The alarm
or alert can also include information about the most recent
detected location and movement of the livestock 12, e.g., GPS
coordinates, speed, direction, etc. The alarm or alert can also
comprise a local action by the tag 20 to activate the LED 64 and/or
the tone generator 68 to visually and audibly identify the
livestock 12 to facilitate locating it and/or to activate the tone
generator 68 and/or the stimulator 70 to autonomously urge the
livestock 12 to move to an area such as a sick pen if the detected
condition is not too severe.
[0182] The tag 20 also can be adapted and configured to generate
and communicate an alarm or alert in response to determinations of
certain herd-related or herd-impacting conditions that may require
attention. Such conditions may include, but are not limited to,
determinations that a pasture area is being over-grazed, that a
feed or water supply is low, that the time is optimal for weaning,
etc. The tag 20 can determine the latter condition in particular by
monitoring the relationship between a livestock 12 and its young.
Typically, the optimal weaning time for dairy livestock 12 is 2-3
days after birth and substantially longer for meat livestock 12.
Thus, the tag 20 can determine when the livestock 12 has given
birth and use that determination to determine an optimal weaning
time. The tag 20 also can make the optimal weaning determination
from data regarding the relative position and orientation of the
livestock 12 and its young from the GNSS receiver 82, the gyroscope
54, and the Bluetooth transceiver 84 or other RF link in the
respective tags 20 of the livestock 12 and it's young. The tag 20
can determine from this data the intervals and amounts of time the
young spends in close proximity to the livestock 12 and the
intervals and amounts of time the young has an orientation relative
to the livestock 12 indicating it is suckling. The tag 20 can
determine that when the interval and amount of time spent in
proximity and suckling decreases to a certain level, the optimal
weaning time has been reached.
[0183] The alarm or alert can contain information identifying and
describing the condition that resulted in the alarm or alert and
the detected or determined data underlying the condition. The alarm
or alert can also include information about the location of the
condition, the most recent detected location and movement of the
livestock 12, e.g., GPS coordinates, speed, direction, etc. The
alarm or alert can also comprise a local action by the tag 20 to
activate the LED 64 and/or the tone generator 68 and speaker to
visually and audibly identify the livestock 12 to facilitate
locating it, and/or to activate the tone generator 68 and/or the
stimulator 70 for example to autonomously urge a calf to segregate
from its mother in a different pen/pasture at an optimal weaning
time or vice versa.
[0184] The tag 20 also can be adapted and configured to generate
and communicate an alarm or alert in response to determining the
presence or imminent presence of a predator, a gunshot or vehicle
noise, severe weather, another dangerous condition, a sudden shock
to the livestock 12, etc. The alarm or alert can contain
information identifying and describing the condition that resulted
in the alarm or alert, the detected or determined data underlying
the condition, and alerting the recipient to take appropriate
action. It can also include information about the location of the
condition that resulted in the alarm or alert, and the most recent
detected location and movement of the livestock 12, e.g., GPS
coordinates, speed, direction, etc. The alarm or alert can also
comprise a local action by the tag 20 to activate the LED 64 and/or
the tone generator 68 to visually and audibly identify the
livestock 12 to facilitate locating it, and/or to activate the tone
generator 68 and/or the stimulator 70 to autonomously urge the
livestock 12 to move to a safer location.
[0185] The tag 20 also can be adapted and configured to generate
and communicate an alarm or alert in response to determining an
operational, diagnostic, or other condition with the tag 20 itself.
Such conditions may include, but are not limited to, low power
level, hardware fault, self-test failure, etc. The alarm or alert
can contain information identifying and describing the condition
that resulted in the alarm or alert, and the detected or determined
data underlying the condition. It can also include information
about the most recent detected location and movement of the
livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached, e.g., GPS
coordinates, speed, direction, etc. The alarm or alert can also
comprise a local action by the tag 20 to activate the LED 64 and/or
the tone generator 68 and speaker to visually and audibly identify
the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached to facilitate
locating it.
[0186] In block 104, the tag 20 can communicate some or all of its
data to some or all of the other tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh
network as described elsewhere herein. The tag 20 can also
communicate some or all of its data and the aggregated data
received from other tags 20 in the dynamic local mesh network to
the management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer
system 220 also as described elsewhere herein. As described above,
the tag 20 can determine whether it is the tag in the dynamic local
mesh network in the optimum condition to communicate its data and
the aggregated data. If it determines that it is not the tag in the
optimum condition to communicate it can forego communicating the
data in favor of the tag determined to be in the optimum condition
communicating the data. Even if it determines that it is in the
optimum condition, the tag 20 can determine if conditions are
suitable for immediate communication of the data and if not can
store the data and delay communicating it until a next scheduled
time for communication, until operating and/or communications
conditions become suitable for the communication, or until it
receives an input triggering it to communicate the data.
[0187] In block 106, the tag 20 can receive data from the other
tags 20 in a dynamic local mesh network. The tag 20 also can
receive data and updates from the management system platform 140
and/or from the remote computer system 220. The data from the other
tags 20 comprises the data acquired and received by the other tags
20 in the dynamic local mesh network during operation and that is
to be aggregated and communicated to the management system platform
140 and/or the remote computer system 220 by the tag 20 that is
determined to be in the optimal condition to transmit the data. The
data and updates from the management system platform 140 and/or the
remote computer system 220 can include data and information to be
stored in the local memory of the tag 20 and/or updates to data and
information stored in the local memory. The data and updates can
also include new or updated programs, algorithms, or applications
to be stored and executed in the tag 20. The data and updates can
also include new or updated AI models, model parameters, weights or
other values, etc. to be executed in the tag 20. For example, as
the tags 20 continue to communicate data to the management system
platform 140 and/or the remote computer system 220, the AI models
that were created can be refined, updated, and trained to make more
accurate determinations and predictions. These updates can then be
communicated back to the tags 20. Similar to other data
communications described herein, the tag 20 can determine that
conditions are not suitable to receive and store the data and
updates and can decline and defer until it determines the
conditions are more suitable. The tag 20 can either await a next
scheduled communication or can request to receive the data and
updates.
[0188] In blocks 108 and 110, the tag 20 can receive alarms and/or
alerts from the management system platform 140 and/or from one or
more mobile devices. For example, the tag 20 can receive alarms
and/or alerts with a command to take an action such as activating
the LED 64, the tone generator 68, and/or the stimulator 70 to
identify and distinguish a livestock 12 from other livestock and/or
to urge the livestock 12 to do something like return to a
designated area. Such an alarm or alert can be received from a
mobile device, for example as a rancher or herd manager is
physically observing a group or herd and attempting to locate a
particular livestock 12 for instance. The tag 20 also can receive
alarms and/or alerts to take an action such as activating the
microphone 66 and/or the camera 72 to acquire audio and or video
data. Such an alarm or alert can be in response to an alarm or
alert generated by the tag 20 in the first instance. For example,
if the tag 20 generated and communicated an alarm or alert of a
potential predator or other potentially dangerous condition, an
alarm or alert with a command to obtain audio and/or video data
could be communicated back to the tag 20 to try to confirm the
presence of the predator or other dangerous condition. The tag 20
can also receive data, parameters, or other information related to
an action commanded by an alarm or alert, for example to cause the
LED 64 to blink on and off in a particular pattern, or to cause the
tone generator to play a particular tone or sound sample. Similar
to other data communications described herein, the tag 20 can
determine that conditions are not suitable to receive and act upon
an alarm or alert and can decline and defer until it determines the
conditions are more suitable.
[0189] In connection with the communication of data,
determinations, alarms, and alerts in blocks 102, 104, 106, and
108, the tag 20 can first try to communicate with the management
system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system 220 via a
local communications channel such as the Bluetooth transceiver 84
or the LPWAN transceiver 88 if it is within signal range of a
corresponding transceiver. For example, a corresponding Bluetooth
or LPWAN transceiver 84, 88 could be embedded in a mobile device
hosting the management system platform 140 or in a local sensor and
transceiver 34 that is within range of a livestock 12 with a tag 20
wanting to communicate. This situation can often occur for example
when a relatively large number of livestock 12 are present within a
relatively small area, e.g., a feedlot, or on a relatively small
plot of land. The tags 20 can communicate data via the Bluetooth
and LPWAN transceivers 84, 88 at relatively high rates and
relatively inexpensively compared to using long range
communications channels. However, if a tag 20 determines that a
suitable Bluetooth or LPWAN connection is not available, for
example when the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached is on
the open range and far removed from the management system platform
140 and any local sensors and transceivers 34, then the tag 20 has
the option to communicate over a long range communications channel
such as the cellular network via the cellular transceiver 86 or a
satellite data network via the satellite data network transceiver
at a lower data rate and at additional expense. The tag 20 thus is
able to autonomously select the fastest and least expensive
communications channel to communicate data depending on the
conditions, e.g., location, signal strength, tag 20 power level,
and other transmission conditions. Over time, this functionality
can save a significant amount of money.
[0190] Also in connection with the communication of data,
determinations, and alarms and alerts in blocks 102, 104, 106, and
108, the tag 20 preferably compresses the data to be communicated
to reduce the volume of data to be communicated and to reduce data
costs. In addition, each tag 20, the management system platform
140, the remote computer system 220, and each mobile or other
device with which a tag 20 communicates includes a unique set of
cryptographic keys. Each tag 20 and each platform, system, or
device with which it communicates encrypts outgoing communications
and decrypts incoming communications using the keys so that all
communications are encrypted end to end.
[0191] In block 112, the tag 20 can be configured and adapted to
enter a sleep state to reduce power consumption and/or conserve
stored electrical energy. The tag 20 can alternate between an
active state in which it performs some or all of the functions
described in connection with blocks 94, 96, 98, 102, 104, 106, 108
and 110 and the sleep state of block 112. During a sleep state, the
tag 20 can shut down some or all operations in order to reduce the
consumption of power and to conserve the stored electrical energy
in the power source 42. During an active state, the tag 20 can
perform some or all of the functions described herein. The tag 20
can perform the same functions during each active state cycle or
can perform different functions during different active state
cycles. The interval between active and sleep states can be fixed
or variable, and may also be varied based on the level of energy
remaining in power source 42. For example, the sleep state can be
longer during expected periods of herd inactivity, e.g., at night,
and shorter during the day. The active state would vary conversely.
Also for example, the tag 20 can dynamically determine and vary the
time period of a sleep state and an active state based on the
length of time it takes the tag 20 to perform certain functions, an
evaluation of current or historical livestock activity, etc. Such
functions could include, for example, how long it may take to
charge the rechargeable energy storage 48. The tag 20 can be
adapted to remain in the sleep state or active state for a variable
time period based on the current charge level of the rechargeable
energy storage 48, the current charging conditions, and the current
weather conditions.
[0192] In block 114, the tag 20 can be adapted and configured to
exit or wake from a sleep state. The tag 20 can exit or wake from a
sleep state based on a time-out or time elapsed signal from a timer
in the tag 20 or based on receiving a signal indicating an internal
or external event, such as alarm or alert, a gunshot or vehicle
noise, etc. The tag 20 can also exit a sleep state when it receives
a signal or communication from another tag 20, from the management
system platform 140, and/or from the remote computer system 220.
When the tag 20 exits the sleep state, it can continue to acquire,
store, and process data and information, make determinations, etc.
as described herein and as shown in FIG. 8.
[0193] In addition to an active or sleep state, any combination of
features available for tag 20 to perform can be switched off,
decreased or reduced based on the level of power in power source
42. A simplified chart showing possible thresholds is shown in FIG.
15. In operation, more important or time-critical features can
remain available over a wider range of available power, while less
important or less time-critical features can be reduced or disabled
more readily when the power source 42 is more depleted. Examples
include cellular communications relating to alerts or location of a
livestock 12, (e.g., "find my cow") can be enabled for an available
energy range between 10% to 100%. Energy for this functionality can
be saved by the use of eDRX. Less urgent uses of cellular data,
such as 24-hour uploads, can be enabled for an available energy
range between 25% to 100%, and disabled when storage capacity falls
below 25%.
[0194] GPS functionality can be controlled in a similar way. For
example, if a GPS position is requested by the system, the GNSS
receiver 82 can be enabled for an available energy range between
10% to 100%, while periodic locations can be taken based on other
storage levels, and vary depending on the duration between
measurements. Thus, 15-minute location determinations may be taken
for an available energy range between 80% to 100% of the power
source 42; 1-hour locations between 60% to 80%; 4-hour locations
between 40% to 60%; and 12-hour locations between 25% to 60%.
Low-energy Bluetooth functionality can be made available for an
available energy range between 5% to 100%, and a 915 MHz wireless
interface can also be available for an available energy range
between 10% to 100%. Of course, these thresholds can also be
different as necessary to conserve power, or if any particular
functionality is deemed to be more important.
[0195] 4. Logical Data Structures.
[0196] The tag 20 can arrange the data and information it receives
or acquires and the determinations it generates in one or more
logical data structures wherein related data, information, and
determinations are logically grouped for storage and access in its
local physical memory. One potential logical data structure 120 is
illustrated in FIG. 9 for example. However, it is contemplated and
will be appreciated that numerous other and different data
structures could be used to store and access the data and
information in the local memory of the tag 20. Any and all such
data structures that are consistent with carrying out the goals,
functions, and operations of the tag 20 described herein are
intended to be included within the scope of the descriptions of the
example embodiments herein.
[0197] The logical data structure 120 can include a permanent or
semi-permanent storage section 122. Data and information regarding
the tag 20 and the livestock 12 to which it is attached that is
intended to be retained permanently or semi-permanently can be
stored together in the permanent or semi-permanent storage section
122. For example, such data and information can include, but is not
limited to, unique tag ID data and other information that is unique
to the tag 20, unique encryption key(s) for secure communications
with the tag 20, and contact information for the owner of the tag
20 in case it becomes detached and is lost and found. Such data and
information can also include, but is not limited to, data and
information unique to the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is
attached, such as ownership information, contact information,
genetic chain information, demographic information, and health and
vaccine history of the livestock 12.
