ES2351291A1 - Non-supervised livestock positioning and control system based on gnss technologies. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Gnss positioning system and livestock control, based on the combined use of satellite navigation technologies (gps, waas, egnos, galileo) and action systems (acoustic buzzer-warning, actuation system by means of electric micro-discharges). Integrated by device that carries out the location of the carrier and a control system capable of ensuring that the positions of the carrier animal fall within a certain perimeter of action, causing a performance on the animal to achieve it in case its positions load outside of the same. The main innovation is the achievement of a system that does not require any type of intervention to achieve a "virtual" grazing activity in a completely autonomous manner. The action system is adapted to each type of livestock in particular, based on the behavior/reactions of each type of hut (sheep, goat, bovine etc.) (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Positioning and control system no Supervised cattle based on GNSS technologies.

Object of the invention

The present specification refers to a non-supervised livestock tracking and control system based on satellite location technologies (GNSS). This integrated by a device carried by the animal, which will lead to place the location of it and check that the position falls within a programmed perimeter of action, causing the actions appropriate on the carrier animal if not, in such a way so that the animal always stays within this perimeter.

Field of the Invention

This invention has its application within the location sector for livestock, monitoring and control of endangered species, dangerous species and birds Migratory

Background of the invention

For the description of the present invention, employs the following terminology, commonly accepted in the sector of the technique to which it refers, whose meaning we break down to effects of your understanding:

Argus

Operating satellite system since 1978. The Argos system collects data from the PTTs or transmitters of terminal platforms, and delivers this telemetry data to a Username.

Bluetooth

Network specification \ underbar {Wireless Personal Area (WPANs)} that enables voice and data transmission between different devices through a link by \ underbar {radio frequency} safe and globally free (2.4 GHz.)

EGNOS

European wide area augmentation system that provides differential corrections for the system GPS

GALILEO

European satellite navigation system. Similary to the GPS system, its start-up is expected in the year 2010

GLONASS

Global positioning system based on use of a constellation of satellites. Similar to the GPS system, it is Russian origin

GNSS

Global satellite navigation system. (GNSS 1 refers to EGNOS, GNSS 2 refers to Galileo).

GPRS

Mobile communications system that allows data transmission of up to 56 K.

GPS

Global Positioning System, global positioning created by the american army (usa) constituted by a network of 24 satellites that orbit around the Earth.

GSM

Mobile communications system that allows transmission of short messages (SMS) and data communications of Up to 9600 baud

PTT

Platform Terminal Transmitters (PTTs) or terminal platform transmitters, from the Argos system, capable to send information regarding the location, data coming of a set of sensors etc. to the Argos system, based on satellites, for location and data collection.

RFID

Radio Frequency Identification System through devices called tags, transponders or tags RFID, used to transmit the identity of an object through radio waves.

Uhf

UHF System (Ultra High Frequencies); this system It comprises the frequencies between 300 MHz and 3 GHz.

UMTS

Third-party mobile communications system generation that allows band data communications wide

VHF

VHF system (Very high frequencies); this system It works in the frequency between 30 Mhz up to 300 Mhz.

WAAS

American (US) area augmentation system extensive that provides differential corrections for the system GPS

Zigbee

Communication system based on \ underbar {standard} \ underbar {IEEE 802.15.4} of \ underbar {networks wireless area} \ underbar {personal} (Wireless Personal Area Network, \ underbar {WPAN}).

There is currently a great diversity of systems that allow localization and monitoring of animal species, whether of endangered animals, pets, migratory birds etc. These systems employ different technologies, depending on the type of monitoring that intend to carry out and the environment in which the animal.

Some of these more basic systems incorporate a GPS receiver and a flash memory in which the calculated positions.

There are also systems based on the GPS technology for location, combined with GSM technology or with UHF / VHF radio beacons for data transmission from position to a control center.

Also known are the systems of animal monitoring based on the Argos system, which collects data from the PTTs (Platform Terminal Transmitters) and transmits this data to a user (a control center). The messages sent by PTTs can be used for the purpose of location, for data collection or for both. The localization It can be carried out in a conventional manner (from messages transmitted by Argos transmitters) or integrated with the information provided by a GPS receiver. The systems more advanced can also incorporate data from Different types of sensors.

Alternatives for tracking different species are also raised by the use of radio-telemetry, which involves the use of transmitters (which emit signals) and receivers (which detect them and record). Tracking can be carried out manually (by a manual search for signals at frequencies assigned) or through fixed stations, which automate the Animal tracking through mass data recording, each Once an "event" or radio signal is detected.

