NZ541024A - Animal control system for drafting animals whereby the drafting system includes a remote control - Google Patents

Abstract

A remote control system for a drafting apparatus (1) is disclosed. The drafting apparatus (1) includes at least one input channel (2) which is adapted to receive at least one livestock animal. A plurality of output channels (3) are provided which are adapted to connect the input channel to a destination (4) associated with each output channel (3). At least one movable barrier (5) is provided which is adapted to block at least one output channel (3), and which includes a drive mechanism (6) which is adapted to move the barrier (5) to block or unblock the output channel (3). The remote control system includes at least one audio command input element, an audio command discriminator, and at least one control signal output element adapted to transmit to the drafting apparatus's drive mechanism one of a plurality of control signals.

Description

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PATENTS FORM NO. 5 Fee No. 4: $250.00 PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 541024 Dated: 29 June 2005 ANIMAL CONTROL SYSTEM I Robin Christopher Feltrim Fagan, a New Zealand citizen of 43 King Street, Te Kuiti, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I pray that a patent may be granted to me, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 2 4 AUG 2006 RECEIVED James & Wells Ref: 123758/56 ANIMAL CONTROL SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to an animal control system. Preferably the present invention may be used to improve systems used to separate, restrain, or sort 5 livestock. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that other applications for the drafting system provided are also considered and reference to its use on a farm or rural setting only throughout this specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

BACKGROUND ART Drafting systems are commonly used on farms to separate livestock into groups. These groups can be such as male and female animals for breeding, older and younger animals for meat sales, or sick and healthy animals for treatment.

In recent times drafting gates which provide more than the standard two output routes for livestock to travel into have been made available. These "muliti-way 15 drafters" allow an operator to separate the stock into many groups, with commercially available systems having up to eight output routes.

A person is required to operate the drafting gate so that each animal is correctly separated.

The traditional way of operating a drafting gate is to have one movable gate set up 20 between two paths or channels, where an operator would swing the gate from side to side, blocking one path and directing an animal into the open channel. With multi-way drafting, this operation is more difficult to perform at speed, as the operator must quickly decide which channel the livestock is to travel into and move the gate to the correct position. This requires a high level of dexterity and a quick James & Wells Ref: 123758/56 reaction time so that the gate is moved to block the correct channel at the correct time.

New automatic and electronic means have been created to reduce the effort of the farmer to manually move a gate.

One way of implementing such an automatic system is to apply an electronic identity tag to each animal and have a radio frequency reader which identifies which animal is coming towards the gate through the drafting system. Animal identity data is then sent to a drive mechanism which makes a drafting decision and then moves the gate into the correct position.

This system can be expensive, as complicated electronics are required, and each animal needs to be fitted with an electronic identification tag. The operator is also required to pre-program the system to identify which animals are to be moved into each pen. For a herd of hundreds of animals, this does not allow for quick changes in the destination of the animal based on a visual assessment of the 15 animal's current condition.

Another way of using an electronically controlled drafting system is to provide a remote control to the operator. This allows a system where, as each animal goes through the input channel, the operator can turn a dial, or activate a button on the remote control, thus giving a signal to the drafting gate which directs the animal 20 into the correct channel. However, this approach can be confusing for an operator, as they are required to decide which animal is going to go into which pen, move their focus down to a hand-held device find a correct button or turn the dial to the correct number, press this button while the animal is travelling through the drafting system, and then change their focus again to assess the next animal.

An improved drafting system which addresses the above issues would be of advantage. In particular, a drafting system which would allow an operator to make 3 an instantaneous decision, and to quickly and easily change the position of the gate to direct the animal into the correct pen.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any 5 reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common 10 general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the 15 listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a remote control system for a drafting apparatus, said drafting apparatus including at least one input 25 channel, adapted to receive at least one livestock animal, and a plurality of output 4 channels adapted to connect said at least one input channel to a destination associated with each output channel, and at least one movable barrier adapted to block at least one output channel, and a drive mechanism adapted to move said barrier to block or unblock at least one output channel, said remote control system 5 including, at least one audio command input element, and an audio command discriminator, and at least one control signal output element adapted to transmit to the drafting apparatus's drive mechanism one of a plurality of control signals.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a remote control system as described above wherein each control signal transmitted to the drafting apparatus is associated with a predetermined audio command.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a drafting apparatus which includes at least one input channel, adapted to receive at least one livestock animal, and a plurality of output channels adapted to connect said at least one input channel to a destination associated with each output channel, and at least one movable barrier adapted to block at least one output channel, and a drive mechanism adapted to move said barrier to block or unblock at least one 20 output channel, and a remote control system as described above.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a drafting apparatus as described above which also includes a restraint apparatus.