[0198] The logical data structure 120 also can include a tag data
section 124 for records of data that the tag 20 periodically
acquires or receives in operation. Such data can include, but is
not limited to, movement data from the accelerometer 52,
orientation data from the gyroscope 54, heading data from the
compass 56, elevation data from the altimeter 58, absolute position
from the GNSS receiver 82, relative position and angle data from
the Bluetooth transceiver 84, body temperature and/or other
physical parameter data from the sensor(s) 32, weather and
meteorological data from the barometer 59, temperature 74, and/or
humidity 76 sensors, audio and/or video data from the microphone 66
and/or camera 72 and/or links thereto, battery level from the power
source 42, signal strength from the Bluetooth transceiver 84,
cellular transceiver 86, and/or LPWAN 88 transceivers etc. Each
time the tag 20 acquires or receives all or some such data, e.g.,
every 30 seconds, a record comprising the set of data acquired or
received can be stored in the tag data section 124 together with
the date and time the set of data was acquired or received. The
stored data records can be over-written individually, in blocks, or
entirely by subsequently acquired or received newer data records.
As one example, after a set period of time has elapsed or a set
amount of storage capacity has been used each subsequently acquired
or received new data record can individually over-write the oldest
stored data record still retained in the tag's memory. The tag data
section 124 can thus operate like a circular buffer operating on a
first in-first out basis. As another example, after some or all of
the stored data records have been communicated from the tag 20 to
the management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer
system 220, all of the communicated records can be erased
individually or as a block and can be subsequently overwritten.
[0199] The logical data structure 120 also can include a video data
section 126 and/or an audio data section 128 that is separate from
the tag data section 124. The video data section 126 can include
records of video data, e.g., clips, acquired or received by the tag
20 in operation and the audio data section 128 can include records
of audio data, e.g., clips, acquired or received by the tag 20 in
operation as described herein. Each video and each audio record is
stored with the time and date it was acquired or received. In
embodiments with a video data section 126 and/or an audio data
section 128 separate from the tag data section 124, data records of
the tag data section 124 that would otherwise include video and/or
audio data can include links or addresses to the respective video
and audio data sections 126, 128 where the records reside instead.
The video and audio records of the video and audio data sections
126, 128 can be erased and/or over-written by newer video and/or
audio records according to the same criteria and in the same manner
described above with respect to the records of the tag data section
124.
[0200] The logical data structure 120 also can include a detected
tags/sensors data section 132 that is separate from the tag data
section 124 for the data received from other tags 20 and sensors 34
in a dynamic local mesh network. The detected tags/sensors data
section 132 can be arranged with the data received from each tag 20
and sensor 34 in a dynamic local mesh network comprising a separate
record together with the date and time at which the data was
received and an ID of the tag 20 or sensor 34 from which the data
was received. Each record can also include the distance and angle
between the tag 20 and the tag or sensor from which the data was
received from the Bluetooth transceiver 84. The records of the
detected tags/sensors data section 132 can be erased and/or
over-written by newer data records according to the same criteria
and in the same manner described above with respect to the records
of the tag data section 124.
C. Livestock Sensors
[0201] The one or more sensors 32 can provide data about internal
or external physical parameters of the livestock 12 and potentially
about certain conditions and activities of the livestock 12 to the
tag 20 attached to the livestock 12. The sensors 32 can communicate
with the tag 20 over a wireless connection. The wireless connection
can be, but is not limited to, an antenna-based RFID connection via
the RFID transceiver 92 of the tag 20 and/or a low power Bluetooth
(BLE) connection via the Bluetooth transceiver 84 of the tag 20.
While the sensors 32 are sometimes referred to herein as
"implanted" sensors 32, it is contemplated and will be appreciated
that the sensors 32 can include one or more sensors that are
implanted in the livestock 12 and/or one or more sensors 32 that
are attached externally to the livestock 12.
[0202] The one or more sensors 32 can sense various physical
parameters of the livestock 12 including, but not limited to,
internal body temperature and/or relative body temperature. In an
example embodiment, an implanted sensor 32 can comprise an internal
body temperature sensor comprising a thermopile. The body
temperature sensor is implanted in the livestock 12 at a location
that is suitable to provide an accurate reading of the internal
body temperature of the livestock 12. The location can be and
likely is spaced apart from the ear location where the tag 20 is
preferably attached, however in some embodiments the body
temperature sensor can be implanted in or attached to the same ear
of the livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is attached but at a
location spaced apart from the tag 20. Similarly, a temperature
sensor 32 attached externally to an ear of the livestock 12 or
elsewhere spaced apart from the tag 20 can provide relative body
temperature data of the livestock 12. Depending upon placement,
such a sensor 32 can provide internal body temperature and/or
relative body temperature readings of the livestock 12 that can be
closely and accurately correlated with the health-related and other
physical conditions of the livestock 12 that are to be determined,
e.g., illness, estrus, etc.
[0203] The one or more sensors 32 can also potentially provide data
concerning certain conditions and activities of the livestock 12.
For example, a pressure sensor 32 can be externally attached to or
implanted under the skin of the back of a breeding livestock 12,
e.g., a cow. The pressure sensor 32 can provide data indicating
that the livestock 12 has been mounted and can be used to determine
the livestock 12 is in estrus and/or is breeding for example.
[0204] The sensors 32 can provide data continuously, periodically,
or on demand by the tag 20. For example, an implanted body
temperature sensor 32 can provide instances or samples of internal
body temperature data over time from which the tag 20 can detect
variations in the internal body temperature of the livestock 12 in
relation to a baseline such as a long-term average of such
temperature, and can determine from such variations health-related
and other physical conditions of the livestock 12 as described
herein.
[0205] It is contemplated and will be appreciated that in other
embodiments, one or more sensors 32 can be embedded in the tag 20
and/or attached externally to and/or implanted in the livestock 12
at various locations. In all such embodiments the sensors 32 are
preferably adapted and configured to measure one or more physical
parameters, conditions, and/or activities of the livestock 12 to
which they are attached.
D. Local Sensors and Transceivers
[0206] One or more of the local sensors and/or transceivers 34 can
be in one or more fixed locations of an area under management or
can be mobile within one or more designated areas of the area under
management, preferably at one or more fixed locations or within one
or more designated areas where livestock 12 also are present from
time to time. The local sensors and/or transceivers 34 are adapted
and configured to communicate with the tags 20 that are within
range and to become a member of a dynamic local mesh network with
such tags 20 as described above. Some or all of the local sensors
and/or transceivers 34 can also be adapted and configured to
communicate with the management system platform 140 and/or the
remote computer system 220 separately from the tags 20.
[0207] Similar to the tags 20, the local sensors and/or
transceivers 34 can include Bluetooth transceivers and RFID
transceivers (which may be 915 MHz transceivers). The local sensors
and/or transceivers 34 can be adapted and configured to communicate
with the tags 20 within range locally using either or both of these
transceivers. Also similar to the tags 20, the local sensors and/or
transceivers 34 can include cellular, satellite, and/or LPWAN
transceivers. The local sensors and/or transceivers 34 can be
adapted and configured to communicate remotely with the management
system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system 220 using any
or all of these transceivers.
[0208] One or more local sensors and/or transceivers 34 in one or
more fixed locations can be coupled to and adapted and configured
to communicate data between various local devices described herein,
the tags 20 that are within range, and the management system
platform 140 and/or the remote computer system 220. As one example,
a local sensor and transceiver 34 can be connected to, can be part
of, or can be otherwise in communication with a scale that
livestock 12 are herded to cross over, for example in a chute
leading in or out of a corral or feedlot. The scale automatically
weighs each livestock 12 as it crosses and the local sensor and
transceiver 34 receives the weight data, read the ID of the tag 20
attached to the livestock 12, associates the weight data with the
tag ID, and communicates the weight data and tag ID to the
management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system
220 to automatically track the weights of the livestock 12. The
local sensor and transceiver 34 can also communicate the weight
data of each livestock 12 locally to the attached tag 20 for local
storage and weight tracking by the tag 20. Such data can be used to
detect and monitor livestock 12 health since reduced weight can be
an indication of illness. The data can also be used to detect and
monitor the market value of the livestock 12 since value is based
at least partly on weight.
[0209] As another example, local sensors and transceivers 34 can be
located at or near one or more feed stations or sources and/or one
or more water stations or sources. Such sensors can include
photo-sensors and/or other types of location and/or proximity
sensors. The local sensors and transceivers 34 can detect when a
tag 20 is nearby indicating that the livestock 12 to which the tag
20 is attached is eating or drinking. The local sensors and
transceivers 34 can read the ID of the tag 20, correspond the tag
ID with data about the source, e.g., feed or water, location, ID of
the source, the time the livestock 12 spends at the source, etc.,
and can communicate the data to the management system platform 140
and/or the remote computer system 220 to automatically track the
eating and drinking behavior of the livestock 12. Such data can be
used to automatically detect possible health-related conditions of
the livestock 12, such as a respiratory illness that is indicated
by fewer and/or shorter trips to feed and/or water
stations/sources. The data can also be used to automatically track
the usage and inventory of consumable resources, such as feed and
water, and to provide alerts when replenishment is required. The
local sensors and transceivers 34 also can communicate some or all
of the data to the tags 20 attached to the livestock 12 for local
storage and processing.
[0210] It is contemplated and will be appreciated that the data
provided by the local sensors and transceivers 34 regarding
livestock 12 proximity to feed and/or water stations or sources as
an indication of eating and drinking behavior can be processed with
other data acquired by the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 to
provide even more accurate determinations. Such data can include,
for example, the location of the tag 20 (from the GNSS receiver
82), and the orientation and elevation of the tag 20 (from the
gyroscope 54 and altimeter 58), which are indicative of eating and
drinking behavior as described above and shown in FIG. 12.
[0211] As another example, a local sensor and transceiver 34 can be
located at a chute structure leading to a plurality of corrals or
other holding areas each having a separate entry gate. The local
sensor and transceiver 34 can read the tag ID's from the tags 20 as
the livestock 12 traverse the chute/alley and can communicate with
one or more local controllers to automatically control the opening
of the gate associated with a particular corral or holding area
based on the tag ID. This capability enables the livestock 12 to be
automatically sorted and segregated according to one or more
selected characteristics. For example, cows, calves, bulls,
breeders, heifers, sick animals, animals in estrus, and animals
about to calve can be automatically sorted and segregated in one or
more separate corrals or holding areas.
[0212] As still another example, a plurality of local sensors and
transceivers 34 can be located at spaced apart fixed locations
corresponding to boundaries of one or more designated areas within
the area under management or the perimeter of the area under
management as described above. As a livestock 12 approaches and/or
crosses such a boundary or perimeter, one or more of the local
sensors and transceivers 34 can detect and communicate with the tag
20 attached to the livestock 12. The local sensors and transceivers
34 can receive the tag ID, and communicate an alarm or alert to the
management system platform 140 together with the tag ID and other
data from the tag 20, for example the location, heading, and rate
of speed of the livestock 12. The local sensors and transceivers 34
can also communicate an alarm or alert to the tag 20 to take an
action such as activating the tone generator 68 and/or the
stimulator 70 to urge the livestock 12 to stop and/or to return
across the boundary or perimeter.
[0213] As yet another example, local sensors and transceivers 34
can be placed in one or more corrals, chutes, gates, or other
designated areas livestock 12 must pass nearby to obtain selected
information from the tags 20 and to communicate the data to the
management system platform 140 to automatically track the status of
the livestock 12. For example, the local sensors and transceivers
34 can read the tag ID and receive other selected tag data such as
the vaccination status and/or history of the livestock 12. The
local sensors and transceivers 34 can also receive the medicinal
status and/or history of the livestock 12, such as whether and when
it was administered a particular medicine or was sprayed with an
insecticide against lice, parasite or grub infestation. The local
sensors and transceivers 34 can also receive medical procedure
status and/or history of the livestock 12. The local sensors and
transceivers 34 can communicate this data to the management system
platform 140 to automatically determine and track if the livestock
12 is up to date on vaccinations, needed medicines, and/or medical
procedures, and to generate alarms or alerts to a rancher, herd
manager, etc. to take appropriate action. In addition to generating
alarms or alerts to take action, the local sensors and transceivers
34 can be adapted and configured to respond to data communicated
with the tags 20 to autonomously trigger action by associated
equipment. As one example, a local sensor and transceiver 34 can
receive data from a tag 20 that indicates the livestock 12 to which
it is attached is not up to date on a vaccine, medicine, or topical
treatment and can activate associated sprayer or injection
equipment to autonomously administer the needed item. The tag 20 in
communication with the local sensor and transceiver 34 can then
update the data for the livestock 12 in the tag 20 and the tag 20
and/or the local sensor and transceiver 34 can communicate the
updated data to the management system platform 140 in a manner
described herein. As another example, the local sensor and
transceiver 34 can implement an auto-sorting gate by responding to
a tag ID received from a tag 20 to select and activate a pen/gate
control to autonomously direct the livestock 12 to a selected area.
This functionality is useful not only for farms but for sales
rings.
[0214] Local sensors and/or transceivers 34 can also be placed in
one or more mobile devices within one or more designated areas of
an area under management. As one example, a local sensor and
transceiver 34 can be present in a mobile phone or mobile computing
device carried by a rancher, herd manager, ranch hand, etc. As
another example, a local sensor and transceiver 34 can also be
placed on or in a drone or vehicle remotely controlled by a
rancher, herd manager, etc. The local sensor and transceiver 34 can
read the ID's of nearby tags 20 and the mobile device can display
or otherwise communicate them to the rancher, herd manager, etc. so
that one or more can be selected. The local sensor and transceiver
34 can then communicate an alarm or alert to the selected tag(s)
and cause them to take action to identify the livestock 12 to which
they are attached, for example by activating the LED 64 and/or the
tone generator 68. This is helpful for the rancher, herd manager,
etc. to select and identify a particular livestock 12 out of a
group or herd of livestock 12, for example to administer a
vaccination or medicine, address a health-related issue, etc.
