NZ751839A - Apparatus and method for controlling animal positions - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for controlling animal positions Download PDFInfo
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- NZ751839A NZ751839A NZ751839A NZ75183918A NZ751839A NZ 751839 A NZ751839 A NZ 751839A NZ 751839 A NZ751839 A NZ 751839A NZ 75183918 A NZ75183918 A NZ 75183918A NZ 751839 A NZ751839 A NZ 751839A
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- animal
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Abstract
An apparatus for controlling an animal or animal positions by applying one or more form of stimulus to the animal is disclosed. Known solutions for dogs utilise complex commands that are not applicable to livestock animals, and known solutions for livestock animals are not able to signal more complex stimuli to guide the animal towards a particular position or along the path. The apparatus overcomes known issues via locating speakers proximal to the ears of the animals and using sound to guide the animal towards the particular position or along the path.
Description
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ANIMAL POSITIONS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for controlling an
animal or animal positions. More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention
relates to an apparatus and method for controlling the animal or positions of livestock
animals such as dairy cows, buffaloes, sheep etc.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fences for helping keep livestock animals within a desired area for grazing are
well known in the art. There are various types of fences such as those that use post
fences, barbed wire fences, and electrical fences which are energized with a low level
electrical pulse.
Although, such fences do assist in keeping the animals within a defined area and
graze within the defined area of the field, they do not allow monitoring of the specific
position of one or more animals and behaviour of the animals that are confined within the
specific zone and control the animal accordingly. For example, if the animals are left to
graze within a confinement zone in a field, they may focus on consuming the pasture on
one particular area of the confined zone over another area. In addition, the animals eat
different forage species in different ways. Cattle typically tear off large mouthfuls of
forage. Some animals such as cows are spotty eaters and avoid areas near manure drops
and eat grass down very close to the ground. Goats and sheep bite off plants close to the
ground, which may lead to overgrazing and for the remaining parts of grass to be slow at
re-growing.
It is desirable to ensure that the pasture grown in a confinement zone is
uniformly consumed because if a particular area is overgrazed, then that could negatively
affect the re-growth. Further such overgrazing could also lead to erosion problems,
especially on slopes. Similarly grass land that is wet may be subject to localised pugging
caused by animals. This may be as a result of animals on such land preferring to take
shelter from wind in a specific area thereby causing a large number of concentrated hoof
steps being taken, causing pugging and hence comprising grass growth in such areas.
Also, it is often desirable to know if the animal is actually grazing or not grazing
when left in the field to graze. This can even help to determine the health or
physiological status of the animal and/or where the area the animals are in does indeed
have enough grass for the animals or whether they have to be moved onto new ground
for access to more food.
There are prior art systems that are used to limit the range of movement of
an animal to a pre-defined confined space. In typical prior art systems, a system
including a receiver (such as radio receiver) is mounted upon an animal in order to detect
a signal from a radio transmitter. The system delivers a stimulus to the animal in
response to the signal that is received. Devices such as transducers are typically
employed in order to apply electric shock and/or an audible stimulus to the animal to
either discourage the animal from entering a certain area or to confine the animal within
a certain area. For example, this is shown in US 5610588.
A problem associated with such prior art systems is that they provide fail to
provide any indication of whether the subject animal has responded well to the stimuli.
Another problem is that the above described prior art systems do not provide any means
for monitoring how a particular animal is behaving especially when the animal is not
walking or is within a particular spot of the confined area, and applying the control action
accordingly. A further problem is that the above described prior art systems do not
provide any means for training a particular animal to remain within a confined area and
graze well within the confined area. The prior art electronic animal control systems only
provide means for confining an animal to a defined area or for excluding an animal from
a defined area. It cannot control or guide the animal movement when the animal is
within the confined area.
Thus, there is a need of an apparatus and method for controlling animal
positions to help monitor the behaviour of the animal that is or is to be confined within
the specific area including within a particular spot of the specific area, and that allows
controlling of the animal accordingly.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus and method for
controlling animal or animal positions which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates
some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a
useful choice.
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 listed components
it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This
rationale will also be used when the term ‘comprises’ or ‘comprised’ or 'comprising' is
used in relation to the apparatus or to one or more steps in a method or process.
As used herein the term “and/or” means “and” or “or”, or both.
As used herein “(s)” following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of
the noun.
When used in claim and unless otherwise stated, the word ‘for’ is to be
interpreted to mean only ‘suitable for’ and not, for example, specifically ‘adapted’ or
‘configured’ for the specific purpose that is stated.
Unless otherwise stated, the word ‘connected’ or ‘operatively connected’ is to be
interpreted to mean connected either physically (such as using electric wires) or
wirelessly for allowing electronic communication such connected or operatively connected
components.
In this specification, where reference has been made to external sources of
information, including patent specifications and other documents, this is generally for the
purpose of providing a context for discussing the features of the present invention.
Unless stated otherwise, reference to such sources of information is not to be construed,
in any jurisdiction, as an admission that such sources of information are prior art or form
part of the common general knowledge in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
According to a first aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus for controlling
an animal, the apparatus comprising:
at least one position sensing device configured to detect at least one position of
at least part of the animal as at least one position value; and
at least one controller that is operatively connected to the at least one position
sensing device, and programmed to read and compare the at least one position value
with at least one predetermined value relating to the at least one position for
determining if at least one control action is required, the at least one control action being
transmitting of at least one control signal to at least one stimulus device to administer at
least one form of stimulus to an animal that is able to be sensed by the animal,
wherein at least the at least one stimulus device is adapted to be carried by the
animal.
In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises or is operatively connected to at
least one transmitting device adapted to transmit a signal representing the at least one
position value (e.g. angular position value and/or location value) from the at least one
position sensing device to the at least one controller, and to transmit the at least one
control signal to the at least one stimulus device if the at least one controller determines
or receives a control command that the control action is required.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular position of
at least part of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular position
relative to a datum or relative to at least read angular position or the at least one
position value relating to the angular position.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular position
relative to a horizontal plane.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular heading of
the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is the angular position and the at
least one angular position is the course of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one location of at least
part of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one location relative to a
datum.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is location relative to a global
position.
In one embodiment, the at least one transmitting device is part of the apparatus.
In one embodiment, the at least one transmitting device is a transceiver.
In one embodiment, the at least one controller comprises or is operatively
connected to a memory for storing at least the predetermined value.
In one embodiment, the memory is a Random Access Memory (RAM).
In one embodiment, the memory is an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-
Only Memory (EEPROM).
In one embodiment, the angular position is measured in three orthogonal
directions, the three orthogonal directions being roll, pitch and yaw.
In one embodiment, the angular position of at least one of the head and the
neck of the animal is measured in three orthogonal directions, the three orthogonal
directions being roll, pitch and yaw.
In one embodiment, the at least one position sensing device comprises an
inertial measurement unit.
In one embodiment, the at least one position sensing device comprises a
gyroscope.
In one embodiment, the at least one position sensing device comprises or is
operatively connected to at least one navigation means that is operatively connected with
the at least one controller, the at least one navigation means being configured to
determine a location of at least part of the animal as the at least one position value and
transmit a signal representing the at least one position value to the at least one
controller.
In one embodiment, the at least one navigation means is or uses a Global
Positioning System (GPS) or a Local Positioning System (LPS).
In one embodiment, the at least one navigation means is or uses a Global
Positioning System (GPS) and the at least one position value is made up of at least two
GPS co-ordinates.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least one
speaker and the at least one stimulus is in a form of a sound generated by the at least
one speaker, the sound being audible to the animal.
In one embodiment, the sound is variable in volume and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency
at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to decrease in volume and/or
frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least one
vibrator and the at least one stimulus is in a form of a vibration that is able to be sensed
by the animal, the vibration being generated by the at least one vibrator.
In one embodiment, the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to increase in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to decrease in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least one
electrode and the at least one stimulus is an electric shock (electric current) that is able
to be sensed by the animal, the electric shock being generated by the at least one
electrode.
In one embodiment, the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to increase in magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to decrease magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one controller is operatively connected to a
remote processor and is configured to perform the control action on the basis of a
command received from at least one of a remote processor and a remote server.
In one embodiment the apparatus further comprises a housing and the at least
one stimulus device is attached to the housing or partly located inside the housing.
In one embodiment, the housing is in a form of a collar configured to be worn by
the animal.