The present invention may preferably be used with a drafting apparatus. This drafting apparatus may preferably be used to separate and direct livestock to a plurality of output destinations. This allows a user to separate a herd of livestock into different groups based on their needs.

The present invention may provide a remote control system which is preferably used with a drafting apparatus. This remote control system allows the user to operate and control the drafting apparatus from a remote location. This provides an alternative to a traditional system where the user is required to operate the drafting apparatus by hand, directing livestock one way or the other. The remote 10 control system allows the user to operate from a location not adjacent to the drafting apparatus, so that the location of the user is flexible, allowing a better view of the livestock passing through an input channel.

However, in alternative embodiments the remote control system may be provided in isolation. This would allow it to be used with a variety of drafting apparatuses, or 15 with any other system which has a drive mechanism adapted to move a barrier based on a control signal transmitted from the remote control system.

Reference throughout this specification will be made to the present invention being a drafting apparatus which includes a remote control system. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the remote control system can be used with 20 a range of other devices, and reference throughout the specification to the present invention including a drafting apparatus should in no way be seen as limiting.

Preferably, the present invention may include a plurality of output channels. Each output channel may be associated with an output destination in which the livestock animal is to travel into. These output channels are used to sort livestock into 25 separate groups based on a set variable determined by the user. An output destination may be a holding pen in which the operator wishes the livestock animal 6 to end up in. However, in alternative embodiments, it may be a paddock, barn, holding area or any other destination that the operator wishes the livestock to travel into.

Preferably the present invention may include at least one input channel. An input 5 channel directs the livestock animals towards the output channels, and allows the user to view the animals individually and make a decision as to which output destination and hence which output channel they should be directed towards.

Reference throughout this specification will be made to the present invention including a single input channel. However, those skilled in the art should 10 appreciate that the present invention may also include more than one input channel. Reference throughout this specification to the device providing only one input channel should in no way be seen as limiting, as there may, for example, be more than one input channel used in the drafting apparatus to allow more livestock to travel through at one time.

Preferably the present invention may provide a movable barrier configured as a gate. This gate may be moved to block one or more output channels so that the livestock is directed into a single selected output channel. This gate may simply block output channels that are not selected.

In a preferred embodiment, the drafting apparatus may include three or more 20 output channels. Preferably, when used with more than two output channels, the barrier may be on a hinge, or a sliding mechanism, or may consist of more than one gate with associated drive mechanisms.

Reference throughout this specification will be made to the present invention including a movable barrier configured as a gate. However, those skilled in the art 25 should appreciate that the present invention may also include multiple movable barriers which can be positioned to block access to a number of output channels, and reference throughout the specification to the invention including a single gate should in no way be seen as limiting.

The present invention may include a restraint apparatus. Preferably the restraint apparatus may move at least one side wall of the drafting apparatus in relation to 5 another side wall. This substantially immobilises an animal travelling through the drafting apparatus, allowing a user to control the animal when, for example, administering medicine to the animal. Alternatively, the restraint apparatus may be any other mechanism that restrains or substantially immobilizes the animal travelling through the drafting apparatus. Examples of such alternative 10 mechanisms include a gate which impedes the animal from travelling further, a cage which entraps the animal or any other constraint mechanism.

However, in alternative embodiments, the drafting apparatus may be provided without a restraint apparatus. Reference to the drafting apparatus including a restraint apparatus only throughout the specification should in no way be seen as 15 limiting.

Preferably, the present invention may include a drive mechanism. This drive mechanism may be adapted to control a gate and to move it to block or unblock at least one output channel. It may also be adapted to control a restraint apparatus to immobilise an animal. The drive mechanism provides automatic operation of the 20 gate or restraint apparatus, so that they can be moved without physical contact from the user. A drive mechanism may be in the form of a motor combined with a drive shaft which will move the gate or restraint apparatus.