[0215] As described above, the local sensors and/or transceivers 34
can also be adapted and configured to communicate data between the
tags 20 and the management system platform 140 and/or the remote
computer system 220 when a tag 20 is within Bluetooth or LPWAN
signal range of a corresponding Bluetooth or LPWAN transceiver of a
local sensor and transceiver 34. The local sensor and transceiver
34 can in turn communicate with the management system platform 140
and/or the remote computer system 220 via the same or another wired
or wireless communications channel and/or network interface as
described herein. Similarly, if a tag 20 is within Bluetooth or
LPWAN range of a local sensor and transceiver 34, the local sensor
and transceiver 34 can receive data and/or updates from the
management system platform 140 and/or the remote computer system
220 and can communicate them to the tag 20 via the corresponding
Bluetooth or LPWAN transceivers.
E. Management System Platform
[0216] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured
to provide management of the livestock 12 to which tags 20 are
attached and of the tags 20 themselves. The management system
platform 140 is adapted and configured to perform various functions
and operations related to management of the livestock 12
individually and as a herd. Such functions can include, but are not
limited to: detecting, monitoring, tracking, and responding to
various current health-related conditions of the livestock 12;
monitoring, tracking, and maintaining data regarding various
characteristics of the livestock 12; monitoring, tracking, and
responding to location and movement of the livestock 12; detecting,
monitoring, and responding to significant current physical
conditions of the livestock 12; determining and maintaining
genetics and family lineage data of the livestock 12; monitoring
and managing the usage of grazing areas under management by the
livestock 12; monitoring and maintaining health history of the
livestock 12; generating, tracking, and maintaining demographic,
history, and other data of the livestock 12; detecting, monitoring,
and responding to external events; creating and managing system
access for external users; monitoring and managing inventories of
consumables; monitoring, tracking, and maintaining various
financial data; detecting, monitoring, and responding to weather
and meteorological conditions and/or events; tracking and
maintaining historical ownership and location data of the livestock
12; and monitoring and responding to various tag 20 conditions.
[0217] The management system platform 140 can comprise and can be
hosted on one or more computers, such as a desktop PC, workstation,
or server at one or more fixed locations, including in the cloud,
and/or on one or more mobile computing devices, such as a laptop PC
or tablet computer, etc. A number of suitable host platforms are
identified and described further below. In addition, all or a
portion of the management system platform 140 can be duplicated
and/or distributed across one or more host platform devices. The
management system platform 140 can communicate with the tags 20 and
the local sensors and transceivers 34 wirelessly either locally or
remotely via cellular, satellite, or IP-based networks, LPWAN,
and/or other communications channels as illustrated in FIGS. 5 and
10.
[0218] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured
to communicate with the tags 20, with the local sensors and
transceivers 34 in the area under management, and with the remote
computer system 220. The management system platform 140 can send
and receive various information to and from the tags 20, local
sensors and transceivers 34, and remote computer system 220
including, but not limited to, data, alerts and alarms, programs,
applications, AI models, other detection algorithms, and updates.
The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to
receive and store the data generated by each individual tag 20 and
local sensor and transceiver 34 and to process and respond to such
data to perform the various management functions described herein.
The management system platform 140 is also adapted and configured
to receive, aggregate, and store the data received from all of the
individual tags 20 and the local sensors and transceivers 34 and to
process, respond to, store, communicate, and provide access to such
data to perform the various management functions described
herein.
[0219] 1. Elements and Architecture.
[0220] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the management system platform
140 can include a processor 142, a memory element 144, one or more
input devices 146, a scanner/reader 148, local storage 150, and a
display 152. The management system platform 140 can also include a
communications interface comprising a cellular network interface
154, a WAN/LAN network interface 156, and a local RF interface 158.
The communications interface can also include a satellite network
interface and/or an LPWAN interface if desired.
[0221] The processor 142 can comprise one of the types of
processors described herein below. For example, the processor 142
can include one or more commercially available general purpose
processing unit(s) (GPU's) such as microprocessor(s), etc. The
processor 142 is adapted to execute programs, applications, models,
etc. stored in the memory 144 and to process the data received by
the management system platform 140 in order to perform the
livestock management functions and operations described herein.
[0222] The processor 142 is configured and programmed to
communicate with, to control, and to manage the operation of the
various other components and elements of the management system
platform 140 identified above and illustrated in FIG. 10. The
processor 142 is connected to and communicates with each of the
elements and components via a bus 143. The bus 143 may comprise one
or more physical and/or logical buses adapted to carry data,
instructions, commands, requests, control words, etc. between the
processor 142 and each of the other elements and components.
[0223] The memory element 144 is adapted to provide local storage
for operating and applications data for use in connection with the
operation and functioning of the management system platform 140.
The memory element can include a memory controller, a volatile
memory such as DDR DRAM, and a non-volatile memory such as Flash or
another electrically erasable programmable read only memory
(EEPROM), or an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM). The
memory element 144 can provide local storage for basic operating
data necessary for the processor 142 to provide the basic operation
of the management system platform 140 such as an operating system,
BIOS, etc. The memory element 144 can also provide local storage
for application data, programs, applications, models, parameters,
settings, etc. for execution by the processor 142 for the
management system platform 140 to perform the various livestock
management functions described herein.
[0224] The input device(s) 146 are adapted and configured to enable
a user to interact with the management system platform 140. The
user can interact with the management system platform 140 using the
input device(s) 146 in many ways including, but not limited to,
inputting or entering data, selecting items of data or information
presented by the system, selecting programs, applications, models,
algorithms, functions, etc. presented by the system to be
performed, making requests or giving commands to the system, etc.
The input device(s) 146 can comprise one or more user-operable
input devices including, but are not limited to, mice, track-balls,
touch pads, touch screens, keyboards, etc. To the extent not
identified here, the input device(s) also can include any of the
types of user-operable input devices identified and described
below.
[0225] The scanner/reader 148 is adapted and configured to scan
and/or read data and/or information from a tag 20 when the
scanner/reader 148 is in proximity to the tag 20. The
scanner/reader 148 can include, but is not limited to, an RFID
scanner/reader, a bar code scanner/reader, a QR code
scanner/reader, etc. The data and/or information can include any
data that can be encoded and included on or in a tag 20. Such data
and/or information can include, but are not limited to, a unique
tag ID, and corresponding data that is specific to the livestock 12
to which the tag 20 is attached or is to be attached, etc.
[0226] The scanner/reader 148 can be incorporated in a mobile
element of the management system platform 140 such as a hand-held
or other mobile device. Such a device can be carried by a rancher,
herd manager, etc. and can be used to scan and/or read data and/or
information from a tag 20 attached to a particular livestock 12 in
the field. This can enable a rancher, herd manager, etc. to locate
a particular livestock 12, confirm the identity of a particular
livestock 12, and/or provide attention to a particular livestock 12
in the field. Similarly, the scanner/reader 148 can be used to scan
or read data and/or information from a tag 20 that has become
detached from a livestock 12 in the field and has subsequently been
found. The data can help locate and identify the livestock 12 from
which the tag 20 became detached and the tag 20 can then be
re-attached to the correct livestock 12. Alternatively, the found
tag 20 can be removed from the management system and its data
transferred to a new tag 20 that is attached to the livestock
12.
[0227] The scanner/reader 148 also can be incorporated in a
non-mobile element of the management system platform 140 such as a
desktop PC or work station in an office. In that setting, the
scanner/reader 148 can be used to enter new tags 20 into the
management system that are to be attached to new livestock 12,
e.g., recently born or recently acquired livestock 12 that are to
be added to the herd under management.
[0228] The local storage 150 is adapted and configured to provide
storage for the data and information received from the tags 20,
from local sensors and transceivers 34, and from the remote
computer system 220, and from other external sources, e.g., banks,
veterinarians, markets, other ranches, etc. The local storage 150
is also adapted and configured to provide storage for data and
information generated by the management system platform 140 and/or
the remote computer system 220. The local storage 150 can comprise
one or more suitable storage devices with sufficient capacity,
including but not limited to disk drives, solid state drives
(SSD's), and/or tape units, etc. To the extent not identified here,
the local storage 150 also can include any of the types of storage
devices identified and described below.
[0229] The display 152 is adapted and configured to visually
present data and/or information for a user of the management system
platform 140. Such data and/or information can include, but is not
limited to, data or information entered by the user, data or
information received from one or more tags 20 and/or local sensors
and transceivers 34, data or information received from other
external sources, data or information generated by the management
system platform 140, representations of data, information,
programs, applications, models, functions, etc. for selection by a
user, and representations of user-selectable menus and menu items.
The display 152 can include one or more of any suitable type of
display including, but not limited to, computer displays,
television displays, and mobile device displays. To the extent not
identified here, the display 152 also can include any of the types
of display devices identified and described below.
[0230] As one example, the display 152 can display a visual
representation of a surface map or a topographic map of an area
under management and/or one or more designated areas within the
area under management. The management system platform 140 can
include mapping software and maps for this purpose and/or can
receive this information from an external source. The display 152
can also display one or more user-defined geo-fence boundaries of
the area under management and/or one or more designated areas
within the area under management as an overlay on the map. The
management system platform 140 can generate this information from
known GPS coordinates of the physical bounds of the area under
management and the designated areas within the area under
management. The display 152 can also display representations of
some or all of the livestock 12 under management as overlays on the
map. The management system platform 140 can generate this
information from the GPS location data of each of the livestock 12
received from the tags 20 attached to the livestock 12. The
displayed information enables a user to visually determine the
locations of each of the livestock 12 under management relative to
the area under management, the designated areas within the area
under management, and the geo-fence boundaries. The user can thus
readily determine whether a livestock 12 is within or outside of
the perimeter boundary of the area under management for
example.
[0231] The management system platform 140 also can be adapted and
configured to cause the display 152 to display the representations
of the livestock 12 with different display attributes, e.g.,
colors, blinking, etc., based on various characteristics or
conditions of the livestock 12, e.g., bulls, cows, calves, recently
ill, recently vaccinated, etc. The management system platform 140
can also be adapted and configured to respond to a user selection
of a representation of a livestock 12 on the display 152 to take an
action with respect to the selected livestock 12. For example, a
user can select a displayed representation of a livestock 12 using
the input device 146, and one action taken can include displaying
additional information about the selected livestock 12. Depending
on how the management system platform 140 is configured, the
information displayed can include any or all of the information
from the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12, and any or all of the
information about the livestock 12 maintained at the management
system platform 140. Another action can be generating and sending
an alarm or alert regarding the selected livestock 12. Any number
of actions can be taken separately or in combination.
[0232] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured
to communicate with the tags 20, the local sensors and transceivers
34, and the remote computer system 220 via the communications
interface. The communications interface provides interfaces to a
number of different communication channels over which the
management system platform 140 can communicate.
[0233] The cellular network interface 154 provides one
communications channel over which the management system platform
140 can communicate remotely with the tags 20, the local sensors
and transceivers 34, and the remote computer system 220. The
cellular network interface 154 includes a cellular network
transceiver that is operative to wirelessly transmit and receive
data to and from corresponding cellular transceivers 86 of the tags
20, the local sensors and transceivers 34, and the remote computer
system 220 via one or more cellular networks, including for example
those previously identified herein. The cellular network
transceiver of the management system platform 140 can be the same
as or similar to the cellular network transceivers 86 of the tags
20 and the local sensors and transceivers 34 described above.
[0234] The cellular network transceiver of the management system
platform 140 communicates data with one or more cell towers within
cellular signal range. The cell towers communicate data in both
directions between the management system platform 140, the
individual tags 20 and local sensors and transceivers 34, and the
remote computer system 220. The data can be communicated directly
between the corresponding cellular transceivers over the cellular
network, or can be communicated part of the way over the cellular
network and part of the way over an intermediate WAN and/or LAN
network, including but not limited to the Internet, as shown in
FIG. 10. One or more cellular boosters, repeaters, and/or gateways
may also form part of the cellular communications channel between
the management system platform 140, the individual tags 20, the
individual local sensors and transceivers 34, and the remote
computer system 220.
[0235] If desired, the communications interface can also include a
satellite data network interface. The satellite data network
interface provides another communications channel over which the
management system platform 140 can communicate remotely with the
tags 20, the local sensors and transceivers 34, and the remote
computer system 220. The satellite data network interface would
include a satellite data network transceiver that communicates data
in both directions between the management system platform 140, the
individual tags 20 and local sensors and transceivers 34, and the
remote computer system 220 via a network of satellites such as
those previously identified herein. The individual tags 20 and
local sensors and transceivers 34, and the remote computer system
220 would include corresponding satellite data network
transceivers. The data can be communicated directly between the
corresponding satellite data network transceivers over the
satellite network, or can be communicated part of the way over the
satellite network and part of the way over an intermediate WAN
and/or LAN network, including but not limited to the Internet.
[0236] The WAN/LAN network interface 156 provides another
communications channel over which the management system platform
140 can communicate data remotely or locally with the tags 20, with
the local sensors and transceivers 34, and with the remote computer
system 220. The WAN/LAN network interface 156 can include an LPWAN
network transceiver that is operative to wirelessly transmit and
receive data remotely to and from the corresponding LPWAN network
transceivers 88 of the tags 20 and the local sensors and
transceivers 34 including via one or more intermediate WAN and/or
LAN networks, such as those previously identified herein, including
the Internet. The LPWAN transceiver of the management system
platform 140 can be the same as or similar to the LPWAN network
transceivers 88 of the tags 20 and the local sensors and
transceivers 34. One or more LPWAN gateways, signal boosters,
and/or repeaters, etc. can also form part of the LPWAN
communications channel between the management system platform 140
and the tags 20 and/or local sensors and transceivers 34.