In one embodiment, the collar is configured to be worn around the neck of the
animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises two (or at least
two) speakers, one speaker being on left side of the collar and other speaker being on
right side of the collar, and the at least one stimulus is in a form of a sound generated by
at least one of the two (at least two) speakers, the sound being audible to the animal.
In one embodiment, the sound is variable in volume and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency
at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to decrease in volume and/or
frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises two (or at least
two) vibrators, one vibrator being on left side of the collar and other vibrator being on
right side of the collar, and the at least one stimulus is in a form of a vibration that is
able to be sensed by the animal, the vibration being generated by at least one of the two
(at least two) vibrators.
In one embodiment, the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to increase in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to decrease in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises two (at least
two) electrodes, one electrode being on left side of the collar and other electrode being
on right side of the collar, and the at least one stimulus is in a form of an electric shock
(electric current) that is able to be sensed by the animal, the electric shock being
generated by at least one of the two (at least two) electrodes.
In one embodiment, the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to increase in magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to decrease magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
According to a second aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus for
controlling an animal, the apparatus comprising:
a housing,
the housing carrying:
at least one position sensing device configured to detect at least one position of
at least part of the animal as at least one position value, at least one position sensing
device being selected from at least one of (a) an angular position sensing device
configured to detect at least one angular position of the animal as the at least one
position value and (b) a location sensing device configured to detect at least at least one
location of the animal as the at least one position value; and
at least one controller that is operatively connected to the at least one position
sensing device, and programmed to read and compare the at least one position value
with at least one predetermined position value relating to the at least one position (e.g.
angular position and/or location), for determining if a control action is required, the
control action being transmitting a control signal to at least one stimulus device thereby
causing the at least one stimulus device to administer at least one form of stimulus to
the animal,
wherein the at least one stimulus device is attached to the housing; and
wherein the housing is adapted to be carried by the animal.
Preferably, the housing comprises or attaches at least one transmitting device
adapted to transmit the at least one position value (angular position value and/or
location value) from the at least one position sensing device to the at least one
controller, and to transmit the at least one control signal to the at least one stimulus
device if the at least one controller determines or receives a control command that the
control action is required.
In one embodiment, the housing comprises or attaches a memory for storing at
least the predetermined value relating to the at least one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one transmitting device is a transceiver.
In one embodiment, the memory is a Random Access Memory (RAM).
In one embodiment, the memory is an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-
Only Memory (EEPROM).
In one embodiment, the at least one angular position is measured in three
orthogonal directions, the three orthogonal directions being roll, pitch and yaw.
In one embodiment, the at least one angular position of at least one of the head
and the neck of the animal is measured in three orthogonal directions, the three
orthogonal directions being roll, pitch and yaw.
In one embodiment, the at least one position sensing device comprises an
inertial measurement unit.
In one embodiment, the at least one position sensing device comprises a
gyroscope.
In one embodiment, the housing comprises or attaches at least one navigation
means that is operatively connected with the at least one controller, the navigation
means being configured to determine a location of the animal as the at least one position
value and transmit a signal representing the position value to the at least one controller.
In one embodiment, the navigation means is or uses a Global Positioning System
(GPS) or a Local Positioning System (LPS).
In one embodiment, the navigation means is or uses a Global Positioning System
(GPS) and the at least one position value is made up of at least two GPS co-ordinates.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least one
speaker and the at least one stimulus is in a form of a sound generated by the at least
one speaker, the sound being audible to the animal.
In one embodiment, the sound is variable in volume and/or frequency .
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency
at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to decrease in volume and/or
frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least one
vibrator and the at least one stimulus is in a form of a vibration that is able to be sensed
by the animal, the vibration being generated by the at least one vibrator.
In one embodiment, the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to increase in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to decrease in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least one
electrode and the at least one stimulus is an electric shock (electric current)that is able
to be sensed by the animal, the electric shock being generated by the at least one
electrode.
In one embodiment, the electric current or the electric shock is variable in
magnitude.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to increase in magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to decrease magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment, the apparatus is in a form of a collar configured to be worn
around the neck of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises two (or at least
two) speakers, one speaker being on left side of the collar and other speaker being on
right side of the collar, and the at least one stimulus is in a form of a sound generated by
at least one of the two (at least two) speakers, the sound being audible to the animal.
In one embodiment, the sound is variable in volume and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency
at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to decrease in volume and/or
frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises two (or at least
two) vibrators, one vibrator being on left side of the collar and other vibrator being on
right side of the collar, and the at least one stimulus is in a form of a vibration that is
able to be sensed by the animal, the vibration being generated by at least one of the two
(at least two) vibrators.
In one embodiment, the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to increase in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to decrease in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises two (at least
two) electrodes, one electrode being on left side of the collar and other electrode being
on right side of the collar, and the at least one stimulus is in a form of an electric shock
(electric current) that is able to be sensed by the animal, the electric shock being
generated by at least one of the two (at least two) electrodes.
In one embodiment, the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to increase in magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to decrease magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is the at least one angular position
relative to a datum or relative to at least read angular position or the at least one
position value relating to the angular position.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is the at least one angular position
relative to a horizontal plane.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is the at least one angular heading
of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one angular position is the course of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one location of at least
part of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one location relative to a
datum.
According to a third aspect, the invention comprises a system for controlling an
animal, the system comprising:
at least one of the remote processor and a remote server configured to be
located at a remote location from the animal; and
an apparatus as defined in any one of the above statements,
the at least one of the remote processor and the remote server being
operatively connected to a user interface of a user device for allowing a control command
relating to at least one stimulus to be applied to the animal to be sent from the at least
one of the remote processor and the server to the at least one controller of the apparatus
in the form of a control signal,
the at least one controller of the apparatus being configured to receive the
control signal from the at least one of the remote processor and the server and transmit
the control signal to the at least one stimulus device, the at least one stimulus device
being configured to receive the control signal from the at least one controller and
administer at least one form of stimulus to the animal that is able to be sensed by the
animal on the basis of the control signal.
According to a fourth aspect, the invention comprises an animal collar capable of
being secured around the neck of an animal for allowing a physical response from the
animal based on at least one stimulus applied to the animal from at least one of a local
or a remote location, the collar comprising:
at least one stimulus device for applying at least one stimulus to the animal, the
at least one stimulus device comprising at least one of:
at least one speaker configured to be positioned proximal to an ear of the
animal to generate an audible sound to the animal when the collar is secured to the
animal;
at least one vibrator configured to cause vibration to be felt by the animal when
the collar is secured to the animal; and
at least one electrode able to contact the neck of the animal when the collar is
secured around the neck of the animal to provide an electric shock to the animal;
the collar further comprising:
at least one battery to provide electrical power to the at least one stimulus
device;
at least one controller to control the delivery of power to the at least one
stimulus device.
In one embodiment, the sound is variable in volume and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency
at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to decrease in volume and/or
frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to increase in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to decrease in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to increase in magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to decrease magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment, the physical response is a movement of the head of the
animal in at least one of a left and right direction.
In one embodiment, the animal collar comprises or is operatively connected to at
least one position sensing device, the at least one position sensing device being
configured to determine at least one position (e.g. angular position and/or location) of
the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular position of
at least part of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular position
relative to a datum or relative to at least read angular position or the at least one
position value relating to the angular position.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular position
relative to a horizontal plane.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular heading of
the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one angular position and
the at least one angular position is the course of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one position is at least one location of at least
part of the animal.
In one embodiment, the collar comprises an Inertial measurement unit (IMU) to
provide information of the condition of the collar to the remote location, the information
comprising of at least one of:
(a) an indication that the movement of the collar is in an up and down direction
to indicate that the animal is eating food from a location lower than its normal standing
and/or resting condition (e.g. from the ground or feeding trough), and
(b) an indication that the movement of the collar is in a left and right direction to
indicate that the animal is turning its head to either a left or right direction.
In one embodiment, the collar comprises a location sensor to provide location
information of the collar to at least one of the local and the remote locations.
In one embodiment, the collar comprises a navigation device to provide location
information of the collar to at least one of the local and remote locations.
In one embodiment, the collar comprises a GPS unit to provide location
information of the collar to at least one of the local and remote locations.
In one embodiment, the at least one controller is programmable remotely to
control the delivery of power to the at least one stimulus device on the basis of the
information received from the IMU and/or the GPS unit.