However, in alternative embodiments it may be provided by any other means which will move the barrier or restraint apparatus into the desired position. In a further 25 alternative embodiment a drive mechanism may move multiple gates. A drive mechanism may also include more than one motor and drive shaft combination 8 adapted to move multiple gates into their desired positions.

Reference throughout this specification will be made to the present invention including a drive mechanism which is adapted to move the gate by sliding the gate. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the present invention may 5 also include a drive mechanism formed by any other means, and reference to the invention being used with a motor and drive shaft pushing a gate into position throughout this specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

In a preferred embodiment, the present invention may include a tag reader which is configured to read radio frequency identification (RFID) tags. The tag reader may 10 interpret a RFID tag and provide a control signal to the drive mechanism accordingly to operate the barrier of the drafting apparatus. Each RFID tag may be associated with a barrier position. A user may pre-program one group identified through their RFID tags to end up in one output destination, and another to end up in a different output destination.

In a preferred embodiment, the invention includes a remote control system which may be sensitive to audio commands.

Preferably, an audio command may be any type of command spoken by the user. This audio command preferably corresponds to an output destination the user wishes a livestock animal travelling through the drafting apparatus to end up in. 20 Such an audio command may consist of a one word description, which may be prerecorded earlier and provided to the discriminator. This will allow the discriminator to recognise the audio command when spoken or shouted during use of the remote control system. In alternative embodiments the audio command may consist of a phrase, or set of words, or any other command spoken by a user.

Reference throughout this specification will be made to an audio command corresponding to a pre-recorded one word command. However, those skilled in 9 the art should appreciate that the audio command may be any oral command, and reference throughout the specification to the audio command being a one-word command should in no way be seen as limiting.

Such an audio command may be associated with a barrier position. If the user 5 wishes a livestock animal to end up in a certain output destination, the user speaks the corresponding audio command and the barrier will move into a position which directs the animal through the desired output channel to the desired output destination.

Preferably an audio command input element may be formed by a microphone. 10 This microphone converts the audio command input into a electrical signal which may be supplied to an audio command discriminator. However, in alternative embodiments an audio command input may be formed by any relevant transducer which converts an audio sound wave into an electrical output signal.

This may be the input microphone to a Bluetooth microphone headset, an input 15 element on a handheld radio unit, or any other type of microphone.

Preferably, an audio command discriminator may be provided by executable instructions run on a microprocessor. This discriminator would take the electronic signal provided by the microphone and compare it to a pre-recorded signal. If the command is the same or similar to the pre-recorded signal, then the discriminator 20 may provide a specific electronic command signal to the control signal output element.

The discriminator may be implemented by a number of pre-packaged software programmes. These programmes use comparison over a number of points to compare a voice command to a number of pre-recorded signals to identify the 25 command given. These systems may be 'trained' to recognise a number of different words for each user. Alternatively, if commands are short, the system may not need to be 'trained' and may do a direct comparison of signals. The voice commands may be pre-defined and loaded into the device before use. Alternatively, a user may record an audio file corresponding to each audio command themselves. This may be done through an interface with a computer or 5 mobile device.

However, in alternative embodiments the discriminator may be provided by any other means which can compare a received signal to a pre-recorded signal, and provide a correlating command signal to the control signal output element.

Reference throughout the specification will be made to the discriminator being 10 formed by executable instructions run on a microprocessor. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the discriminator may also be formed from a range of other elements, and reference to same being formed by a microprocessor throughout the specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

Preferably the control signal output element may receive a command signal from 15 the discriminator corresponding to a desired output destination, and correspondently can send out a control signal to the drive mechanism which makes the movable barrier move into the correct position.

In a preferred embodiment the control signal output element may be provided by another set of executable instructions run on a microprocessor. These instructions 20 would determine the correct signal required and transmit this to the drive mechanism. Alternatively, the control signal output element may be provided by any other means which can translate a command signal and transmit a corresponding control signal to a drive mechanism.

Reference throughout the specification will be made to the control signal output 25 element being formed by executable instructions run on a microprocessor. However, those skilled in the art should appreciate that the control signal output 11 element may also be formed from a range of other elements, and reference to it being formed by a microprocessor throughout the specification should in no way be seen as limiting.