[0237] The WAN/LAN network interface 156 can also include a
conventional TCP/IP and/or HTTP type network interface that is
operative to communicate data either remotely or locally with the
tags 20, with the local sensors and transceivers 34, and with the
remote computer system 220 at least when certain conditions are
present. For example, the management system platform 140 can
communicate data with tags 20, local sensors and transceivers 34,
and the remote computer system 220 remotely via a WAN, e.g., the
Internet, provided they have an Internet connection available. That
often will not be the case with respect to tags 20 but the remote
computer system 220 typically will have a wired or wireless WAN
connection available. The management system platform 140 also can
communicate data with tags 20, local sensors and transceivers 34,
and the remote computer system 220 locally via a LAN provided they
have a LAN connection available. In the case of the tags 20 in
particular, that again depends on whether a wireless LAN connection
such as Wi-Fi is available. In the case of the remote computer
system 220, a wired or wireless LAN connection is typically
available depending on the relative locations of the management
system platform 140 and the remote computer system 220.
[0238] The local RF interface 158 provides another communications
channel over which the management system platform 140 can
wirelessly communicate data locally with the tags 20 and with the
local sensors and transceivers 34 when the management system
platform 140 is in relatively close proximity to a tag 20 or a
local sensor and transceiver 34. The local RF interface 158 can
include a Bluetooth transceiver and/or an RFID transceiver for that
purpose. The Bluetooth and/or RFID transceivers of the management
system platform 140 can be the same as or similar to the
corresponding Bluetooth and/or RFID transceivers 84, 92 of the tags
20 and the local sensors and transceivers 34 as described above.
Accordingly, when the management system platform 140 is within
Bluetooth or RFID signal range of a tag 20 or local sensor and
transceiver 34 it can communicate data wirelessly via the Bluetooth
transceiver or the RFID transceiver with the tag 20 or local sensor
and transceiver 34. While this range is quite limited, this mode of
communication can be useful for a rancher, herd manager, etc. to
communicate with tags 20 while in the field. For example, at least
part of the management system platform 140 including the local RF
interface 158 can be incorporated in a mobile device that the
rancher, herd manager, etc. carries in the field. With this
arrangement, the management system platform 140 can communicate
data wirelessly with selected tags 20 to which it is in relatively
close proximity. As described herein, the management system
platform 140 can also communicate data wirelessly with tags 20 via
Bluetooth or another local RF communications channel through the
local sensors and transceivers 34 when the management system
platform 140 and/or the livestock 12 to which the tags 20 are
attached are within signal range of the local sensors and
transceivers 34.
[0239] Similar to the tags 20 as described above, the management
system platform 140 can first try to communicate with the tags 20
and/or the remote computer system 220 via a local communications
channel such as the Bluetooth transceiver 84 or the LPWAN
transceiver 88 if it is within signal range of corresponding
transceivers of the tag 20 and/or local sensors and transceivers
34. As noted with respect to the tags 20, the management system
platform 140 can communicate data with the tags 20 over these local
communications channels at a relatively high data rate and
relatively inexpensively compared to using long range
communications channels. However, if the management system platform
140 determines that a suitable Bluetooth or LPWAN connection is not
available for communication, for example when the livestock 12 to
which the tags 20 are attached are on the open range and far
removed from the management system platform 140 and any local
sensors and transceivers 34, then the management system platform
140 has the option to communicate with the tags 20 over a long
range communications channel such as a cellular network via the
cellular transceiver 86 or a satellite data network via the
satellite data network transceiver. Similar to the tags 20, the
management system platform 140 autonomously selects the fastest
and/or least expensive communications channel to communicate data
depending on the conditions, e.g., location, signal strength, and
other transmission conditions. As noted above, this functionality
can result in significant savings over time.
[0240] Similarly, the management system platform 140 can first try
to communicate with the remote computer system 220 over the
TCP/IP-HTTP type network interface of the WAN/LAN network interface
156. This communication channel provides greater bandwidth and data
rates and is less costly than a long range wireless communications
channel such as cellular or satellite. The TCP/IP-HTTP type network
interface can provide wired and/or wireless communications over a
long range via a WAN such as the Internet and/or over a short range
via a LAN. However, if a WAN and/or LAN connection is not available
for some reason, then the management system platform 140 has the
option to communicate with the remote computer system 220 over a
long range wireless communications channel such as a cellular
network via the cellular network transceiver 154 of the WAN/LAN
network interface 156 or a satellite data network via a satellite
data network transceiver albeit at lower bandwidth and data rate
and at additional expense.
[0241] The management system platform 140 can also communicate data
remotely with clients over a WAN/LAN network communications channel
via the WAN/LAN network interface 156, a cellular communications
channel via the cellular network interface 154, or a satellite
communications channel via a satellite data network interface.
Clients can include, but are not limited to, banks, insurers,
government agencies, veterinarians, auction participants, other
service subscribers, etc. as described further below.
[0242] 2. Functions, Data and Operational Flow.
[0243] As illustrated graphically in FIGS. 11A-11E, the management
system platform 140 is adapted and configured to perform a number
of livestock management functions and operations. The management
system platform 140 generally follows a logical flow in carrying
out those functions and operations. It will be appreciated that the
graphical representation in FIGS. 11A-11E comprises merely some of
the functions and operations the management system platform 140 can
be adapted and configured to carry out and provides merely an
example of one possible logical flow for carrying out such
functions and operations. In addition, it should be appreciated
that the flow illustrated in FIGS. 11A-11E is intended to be
logical in nature and is not intended to be interpreted as
necessarily requiring a linear and sequential flow of all of the
functions, operations, steps and/or activities of the management
system platform 140. Rather, multiple functions, operations, steps
and/or activities illustrated may be carried out in various orders
and simultaneously or sequentially.
[0244] In block 160, the management system platform 140 can detect,
monitor, track, maintain, and respond to various current
health-related conditions of each individual livestock 12 under
management. The management system platform 140 receives data on a
periodic basis about one or more physical parameters of each
livestock 12 and about determinations made about one or more
activities and behaviors of each livestock 12 from the tags 20
attached to the livestock 12. The management system platform 140
can also periodically receive additional data about the livestock
12 directly from one or more local sensors and transceivers 34. The
management system platform 140 stores the received data locally in
the local data storage 150 and can also communicate the data to the
remote computer system 220. The stored data provides a history of
the various physical parameters, activities, and behaviors of the
individual livestock 12 over time.
[0245] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured
to process the received and stored data to determine if a livestock
12 has a current health-related condition that may require
attention. The management system platform 140 can process the data
and make determinations in the same or a similar manner as the
individual tags 20. For example, the management system platform 140
can periodically receive and store data regarding the relative body
temperature, the orientation, elevation, ambulation, and the weight
of the livestock 12. The management system platform 140 can be
adapted and configured to determine that the livestock 12 is
healthy if the relative body temperature is within a normal range,
the orientation and elevation parameters indicate the livestock 12
is regularly eating, drinking, ruminating, etc., the ambulation
determination indicates the livestock 12 is moving about normally,
and/or the weight of the livestock 12 is stable or increasing.
Conversely, the management system platform 140 can be adapted and
configured to determine that the livestock 12 is not healthy, e.g.,
has an illness or is injured, if the relative body temperature is
abnormally high or low, the orientation, elevation, and
acceleration parameters indicate the livestock 12 is not eating,
ruminating, and drinking normally, the ambulation determination
indicates the livestock 12 is stationary or not moving about
normally, and/or the weight of the livestock 12 is decreasing. For
example, a decrease in water intake can indicate certain
respiratory infections. Similarly, an abnormal increase in relative
body temperature coupled with reduced ambulation can indicate
certain other infections.
[0246] If the management system platform 140 determines the
livestock 12 has a health-related condition that may require
attention, the management system platform 140 can generate and
communicate an alert or alarm in the same or a similar manner and
with the same or similar information as the individual tags 20. For
example, the management system platform 140 can communicate the
alarms and alerts to one or more mobile and/or stationary devices
of a rancher, herd manager, owner, etc. in the form of email, text
messages, or direct device to device communications. The alarms or
alerts can include information to help identify the livestock 12,
information about the condition that requires attention, and
information about action to be taken. The management system
platform 140 can also communicate an alarm or alert to the tag 20
attached to the livestock 12 with the health-related condition to
cause the tag 20 to activate the LED 64 and/or the tone generator
68 to help the rancher, herd manager, etc. locate the livestock 12
that requires attention, and/or to activate the stimulator 70 to
urge the livestock 12 to move to a desired location such as a sick
pen or chute. The content of the alarm or alert can vary depending
on the condition that caused the management system platform 140 to
generate it.
[0247] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate a report about the current health of the
individual livestock 12 and/or about the health of a group of
livestock 12 of the entire herd under management based on the data
and determinations received from all of the tags 20 attached to the
group or herd.
[0248] In block 162, the management system platform 140 can
monitor, track, and maintain data regarding various characteristics
of the livestock 12. The management system platform 140 can be
adapted and configured to receive characteristic data for each
individual livestock 12 as input data. For example, such input data
can be input using one or more input devices 146 and can include,
but is not limited to, birth date, age, sex, breed, coloring, etc.
of the livestock 12. Such input data can also include
characteristic data received from the tags 20 attached to
individual livestock 12 and/or from local sensors and transceiver
34 that communicate with the tags 20. For example, the management
system platform 140 can periodically receive data regarding certain
variable physical characteristics of a livestock 12 such as weight
from the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 and/or from one or
more local sensors and transceivers 34 in communication with the
tag 20 and with one or more scales in the area under management.
The management system platform 140 stores the input data locally in
the memory 144 and/or local data storage 150 thus creating a record
and a history of the characteristics of each individual livestock
12 over time. The management system platform 140 can also
communicate some or all of the characteristic data to the tag 20
attached to each individual livestock 12 and/or to the remote
computer system 220.
[0249] The management system platform 140 can be adapted and
configured to process the characteristic data for a number of
purposes. For example, the data can be processed to determine if a
livestock 12 has a current health-related condition, as described
above. The data also can be processed for various market,
financial, and demographic purposes. For example, the management
system platform 140 can determine that a livestock 12 is ready for
slaughter when it reaches a certain age and/or weight. It can also
determine that a young livestock 12 is ready to be weaned from its
mother when it reaches a certain age and/or weight. It can also
determine the current market value of an individual livestock 12 as
well as a group or entire herd of livestock 12 based on total
weight and current market prices.
[0250] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate reports containing characteristic
information about an individual livestock 12 and/or a group or
entire herd of livestock 12 under management. Such reports can be
used by a rancher, herd manager, etc. to identify livestock 12 to
be rounded up for slaughter, to identify herd demographics, and for
many other livestock management purposes. For example, a report can
include a slaughter/cull list that is compiled by the management
system platform 140 based on performance of the livestock 12
determined from the data provided by the tags 20. If a bull gets no
or few cows pregnant over a period of time, it can be placed in the
cull list. Similarly, if a cow does not get pregnant or takes
several heats and calves late, it can be placed in the cull list.
The management system platform 140 can be adapted and configured to
implement an automatic rating system based on such data that makes
it easy for a producer to make such decisions.
[0251] In block 164, the management system platform 140 can
monitor, track, and respond to the location, movement, and activity
of the livestock 12 in the same or a similar manner as the
individual tags 20. For example, the management system platform 140
can periodically receive and store data and determinations
regarding the location, movement, activity, and behavior of each
individual livestock 12 from the tags 20 attached to the livestock
12. The management system platform 140 stores each of the received
data and determinations in the local data storage 150 thus creating
a history of the location, movement, and activity of each livestock
12 over time. The management system platform 140 can also
communicate the data and determinations to the remote computer
system 220.
[0252] The management system platform 140 can process the current
and historical data and determinations and determine the current
and historical location of each livestock 12 relative to assets of
the area under management, such as barns, pastures, feed lots, etc.
having known location coordinates. It can also determine if a
livestock 12 is currently or has historically been within or
outside of a geo-fence boundary including the perimeter boundary of
the area under management and/or the boundary of one or more
designated areas within the area under management. It can also
determine where the livestock 12 currently is located and what
activity it is currently engaged in, as well as where the livestock
12 has been in the past at various points in time and what activity
it was engaged in at each location and point in time. Such data
provides complete location and activity traceability for the
livestock 12 under management and can be used for numerous purposes
including for example to determine if a livestock 12 was in an
outbreak area during a certain period of time or if it is
susceptible to a certain disease.
[0253] The management system platform 140 also can make further
determinations from the foregoing. For example, from the movement
and activity history of a livestock 12 it can determine whether the
livestock 12 may have a health-related condition or other physical
condition such as estrus or calving that may require attention. If
a livestock 12 is determined to be ill, it can also track where the
livestock 12 has been and what it was doing to pinpoint if the
livestock 12 may have ingested something that caused the
illness.
[0254] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to display the current and historical locations of each
individual livestock 12 on the display 152 overlaid on a map
relative to the area under management and one or more geo-fences as
described above. This can provide a visual indication of where each
livestock 12 was and what it was doing at various points in
time.
[0255] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate and communicate alarms and/or alerts in
response to determinations regarding the location, movement, and
activity of the livestock 12. The alarms and/or alerts can be the
same as described above. For example, an alarm or alert can be
generated in response to determining that a livestock 12 is at a
location outside of a geo-fence boundary, such as the perimeter
boundary of the area under management. The alarm or alert can also
be sent to the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 to activate the
tone generator 68 and/or the stimulator 70 for example to urge the
livestock 12 to stop and/or return.
[0256] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate a report about the current and/or historical
locations, movements, and activities of an individual livestock 12
and/or a group or the entire herd of livestock 12 under management
based on the data and determinations received from all of the tags
20 attached to the herd.