In one embodiment, the at least one controller re-programmable locally when
the location of the collar is sensed to be out outside of a boundary or fencing.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least two
electrodes, at least one of which is to contact the left side of the neck of the animal and
at least one of which is to contact the right side of the neck of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least two
speakers, at least one of which is to contact the left side of the neck of the animal and at
least one of which is to contact the right side of the neck of the animal.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus device comprises at least two
vibrators, at least one of which is to contact the left side of the neck of the animal and at
least one of which is to contact the right side of the neck of the animal.
According to a fifth aspect, the invention comprises a method of controlling an
animal, the method comprising:
detecting, using at least one sensing device, at least one position of at least part
of the animal as at least one position value;
transmitting, using at least one transmitting device, the at least one position
value in a form of at least one output signal;
receiving, using at least one receiving device, the at least one output signal;
reading, using at least one controller, the at least one position value from the
output signal; and
comparing, using at least one controller, the at least one position value with at
least one predetermined value in order to determine if a control action is required, the
control action being transmitting a control signal to at least one stimulus device that
causes the stimulus device to administer at least one form of stimulus to the animal in
order to control the animal.
In one embodiment, from a result of comparison if it is determined that a control
action is required, the method further comprises a step of:
transmitting, using the at least one transmitting device, the control
signal to at least one stimulus device thereby causing the at least one stimulus device to
administer at least one form of stimulus to the animal to control the animal.
In one embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal to the at least
one stimulus device occurs if the at least one position value either exceeds or
substantially exceeds or is below or is substantially below the at least one pre-
determined value.
In one embodiment, the step of transmitting the control signal to the at least
one stimulus device occurs until it is determined that the at least one position value is
same or substantially the same as the at least one predetermined value.
In one embodiment, if it is determined that the at least one position value is
same or substantially the same as the at least one predetermined value no form of
stimulus is administered to the animal.
In one embodiment, if it is determined that the at least one position value is
same or substantially the same as the at least one predetermined value, the at least one
sensing device continues to detect at least one position of at least part of the animal as
at least one position value, the at least one transmitting device continues to transmit the
at least one position value in a form of at least one output signal; the at least one
receiving device continues to receive the at least one output signal, the at least at least
one controller continues to read the at least one position value from the output signal
and compare the at least one position value with at least one predetermined value in
order to determine if the control action is required.
In one embodiment, the step of determining if the control action is required is
performed by the controller.
In one embodiment, the step of determining if the control action is required is
performed using at least one of a remote processor and a server that is operatively
connected to the controller.
In one embodiment, the step of determining if the control action is required is
performed using a user device that is operatively connected to the controller.
In one embodiment, the at least one stimulus is in the form of at least one of a
sound, a vibration and an electric shock.
In one embodiment, the at least one of the sound and the vibration is
administered by the at least one stimulus device before applying the electric shock.
In one embodiment, the sound is variable in strength and/or frequency.
In one embodiment, the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency
at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the sound is adapted to decrease in volume and/or
frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
In one embodiment, the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to increase in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment the vibration is adapted to decrease in strength and/or
frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least
one position.
In one embodiment, the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
In one embodiment, the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to increase in magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment the electric shock is adapted to decrease magnitude at two
or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
In one embodiment, the method includes controlling the position of an animal.
In one embodiment, the method includes controlling the position of an animal to
guide the animal towards a particular position or path.
In one embodiment, the method includes controlling the position of an animal to
guide the animal at a particular position or path.
Other aspects of the invention may become apparent from the following
description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the
accompanying drawings.
For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”,
“left”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, “top”, “bottom”, “lateral”, “longitudinal” and derivatives
thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However it is
to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations, except
where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific
devices illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification
are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence specific dimensions and other
physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be
considered as limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference
to the drawings in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for controlling,
recording and/or monitoring positions of an animal according to one
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of an apparatus for controlling,
recording and/or monitoring positions of an animal according to a second
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 shows a one side perspective view of an animal collar for controlling,
recording and/or monitoring positions of an animal according one
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows another side perspective view of the animal collar of Figure 3.
Figure 5 shows a front view of the animal collar of Figure 3.
Figure 6 shows aside elevation view of the animal collar of Figure 3.
Figure 7 shows animal collar secured around the neck of a cow and for stimulating
a physical response to the cow.
Figure 8 shows one example of a general communication system infrastructure
diagram incorporating the features of the invention in an example where
a position of a cow in a field is being controlled, recorded and/or
monitored using the present invention.
Figure 9 is a flowchart showing one example of controlling, recording and/or
monitoring the positions (angular position and/or location) of an animal.
Figure 10 is a flowchart showing one other example of a method for controlling,
recording and/or monitoring the positions of an animal.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
The following description will describe the invention in relation to examples
and/or drawings. The invention is in no way limited to the example(s) and/or drawing(s)
as they are purely to exemplify the invention only and that possible variations and
modifications would be readily apparent without departing from the scope of the
invention described in this specification and/or defined in the claims.
Figure 1 shows a general schematic block diagram of an apparatus 100 for
controlling an animal, particularly for controlling the positions of an animal according to
one embodiment of the present invention. As it would be apparent to a skilled person,
the apparatus 100 may instead or additionally be used for recording and/or monitoring
the animal positions.
In this example, at least one stimulus device (not shown in Figure 1) is
configured to be carried or worn by an animal and is configured to be activated and
administer one or more form of stimulus (such as electric shock, sound or vibration) to
the animal when the stimulus device receives a control signal. For example, the stimulus
device may be in a form of an animal collar 300 configured to be worn by an animal such
as cow around its neck, similar to the manner as shown in Figure 7.
The apparatus 100 comprises at least one sensing device 140 (which is a
position sensing device) which may be an angular position sensing device that is
configured to detect at least an angular position of at least the part of the animal. The
position sensing device 140 could or could also be a location sensing device . The location
sensing device is configured to detect the longitude, latitude and/or horizontal position of
the animal. Alternatively, the sensing device 140 may comprise or be communicated to
both the angular position sensing device as well as the location sensing device.
The variation where the sensing device 140 comprises or communicates with
angular position sensing device will now be described. The variation where the at least
one sensing device 140 comprises or communicates with a location sensing device will be
described later in more detail.
The angular position may be the angular position relative to a datum (e.g.
horizontal plane or ground). It may be angular position relative to a previously
measured angular position.
The angular position of at least part of the sensing device 140 may be measured
in three orthogonal directions, the three orthogonal directions being roll, pitch and yaw.
In one embodiment, the angular position of at least one of the head and the neck of the
animal is measured in three orthogonal directions, the three orthogonal directions being
roll, pitch and yaw. Preferably, the sensing device 140 comprises or is an inertial
measurement unit (IMU) or a gyroscope. Detection of such angular position can provide
an indication of movement in an up and down direction as well as in a left or right
direction. If the sensing device 140 is operatively connected to sense the head
movement of an animal such as a cow in a field, then movement in up and down
direction can indicate that the animal is eating food such as from a location lower than its
normal standing and resting condition. The head and neck of the animal will be moving
up and down relatively more frequently than if the animal was merely loafing. Similarly,
movement in a left and right direction may indicate that the animal is heading/turning to
either a left or a right direction. The angular position may hence provide an indication of
the animals heading and/or course and rate of change of course. The angular position
may be of part of the animal and/or may indicate the entire animal’s heading and/or
course.
Reverting back to Figure 1, the apparatus comprises at least one controller 110.
The controller 110 is operatively connected to the sensing device 140, which in this case
may be programmed to read the angular position value detected by the sensing device
140 as a position value(s) and compare such angular position value(s) (position value(s))
with a predetermined value(s) relating to position in order to determine if one or more
control action is required.
If the controller 110 determines that a control action is required, then the
controller 110 is configured to transmit of at least one control signal to one or more
stimulus device that is able to be sensed by the animal. The stimulus device may be in a
form of an apparatus that is separate but is operatively connected to at least one
controller 110 of the apparatus 100 and may be adapted to be carried (worn) by the
animal and when the control signal is received, the stimulus device is configured to be
activated in order to administer one or more form of stimulus to the animal. The stimulus
may be of any form that could be sensed by an animal such as but not limited to electric
current such as electric shock (preferably of variable magnitude), sound (preferably of
variable volume and/or frequency), vibration (preferably of variable strength or intensity
and/or frequency) or a combination thereof.
Instead of the controller 110 determining if a control action is required, the
controller may optionally be connected to a remote processor (see processor of PC 890 in
Figure 8) or a remote server (see cloud server 880 in Figure 8) or a user device (see
mobile device 830 in Figure 8) comprising a user interface and is configured to perform
the control action on the basis of a control command received from the remote
processor. Preferably, the remote processor is operatively connected to or is part of the
user device such as a smartphone, PDA, PC, laptop or many other suitable user device.