Preferably a control signal may be transmitted along a signal carrying wire 5 connecting the remote control system to the drafting apparatus. However, in alternative embodiments the control signal may be transmitted to the drive mechanism through a wireless network, by an infrared port, through a radio frequency communication device, or any other way of transmitting a control signal to the drive mechanism.

Preferably the present invention may integrate with an automatic drafting apparatus. This automatic drafting apparatus may include a tag reader which is programmed to operate the drive mechanism and move barrier gates based on the RFID tags identified. The automatic drafting apparatus may also include a restraint apparatus configured to immobilise an animal travelling through the apparatus.

The present invention may provide a remote control means which overrides these automatic features. For example an animal may be placed in one output channel based on its RFID tag. The user may then identify it as sick and override the automated drafting through a voice command directing the animal to an alternative output channel. In a further example, a voice command may be used to turn on or 20 off electronic sensors which may activate the restraint apparatus. This could be used to administer medicine to a sick animal, but allow a remote 'off function, so the next animal is not held.

The present invention may provide many potential advantages over the prior art.

The present invention may allow a user to decide quickly which output destination 25 an animal is to go into and the drafting apparatus will direct this animal into the correct destination. This allows the user to change their mind quickly, and avoid 12 delays in the drafting system.

As the user does not have to manually control the gate, or press any buttons, commands can be obtained much faster and the livestock can be separated quickly. The user does not have to look away from the animals travelling through 5 the system thus slowing the process down. This allows a system to be much quicker and simpler to use. It offers a vast improvement over previous systems as the user is not required to have great dexterity to operate a gate quickly through many possible positions, nor are they required to learn the placement of buttons correlating to a gate position.

As pre-programming is not necessary the present invention provides an improved system which has more flexibility over the technology available.

The present invention may also be configured to work with a drafting system which includes a pre-programming component, allowing a user to override the preprogrammed features when the condition of the animal is noted at the time of 15 drafting. This provides greater flexibility to automatic drafting systems previously available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the 20 accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a diagram of a drafting apparatus to be controlled by the remote control system; provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment and Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of the operation of the remote control system as shown in Figure 1. 13 Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the actions taken by the user to control the drafting apparatus using the remote control system discussed with respect to Figures 1 and 2.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 1 shows a drafting apparatus (1) as configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

This diagram shows an input channel (2) which can receive a livestock animal (not shown), two output channels (3) which connect the input channel (2) to a number of output destinations (4) to which the user wishes the livestock to travel into. The 10 drafting apparatus also includes a gate (5) which is configured to block at least one output channel (3) and a drive mechanism (6) to move the gate, and control the side walls of the output channels (3). The drafting apparatus (a) is a representation of standard drafting apparatus for separating livestock into three output destinations. In other embodiments, there may be more output 15 destinations, each with an associated output channel, and a movable barrier which is configured to block at least one output channel. Use of the moveable barrier in conjunction with the restraint apparatus formed by moving sidewalls of an output channel (3), may allow an animal to be immobilised. This allows medication, for example, to be easily applied to the animal.

Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of the operation of the remote control system used to operate the drafting apparatus as shown in Figure 1. The following steps are executed: A - Step 1: the remote control apparatus is operated by the user who speaks into the audio command input element, formed by a Bluetooth headphone.

B - Step 2: the Bluetooth headset microphone then sends the audio command to 14 the discriminator, provided by a set of executable instructions run on a microprocessor of the present invention.

C - Step 3: the discriminator compares it to a pre-recorded audio command file.

D - Step 4: the discriminator sends a corresponding command signal to a control 5 signal output element, or serial output port.

E - Step 5: the output port sends a corresponding control signal to the drive mechanism, and F - Step 6: the drive mechanism moves the gate to the correct position.

G - Step 7: if needed, the drive mechanism may also activate the clamping 10 mechanism to immobilise the animal. Once immobilised, the animal can be attended to easily.

This system allows the drafting apparatus to be controlled remotely, as no manual input is involved to move the gate (shown in Figure 1 (5)) to the correct position. The system provides control of the gate remotely through remote operation of the 15 drive mechanism (shown in Figure 1 (6)).