[0257] In block 166, the management system platform 140 can detect,
monitor, track, maintain, and respond to significant physical
conditions of the livestock 12 in the same or a similar manner as
the individual tags 20. Such conditions can include for example,
estrus, breeding, calving, and the timing of weaning. The
management system platform 140 can periodically receive and store
data and determinations regarding the physical conditions from the
tags 20 attached to the livestock 12. As described above, such data
can include for example internal body temperature, movement,
orientation, elevation, ambulation, etc. The management system
platform can accept the determinations of the physical conditions
by the tags 20 and can separately confirm such conditions by
processing the underlying data relating to physical parameters,
activities, and behaviors from which the determinations were made.
The management system platform 140 stores each of the received data
and determinations in the local data storage 150 thus creating a
history of the determined physical conditions for each livestock 12
over time. The management system platform 140 can also communicate
the data and determinations to the remote computer system 220.
[0258] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate and communicate alarms and/or alerts in
response to determinations regarding the physical conditions of the
livestock 12. The alarms and/or alerts can be the same as described
above. For example, an alarm or alert can be generated in response
to determining that a livestock 12 is in estrus or is calving. The
alarm or alert can also be sent to the tag 20 attached to the
livestock 12 to activate the LED 64 for example to help a rancher,
herd manager, etc. locate the livestock 12 to provide needed
attention.
[0259] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate a report about the significant physical
conditions of an individual livestock 12 and/or a group or the
entire herd of livestock 12 under management based on the data and
determinations received from all of the tags 20 attached to the
herd.
[0260] In block 168, the management system platform 140 can
determine, update, and maintain genetics and family lineage data of
the livestock 12. For example, the management system platform 140
can periodically receive data and determinations from the tag 20
attached to a livestock 12 including the estrus condition of the
livestock 12, the distance and angle between the livestock 12 and
other nearby livestock, the elevation and orientation of the
livestock 12 compared to other nearby livestock, and the
determination of breeding and insemination of the livestock 12. The
management system platform 140 can accept the determinations of the
physical condition, activity, and behavior by the tags 20 and can
separately confirm the same by processing the underlying data. The
management system platform 140 can determine the identity of the
livestock 12 that bred from the unique ID's of the tags 20 attached
to each of them. Subsequent pregnancy can be confirmed physically
by a rancher, herd manager, etc. or can be determined by the tag 20
attached to the pregnant livestock 12 based on the physical
parameters, activity, and behavior of the livestock 12 and reported
to the management system platform 140. When the pregnant livestock
12 subsequently gives birth, a new tag 20 with a unique ID can be
populated with information, attached to the newborn, and entered
into the management system platform 140. The management system
platform 140 stores the new tag data in the local data storage 150
with the newborn's tag ID and with the tag ID's of the father and
mother. The tag ID of the newborn is also stored with the tag ID
and data of both the father and the mother. This creates a linked
chain or tree of the genetic and family lineage for each livestock
12. The management system platform 140 also stores the data and
determinations received from the tags 20 in the local data storage
150 thus creating a history of the estrus, breeding, pregnancy, and
calving events or occurrences of the livestock 12 over time. The
management system platform 140 can also communicate any or all of
the described data and determinations to the remote computer system
220.
[0261] The management system platform 140 also can be adapted and
configured to generate reports for individual livestock 12
containing their history of estrus, breeding, pregnancy, and
calving, and their genetic and family lineage. It can also
aggregate such data for all of the livestock 12 in a herd under
management and generate similar reports for the herd. Such reports
enable a rancher, herd manager, owner, etc. to determine the
breeding demographics and productivity of the herd as a whole,
among other things.
[0262] In block 170, the management system platform 140 can monitor
and manage the usage of designated grazing areas in an area under
management by a group or entire herd of livestock 12 under
management. For example, as described above the management system
platform 140 can include mapping software or other means to define
one or more designated areas, including one or more designated
grazing areas, within the area under management and can bound them
with one or more geo-fence boundaries. Also as described above, the
management system platform 140 periodically receives and stores
data and determinations regarding the location, movement, activity,
and behavior of each individual livestock 12 from the tags 20
attached to the livestock 12.
[0263] The management system platform 140 can identify the
livestock 12 having locations within the boundary coordinates of
each designated grazing area at any given time, determine the
amount of time they spent there engaged in eating activity, and
apply a predetermined rate of consumption value to estimate the
amount of grazing material consumed. The predetermined rate of
consumption can be a value input to the management system platform
140 and stored in the memory 144 and/or local data storage 150. For
example, a consumption rate of approximately 2-4% of the weight of
the livestock 12 per day may be suitable for cattle.
[0264] A grazing capacity value and a grazing limit value also can
be input to the management system platform 140 and stored in the
memory 144 and/or local data storage 150 for each designated
grazing area. For example, a grazing capacity value could be the
number of tons of dry grazing material a designated grazing area is
estimated to contain at 100% capacity. A grazing limit value could
be a percentage of the full capacity value, such as 20% for
example.
[0265] The management system platform 140 can be configured and
adapted to periodically determine from the current and stored
location and activity data of the livestock 12 the amount of
grazing material that has been consumed in a designated grazing
area and to deduct that amount to get a remaining grazing capacity
value. The amount of grazing material consumed would be deducted
from the value of grazing capacity if the designated grazing area
is being newly grazed after being re-grown to capacity, and would
be deduced from a previous value of remaining grazing capacity if
the designated grazing area has been grazed previously.
[0266] When the management system platform 140 determines that the
value of remaining grazing capacity is equal to or less than the
grazing limit value, it can generate alarms or alerts substantially
the same as described above to alert a rancher, herd manager,
owner, etc. to relocate the livestock 12 to prevent over-grazing
and potential damage to the designated area. The alarms or alerts
can also direct the tags 20 attached to the livestock 12 within the
designated area to activate the tone generators 68 and/or
stimulators 70 to urge the livestock 12 to leave the designated
area.
[0267] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate reports containing information about the
capacity, remaining capacity, consumption rates, and grazing limits
of the designated grazing areas. A rancher, herd manager, owner,
etc. can use such information to create plans for locating,
relocating, grazing, and providing other feed for the livestock
12.
[0268] As described above, the management system platform 140 can
also be adapted and configured to display representations of the
livestock 12 on the display 152 as an overlay on a map of the area
under management, including the designated grazing areas. This can
provide a visual indication of the concentration of livestock 12 in
one or more designated grazing areas at various times which can
also be helpful to a rancher, etc. in managing the livestock 12 and
the designated grazing areas.
[0269] In block 172, the management system platform 140 can monitor
and maintain a health and medical history for each livestock 12.
The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured to
receive as input health and medical-related data for each livestock
12 under management. The input data can include data from one or
more external sources. Such external sources can include, but are
not limited to, veterinarians, animal hospitals, pharmacies,
medical supply sources, etc. The input data from external sources
can include, but is not limited to, records of vaccinations and
medicines administered; treatments given, e.g., deworming,
de-infestation; examinations; diagnoses and prognoses; veterinarian
visits, etc. The data can also include future scheduled or
unscheduled vaccinations, medicines, treatments, appointments, etc.
The input data can also include health-related and other physical
conditions detected and/or determined by the tag 20 attached to the
livestock 12. Health-related data from the tag 20 can include, but
is not limited to, determinations of illness and injury. Physical
condition data from the tag 20 can include, but is not limited to,
determinations of estrus, breeding, calving, etc.
[0270] The management system platform 140 stores the input data in
the memory 144 and/or local data storage 150. The management system
platform 140 can also communicate some or all of the input data for
an individual livestock 12 to the tag 20 attached to the livestock
12 for storage and/or use by the tag 20 locally to the livestock
12.
[0271] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate and communicate alarms and alerts. The
alarms and alerts can be the same as described above, e.g., in the
form of a text message or email to one or more mobile and/or
stationary devices of a rancher, herd manager, etc. For example,
the management system platform 140 can be configured to send an
alarm or alert when a time has elapsed since a vaccination or
medicine was administered and it is time for the next dose.
Similarly, an alarm or alert can be sent when the management system
platform 140 detects that a date has been reached or is being
approached when a vaccine or medicine is scheduled or due to be
administered. The alarm or alert can also include information
identifying the livestock 12 and information about the vaccine or
medicine to be administered. The alarm or alert can also include a
command to the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 to activate the
LED 64 and/or tone generator 68 to help a rancher, herd manager,
etc. locate the livestock 12.
[0272] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate reports containing some or all of the data
and information about the health and medical history of an
individual livestock 12. Such reports can be used by a rancher,
herd manager, etc. to readily determine the number of times a
livestock 12 has been in estrus, has been bred, has calved, has
been aborted, has been ill, etc. as well as when. They also can be
used to readily determine all vaccinations, medicines, treatments,
etc. that have been administered or are to be administered to an
individual livestock 12 in the future.
[0273] The management system platform 140 can also aggregate the
data and information for a group of livestock 12 or for the entire
herd under management and generate reports for the group or herd.
For example, a herd-level report can include data about which
livestock 12 have received a particular vaccination or medicine and
which have not. Such information can be used by a rancher, herd
manager, etc. to schedule needed medical attention, estimate and
schedule costs of medical care, manage inventory of medical
supplies, etc.
[0274] In block 174, the management system platform 140 can
monitor, track, update, and maintain data about a selected group of
livestock 12 or the entire herd under management. Such herd data
can include for example, but is not limited to, location(s), head
count, demographics, etc. The management system platform 140 is
adapted and configured to aggregate and process the data and
information regarding individual livestock 12 received as input
data from one or more input devices 146, from one or more external
sources, from the tags 20 attached to individual livestock 12, and
from the local sensors and transceivers 34 as described herein to
produce the herd data.
[0275] For example, the management system platform 140 can
aggregate and process the location data for all of the livestock 12
of a group or the entire herd that is received periodically from
the tags 20 attached to the livestock 12 and determine movement and
location of the group or herd within the area under management
currently and historically over time. This information can be used
for a variety of purposes including but not limited to controlling
the spread of disease, managing the use of consumable resources,
such as pasturage, etc.
[0276] The management system platform 140 can also aggregate and
process the characteristic and other data for individual livestock
12 and determine herd level demographics data. Such data can
include for example, but is not limited to, age, sex, breed,
weight, etc. Herd level demographics data can include for example,
but is not limited to the current and historical (a) total number
of livestock 12 under management, (b) number of livestock 12 in
various age and weight ranges, (c) number of male and female
livestock 12 including the number of each in breeding age, (d) the
number of new livestock 12 born over time, (e) the number of each
breed of livestock 12 within the herd under management, etc. This
information can be used for a variety of purposes including but not
limited to determining and managing the productivity of the herd
under management, determining the current value and the historical
value trend of the herd under management, and estimating current
and future costs and historical cost trends of the herd under
management.
[0277] The management system platform 140 can store the herd data
in the memory 144 and/or local data storage 150 and can communicate
some or all of the data to the remote computer system 220. The
management system platform 140 can also generate reports containing
some or all of the herd data.
[0278] In blocks 176 and 184, the management platform system can
detect, monitor, and respond to external events and/or conditions
that could affect the health or well-being of the livestock 12
under management. As described above and as seen in block 176, the
management system platform 140 periodically receives from the tags
20 attached to each livestock 12 data and determinations regarding
certain detected or determined external conditions that could pose
a risk to the livestock 12 such as a nearby predator, gunshot,
vehicle motor, and/or theft. Also as described above and as seen in
block 184, the management system platform 184 periodically receives
from the tags 20 data and determinations regarding weather and/or
meteorological conditions that could pose a risk. The management
system platform 140 stores the data and determinations in the
memory 144 and/or local data storage 150. The management system
platform 140 can accept the risk determinations by the tags 20 and
can separately determine and/or confirm the same by processing the
underlying data.
[0279] The management system platform 140 is adapted and configured
to generate and communicate alarms and/or alerts in response to the
detection or determination of such conditions or events. The alarms
and/or alerts can be substantially the same as described above when
an individual tag 20 detects or determines such a condition or
event, e.g., emails, text messages, etc. to one or more mobile
and/or stationary devices to alert a rancher, herd manager, etc. to
take appropriate action, such as intervening to remove the threat
condition or moving the livestock 12 to another location. The
alarms or alerts can also include commands to the tag 20 attached
to the livestock 12 at risk to activate the microphone 66 and/or
the camera 72 to obtain additional audio and/or video information
to confirm the risk, to activate the tone generator 68 and/or
stimulator 70 to attempt to urge the livestock 12 to move or to
scare off the source of the risk, and/or to activate the LED 64 to
help a rancher, herd manager, etc. locate the livestock 12 and
provide needed attention.
[0280] In block 178, the management system platform 140 can create
and manage an external access interface and can control access to
the livestock management system 10 by one or more external users.
For example, the management system platform 140 can be adapted and
configured to provide external access to a rancher or herd manager,
ranch hand, owner, veterinarian, on-line auction and/or veterinary
services participants, banks or other financial services user(s),
insurer(s), government agencies, and other users who a system
manager elects to grant access to some or all of the data and
functionality of the system.
[0281] The external access interface can include login/password
access security and the management system platform 140 can be
configured to limit access to only designated data, information,
and functionality of the management system platform 140 depending
on the user. For example, a rancher and/or owner may have access to
the complete data, information, and functionality of the management
system platform 140 with regard to livestock 12 belonging to the
rancher or owner but not with regard to livestock 12 belonging to
other ranchers or owners. In contrast, a herd manager may be given
access to most information and functionality only with regard to
livestock 12 for which the herd manager is responsible, but not to
certain financial information, and a ranch hand may be given more
limited access only to certain data, information and functionality
related to livestock 12 and consumable assets, e.g., grazing or
pasture usage and limits, feed and water usage and levels, etc. for
which the hand is responsible. Similarly, a veterinarian can be
limited to accessing health and medical-related data and
information, a bank can be limited to accessing livestock
characteristic and demographic information related to financial
value, and auction participants can be limited to accessing health
and physical characteristic data and information for specific
livestock 12 being auctioned.