Similarly, the remote server may be operatively connected to the user device (such as PC
890 of Figure 8 or processor of PC 890 of Figure 8). More preferably, the control
command is sent by the user from the user interface of the user device.
For example, the user (see user 820 in Figure 8 as an example) may be
monitoring the result of comparison performed by the controller on a screen of a PC (see
PC 890 in Figure 8 as an example) or smartphone (see mobile device 830 in Figure 8 as
an example) having appropriate software or mobile app installed, and depending upon
the result of the comparison, the user may send an appropriate control command to the
controller 110 via a remote processor, remote server and/or the user device having a
user interface. The control command may then be received by the controller 110 in the
form of a signal (control signal) which may then determine, on the basis of the control
command (control signal) received, as to whether a control action is required. If the
controller 110 determines from a control command that no stimulus is to be applied to
the animal, then no control signal will be transmitted or sent to the stimulus device.
However, if the controller 110 determines from a control command that a stimulus (such
as a sound and/or vibration and/or an electric shock) is to be applied to the animal, then
a control signal will be send to the stimulus device to administer appropriate form of
stimulus to the animal.
Figure 2 shows a general schematic of a perspective view of an apparatus 200
for controlling, recording and/or monitoring an animal, particularly for controlling the
positions of an animal according to another embodiment of the present invention.
The apparatus 200 is substantially similar to the apparatus 100 described above
with reference to Figure 1 so most of the description above with for apparatus 100 and
components of the apparatus 100 above applies equally to apparatus 200.
The differences are that, unlike, the apparatus 100 of Figure 1 which is
configured to be located remotely from the animal and configured to communicate with a
stimulus device in contact with the animal, the apparatus 200 of Figure 2 is configured to
be carried or worn by the animal and comprises at least one stimulus device 250 as part
of the apparatus 250. Preferably, the apparatus 200 comprises a housing 205 that
comprises, houses, carries or attaches at least the sensing device 240, controller 210 and
stimulus device 250. The apparatus 200 may be in a form of an animal collar 300
configured to be worn by an animal around its neck in a manner similar to the one as
shown in Figure 7. Battery or suitable form of power source 230 may be provided to
provide power to the controller 210, sensing device 240, transceiver 220 and the
stimulus device 250. More preferably, the housing 205 comprises, carries or attaches,
the battery 230 and transceiver 220 as well.
The sensing device 140, 240 could be a location sensing device carried by an
animal or be in electronic communication with a location sensing device that may be
carried by an animal. The location may be location relative to datum. The location may
be location relative to global position. The location sensing device may be configured to
detect the longitude, latitude and/or horizontal position of at least part of the animal.
Reverting back to Figures 1 and 2, the controller 110, 210 may be operatively
connected to the sensing device 140, 240, and may be programmed to read at least one
location value detected by the sensing device 140, 240 as at least one position value
and compare the location value(s), i.e the position value(s) with a predetermined
value(s) relating to position in order to determine if one or more control action is
required.
The sensing device 140, 240 comprises or may be in electronic communication
with a location sensing device which may be a location/navigation sensor that is part of
the sensing device 140, 240 or is in electronic communication with the sensing device
140,240. At least the location/navigation sensor may be configured to be carried by the
animal. Preferably, the location/navigation sensor is a global position system (GPS)
position sensor or a GPS receiver.
The GPS position sensor/receiver may determine the longitude, latitude, altitude,
and/or horizon position of animal of the animal. Locating position information of an
object with GPS position sensor is previously known in the art and need not be described
in much detail. Basically, a GPS sensor/receiver may calculate its position by precisely
timing the signals sent by GPS satellites high above the Earth. Each satellite may
continually transmit messages that may include the time the message was transmitted,
precise orbital information (the ephemeris), the general system health, and rough orbits
of all GPS satellites (the almanac). The GPS sensor/receiver may the use the messages it
receives to determine the transit time of each message and compute the distance to each
satellite. These distances along with the satellites' locations may be used with the
possible aid of trilateration, depending on which algorithm is used, to compute the
position of the receiver/sensor, and therefore the animal attached to the receiver/sensor.
Where the GPS sensor/receiver is located remotely from the sensing device 140,240 but
is in electronic communication with the sensing device 140, 240, the position of the
animal will be transmitted to the sensing device 140, 240.
Rather that the location/navigation sensor being a global position system (GPS)
position sensor or a GPS receiver, the location/navigation sensor may optionally be a
local positioning system (LPS) position sensor or LPS receiver. LPS receiver may use
beacon(s) such as cellular base stations, Wi-Fi access points, and radio broadcast towers
to compute the position of the receiver/sensor, and therefore the animal attached to the
LPS receiver/LPS position sensor.
The controller 110, 210 may be operatively connected to the sensing device
(140, 240), and may be programmed to read the location value(s) detected by the
sensing device 140 as the position value and compare the location (position) value(s)
with predetermined value(s) relating to position in order to determine if one or more
control action is required. Preferably, the location (position) value(s) is made up of at
least two GPS or LPS co-ordinates.
If the controller 110, 210 determines that a control action is required, then the
controller may be configured to transmit at least one control signal to one or more
stimulus devices such as stimulus device 250 adapted to administer one or more form of
stimulus to the animal that is/are capable of being sensed by the animal. As mentioned
above, the stimulus device may be adapted to be carried (worn) by the animal and when
the control signal is received, the stimulus device may be configured to be activated in
order to administer one or more form of stimulus to the animal. The stimulus may be of
any form that could be sensed by an animal such as but not limited to electric shock,
sound, vibration or a combination thereof.
If the sensing device 140, 240 comprises or is in electronic communication with
both the angular position sensing device as well as the location sensing device, then the
controller 110, 210 which may be operatively connected to the sensing device 140, 240
may be programmed to read the angular position value and/or the location value from
the sensing device 140 as position value(s) and compare the angular position value
and/or location value (position value(s)) with a predetermined value or values in order to
determine if one or more control action is required.
As described above, instead of the controller 110, 210 determining if a control
action is required, the controller may optionally be connected to a remote processor,
remote server and/or a user device comprising a user interface and that may be
configured to perform the control action on the basis of a control command received from
the remote processor, remote server and/or user device.
Preferably, the apparatus 100, 200 in each embodiment as shown in Figures 1
and 2, comprises or may be operatively connected to at least one transmitting device
such as a transceiver 120, 220 comprising a transmitter 122, 222 and a receiver 124,
224. Many other suitable forms of transmitting device adapted to transmit or send the
signal(s) representing angular position value and/or location value from the sensing
device 140, 240 to the controller 110, 210 may be used. If the controller determines or
receives a control command that the control action is required, then the controller (110)
transmits the control signal to the stimulus device which causes the stimulus device to
administer one or more form of stimulus to the animal.
The controller 110, 210 in Figures 1 and 2 is preferably a programmable
controller that comprises or is operatively connected to a processor 112, 212 and a
memory 114, 214. The memory 114, 214 may be a Random Access Memory (RAM) or an
Electrically Erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or any other memory
suitable for storing at least the predetermined value relating to the angular position
and/or location of the animal.
Figures 3 to 6 shows an animal collar 300 capable of or configured to be being
secured around the neck of an animal 400 in order to control position of the animal 400.
The animal collar 300 may be suitable for allowing a physical response from an animal
400 from at least one of a remote and a local location. The collar 300 may also be
suitable for reporting movement of the collar 300 to a remote location.
The collar 300 of this example of a preferred embodiment carries at least one
stimulus device or control device in a form of at least one of: speakers 350a, 350a’,
vibrators 350b, 350b’, and electrodes 350c, 350c’. The housing of the collar 300 is
referred by reference numeral 305.
In this example of a preferred embodiment, there may be two speakers 350a,
350a’, the first speaker 350a may be on the left-hand side and is adapted to be to be
positioned more proximal the left ear of the animal 400 and a second speaker 350a’ may
be on the right-hand side and is adapted to be positioned more proximal the right ear of
the animal 400. Both the speakers 350a, 350a’ may be capable of transmitting sound
independently and in concert with the other. Instead of having speakers 350a, 350a’ on
two sides, it may be possible that the collar 300 only comprises one speaker(s) on one
side, or in the centre position of the collar (300).