In situations where the radio-telemetry is not practical or appropriate, there is the possibility of using acoustic transmitters (combinations of acoustic transmitters - by radio), which can be used in different habitats This type of equipment is applied to the monitoring of specific species, such as aquatic. In this case, transmitters are used to emit signal, hydrophones for convert them and receivers to detect and record them.

On the other hand, different livestock control systems are known and popular to keep them within a designated perimeter or guide them through certain paths. These systems range from those in which total supervision is required (presence and human intervention necessary to achieve it) to those in which non-supervision takes place once the cabin is located within a given enclosure. For this, the enclosure or the area within which you want to keep the animal set is fenced and an electrifier or shepherd is used
electric.

The electric shepherd consists of an enclosure which incorporates an electrical device that generates an alternating current of several volts of output in impulses of less than 2 seconds and with an intensity of 0.3 A, causing, when touching the threads that act at Protective screen mode, short and nasty downloads. Through its use, it is possible to control the cabin inside a perimeter based on the fear that animals acquire at electric shocks that suffer when touched.

This approach is based on closing an area and acting in a certain way on any type of animal, regardless of its species, which implies little flexibility (in case of wanting to expand the enclosure within which the livestock is to be kept) and a decrease of effectiveness in the action on the animal (not all types of animals have the same behavior before a certain stimulus or their adaptation to the
same).

On the other hand, and in relation to the systems of monitoring and monitoring of animals, their location takes out and known remotely (from a control center), without to intervene locally on the behavior of the animal (the positions are stored locally or transmitted to a center of control, but for the animal to react in a certain way in in relation to its position, it will be necessary to intervene "manually").

Thus, there are different technologies that apply to locate and monitor certain types of animals, on the one hand, and others that are applied to control in a non- supervised (to a certain extent) its position inside a enclosure, but the joint integration of both and customization of the way of acting on the animal (the control action on the same) is absent.

Description of the invention

The system presented represents a approach for positioning and control system no supervised livestock that allows to locate the carrier animal and control your position through the most acting systems appropriate for the type of animal, within a perimeter determined in an unsupervised manner and fully integrating both facets of monitoring and control of livestock.

The system consists of a portable terminal, which it is placed in the animal (usually it will be a collar or similar), performing the functions of localization and control of position on the carrier. Optionally, you can also contemplate the inclusion of a communications module for the transmission of positions to a control center and receiving commands for your tele-programming from it.

The system consists of the following elements:

\ sqbullet

Food: provides electrical energy necessary for the system power. This formed by one or several rechargeable batteries and optionally, by a battery recharge system based on solar cells from small size

\ sqbullet

 Navigation: Includes a GPS receiver that allows you to determine the position of the animal with a precision between 1 and 3 meters.

\ sqbullet

 Control: System microcontroller in charge of managing the different modules that form the system. It carries a firmware that contains the logic of system operation, allowing programming and configuration Of the device. The control module is responsible for checking periodically that the position of the animal is within a programmed perimeter.

\ sqbullet

 Performance: module whose objective is to act on the animal so that it does not leave the perimeter programmed; for this, when the animal crosses said perimeter the actuator - which will be an acoustic or electric device - will be on going.

\ sqbullet

Communications: this module will exist optionally (according to the user's needs supervising the cattle) and incorporates a communications module (conventional radio (UHF, VHF), mobile communications (GSM, GPRS)) which allows the sending of data about the position and behavior of the animal and the device remotely, as well as reception of certain commands for tele-programming and configuration from a control center.

\ sqbullet

 Communications: there will be a optional short distance communications module, type Bluetooth, RFID, Zigbee or similar that allows the exchange of data between devices mounted on different animals that found within a close range of action.

The solution used consists of the integration of all these elements so that a device for locating and controlling the carrier animal is achieved in a totally autonomous way (that is, without requiring human intervention), easily installed in the animal (for example, housed in a collar and with a reduced weight) and with a minimum consumption (by programming the operating intervals (GPS on and off) and the use of electronic components of high integration and reduced consumption) thus achieving a high autonomy of the
system.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a generic system of location and tracking of animals from a GPS receiver, with the possibility of using some communications system (UHF, GSM) for the transmission of these positions and even combine it with other location / data collection and transmission systems. Optionally, the system can incorporate a series of modules (mortality detector, temperature detector ...), whose information can be transmitted together with the positions of the Animal to a control center.

Figure 2 shows the architecture of the mobile device, consisting of a control unit that integrates a microprocessor (or microcontroller) along with the unit Storage (memory) and GNSS navigation sensor (GPS, EGNOS, WAAS, GLONASS, GALILEO), the action module on the animal (acoustic, buzzer or electric actuator) and the possible modules of communications (GSM, GPRS, UHF). Power module provides the required power to the system for each of the modules and next to the power regulation system, you can integrate solar panels, batteries and a recharging system.