[0282] The management system platform 140 also can be configured to
allow different users to edit or update different data. A rancher
or owner may be permitted to edit or update any information in the
system regarding its own livestock 12. A herd manager may be
permitted to update most information in the system relating to the
livestock 12 for which it is responsible, but not financial or
ownership data. A ranch hand may be limited to updating only
certain data and information for aspects of the management for
which the hand is directly responsible, for example the levels of
consumable assets as they are replenished, vaccination and medicine
records as they are administered, etc. Similarly, a veterinarian
may be limited to updating only health and medical-related data and
information, and a bank or auction participant may not be allowed
to edit or update any information.
[0283] The management system platform 140 also can be configured to
operate as a remote or cloud-based service provider platform for
users. For example, the management system platform 140 can provide
a remote on-line auction service. Users wishing to participate in
an auction either to buy or to sell livestock 12 can register and
be charged a one time or continuing subscription fee. The
management system platform 140 can allow participant sellers to
identify livestock 12 for sale and terms and conditions of sale.
The management system platform 140 can allow auction participant to
view certain health and physical characteristic data, ownership and
location information, etc. concerning the livestock 12 offered for
sale. The management system platform 140 can allow participant
buyers to submit bids and participant sellers to accept or decline
bids.
[0284] Upon completion of a sale, the management system platform
140 can provide or transfer some or all of the data and information
in the system for the sold livestock 12 to the buyer. For example,
current and historical physical characteristics, and current and
historical health and physical conditions and data can be
transferred. Such data can include, for example vaccination
history, distress/disease alerts and reports, age, calving count,
abortions, etc. Chain of ownership and current and historical
location data also can be transferred, e.g., identity and location
of ranches where the livestock 12 was present. Genetic chain and/or
lineage information also can be transferred. The transfer of some
or all such data to a buyer can be contingent on the seller
approving the release of the information and/or on payment of an
additional fee since such information may have additional value to
the buyer and to subsequent end consumers, i.e., knowing the
ranch(es), lineage(s), and location(s) from which a consumers
retail beef came may have value to some consumers.
[0285] The management system platform 140 also can be configured to
provide a remote on-line veterinary service for users to contact
and communicate with a veterinarian, and/or for veterinarians to
access data and information about livestock 12 owned by their
clients. For example, a veterinarian may be on the staff of the
ranch or other organization operating the management system
platform 140, or may be independently contracted by the
organization, and is made available to communicate with users of
the management system platform 140 who pay a one time or continuing
subscription fee. A user that observes an anomaly in the
health-related or other physical condition of a livestock 12 or
that receives a health-related alert or alarm can log in to the
management system platform 140 and be connected with the
veterinarian to ask questions, and to identify the issues and
potential solutions. Alternatively, veterinarians may pay a
continuing subscription fee to log in as users and access certain
health-related data, physical parameter data, activity and
behavioral data, location data and/or other data of livestock 12
owned by their clients to help diagnose conditions in the livestock
12 and recommend treatments.
[0286] In block 180, the management system platform 140 can track,
monitor and manage inventories of consumables (in addition to
managing designated grazing areas described above). For example,
the management system platform 140 can manage consumables that
include, but are not limited to, feed, hay, water, vaccination
doses, medicine doses, deworming and de-infestation medications,
artificial insemination straws, etc.
[0287] With respect to feed, hay, water, and similar consumable
resources, the management system platform 140 can periodically
receive and store data and determinations from the tags 20 attached
to each individual livestock 12 regarding the location and activity
of the livestock 12, e.g., eating and drinking. The management
system platform 140 can also receive data and information from
local sensors and transceivers 34 located at or near feed, water,
hay and similar consumable resources regarding visits by livestock
12 to those sources. The management system platform 140 can process
this data and information in a manner similar to that described
above with respect to the management of grazing areas to monitor
and manage the inventory of the consumable resources.
[0288] For example, for each separate and/or different consumable
resource a predetermined capacity value and a predetermined limit
value can be entered into the management system platform 140 via an
input device 146 and stored in memory 144 and/or local data storage
150. A predetermined rate of consumption value can similarly be
input and stored. For example, a capacity value could be a number
of pounds or tons of feed, hay, etc. or a number of gallons of
water when the consumable resource is at 100% capacity. A limit
value could be a percentage of the capacity value, such as 20% of
full capacity for example. The rate of consumption value could be
the same for all livestock 12 or different for each livestock 12
and could be determined for example as a percentage of the body
weight of a livestock 12 over a daily, hourly, or other time
period, e.g., 2% of body weight per day.
[0289] The management system platform 140 can determine from the
location and activity data periodically received for each tag 20
when a livestock 12 is present at a consumable resource, whether it
is consuming the consumable resource, and for how long. The
management system platform 140 can determine the amount of the
consumable resource the individual livestock 12 has consumed from
the consumption time and predetermined rate of consumption value.
The management system platform 140 can aggregate the consumption of
the consumable resource by all livestock 12 determined to be
consuming the source to get a total consumption value. The
management system platform 140 can deduct the total consumption
value from the capacity value to get a remaining capacity value and
store the remaining capacity value in the memory 144 and/or local
data storage 150. The total consumption value is deducted from the
capacity value if the consumable resource is at full capacity, and
is deducted from a previous value of remaining capacity if the
consumable resource was previously consumed in part.
[0290] When the management system platform 140 determines that the
value of remaining capacity is equal to or less than the limit
value, it can generate an alarm or alert substantially the same as
described above to alert a rancher, herd manager, owner, etc. to
replenish the consumable. The alarm or alert can also provide
information to restock inventory of the consumable if
necessary.
[0291] Alternatively, in some embodiments, a local sensor and
transceiver 34 can be arranged with respect to a consumable
resource to directly determine that the consumable resource has
reached the limit value and to generate and communicate an alarm or
alert. For example, a water resource can be fitted with a water
level sensor, e.g., float switch, capacitive sensor, etc. set to
detect when the water level reaches the limit value. When the water
reaches the limit value, the sensor and transceiver 34 can
automatically generate an alarm alert. It can also automatically
replenish the consumable resource if desired, for example by
opening a fill valve or the like.
[0292] With respect to other types of consumables, such as
vaccination doses, medicine doses, deworming and de-infestation
medications, artificial insemination straws, etc., as described
above the management system platform 140 can receive as input data
via one or more input devices 146 a starting inventory value and a
predetermined limit value for each separate and/or different
consumable and can store the values in memory 144 and/or local data
storage 150. As described above, the input device(s) 146 can
include one or more bar code and/or QR scanners or readers, for
example. The local sensors and transceivers 34 also can include
RFID scanners or readers or the like. Each consumable item in
inventory can be labelled or marked with a bar code, QR code, or
RFID chip indicating the type and number of units of the consumable
item. When a consumable item is taken from inventory, the person
taking it can scan it with a bar code, QR code, or RFID scanner or
reader. The management system platform 140 can be configured to
receive the scanner data as input, deduct the appropriate number of
units from the starting inventory value or from a remaining
inventory value if consumable items of the same type were
previously removed from inventory, and store a new remaining
inventory value in memory 144 and/or local data storage 150.
Alternatively, the person taking the consumable item from inventory
can manually enter the withdrawal using a keyboard, or other type
of input device 146.
[0293] In either case, the management system platform 140 can
determine when the remaining inventory value has reached the limit
value and can generate and communicate an alert or alarm. The alert
or alarm can be the same as described above, e.g., sent as a text
message, email message, etc. to a mobile and/or stationary device
of a rancher, herd manager, etc. The alert or alarm can also
include information to re-order and replenish the inventory of the
particular consumable item.
[0294] The management system platform 140 can also be adapted and
configured to generate reports containing information about the
inventories of consumable resources. A rancher, herd manager,
owner, etc. can use the information in the reports to manage the
inventories, re-order and replenish the inventories as necessary,
track usage of the consumables, schedule and budget costs for
consumables, etc.
[0295] In block 182, the management system platform 140 monitors,
tracks, updates, and maintains various financial data and
information regarding individual livestock 12, groups of livestock
12, and/or the entire herd under management. Financial data and
information can include for example, but is not limited to, current
and historical individual and herd market values, current and
historical market prices, and cost data. Cost data can include but
is not limited to current, historical, and projected future costs.
Cost data can also include costs regarding consumable supplies and
resources such as feed, hay, medicines, etc., medical costs,
machine and equipment costs, labor costs, debt service and interest
costs, etc.
[0296] The management system platform 140 can receive the financial
data as input data via one or more of the input devices 146 and
store it in the memory 144 and/or the local data storage 150. The
management system platform can be configured to receive updates
from time to time to some items of financial data manually via an
input device 146 and can automatically update other items of
financial data in response. For example, a new market price for
beef can be manually entered via an input device 146 to update the
previous market price. In response, the management system platform
140 can automatically recalculate and update the market value of an
individual livestock 12 and/or a group or herd under management
based on the current weights of the livestock 12 stored in the
system and the updated current market value for beef. The
management system platform 140 can store both the original values
and the updated values so that the system maintains a history of
such financial data and values.
[0297] Similarly, the management system platform 140 can receive
manual updates to various cost items from time to time, for example
to the costs of various consumable resources, labor, debt service,
etc. The management system platform 140 can be configured to
apportion the total costs associated with the herd under management
to each individual livestock 12 whether on an annual basis, a time
to slaughter basis, or some other basis. In response to individual
cost items being updated, the management system platform 140 can
automatically recalculate the cost attributable to each individual
livestock 12 and can store the original and updated individual cost
items and the original and updated per livestock 12 cost values to
maintain a history. Alternatively, all items of financial data and
updates thereto can be input and/or recalculated manually.
[0298] The management system platform 140 can be configured to
generate reports about the financial data and information. The
reports can include financial data and information about individual
livestock 12 and about groups of livestock 12 or the entire herd
under management. The reports can include historical, current, and
projected market value data and historical, current, and projected
cost data on a per livestock 12 basis and on a herd basis. From
such information an owner, rancher, herd manager, etc. can
determine the actual and expected profitability of individual
livestock 12 and of the herd. The owner, etc. can thus make
informed management decisions including but not limited to whether
to maintain or sell certain livestock 12, whether to make or hold
off on certain purchases and investments, and whether to make other
changes to the herd portfolio.
[0299] The management system platform 140 also can be configured to
generate alarms and alerts in response to financial data or
conditions. The alarms and alerts can be the same as described
above. For example, the management system platform 140 can generate
an alarm or alert advising an owner, rancher, etc. to buy or sell
certain livestock 12 when a current market price has hit a
predetermined level.
[0300] In block 186, the management system platform 140 tracks and
maintains historical ownership and location data for each
individual livestock 12. The management system platform 140 can
receive the ownership and location data as input data via an input
device 146 and can store it in the memory 144 and/or local data
storage 150. The historical ownership data can include for each
owner, but is not limited to, the name(s), address(es),
location(s), and dates of ownership, and the ownership interest.
The historical location data can include, but is not limited to,
the name, address, and location of each ranch or other facility at
which the livestock 12 was present, and the dates the livestock 12
was present there.
[0301] The management system platform 140 can communicate some or
all of the historical ownership and location data for each
livestock 12 to the tag 20 attached to the livestock 12 for local
storage and use. The data can be communicated to a tag 20, for
example, when the tag 20 is first populated with data and added to
the system. Thereafter, updates can be remotely communicated to the
tag 20 from time to time as described herein.
[0302] The management system platform 140 can also generate reports
including some or all of the historical ownership and location data
for an individual livestock 12 and for groups of livestock 12 or an
entire herd under management. As described above, some or all such
data can be transferred to a buyer and new owner of a livestock 12
under certain conditions. Such data can also be used to identify,
separate, segregate and/or quarantine livestock 12 in the event of
an outbreak of a contagious disease at a location to which the
livestock 12 were present or exposed.
[0303] In block 188, the management system platform 140 manages the
tags 20 and monitors, tracks, and responds to conditions of the
tags 20. With regard to managing the tags 20, the management system
platform 140 can, among other things, add new tags 20 to the
system, remove tags 20 from the system, and populate tags 20 with
some or all of the livestock-related data described herein, and
provision tags 20 for operation. A tag 20 can be added to the
system when a new livestock 12 is born or otherwise is added to the
herd under management. A tag 20 can be added to the system for
example by assigning a unique tag ID, associating the unique tag ID
with a unique asset number of the livestock 12 to which the tag 20
is to be attached, and storing the tag ID and asset number in the
local data storage 150 together with some or all of the livestock
data. For example, as described herein the livestock data can
include characteristic data (e.g., sex, species, breed, date of
birth, age), ownership and location history data, health and
medical history data, physical conditions history data, genetic
chain and lineage data, and any other data about the livestock 12.
A tag 20 can be deleted from the system when a livestock 12 dies,
is sold, or otherwise leaves the herd under management. A tag 20
can be deleted from the system by deleting its information from the
local data storage 150 and detaching the tag 20 from the livestock
12.
[0304] A tag 20 can be populated with its unique tag ID, associated
unique asset number, and livestock data prior to being attached to
a livestock 12 by bringing it into proximity with the management
system platform 140, which as described herein can be hosted in
whole or in part on a mobile device, and pairing via Bluetooth or
other RF link. Once paired, the data is transferred to the tag 20
and stored in the memory 50 and/or 60 of the tag 20. The tag 20 is
provisioned to operate in the livestock management system 10 in the
same manner with all of the data, settings, and parameters
necessary to configure the various communications interfaces (e.g.,
cellular, LPWAN) and for operation of the tag 20 in the field as
described herein being transferred to and stored in the tag 20.
[0305] In similar fashion, a tag 20 once associated with and
attached to a livestock 12 can be detached, re-associated with and
attached to another livestock 12. The management system platform
140 can delete the old livestock asset number and old livestock
data stored with the unique ID of the tag 20 from the memory and
local data storage of the management system platform 140 and
overwrite it with the livestock asset number and livestock data of
the new livestock 12 to which the tag 20 is to be associated. The
tag 20 is paired with the management system platform 140 via
Bluetooth or other RF link and re-populated and re-provisioned with
the asset number, data, settings, parameters, etc. associated with
the new livestock 12 over-writing the asset number, data, settings,
etc. associated with the old livestock 12. The tag 20 can then be
attached to the new livestock 12.