In this example of a preferred embodiment, it is shown that there are two
vibrators 350b, 350b’, the first vibrator 350b is on the left hand side (see Figure 3) a
second vibrator 350 b’ is on the right hand side (see Figure 4). Both the vibrators 350b
350b’ are capable of vibrating independently and in concert with the other. Instead of
having vibrators 350b, 350b’ on two sides, it may be possible that the collar 300 only
comprises vibrator(s) on one side, or in the centre position of the collar 300.
There may be electrode(s) 350c, 350b’ for contacting the neck of the animal 400
when the collar 300 is secured around the neck of the animal to provide an electrical
current or shock to the animal. The first electrode 350c may be on the left hand side (see
Figure 3) and the second electrode 350c’ may be on the right hand side (see Figure 4).
Both the electrodes 350c, 350c’ are capable of providing an electrical current or shock to
the animal independently and in concert with the other. Instead of having electrodes
350c, 350c’ on two sides, it may be possible that the collar 300 only comprises
electrode(s) on one side, or in the centre position of the collar 300. In one embodiment,
the collar 300 may comprise just vibrator, speaker and/or electrode. In another
embodiment, the collar 300 may comprise more than two vibrators, speakers and/or
electrodes.
It may be possible, that the collar 300 comprises either speaker(s) 350a, 350a’,
vibrator(s) 350b, 350b’ or electrode(s) 350c, 350c’. It may also be possible that, the
collar comprises either speaker(s) 350a, 350a’ and vibrator(s) 350b, 350b’, or speaker(s)
350a, 350a’ and electrode(s) 350c, 350c’, or vibrator(s), 350b, 350b’ and electrode(s)
350c, 350c’.
The collar 300 comprises at least one sensing device 340 which is a position
sensing device. The sensing device 340 comprises or is in electronic communication with
an angular position sensing device and/or location sensing device similar to the one as
described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 and the angular position sensing
device and/or location sensing device may work in the same or similar way as described
above with reference to Figures 1 and 2.
The collar comprises a controller 310 adapted to control the delivery of power to
the stimulus device(s) 350a, 350a’, 350b, 350b’, 350c, 350c’. The controller 310 may be
operatively connected to the sensing device 340 and to read the position value(s) (e.g.
angular position value and/or location value) from the sensing device (340) and compare
the position value(s) with predetermined value(s) in order to determine if one or more
control action is required. This may be done in the same manner as described above with
reference to Figures 1 and 2 and therefore need not be described again. Similarly,
instead of the controller 310 determining if a control action is required, the controller
(310) may optionally be connected to a remote processor (e.g. processor of PC 890 of
Figure 8), a remote server (e.g. processor of PC 890 of Figure 8) and/or a user device
(e.g. mobile device 830 of Figure 8) comprising a user interface and is configured to
perform the control action on the basis of a control command received from the remote
processor, remote server and/or the user device. Such functionality has already been
described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2 and therefore need not be described
again.
The collar 300 may comprise at least one power source such as a battery to
provide electrical power to controller and the stimulus device(s) 350a, 350a’, 350b, 350
b’, 350c, 350c’. In this example, it is shown that the power source is in a form of two
batteries 330a, 330b that may be chargeable via solar panels 314a, 314b on two sides. It
may be possible that there is only one battery or more than two batteries and if the
battery or batteries are chargeable via solar panel(s), then the solar panel(s) may be
located on only one side of the collar 300.
Preferably, the collar 300, comprises or is operatively connected to at least one
transceiver comprising a transmitter and a receiver. The transceiver or many other
suitable forms of transmitting device are preferably adapted to transmits or send the
angular position value and/or location value from the sensing device to the controller
310. If the controller 310 determines or receives a control command that the control
action is required, then the controller 310 transmits the control signal to the stimulus
device(s) 350a, 350a’, 350b, 350 b’, 350c, 350c’ which causes the stimulus device(s)
350a, 350a’, 350b, 350 b’, 350c, 350c’ to administer at least one form of stimulus to the
animal 400. The angular position value and/or location value over time, may also be
stored at the collar and retrieved from time to time, e.g. when an animal moves into a
milking shed and via Bluetooth or like protocol the data is downloaded from the collar
300.
The controller 310 in Figures 4 to 6 may preferably be a programmable
controller that comprises or is operatively connected to a processor and a memory. The
memory may be a Random Access Memory (RAM) or an Electrically Erasable
programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or any other memory suitable for storing at
least the predetermined value(s) relating to the angular position and/or location of the
animal. The controller 310 may be programmable remotely to control the delivery of
power to the at least one stimulus device such as at least one speaker 350a, 350a’, the
at least one vibrator 350b, 350b’ and the at least one electrode 350c, 350c’ on the basis
of the information received from the IMU and/or the GPS unit. In one embodiment, the at
least one controller is re-programmable locally when the location of the collar 300 is
sensed to be out outside of a boundary or fencing.
Figure 7 shows an example where a collar 300 is secured around the neck of an
animal 400 (a cow) in order to help control the position of the animal 400 in a field. The
apparatus 200 as described with reference to Figure 2 may also be in a form of a collar
similar to collar 300 that is secured around the neck of a cow in a similar way as shown
in Figure 7. In the same way, at least one stimulus device that is operatively connected
to the apparatus 100 as described in Figure 1 may be connected or housed inside a collar
that is secured around the neck of a cow in a similar way as shown in Figure 7.
Figure 8 shows one example of a communication system infrastructure diagram
incorporating the features of the invention in an example where a position of a cow 805
in the field is being monitored and controlled (e.g. remotely).
In this example, the user 820 tracks the position of a cow 805 within a particular
portion of the field and if deemed necessary or desirable, apply a desired form of
stimulus to the cow 805. The user 820 may use a software application (such as mobile
app) on a user device such as a mobile device 830, which includes, or can receive
information from receivers capable of detecting signals originating from GPS satellites
840, WiFi repeater/booster stations 850, and one or more cell towers 860, as well as
signal 870 originating from a collar 800 carried by the cow 810. The collar 800 may be in
a form of an apparatus comprising a housing that attaches or partially houses at least
one stimulus device that is operatively connected (i.e. in electronic communication) with
at least at least one controller such as controller 110 of the apparatus 100 of Figure 1. In
one embodiment, the collar 800 may comprises the apparatus 200 as described above
with reference to Figures 2 or the collar 800 may be same as the collar 300 as described
above with reference to Figures 3 to 6.
By connecting with the Internet 865 via WiFi, Bluetooth, or cell transmissions
such as 3G,4G, LTE etc., the software application may access the positional data (angular
and/or locational positional data) stored on a remote server, such as cloud server 880.
The data contained in the cloud server 880 can also be access by remote processor of a
computing device, such as a PC 890, via a connection through the Internet 865.
The user 820 may monitor the result of the comparison performed by the
controller that is either part of or is operatively connected to the collar 800 on a screen of
the mobile device 830, and depending upon the result of the comparison, the user 820
may send an appropriate control command to the controller. The control command may
also be sent directly from the cloud server 880 or from the cloud server 880 through a
user device (e.g. PC 890) or the processor of the user device (e.g. processor of PC 890)
that is operatively connected to the cloud server 880. The control command may then be
received by the controller which will then determine on the basis of the control command
received as to whether a control action is required. If the controller determines from a
control command that no stimulus is to be applied to the cow 805, then no control signal
will be transmitted or sent to the stimulus device of the apparatus 800. However, if the
controller determines such as from a control command that a stimulus (such as a sound
and/or vibration and/or an electric shock) is to be applied to the cow 805, then a control
signal may be send to the stimulus device of the apparatus 800 to administer the
appropriate form(s) and/or intensity of stimulus to the cow 805.
A skilled person may appreciate that the above description with reference to
Figure 8, may apply for controlling position of a cow using the apparatus 100, 200 as
described with reference to Figures 1 or 2 or to the collar 300 as described above with
reference to Figures 3 to 6.
Figure 9 is a flowchart showing one example of controlling, the position(s)
(angular position and/or location) of an animal. In this example, the animal that is being
controlled is a cow using the apparatus 100, 200 or the collar 300, 805 in order to
encourage the pasture grown in a confinement zone to be uniformly consumed and also
in order to help ensure that no particular area of the field or paddock is overgrazed or
under grazed. This may also ensure that the cow does not cross the pre-determined
(virtual) boundary of the paddock or field.
The first step 910 involves detection of position such as angular position and/or
location of the cow. This is done using the sensing device comprising or is operatively
connected to the angular position sensor such as IMU or gyroscope or location sensing
device such as navigation sensors GPS or LPS as previously described in this
specification.