Figure 3 shows a flow chart of the drafting process, using the remote control drafting apparatus to sort livestock into two correct output destinations.

Figure 3 shows the following steps: Step 101: a livestock animal enters the input channel; Step 102: the user of the drafting apparatus decides which output destination or pen the livestock animal is to go into; Step 103: the user then speaks an audio command into the remote control system, where this command indicates which destination the user has selected.

Step 104: the remote control system then interprets the signal and sends a corresponding control signal to the drive mechanism, following the steps described in Figure 2; Step 105: the drive mechanism then moves the gate into the desired position; Step 106: the livestock animal travels through the open output channel; and Step 107: the livestock animal moves into the desired output destination.

The present invention provides an improved system for sorting livestock animals into the required output destinations, which is quick and easy and does not require use of buttons, pre-programming electronic identifications, or manual movement of 10 a gate over many output channels. As the user can quickly speak a command, the system is flexible and responsive to a users desired output destination.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 16

Claims (26)

WHAT 1 CLAIM IS:

1. A remote control system for a drafting apparatus, said drafting apparatus including at least one input channel, adapted to receive at least one livestock animal, and a plurality of output channels adapted to connect said at least one input channel to a destination associated with each output channel, and at least one movable barrier adapted to block at least one output channel, and a drive mechanism adapted to move said barrier to block or unblock at least one output channel, said remote control system including, at least one audio command input element, and an audio command discriminator, and at least one control signal output element adapted to transmit to the drafting apparatus's drive mechanism one of a plurality of control signals.

2. A remote control system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the drafting apparatus also includes a restraint apparatus.

3. A remote control system as claimed in claim 2 wherein the restraint apparatus is configured to move one side wall of an output channel relative to another.

4. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein each control signal transmitted to the drafting apparatus is associated with a predetermined audio command.

5. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein an output destination is a holding pen.

6. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein an input channel directs the livestock animals towards the output channels. intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 17 ,04 OCT 2006 RECEIVED

7. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein a movable barrier is a gate.

8. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein the drafting apparatus includes three or more output channels.

9. A remote control system as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8 wherein the drive mechanism controls the gate.

10. A remote control system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8 wherein the drive mechanism controls the restraint apparatus.

11. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein the drive mechanism includes a motor combined with a drive shaft.

12. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein an audio command is any type of command spoken by the user.

13. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein the audio command is linked to an output destination the user wishes a livestock animal travelling through the drafting apparatus to end up in.

14. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein an audio command is associated with a barrier position.

15. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein an audio command input element is a microphone.

16. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein an audio command input element is a wireless headset.

17. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein an audio command discriminator is provided by executable instructions run on a 18 Intellectual Property' Office of N.Z. 0 h OCT 2006 r r* r i v / r i microprocessor.

18. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein the control signal output element receives a command signal from the discriminator corresponding to a desired output destination.

19. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein the control signal output element is provided by a set of executable instructions run on a microprocessor.

20. A remote control system as claimed in any previous claim wherein a control signal is transmitted along a signal carrying wire connecting the remote control system to the drafting apparatus.

21. A drafting apparatus which includes at least one input channel, adapted to receive at least one livestock animal, and a plurality of output channels adapted to connect said at least one input channel to a destination associated with each output channel, and at least one movable barrier adapted to block at least one output channel, and a drive mechanism adapted to move said barrier to block or unblock at least one output channel, and a voice activated remote control system.

22. A drafting apparatus as claimed in claim 21 which includes a restraint apparatus.

23. A drafting apparatus as claimed in claim 22 wherein the restraint apparatus is configured to move at least one side wall of an output channel in relation to another. Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 0 \ OCT 2006 19 RECEIVED

24. A drafting apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23 wherein the drive mechanism controls the restraint apparatus.

25. A remote control apparatus as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying figures and/or examples

26. A drafting apparatus as herein described with reference to and as illustrated by the accompanying figures and/or examples ROBIN CHRISTOPHER FELTRIM FAGAN by his authorised agents JAMES & WELLS Intellectual Property Office of N.Z. 0 4 OCT 2006 RECEIVED 20