[0306] With regard to monitoring, tracking, and responding to
conditions of the tags 20, the management system platform 140 can
be configured to monitor and track the operational, diagnostic,
external, and other conditions for each tag 20 and to generate and
communicate an alert or alarm in response to a monitored condition.
The management system platform 140 can monitor tag conditions by
examining condition-related data received periodically from the
tags 20 and/or by communicating with the tags 20 and requesting
certain condition-related data on demand. The conditions monitored
can include for example, but are not limited to, energy level
(e.g., solar energy level), power level (e.g., battery level or
supercapacitor charge level), signal strength level, diagnostic
results, self-test results, ambient temperature, humidity, etc.
[0307] The management system platform 140 can be configured to
generate and communicate an alarm or alert when it determines that
a monitored condition indicates a need for attention, e.g.,
service, repair, replacement, etc. For example, the management
system platform can be configured to generate an alarm or alert
when it determines a battery-related or energy storage related
operating condition indicates that the battery or energy storage
has low remaining life. Similarly, it can generate an alarm or
alert when it determines a diagnostic or self-test result
identifies a fault in a communications interface or in embedded
memory. The alarm or alert can be the same as described above,
e.g., a text message or email to one or more mobile devices of a
rancher etc., and can identify the tag 20, its location, and the
condition that triggered the alarm or alert, as well as information
regarding one or more potential solutions. For example, the alarm
or alert can include a recommendation to detach and replace or
repair the tag 20. The alarm or alert can also include a command to
the tag 20 to take an action such as activating the LED 64 and/or
the tone generator 68 to assist a rancher, herd manager, etc. in
locating the tag 20.
[0308] 3. Logical Data Structures.
[0309] The management system platform 140 can arrange the data,
information, and determinations it receives and/or generates as
described in the foregoing sections in one or more logical data
structures wherein related data, information, and determinations
are logically grouped for storage and access from the memory 144
and/or local data storage 150. One potential logical data structure
190 is illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14C for example. However, it is
contemplated and will be appreciated that numerous other and
different data structures could be used and that any and all such
data structures that are consistent with carrying out the goals,
functions, and operations of the management system platform 140 as
described herein are intended to be included within the scope of
the descriptions of the example embodiments.
[0310] The logical data structure 190 can include a permanent or
semi-permanent section similar to the section 122 of the logical
data structure 120 of the tags 20 but for data and information
about the management system platform 140. As described above, the
management system platform 140 can be duplicated and/or distributed
in whole or in part and hosted on a number of different devices,
including one or more mobile devices. Accordingly, the permanent or
semi-permanent section can include data and information for a
particular instance of the management system platform 140 that is
intended to be maintained permanently or semi-permanently. Such
data and information can include for example, but is not limited
to, a unique platform ID and encryption key(s) for encrypted
communications with the particular instance of the platform.
[0311] The logical data structure 190 can also include a tag data
section 192 with a plurality of records of data, information, and
determinations received by the management system platform 140
periodically over time from the tags 20 and/or local sensors and
transceivers 34. Each set of data, information, and/or
determinations received at a given time can be thought of as a
logical record of tag data. Each logical tag data record can
include any or all of the data, information, and/or determinations
a tag 20 and/or local sensor/transceiver 34 can generate and
communicate to the management system platform 140 as described
herein. Each logical record can include a plurality of fields.
[0312] For example, a field labeled "tag ID" can include
identifying data about the tag 20 and/or the local
sensor/transceiver 34 that generated the data, information, and
determinations included in the record. The identifying data can
include but is not limited to the unique ID and location of the tag
20 and/or sensor/transceiver 34. A field labeled "date/time" can
have the date and time the data, information and/or determinations
were generated by the tag 20 and/or the local sensor/transceiver
34.
[0313] A field labeled "tag data" in FIG. 14A can include data
regarding livestock location, orientation, heading, movement,
elevation, and body temperature; external data such as weather and
meteorological data; audio and video data; tag operational data and
conditions; and any other data a tag 20 can receive or acquire and
communicate. The field labeled "other sensor data" can include any
data a local sensor/transceiver 34 can communicate, including but
not limited to weight of a livestock 12. A field labeled
"determined activity" can include determinations of eating,
drinking, ruminating, resting, breeding and any other
determinations a tag can make and communicate. A field labeled
"determined conditions" can include determinations of illness,
injury, estrus, pregnancy, calving, and any other physical
conditions of a livestock 12 a tag 20 can make and communicate. A
field labeled "nearby tags" can include data regarding the relative
position and angle of the tag 20 that generated the data,
information, and/or determinations when they were generated.
Alternatively, this data could also be included in the "tag data"
field.
[0314] The logical data structure 190 can also include a
genetic/lineage data section 194 that includes a plurality of
records with each record containing data regarding the genetic
chain and family lineage of each livestock 12. Each record can
include a plurality of fields. For example, the record can include
a field for the tag ID and associated asset number of the livestock
12, fields for the tag ID and livestock asset number of the mother
and father of the livestock 12, a field for date of birth, and
fields for sex and any other livestock characteristic data that may
be desired. A genetic chain and family lineage of a livestock 12
can be determined by following the tag ID's of the mother and
father to their associated records, determining each of their
mother and father tag ID's, following those ID's to their
associated records, and so on.
[0315] The logical data structure 190 can also include a grazing
area management section 196, 198 that includes a plurality of
records regarding one or more designated grazing areas, and for
each designated grazing area, a plurality of records regarding
usage of the grazing area by livestock 12 as described in sections
above. Each designated grazing area record can include a plurality
of fields. The fields can include, but are not limited to, a field
for data identifying the grazing area (e.g., "grazing area #1") and
a field for data identifying and/or defining the boundaries of the
designated grazing area. Each such record can also have fields that
include predetermined values for determining the usage of the
designated grazing area such as total area, grazing capacity, and
grazing limit, which were described in the sections above.
[0316] Each grazing area usage record is related to a designated
grazing area record. The grazing area usage records are generated
at various times by the management system platform 140 from the
livestock location and activity data generated and communicated by
the tags 20 as described in the sections above. Each grazing area
usage record can include a plurality of fields including, for
example, a field for the data and time the record was made, a field
for the number of livestock 12 detected within the designated
grazing area, a field for the estimated consumption rate of the
livestock 12, and a field for the remaining grazing capacity
calculated, which can be calculated in the manner also described in
the sections above.
[0317] The logical data structure 190 can also include a
medical/physical conditions data section 200 that includes a
plurality of records regarding medical and health-related data and
physical conditions of the livestock 12. Each record can include
any of the health-related and other physical conditions and data
determined and/or received by the tags 20 and/or the management
system platform 140 as described in the sections above. Each record
can include a plurality of fields, including for example a field
for a tag ID and livestock asset number to identify the livestock
12 to which the remaining data of the record belongs. Each record
can also include a field for an indicator or description of a
medical data or physical condition. For example, indicators of
medical and health-related data can include vaccinations,
medicines, etc. Indicators of physical conditions can include
illness, injury, estrus, pregnancy, abortion, calving, etc.
Additional fields can include more detailed information, for
example a field including additional description of the medical and
health-related data and physical conditions, and fields for dosage,
duration, start and stop dates, additional information, etc. The
collection of records for each tag ID and/or livestock asset number
can provide a medical, health, and physical condition history for
each livestock 12.
[0318] The logical data structure 190 can also include an event and
external events section 202 that includes a plurality of records
including information about events and conditions external to the
livestock 12. Each record can include any of the event and/or
external conditions data and determinations received or determined
and communicated by the tags 20 and/or the management system
platform 140 as described in the sections above. Each record can
include a plurality of fields, including for example a field for a
tag ID and livestock asset number to identify the livestock 12 to
which the remaining data of the record belongs. Each record can
also include a field for an indicator or description of an event or
external condition detected or determined by the tag 20. Indicators
and descriptions can include, for example, a predator, gunshot,
vehicle, theft, etc. Additional fields can include additional
information, for example fields for the date and time and location
of the event or external condition. A field for additional
information can also be included. Additional information could
include, for example, disposition information such as recovered,
lost, injured, and/or additional descriptive information such as
wolf, red truck, etc. The collection of records for each tag ID
and/or livestock asset number can provide a history of the events
and external conditions for each livestock 12.
[0319] The logical data structure 190 can also include a consumable
supplies section 204 that includes a plurality of records and
fields including information about the usage and inventory of
consumable supplies and/or assets such as feed, hay, medical
supplies, medicines, vaccines, artificial insemination straws, and
any other consumables to be monitored, tracked, and managed. For
example, a plurality of first level records can each include a
field labeled "feed/supply ID" for data identifying and/or
describing a consumable asset. A plurality of second level records
can be related to each first level record. Each second level record
can include a plurality of fields, for example fields for the
location, predetermined capacity and predetermined usage limit of
the identified consumable asset. A plurality of third level records
can be related to each second level record. Each third level record
can include a plurality of fields, for example, a field for the
data and time when the record was made, a field for the measured or
determined consumption rate of the consumable, and a field for the
remaining capacity or inventory for the consumable, both of which
can be determined in the manner described in the sections above.
The third level record can also include if desired a field for an
estimate of when the limit of the consumable will be reached, which
can be determined from the consumption rate and remaining capacity
values.
[0320] The logical data structure 190 can also include an
ownership/location data section 206 that includes a plurality of
records with each record including information about the ownership
and location history of the livestock 12.
[0321] Each record can include a plurality of fields. For example,
the record can include a field for the tag ID and associated asset
number of the livestock 12, a field for the date of the record, and
fields for current owner data, transfer date to the current owner,
previous owner data, current location data, previous location data,
and transfer date to the current location. As described in the
sections above, current and previous owner data can include names,
addresses, locations, ownership interest, and any other data
desired. Similarly, current and previous location data can include
names of locations (e.g., ranch name), global positioning
coordinates, and any other data desired. The collection of records
with common tag ID fields provides a history and chain of ownership
and location of a livestock 12.
[0322] The logical data structure 190 can also include a tag
conditions section 208 that includes a plurality of records
including data and information about the conditions of each tag 20.
Each time a tag 20 communicates condition data to the management
system platform 140 can be thought of as a logical record of tag
data. Each record can include a plurality of fields with any or all
of the data and information about internal and external conditions
of a tag 20 described in the sections above including operating,
diagnostic, self-test, and external ambient conditions. For
example, the record can include a field for the tag ID and
associated asset number of the livestock 12, a field for the date
and time of the record, a field for the location of the tag 20 at
the time the condition data was communicated, and a plurality of
fields for various conditions. Such fields can include for example,
a field for battery level, a field for communications signal
strength or level, a field for ambient temperature, a field for
ambient humidity, and fields for any other conditions desired.
F. Remote Computer System
[0323] The remote computer system 220 may be comprised of any
computing and/or storage site capable of communicating (e.g.,
receiving and/or transmitting), processing, and/or storing data.
The remote computer system 220 may be comprised of one or more
server computers, cloud based computers, mainframe computers,
personal computers, virtual computers, or other computer systems.
The remote computer system 220 may be capable of communicating data
and information via one or more of the IP and/or telecommunication
networks identified herein. As can be appreciated, one or more
modems, transceivers, or other communication devices, including
devices similar to those described in the sections above with
respect to the tags 20 and the management system platform 140, may
be required between the remote computer system 220, the management
system platform 140, and the tags 20 for such communication.
[0324] The remote computer system 220 can and preferably does also
include one or more displays (e.g., screens or monitors), one or
more fixed or portable hard disk drives or solid state drives, one
or more communications interfaces (e.g., network or
telecommunications), and one or more keyboards. The remote computer
system 220 may also include an integral or separate portable
printer and/or scanner.
[0325] The remote computer system 220 will include one or more
central processing units (CPU's), such as one or more
microprocessors, a memory bus, random access memory (RAM), read
only memory (ROM), a peripheral bus, and a keyboard controller. The
buses may be integrated as a single bus or may be separate buses.
The central processing unit can be a general-purpose digital
processor that controls the operation of the computer. The central
processing unit can be a single-chip processor or implemented with
multiple components. Using instructions retrieved from memory, the
central processing unit controls the reception and manipulations of
input data and the output and display of data on output devices.
The memory bus is utilized by the central processing unit to access
the RAM and the ROM. RAM is used by central processing unit as a
general storage area and as scratch-pad memory, and can also be
used to store input data and processed data. ROM can be used to
store instructions or program code for execution by the central
processing unit as well as other data intended to be maintained
permanently or semi-permanently. The peripheral bus is used to
access the input, output and storage devices used by the remote
computer system 220. In the described embodiments, these devices
can include one or more displays (e.g., screen or monitor), printer
devices, hard disk drives or solid state drives, and communications
interfaces (e.g., IP network, cellular network, LPWAN). A keyboard
controller is used to receive input from the keyboard and send
decoded symbols for each pressed key to the central processing unit
over a bus. The keyboard is used by a user to input commands and
other instructions to the remote computer system 220. The remote
computer system 220 can also include other types of user input
devices. For example, pointing devices such as a computer mouse, a
track ball, a stylus, or a tablet are operable by a user to
manipulate a pointer on a display of the remote computer system 220
to make user selections. The display can be an output device that
displays images of data provided by the central processing unit via
the peripheral bus or provided by other components in the remote
computer system 220. The display can also be an input device such
as a touch sensitive screen that receives selection information
from a user and communicates it to the central processing unit. The
printer device when operating as a printer provides an image on a
sheet of paper or a surface of another non-transient medium. The
one or more hard disk drives and/or solid state drives can be
utilized to store various types of data including the masses of
data and determinations generated and communicated by the tags 20
and the management system platform 140. The central processing
unit, together with an operating system, operates to execute
computer code and to produce and use data. The computer code and
data may reside on RAM, ROM, or hard disk drive or solid state
drive. The computer code and data can also reside on a removable
and/or portable program medium and can be loaded or installed onto
the remote computer system 220 when needed. Removable program
mediums include, for example, CD-ROM, PC-CARD, USB drives, floppy
disk and magnetic tape. The communications interfaces are utilized
to send and receive data over one or more networks that can be
connected to other devices and/or computer systems, e.g., the tags
20, local sensors and transceivers 34, and the management system
platform 140. The communications interfaces can include an
interface card or similar device and appropriate software
implemented by the central processing unit or a separate
communications processor to connect the remote computer system 220
to an existing network and transfer data according to standard data
communication and network protocols.