Detection of angular position can provide an indication of movement in an up
and down direction as well as in a left or right direction. If the sensing device senses the
head movement of an animal such as a cow in a field, then movement in up and down
direction can indicate that the cow is eating food from a location lower than its normal
standing and resting condition. The head and neck of the cow will be moving up and
down relatively more frequently than if the cow was merely loafing. Similarly, then
movement in a left and right which indicate that the animal is turning/heading to either a
left or a right direction.
Similarly, detection of location can provide an indication where the cow is located
in a particular area of the field/paddock and how close the cow is from the
boundary/fence.
The second or subsequent step 920 involves determining if the position(s)
(angular position and/or location) of the cow is normal or abnormal. This may be
determined by the controller 110, 210, and 310 on the basis of measured/sensed
position value(s) (angular position and/or location value) and comparing such
measured/sensed position value(s) with a predetermined value(s) relating to the
position(s). If the measured position value is within or same or is substantially same as
the pre-determined value(s), the controller 110, 210, 310 may determine that the
position value(s) of the cow is normal and the cow is grazing in the field in proper and
desired manner. However, if the measured/sensed position value(s) fall below or
substantially below or exceeds or substantially exceeds the threshold pre-determined
value(s), the controller 110, 210, 310 may determine that the angular position and/or
location of the cow is abnormal, and the cow is either under grazing or is overgrazing in a
particular area of the field. Or is perhaps injured or sick.
In this second step 920, if it is determined that the position value (angular
position and/or location value) of the cow is normal, then the sensing device continues to
detect the position, as described above in the first step 910 without administering any
form of stimulus to the cow.
However, if it is determined that the position of the cow is abnormal, then third
step 930 occurs. In this preferred example, in the third step 930 the controller sends a
control signal to the stimulus device to apply a first form of stimulus to the cow.
The first stimulus may possibly in a form of sound and/or vibration on the left
side, right side and/or both the side of the cow. For example, if it is indicated that the
cow is turning too much left, then the first form of stimulus may be applied to the cow on
the left hand side thereby attempting to persuade the animal to turn right. Similarly, if it
is indicated that the cow is turning too much right, then the first form of stimulus may be
applied to the cow on the right hand side thereby so that the cow turns or learns to turn
right. Similarly, if it is indicated that the cow is not eating, overeating remains stationary
in a particular location for an unreasonably longer period of time, then the first form of
stimulus may be applied to the cow from both the sides thereby trying to persuade the
cow corrects its location and/or angular position, or learns to correct its location and/or
angular position.
The first stimulus may be in the form of a sound that is varied in volume and/or
frequency, and/or the vibration that is varied in form of strength and/or frequency. For
example, the volume and/or frequency of the sound and/or strength and/or frequency of
the vibration may be lower initially and gradually begin to increase. The increase in
intensity may be based on the urgency in which a response from the cow is desired. If
the cow is getting very close to the virtual boundary, the level of intensity of the sound
(i.e. level of volume and/or frequency) and/or vibration (level of volume and/or
frequency) may be higher than if the cow was further away or was moving away from the
virtual boundary. Applying/administering at least one stimulus that is of variable intensity
level is preferable over applying/administering at least one stimulus that is of constant
intensity because applying/administrating at least one stimulus with a variable level of
intensity can cause the animal to realise and/or learn if they are heading towards the
desired position (or away from the undesired position) or towards the undesired position
(or away from the desired position). For example, if the level of intensity of the stimulus
increases gradually such gradual increase in the level of intensity can provide indication
to the animal that it is heading towards the undesired position (e.g. towards the virtual
fence). Similarly, if the level of intensity of the stimulus decreases gradually such gradual
decrease in the intensity level can provide indication to the animal that it is heading
towards the desired position (e.g. away from the virtual fence). Even though, at least
one stimulus of constant level of intensity may be used for controlling the animal
position, such stimulus of constant level of intensity may not be as efficient as the
stimulus of variable intensity level especially in helping the animal to realise and/or learn
if they are heading towards/away from the desired or undesired position while the animal
is walking. This is because even though suddenly applying a stimulus of a non-variable
level may make the animal realise that their position is incorrect it may not necessarily
teach them in a systematic manner if the new position that they are now heading
towards is the correct or incorrect position. In some cases, suddenly applying a stimulus
of a non-variable level may even confuse the animal. Furthermore, in some cases, if the
same level of intensity is provided to an animal frequently that animal can be immune to
that particular level of intensity after some period and therefore may become non-
responsive to the stimulus of that particular level and hence, stimulus of variable level of
intensity may be more desirable even for such reason. Furthermore, it can be
appreciated that having at least one stimulus that is variable in the level of intensity
could also result in reduction in power consumption by the stimulus device(s) since
applying at least one stimulus at low level of intensity may consume less power than
applying the same stimulus at a higher level or constantly at a higher level.
The fourth step 940 involves determining if the position (location and/or angular
position) has been corrected. In this fourth step 920, if it is determined that the position
of the cow is now normal, then the sensing device continues to detect the position, as
described above in the first step 910 without administering any form of further stimulus
to the animal. However, if it is determined that the position of the cow is still abnormal,
then fifth step 950 may occur. In this preferred example, in the fifth step 950, the
controller sends a control signal to the stimulus device to apply a second form of stimulus
to the cow.
The second form stimulus may possibly be an electric current or shock on the
left side, right side and/or both the side of the cow. For example, if it is indicated that the
cow is turning too much left, then the electric shock may be applied to the cow on the
left hand side so that the cow turns or learns to turn right. Similarly, if it is indicated that
the cow is turning too much right, then the electric shock may be applied to the cow on
the right hand side thereby so that the cow turns or learns to turn left. Similarly, if it is
indicated that the cow is not eating, overeating remains stationary in a particular location
for an unreasonably longer period of time, then the electric shock may be applied to the
cow from both the sides thereby trying to persuade the cow corrects its location and/or
angular, or learns to correct its location and/or angular position. The electric shock may
be of varied magnitude, i.e., the magnitude may be lower initially and gradually start to
increase unless the orientation and/or position of the cow is tending towards a more
desired position
The fifth step 950 may be optional. In such case, if it is determined in the fourth
step 940 that the position of the cow is still abnormal, then the third step 930 occurs
again where the controller keeps sends a control signal to the stimulus device to continue
applying a first form of stimulus to the cow unless and until the cow corrects its position.
The first form of stimulus can alternately be in a form of an electric shock rather than
sound and/or vibrations. The electric shock may be also be of varied intensity (i.e.
magnitude), i.e., the magnitude of the electric shock may be lower initially and gradually
start to increase unless the position is corrected.
Instead of the controller 110, 210, 310 determining if a control action is
required, the controller may optionally (and/or additionally) be connected to or
connectable to a remote processor (such as processor of PC 890 of Figure 8) or a user
device (such as mobile device 830 of Figure 8) comprising a user interface and/or server
880 and is configured to perform the control action on the basis of a control command
received from the remote processor, user device and/or remote server. Preferably, the
remote processor or remote server is operatively connected to or is part of a user device
such as a smartphone, PDA, PC, laptop or any other suitable user device. More
preferably, the control command is send by the user from the user interface of the user
device.
Although, the above description describes a method of controlling the position(s)
of a cow using the apparatus of the present invention, many other domesticated, farmed
or even wild animals may be controlled using such method.
Therefore, from the above description with reference to Figure 9 it can be
appreciated one aspect of the invention may reside in a method of controlling an animal,
the method comprising:
detecting, using at least one sensing device (such as sensing device 110, 210) at
least one position of at least part of the animal as at least one position value;
transmitting, using at least one transmitting device (which can be a transmitter
or a transceiver 140, 240), the at least one position value in a form of at least one output
signal;
receiving, using at least one receiving device (which can be a receiver or the
transceiver 140, 240), the at least one output signal;
reading, using at least one controller (which can be controller 110, 210, 310),
the at least one position value from the output signal; and
comparing, using at least one controller, the at least one position value with at
least one predetermined value in order to determine if a control action is required, the
control action being transmitting a control signal to at least one stimulus device that
causes the at least one stimulus device to administer at least one form of stimulus to the
animal in order to control the animal.
In one embodiment, from a result of comparison if it is determined that a control
action is required, the method further comprises a step of:
transmitting, using the at least one transmitting device (which can be a
transmitter or a transceiver 140, 240), the control signal to at least one stimulus device
thereby causing the at least one stimulus device to administer at least one form of
stimulus to the animal in order to control the animal.