Figure 3 shows the system logic of unsupervised control for cattle. This figure shows how to through the GNSS module the positions of the animal are determined and, in the control module, determines if these positions are or not contained within a perimeter programmed in a memory. In based on the result obtained, an action takes place on the animal through the acoustic or electric actuation system. Optionally the process of transmitting positions to a center of control (carried out through the communications module corresponding) and the reception of these by the same and sending of telecommands for the configuration and programming of the device carried by the animal.

Figure 4 shows the communication logic a Short distance between different devices to exchange identification information, position or other data for your Subsequent shipment from any of them to a control center. Devices without the mobile communication option may use the short distance communication as a gateway of your data to the control center.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

The invention object of the present patent has Application in different fields. It was initially conceived in the context of a project for location and unsupervised control of goats, however, their use is extended to other types of cattle (cattle, sheep etc.), endangered species of extinction (wolves, brown bears etc.), migratory birds, animals dangerous etc.

In the case of goats, the system of location and unsupervised control for cattle, is mounted on a easily portable device by the user animal (e.g. housed on a collar), which is of reduced weight and easy to install, and endowed with high autonomy, preferably at least one year of operation.

A link device is established for communication with a control center, to which data is transmitted referring to the location of the user animal and that allows receive data from the control center to the portable device relating to configuration and / or tele-programming of said device.

In turn, the performance perimeter is programmed that defines the zone of confinement of the carrier animal and will be housed said information as non-volatile flash memory data, and the controller system responsible for managing the different modules that integrate the device will periodically check that the position of the carrier animal is within the perimeter programmed.

At the moment it is detected that the animal is approximates the limits of the perimeter, or has exceeded that perimeter, the controller system drives an actuator system to avoid that the animal crosses the programmed perimeter or forces it to return inside the perimeter if it has been exceeded.

The actuator system can adapt to the type, characteristics and behavior of the animal or the actions that are pretend about it, and the type of application for which use this device (animal tracking, maintenance of its position within limits, etc.).

All actions can be undertaken without Need for human intervention.

The performance (if it exists), in each of the cases, will adapt to the type of application and specific animal for which it is particularized: Thus, in the case of cattle, normally it is sought to contain the cattle inside a programmed perimeter (being present therefore all functionalities of the device described and object of the present patent), in the case of endangered species (wolves, brown bears etc.) their location and monitoring are pursued (from a control center, e.g.), in the case of migratory birds, the knowledge of their positions and trajectories for use later (once the information of their positions has been turned over stored in the device's flash memory) etc.

In any case, the different modules described in the architecture of the invention object of the present patent may be used and will provide the device with different functionalities according to the firmware incorporated by the device microcontroller system.

Claims (11)

1. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, integrated a location unit formed by a GNSS receiver (GPS, EGNOS, Galileo, WAAS), actuators (buzzer type acoustic actuator, electric discharge actuator etc.), a non-volatile flash memory, a microcontroller system and optionally, GSM / GPRS modem or radio, and power system composed of rechargeable battery, power regulation system, solar cells and recharging system, which allows to locate the carrier animal and control its position where appropriate by action systems more appropriate for the type of animal, within of a determined perimeter in an unsupervised manner and integrating totally both facets of the monitoring and control of the won. 2. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claim, in the that the device is mounted on an easily portable system by the user animal (e.g. housed in a collar). 3. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in which the device is housed on a reduced weight system and with simple installation on the user animal. 4. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in which the device has a high autonomy (at least one year of operation). 5. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in which has a communication link with a center for control, to which data referring to the location of the user animal and that allows to receive data from the center of control of the portable device related to the configuration and / or tele-programming of said device. 6. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in which has a short-range communication link to transmit location, identification or status data of the different user animals, with the device of an animal that have a mobile communications link (GSM / GPRS / VHF / Satellite) with the control center. Allowing the unsupervised control of an herd of animals with the device installed. 7. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in which will be programmed a performance perimeter that defines the zone of confinement of the carrier animal and such information will be housed as non-volatile flash memory data. 8. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in that the controller system in charge of managing different modules that integrate the device, will check periodically that the position of the carrier animal is found within the programmed perimeter. 9. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in the one that the controller system that periodically checks the position of the animal and check its location within a perimeter, actuates a system of actuators to prevent the animal from crossing the programmed perimeter and returns it inside the perimeter. 10. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in which the actuator system on the carrier animal will be customized depending on the behavior of said animal (based on the type of livestock in question, the type of species) and the type of application for which said device is used (animal tracking, maintaining its position within limits etc.) 11. Location and control system no supervised for cattle, according to the preceding claims, in that human intervention is not required to carry out the control of the carrier animal within a given perimeter.