[0326] The remote computer system 220 can be a separate computer
system or can be a part of the management system platform 140. The
remote computer system 220 can also be located in whole or in part
in the same location as or in relative proximity to the management
system platform 140, and can be located in whole or in part at a
location relatively distant from the management system platform
140. For example, to the extent it is not incorporated as part of
the management system platform 140, the remote computer system 220
can be located in the same room or a room adjacent to the
management system platform and can be connected to the management
system platform 140 via a LAN network connection as described
herein. Alternatively, the remote computer system 220 can be
located in a location many yards or miles away from the management
system platform 140 and the tags 20 and can be connected to the
management system platform 140 and the tags 20 via a WAN, cellular,
satellite, LPWAN, and/or other communications connection as
described herein. Accordingly, "remote" in connection with the
remote computer system is meant to distinguish it and its
functionality from the management system platform 140 at least to
the extent it is not incorporated as part of the management system
platform 140, and is not necessarily meant to refer to its physical
distance from the management system platform 140.
[0327] The remote computer system 220 preferably is capable of
receiving, storing, and processing any and all of the masses of
aggregated data received and acquired by the plurality of tags 20
attached to a plurality of livestock 12 under management. Such data
can include, but is not limited to, location, orientation, movement
over ground, heading, elevation, and internal body temperature of
the livestock 12, the position and angle of the livestock 12
relative to other nearby livestock 12, and any other
livestock-related data described herein. The remote computer system
220 preferably is also capable of receiving, storing and processing
any and all of the masses of aggregated determinations of livestock
activity, behavior, health-related and other physical conditions
made by the tags 20. Such determinations can include, but are not
limited to, eating, drinking, ruminating, resting, ambulating,
estrus, ovulating, breeding, pregnancy, calving, illness, injury,
various external events and conditions, and any other
determinations described herein. In addition, the remote computer
system 220 is preferably capable of receiving, storing, and
processing the aggregated data and determinations not only tags 20
attached to the livestock 12 of one herd of under management, but
also of tags 20 attached to the livestock 12 of a plurality of
different herds under management at the same or different locations
and by the same or different ranchers, herd managers, owners,
etc.
[0328] The remote computer system 220 preferably includes suitable
machine learning, AI model(s), and/or other detection algorithm(s)
creation and development tools to create, develop, train, and
update one or more AI models and/or other detection algorithms
using the stored masses of aggregated data and determinations
received from all of the tags 20. Various programs, applications,
coding, and other tools are known for this purpose. Preferably, the
remote computer system 220 is capable of and is used to create,
develop, train, and update one or more machine learning and/or AI
models and/or other detection algorithms to predict and/or
determine an activity of a livestock 12 from selected data about
the livestock 12. As one example, one or more models or detection
algorithms can be created to predict and/or determine from data
including location, orientation, elevation, and movement data that
the livestock 12 is eating, drinking, ruminating, resting, or
ambulating. Similarly, the remote computer system 220 is preferably
capable of and is used to create, develop, train, and update one or
more machine learning, AI models, and/or other detection algorithms
to predict and/or determine a health related or other physical
condition of a livestock 12 from selected data and selected
determinations of activity about the livestock 12. As one example,
one or more models or other detection algorithms can be created to
predict and/or determine from selected data (e.g., internal body
temperature over time, weight, location, relative position and
angle to nearby herd members, orientation, elevation, and movement)
and from selected activity determinations (e.g., eating, drinking,
ambulation) that the livestock 12 is ill, injured, in estrus,
ovulating, breeding, pregnant, or calving.
[0329] Once one or more models and/or other detection algorithms
are created, developed, and trained at and by the remote computer
system 220, they can be communicated to each of the tags 20 either
directly or via the management system platform 140, embedded in the
tags 20, and applied to data and determinations during operation of
the tags 20 in the manner described in the sections above. As the
tags 20 receive and acquire additional data and make additional
determinations using the models and/or other detection algorithms,
the additional data and determinations can be communicated to the
remote computer system 220 either directly or via the management
system platform 140 as described in the sections above. Known
machine learning, modeling, and/or other tools can be applied at
the remote computer system 220 to the historical and new additional
data and determinations to create new models or other detection
algorithms and/or to update existing models and/or other detection
algorithms. For example, the values of certain weighting or other
parameters of an existing model and/or other detection algorithm
can be adjusted to provide predictions and/or determinations that
are more statistically accurate based on the existing and added
data. The new and/or updated models and/or other detection
algorithms and/or parameters are then communicated to the tags 20
as described herein to supplement, replace, or update the existing
models and/or other detection algorithms embedded therein. In this
way, the predictions and determinations made by the tags 20 can
become more accurate over time.
G. Exemplary Telecommunications Networks
[0330] In addition to the various communications channels and
networks identified above in connection with the livestock
management system 10, the livestock management system 10 may be
utilized upon any telecommunications network capable of
transmitting data including voice data and other types of
electronic data. Examples of suitable telecommunications networks
for the livestock management system 10 include but are not limited
to global computer networks (e.g. Internet), wireless networks,
cellular networks, satellite communications networks, cable
communication networks (via a cable modem), microwave
communications network, local area networks (LAN), wide area
networks (WAN), low power wide area networks (LPWAN), campus area
networks (CAN), metropolitan-area networks (MAN), and home area
networks (HAN). The livestock management system 10 may communicate
via a single telecommunications network or multiple
telecommunications networks concurrently. Various protocols may be
utilized by the electronic devices for communications such as but
not limited to HTTP, SMTP, FTP and WAP (wireless Application
Protocol). The livestock management system 10 may be implemented
upon various wireless networks such as but not limited to 3G, 4G,
LTE, CDPD, CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX, REFLEX, IDEN, TETRA,
DECT, DATATAC, and MOBITEX. The livestock management system 10 may
also be utilized with online services and internet service
providers.
[0331] The Internet is an exemplary telecommunications network for
the livestock management system 10. The Internet is comprised of a
global computer network having a plurality of computer systems
around the world that are in communication with one another. Via
the Internet, the computer systems are able to transmit various
types of data between one another. The communications between the
computer systems may be accomplished via various methods such as
but not limited to wireless, Ethernet, cable, direct connection,
telephone lines, and satellite.
H. Mobile Device(s)
[0332] As described above, all or a portion of the management
system platform 140 can be hosted on one or more mobile devices.
The mobile devices may be comprised of any type of computer for
practicing the various aspects of the livestock management system
10. For example, in addition to the types of mobile devices
described in the sections above, the mobile devices may be
comprised of any conventional computer system provided it is
portable. Also for example, the mobile devices can be portable
personal computers (e.g. APPLE.RTM. based computer, an IBM based
computer, or compatible thereof) or tablet computers (e.g.
IPAD.RTM.). The mobile devices may also be comprised of various
other electronic devices capable of sending, receiving, and
processing electronic data including but not limited to smart
phones, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), mobile
electronic devices, handheld wireless devices, two-way radios,
communicators, video viewing units, portable television units,
portable television receivers, portable cable television receivers,
pagers, communication devices, and digital satellite receiver
units.
I. Operation of Preferred Embodiment
[0333] In describing an example of use of the embodiments of the
livestock management system 10 described herein, it is assumed that
any programs, applications, algorithms, models, etc. necessary to
carry out the operations and functions of the system as described
herein have first been created in conventional fashion and using
conventional coding and development tools known to persons of
ordinary skill in the art. In addition, it is assumed that certain
necessary permanent or semi-permanent data and information have
been created and/or is in existence. Such data can include, for
example, designations and definitions of the area under management,
designated grazing and other areas within the area under
management, and geo-fence boundaries of the perimeter of the area
under management and designated areas within the area under
management. Such data can also include, for example, unique asset
numbers for each of the livestock 12 under management;
configuration data for the various communications interfaces
described; predetermined capacity and limit data for grazing areas
and consumables; report format data; pre-existing data about
livestock health related and physical conditions, ownership and
location history, etc.; pre-existing data about current consumable
inventories; pre-existing data about future scheduled or
unscheduled vaccine and/or medicine administrations, veterinarian
visits and/or appointments, etc.; and configuration data for
external system access interfaces etc. It will be appreciated that
the foregoing lists of data and information are not exclusive or
limiting.
[0334] In use, the pre-existing or created data and information can
be stored in the local data storage 150 of the management system
platform 140 for example in accordance with one or more of the
logical data structures 190 described herein. Any pre-existing or
created data pertaining to an individual livestock 12 is stored
with a corresponding unique tag ID and unique asset number for the
livestock 12 as described herein. Each tag 20 to be attached to a
livestock 12 is then populated and provisioned for use in the
system. Each tag 20 is brought into proximity with the management
system platform 140 and paired via Bluetooth or other RF link. The
tag 20 is populated with all of the necessary data and information
by transferring such data and information from the management
system platform 140 to the tag 20 and storing it in the memory 50,
60 of the tag 20. Similarly, each tag 20 is provisioned for
operation in the system by transferring all necessary programs,
applications, algorithms, models, etc. and all necessary
configuration data to the tag 20 and storing it in the memory 50,
60.
[0335] Once populated and provisioned, the tag 20 is physically
attached to the livestock 12 to which it corresponds for example in
the manner described herein. In addition, any sensors 32 to be
implanted in and/or attached to the livestock 12 to provide
physical parameters or other data are implanted in and/or attached
to the livestock 12 in known manner and spaced from the tag 20 as
described herein.
[0336] Thereafter, the tags 20, the management system platform 140,
and the remote computer system 220 operate to carry out the various
functions and operations described herein with respect to each of
them and to communicate with each other as described herein. Over
time, new tags 20 can be added to the system and attached to
livestock 12 newly added to the herd under management in a manner
described herein. Similarly, tags 20 attached to livestock 12 of
the herd under management can be detached from the livestock 12 and
deleted from the system, or replaced with another tag 20, also as
described herein.
[0337] As the tags 20 communicate additional data, information, and
determinations to the management system platform 140 and/or the
remote computer system 220 over time, the models for determining
livestock activity, behavior, and health and other physical
conditions are updated. The models are communicated to the tags 20
as described herein so that over time the tags 20 can make more
accurate determinations of livestock activities, behaviors and
conditions.
[0338] Any and all headings are for convenience only and have no
limiting effect. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and
scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this
invention belongs. Although specific terms are employed herein,
they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for
purposes of limitation. Any publications, patent applications,
patents, and other references that may be mentioned herein are
incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent allowed
by applicable law and regulations.
[0339] The data structures and code described in this detailed
description are typically stored on a computer readable storage
medium, which may be any device or medium that can store code
and/or data for use by a computer system. This includes, but is not
limited to, magnetic and optical storage devices such as disk
drives, magnetic tape, CDs (compact discs), DVDs (digital video
discs), and computer instruction signals embodied in a transmission
medium (with or without a carrier wave upon which the signals are
modulated). For example, the transmission medium may include a
telecommunications network, such as the Internet.
[0340] At least one embodiment of the livestock management system
10 is described above with reference to block and flow diagrams of
systems, methods, apparatuses, and/or computer program products
according to example embodiments of the invention. It will be
understood that one or more blocks of the block diagrams and flow
diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and flow
diagrams, respectively, can be implemented by computer-executable
program instructions. Likewise, some blocks of the block diagrams
and flow diagrams may not necessarily need to be performed in the
order presented, or may not necessarily need to be performed at
all, according to some embodiments. These computer-executable
program instructions may be loaded onto a general-purpose computer,
a special-purpose computer, a processor, or other programmable data
processing apparatus to produce a particular machine, such that the
instructions that execute on the computer, processor, or other
programmable data processing apparatus create means for
implementing one or more functions specified in the flow diagram
block or blocks. These computer program instructions may also be
stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or
other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a
particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the
computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture
including instruction means that implement one or more functions
specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. As an example,
embodiments may provide for a computer program product, comprising
a computer usable medium having a computer-readable program code or
program instructions embodied therein, the computer-readable
program code adapted to be executed to implement one or more
functions specified in the flow diagram block or blocks. The
computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer or
other programmable data processing apparatus to cause a series of
operational elements or steps to be performed on the computer or
other programmable apparatus to produce a computer-implemented
process such that the instructions that execute on the computer or
other programmable apparatus provide elements or steps for
implementing the functions specified in the flow diagram block or
blocks. Accordingly, blocks of the block diagrams and flow diagrams
support combinations of means for performing the specified
functions, combinations of elements or steps for performing the
specified functions, and program instruction means for performing
the specified functions. It will also be understood that each block
of the block diagrams and flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks
in the block diagrams and flow diagrams, can be implemented by
special-purpose, hardware-based computer systems that perform the
specified functions, elements or steps, or combinations of
special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.
[0341] The present invention may be embodied in other specific
forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes
thereof, and it is therefore desired that the present embodiment be
considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the livestock
management system 10 will come to mind to one skilled in the art to
which this invention pertains and having the benefit of the
teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated
drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is
not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that
modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included
within the scope of the appended claims. Although methods and
materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be
used in the practice or testing of the livestock management system
10, suitable methods and materials are described above. Thus, the
livestock management system 10 is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope
consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.
* * * * *