The step of transmitting the control signal to the at least one stimulus device
may occur if the at least one position value either exceeds or substantially exceeds or is
below or is substantially below the at least one pre-determined value.
The step of transmitting the control signal to the at least one stimulus device
may occur until it is determined that the at least one position value is same or
substantially the same as the at least one predetermined value.
If it is determined that the at least one position value is same or substantially
the same as the at least one predetermined value no form of stimulus may be
administered to the animal.
It is determined that the at least one position value is same or substantially the
same as the at least one predetermined value, the at least one sensing device continues
to detect at least one position of at least part of the animal as at least one position value,
the at least one transmitting device continues to transmit the at least one position value
in a form of at least one output signal; the at least one receiving device continues to
receive the at least one output signal, the at least at least one controller continues to
read the at least one position value from the output signal and compare the at least one
position value with at least one predetermined value in order to determine if the control
action is required.
The step of determining if the control action is required can be performed by the
controller.
The step of determining if the control action is required can be performed using
a remote processor that is operatively connected to the controller.
The step of determining if the control action is required can be performed using
a user device that is operatively connected to the controller.
The at least one stimulus is in the form of at least one of a sound, a vibration
and an electric shock. The at least one of the sound and/or the vibration can be
administered by the at least one stimulus device before applying the electric shock. The
sound and/or vibration may be variable in strength and/or frequency. The electric shock
may also be variable in magnitude.
It can be appreciated that the method can be used for controlling the position of
an animal and/or position of an animal to help guide the animal towards a particular
position or path and/or controlling the position of an animal to help guide the animal at a
particular position or path.
It can also be appreciated that the method can be used for controlling the
heading and/or course to help guide the animal towards a particular position or path.
Figure 10 is a flowchart showing one other example of a method for controlling
the position(s) of an animal.
The first step 1010 involves reading GPS position.
The second step 1020 involves calculating distance to the boundary or fence, the
distance being x.
The third step 1030 involves reading angular position using a sensing device,
which in this example is IMU.
The fourth step 1040 involves determining if the boundary is on the left or the
right.
The fifth step 1050 involves calculating change in heading relative to the
boundary.
The sixth step 1060 involves counting elapsed time (t) since x < xmax, the xmax
being the maximum distance to the boundary or fence.
The seventh step 1070 involves applying sound level (SL) between 0% to 100%
using the equation SL= β x + β α + β t
1 2 3
where, β , β and β are gains (distance gain, heading gain, and time gain,
1 2 3
respectively) which are tuned or adjusted per cow,
x is the distance to the boundary or fence,
t is the elapsed time since x < xmax, the xmax being the maximum distance to
the boundary or fence, and
α is delta heading (so heading after entering the boundary (which can be
positive and negative),
If SL= 1, then eighth step occurs, which is basically applying of electric shock to
the animal. The shock is preferably applied to the side that is closest to the boundary or
fence. Similarly, if SL <1, then the first step 1010 occurs.
It will of course be realised that while the foregoing has been given by way of
illustrative example of the present invention, all such modifications and variations thereto
as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad
scope and ambit of this invention as is hereinbefore described.
The sensing device may even be in a form of a device that is not physically
connected to the animal or carried/worn by the animal, and could instead be located in a
distance from the animal but yet could yet detect the position of the animal from a
distance by using radiations, laser, optical beams, magnetic fields, soundwaves etc.
Reflective sensors, infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors are some of the examples of the
sensing device.
Instead of a collar 300, many other forms that are suitable to be worn by an
animal may be used with the apparatus of the present invention, such as but not limited
to animal clothing, wearable straps, saddles etc.
In the description with reference to Figure 9, it is mentioned that the first and/or
second form of stimulus may possibly be administered from left side, right side and/or
both the side of the cow. However, it may be possible that the first and/or second form
stimulus is/are applied to the cow from the top and/or bottom.
Although, not shown, the apparatus 100, 200 or collar 300 of the present
invention may comprise radio or use a radio signal in order to report status or the
apparatus and/or collar and or to update new boundary and/or other parameters.
LoRaWAN may optionally be used for such purpose. LoRaWAN is a media access
control (MAC) protocol for wide area networks. It is designed to allow low-powered
devices to communicate with Internet-connected applications over long range wireless
connections.
Further Advantages
Following are some of the advantages that the present invention may
individually or selective from two or more advantages may achieve:
● The present invention may provide indication of whether the subject
animal has responded desirably to the stimuli.
● The present invention may provide means for continuously monitoring
how a particular animal is behaving especially when the animal is not
walking or is within a particular spot of the confined area, and applying
the control action accordingly.
● The present invention may provide means for training an animal to
remain within a confined area and graze well within the confined area.
● The present invention may allow remote or automated self-control of
the invention to help control the animals.
Claims (78)
1. An apparatus, in the form of a collar configured to be carried by a livestock animal, for controlling the animal or animal positions towards a particular position or along the path, the apparatus comprising: 5 at least one position sensing device configured to detect at least one position of at least part of the animal as at least one position value; and at least one controller that is operatively connected to the at least one position sensing device, and programmed to read and compare the at least one position value with at least one predetermined value relating to the at least one 10 position for determining if at least one control action is required, the at least one control action being transmitting of at least one control signal to at least one stimulus device to administer at least one form of stimulus to the animal that is able to be sensed by the animal, wherein the at least one stimulus device comprises two speakers, one speaker being on a left side of the collar proximal 15 the animal’s left ear in operation, and the other speaker being on a right side of the collar proximal the animal’s right ear in operation, and the at least one form of stimulus is a sound that is generated by at least one of the at least two speakers independently or in concert, the sound being audible to the animal, wherein the at least one controller is configured to administer the at least 20 one form of stimulus from at least one of the two speakers to guide the animal towards the particular position or along the path.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one controller is configured to administer the at least one form of stimulus through both of the two speakers in concert if the animal remains stationary in a particular location for a period of 25 time.
3. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position is an angular position of at least part of the animal.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position is the angular position relative to a datum or the at least one position value 30 relating to the angular position.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position is the angular position relative to a horizontal plane.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position is at least one angular heading of the animal.
7. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position is at least one angular position and the at least one angular position is the course of the animal.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of clams 1 or 2, wherein the at least one 5 position is at least one location of at least part of the animal.
9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position is at least one location relative to a datum.
10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the at least one position is location relative to a global position. 10
11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein, the at least one transmitting device is part of the apparatus.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claim 2 or claim 11 wherein, the at least one transmitting device is a transceiver.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one 15 controller comprises or is operatively connected to a memory for storing at least the predetermined value.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the memory is a Random Access Memory (RAM).
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, wherein the memory is an Electrically 20 Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM).
16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein the angular position is measured in three orthogonal directions, the three orthogonal directions being roll, pitch and yaw.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 to 7, wherein the angular position is of at 25 least one of the head and the neck of the animal is measured in three orthogonal directions, the three orthogonal directions being roll, pitch and yaw.
18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensing device comprises an inertial measurement unit.
19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one sensing device 30 comprises a gyroscope.
20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one position sensing device comprises or is operatively connected to at least one navigation means that is operatively connected with the at least one controller, the at least one navigation means being configured to determine a location of the animal as the position value and transmit 5 a signal representing the at least one position value to the at least one controller.
21. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the at least one navigation means is or uses a Local Positioning System (LPS).
22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 20, wherein the at least one navigation means is or uses a Global Positioning System (GPS). 10
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sound is variable in volume and/or frequency.
24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position. 15
25. An apparatus as claimed in claim 23, wherein the sound is adapted to decrease in volume and/or frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
26. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 25, wherein the at least one stimulus device further comprises at least one vibrator and the at least one form of 20 stimulus is in a form of a vibration that is able to be sensed by the animal, the vibration being generated by the at least one vibrator.
27. An apparatus as claimed in claim 26, wherein the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
28. An apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the vibration is adapted to 25 increase in strength and/or frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
29. An apparatus as claimed in claim 27, wherein the vibration is adapted to decrease in strength and/or frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
30 30. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 29, wherein the at least one stimulus device further comprises at least one electrode and the at least one form of stimulus is an electric shock that is able to be sensed by the animal, the electric shock being generated by the at least one electrode.
31. An apparatus as claimed in claim 30, wherein the electric shock is variable in magnitude. 5
32. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the electric shock is adapted to increase in magnitude at two or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
33. An apparatus as claimed in claim 31, wherein the electric shock is adapted to decrease magnitude at two or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one 10 position.
34. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 33, wherein the at least one controller is operatively connected to a remote processor and is configured to perform the control action on the basis of a command received from at least one of a remote processor and a remote server. 15
35. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the apparatus further comprises a housing and the at least one stimulus device is attached to the housing or partly located inside the housing, wherein the housing is the collar and is configured to be worn by the animal.
36. An apparatus as claimed in claim 35, wherein the housing is configured to be 20 worn around the neck of the animal.
37. A system for controlling an animal or animal positions, the system comprising: at least one of a remote processor and a remote server configured to be located at a remote location from the animal; and an apparatus as defined in any one of claims 1 to 36, 25 the at least one of the remote processor and the remote server being operatively connected to a user interface of a user device for allowing a control command relating to at least one stimulus to be applied to the animal to be sent from the at least one of the remote processor and the server to the at least one controller of the apparatus in the form of a control signal, 30 the at least one controller of the apparatus being configured to receive the control signal from the at least one of the remote processor and the server and transmit the control signal to the at least one stimulus device, the at least one stimulus device being configured to receive the control signal from the at least one controller and administer at least one form of stimulus to the animal that is able to be sensed by the animal on the basis of the control signal.
38. An animal collar capable of being secured around the neck of an animal for allowing a physical response from the animal based on at least one stimulus applied to 5 the animal from at least one of a local or remote location, the collar comprising: at least one stimulus device for applying at least one stimulus to the animal, the at least one stimulus device comprising: a left speaker and a right speaker configured to be positioned proximal to left ear and a right ear of the animal respectively to generate an audible sound to 10 the animal when the collar is secured to the animal; and at least one electrode able to contact the neck of the animal when the collar is secured around the neck of the animal to provide an electrical current to the animal; the collar further comprising: 15 at least one battery to provide electrical power to the at least one stimulus device; and at least one controller to control the delivery of power to the at least one stimulus device.
39. An animal collar as claimed in claim 38, wherein the sound is variable in volume 20 and/or frequency.
40. An animal collar as claimed in claim 39, wherein the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
41. An animal collar as claimed in claim 39, wherein the sound is adapted to 25 decrease in volume and/or frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
42. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the at least stimulus device comprises at least one vibrator configured to cause vibration to be felt by the animal when the collar is secured to the animal. 30
43. An animal collar as claimed in claim 42, wherein the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
44. An animal collar as claimed in claim 43, wherein the vibration is adapted to increase in strength and/or frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
45. An animal collar as claimed in claim 43, wherein the vibration is adapted to 5 decrease in strength and/or frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
46. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 45, wherein the electric shock is variable in magnitude.
47. An animal collar as claimed in claim 46, wherein the electric shock is adapted to 10 increase in magnitude at two or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position.
48. An animal collar as claimed in claim 47, wherein, wherein the electric shock is adapted to decrease magnitude at two or more levels of magnitude depending on the at least one position. 15
49. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 48, wherein the physical response is a movement of the head of the animal in at least one of a left and right direction.
50. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 49, wherein the animal collar comprises or is operatively connected to at least one position sensing device, the at 20 least one position sensing device being configured to determine at least one position of the animal.
51. An animal collar as claimed in claim 50, wherein the at least one position is the angular position of at least part of the animal.
52. An animal collar as claimed in claim 50 or 51, wherein the at least one position is 25 the location of at least part of the animal.
53. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 52, wherein the collar comprises an Inertial measurement unit (IMU) to provide information of the condition of the collar to said remote location, said information comprising of at least one of: (a) an indication that the movement of the collar is in an up and down direction to 30 indicate that the animal is eating food from a location lower than its normal standing and/or resting condition, and (b) an indication that the movement of the collar is in a left and right direction to indicate that the animal is turning its head to either a left or right direction.
54. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 53, wherein the collar comprises a location sensor to provide location information of the collar to at least one of 5 said local and said remote location.
55. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 54, wherein the collar comprises a navigation device, preferably a GPS unit, to provide location information of the collar to at least one of the local and remote locations.
56. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 55, wherein the at least 10 one controller is programmable remotely to control the delivery of power to the at least one stimulus device on the basis of the information received from an IMU and/or the GPS unit.
57. An animal collar as claimed in claim 56, wherein the at least one controller is re- programmable locally when the location of the collar is sensed to be out outside of a 15 boundary or fencing.
58. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 57, wherein the at least one stimulus device comprises at least two electrodes, at least one of which is to contact the left side of the neck of the animal and at least one of which is to contact the right side of the neck of the animal. 20
59. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 58, wherein the left speaker is to contact the left side of the neck of the animal and the right speaker is to contact the right side of the neck of the animal.
60. An animal collar as claimed in any one of claims 38 to 59, wherein at least one stimulus device comprises at least two vibrators, at least one of which is to contact the 25 left side of the neck of the animal and at least one of which is to contact the right side of the neck of the animal.
61. A method of controlling an animal, the method comprising: detecting, using at least one sensing device, at least one position of at least part of the animal as at least one position value; 30 transmitting, using at least one transmitting device, the at least one position value in a form of at least one output signal; receiving, using at least one receiving device, the at least one output signal; reading, using at least one controller, the at least one position value from the output signal; 5 comparing, using at least one controller, the at least one position value with at least one predetermined value in order to determine if a control action is required, the control action being transmitting a control signal to at least one stimulus device that causes the stimulus device to administer at least one form of stimulus to the animal in order to control the animal; and 10 administering the at least one stimulus in the form of a sound through at least one of a left speaker and a right speaker which are proximal to a left ear and a right ear of the animal in operation respectively, to guide the animal towards a particular position or along a path.
62. A method as claimed in claim 61, wherein from a result of comparison if it is 15 determined that a control action is required, the method further comprises a step of: transmitting, using the at least one transmitting device, the control signal to at least one stimulus device thereby causing the at least one stimulus device to administer at least one form of stimulus to the animal to control the animal.
63. A method as claimed in claim 62, wherein the step of transmitting the control 20 signal to the at least one stimulus device occurs if the at least one position value either exceeds or substantially exceeds or is below or is substantially below the at least one pre-determined value.
64. A method as claimed in claim 62 or 63, wherein the step of transmitting the control signal to the at least one stimulus device occurs until it is determined that the at 25 least one position value is same or substantially the same as the at least one predetermined value.
65. A method as claimed in claim 61, wherein if it is determined that the at least one position value is same or substantially the same as the at least one predetermined value no form of stimulus is administered to the animal. 30
66. A method as claimed in any one of claims 61 or 65, wherein if it is determined that the at least one position value is same or substantially the same as the at least one predetermined value, the at least one sensing device continues to detect at least one position of at least part of the animal as at least one position value, the at least one transmitting device continues to transmit the at least one position value in a form of at least one output signal; the at least one receiving device continues to receive the at least one output signal, the at least at least one controller continues to read the at least one position value from the output signal and compare the at least one position value with at least one predetermined value in order to determine if the control action is required. 5
67. A method as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 66, wherein the step of determining if the control action is required is performed by the controller.
68. A method as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 66, wherein the step of determining if the control action is required is performed using at least one of the remote processor and a remote server and that is operatively connected to the controller. 10
69. A method as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 66, wherein the step of determining if the control action is required is performed using a user device that is operatively connected to the controller.
70. A method as claimed in any one of claims 61 to 69, wherein the at least one stimulus is further in the form of at least one of a vibration and an electric shock. 15
71. A method as claimed in claim 70, wherein the at least one of the sound and/or the vibration is administered by the at least one stimulus device before applying the electric shock.
72. A method as claimed in claim 61 wherein the sound is variable in strength and/or frequency. 20
73. A method as claimed in claim 72, wherein the sound is adapted to increase in volume and/or frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
74. A method as claimed in claim 72, wherein the sound is adapted to decrease in volume and/or frequency at two or more levels of volume and/or frequency depending on 25 the at least one position.
75. A method as claimed in claim 70, wherein the vibration is variable in strength and/or frequency.
76. A method as claimed in claim 75, wherein the vibration is adapted to increase in strength and/or frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending 30 on the at least one position.
77. A method as claimed in claim 75, wherein the vibration is adapted to decrease in strength and/or frequency at two or more levels of strength and/or frequency depending on the at least one position.
78. A method as claimed in claim 70, wherein the electric shock is variable in 5 magnitude.
Priority Applications (1)
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