WO2004026025A1 - Appareil et procede de detection et identification d'animaux - Google Patents

Appareil et procede de detection et identification d'animaux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004026025A1
WO2004026025A1 PCT/GB2003/004061 GB0304061W WO2004026025A1 WO 2004026025 A1 WO2004026025 A1 WO 2004026025A1 GB 0304061 W GB0304061 W GB 0304061W WO 2004026025 A1 WO2004026025 A1 WO 2004026025A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
antenna
loop
animals
detection zone
loops
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2003/004061
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Richard Webber
Mark Tereszczak
Original Assignee
Shearwell Data Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Shearwell Data Limited filed Critical Shearwell Data Limited
Priority to AU2003269162A priority Critical patent/AU2003269162A1/en
Priority to EP03750942A priority patent/EP1553820A1/fr
Priority to NZ539082A priority patent/NZ539082A/en
Publication of WO2004026025A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004026025A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
    • G06K7/10316—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers
    • G06K7/10336—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers the antenna being of the near field type, inductive coil
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K11/00—Marking of animals
    • A01K11/006—Automatic identification systems for animals, e.g. electronic devices, transponders for animals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K29/00—Other apparatus for animal husbandry
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A22—BUTCHERING; MEAT TREATMENT; PROCESSING POULTRY OR FISH
    • A22B—SLAUGHTERING
    • A22B5/00—Accessories for use during or after slaughtering
    • A22B5/0064—Accessories for use during or after slaughtering for classifying or grading carcasses; for measuring back fat
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60P—VEHICLES ADAPTED FOR LOAD TRANSPORTATION OR TO TRANSPORT, TO CARRY, OR TO COMPRISE SPECIAL LOADS OR OBJECTS
    • B60P3/00—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects
    • B60P3/04—Vehicles adapted to transport, to carry or to comprise special loads or objects for transporting animals
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06K—GRAPHICAL DATA READING; PRESENTATION OF DATA; RECORD CARRIERS; HANDLING RECORD CARRIERS
    • G06K7/00—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns
    • G06K7/10—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
    • G06K7/10009—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves
    • G06K7/10316—Methods or arrangements for sensing record carriers, e.g. for reading patterns by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation sensing by radiation using wavelengths larger than 0.1 mm, e.g. radio-waves or microwaves using at least one antenna particularly designed for interrogating the wireless record carriers
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q21/00—Antenna arrays or systems
    • H01Q21/24—Combinations of antenna units polarised in different directions for transmitting or receiving circularly and elliptically polarised waves or waves linearly polarised in any direction
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01Q—ANTENNAS, i.e. RADIO AERIALS
    • H01Q7/00—Loop antennas with a substantially uniform current distribution around the loop and having a directional radiation pattern in a plane perpendicular to the plane of the loop

Definitions

  • Energising the transponder causes it to emit a response signal.
  • the same or another antenna can detect the response signal and identify the transponder which has entered the antenna zone.
  • Animals such as cattle are given electromagnetic identifiers, usually transponders, in ear tags or in stomach boluses or under-skin implants, and these are energised/detected by an antenna mounted on the side of narrow passageways (races) through which they are herded. Animals passing the detection zone e.g. at a cattle market or slaughterhouse can be uniquely identified.
  • Detected data can be fed to and logged on to a suitable control processor, either fixed or portable. Other locations are also possible, e.g. in stalls or milking parlours.
  • a standard means is to mount a loop antenna on or in the side wall of a race such that the plane of the loop is parallel to the race.
  • the antenna is set up as a series resonant circuit; when current flows through the antenna, an electromagnetic field is set up whose field lines extend around the edges of the antenna giving a toroidal shape.
  • the field lines extend generally across the race as shown in Fig. 10.
  • a microchip in a transponder cuts those field lines (i.e. lies across or move through them), a current is induced in it, i.e. it is energised. See e.g. WO 98/08182 which describes various refinements of such systems .
  • GB 1599120 shows two loop antennae with their planes perpendicular to one another. Each loop produces its own field, nominally perpendicular although each field will affect the other due to mutual inductance, causing significant Mead zones' .
  • US 4679046 shows one loop twisted as a figure of eight and surrounded by a simple loop, the two being coplanar. This aims for the same effect as two perpendicular loops, but with a planar installation. However it still suffers from Mead zones' due to mutual inductance between the loops. US 4679046 discloses two ways of alleviating Mead zones' . The first way is to multiplex the two loops.
  • Multiplexing involves powering single loops of the set in turn over a short cycle, so that the net effect over time is a field in both directions.
  • This solves the problem of mutual inductance, but adds further problems in terms of the complexity of the system circuit and ⁇ lost' time as explained below.
  • the second way is to introduce a phase shift between the currents in each loop to create a circularly polarised field.
  • the latter arrangement is complicated because finding the correct phase shift can be difficult, and the phase shift circuit requires more components and expense.
  • US 4679046 uses two antennae to provide a field which still acts substantially in only two dimensions, there are still
  • US 4679046 contemplates the addition of a third antenna, with its plane perpendicular to the other antennae, to cover the other dimension, but concedes that this is undesirable because of the cost involved in adding another component, especially since it too must either be multiplexed or given a phase shift, and because of the extra power required to give the system enough coverage.
  • a first aspect of the invention is a new antenna arrangement for detection/identification of animals, particularly but not exclusively livestock, with a good ability to detect/trigger identifier devices reliably over a full range of orientations without needing complex and expensive apparatus refinements.
  • Related aspects include methods of detecting and identifying animals using the systems comprising such antennae, and animal identification systems comprising the antennae in conjunction with other components.
  • a second aspect of the invention is concerned with methods and apparatus for identifying/detecting in particular situations, specifically in relation to transport, treatment, inspection, testing or restraint of the animals, or any combination of these.
  • these methods and apparatus use the novel antennae of the first aspect, but they may use or incorporate other kinds of antennae or other detectors.
  • a third aspect relates to the incorporation of an antenna in a restraining crate or crush for identifying animals restrained there e.g. while they are subjected to some treatment, testing, checking, measuring or diagnosis .
  • the aim in the first aspect is to provide an antenna which with two parts is capable of providing a field with components in three dimensions, i.e. able to actuate/detect transponders at any orientation.
  • a preferred aim is to provide fields of comparable strength in three dimensions with only two antenna parts.
  • a novel shape and relative arrangement of the two parts allows the antenna to provide the field without the need for a phase shift to be introduced between the parts.
  • the arrangement of the two parts can be such that mutual inductance allows for an overall field with a very wide range of directional components, enabling detection of transponders in a correspondingly wide range of orientations .
  • the first aspect of the invention provides an antenna system for use in the detection/identification of animals carrying electromagnetic identifiers, particularly RF identifiers and most particularly transponders.
  • the proposed system comprises first and second antenna loops, whose disposition is described herein in relation to a detection zone in which identifiers to be detected will be present.
  • the detection zone can be regarded as having a longitudinal axis, typically corresponding to or aligned with the horizontal length of an animal to be detected in the zone in use, and in certain preferred embodiments corresponding to a transit axis or detection path corresponding to the direction of movement of an animal or animals through, or into and/or out of, the detection zone in use.
  • the system provides a first antenna loop which is a side loop disposed at and extending along the first side of the detection zone.
  • This side antenna loop or more strictly the layer locus that it lies in, may be curved but is preferably planar or substantially planar.
  • the second antenna loop bridges or straddles the detection zone, having first and second wing portions opposed across the detection zone, extending longitudinally at the first and second sides of the detection zone respectively and connected by traversing portions of the loop which traverse between the first and second sides around the detection zone.
  • the first loop overlaps the second loop and preferably they lie in substantially the same layer locus or substantially parallel layer loci - preferably substantially planar as aforesaid - on this side.
  • the loops are generally, as in prior art constructions, open area-defining loops.
  • the or a longitudinal extending portion of the second loop on the first side traverses the opening defined by the side loop at an intermediate position thereof, dividing its area circumferentially with respect to the detection zone axis.
  • the side loop longitudinal run traverses the wing of the second loop.
  • each portion of the area so divided is at least 20% of the area.
  • the first and second loops are substantially longitudinally coextensive, at least on the first side and preferably overall. For example preferably neither has less than half the longitudinal extent of the other, at least at the first side.
  • the absolute orientation of the antenna loops is not critical provided that they create an effective detection zone of appropriate height and width, taking into account the likely variation of positions of identifiers to be detected, which in turn will depend on the size of the expected animals and the positions of their identifiers (ear tag, ruminal bolus etc.).
  • the side loop actually beside the detection zone, so that it may be mounted in or on an upright structure such as a wall, fence or barrier which acts also as a restraint or enclosure for the animals .
  • the traversing elements of the second loop may then cross above or below the zone, the animals walking or standing underneath or on top of them.
  • the dimensions of the arrangement will depend on the animals concerned, but typically the width spacing of the opposed parts of the antenna system will be at least 300 mm, usually not more than 1500 mm.
  • the longitudinal span of each of the loops is typically at least 20 mm, usually not more than 1500 mm.
  • the "depth" of the side loops and side loop portions is typically at least 300 mm.
  • each loop may be smoothly curved but more preferably are arranged as substantially linear segments with corners in between.
  • the "wings" of the second loop may have longitudinally extending parts, which may be substantially parallel with the zone axis, connected to one or both of the transverse sections by one or two riser portions.
  • the transverse sections may arch over the detection zone in a curve, or in a straight line.
  • the depths of the first and second wing portions of the second loop may be substantially the same. Preferably their depth is less than that of the side loop, with the longitudinal portion of the second wing portion opposing the open area of the side loop.
  • the second antenna loop may take the form of a saddle straddling the detection zone or path, taking the form of an arch, U or inverted U when viewed end-on.
  • the arrangement is symmetrical as between the two ends so as to operate similarly for movement of animals in either direction.
  • the antenna arrangement described is particularly effective for providing a detection field acting in all three dimensions effectively over the detection zone, requiring only two loops whereas other systems have compromised or accepted the need for further loops.
  • the present arrangement has a relatively benign mutual inductance between the loops so that the two loops can be operated simultaneously without creating dangerous "dead spots". This means that the system can be operated without phase shift and/or without multiplexing, and preferably is so operated and the other components of the system need not provide for these.
  • the two loops can be created from the same length of wire, because they may operate simultaneously in-phase.
  • the winding directions of the two loops are preferably opposed, in the sense that the longitudinally extending part of the second loop on the first side is wound in the opposite direction to the bottom of the side loop on the first side.
  • the respective loops can comprise a single cable wound and supported in the desired shape of the loop, preferably with plural windings.
  • a low resistance wire is used.
  • twin core cable e.g. speaker cable is used.
  • each loop When connected to an AC power source, each loop may form part of a series resonant circuit, whereby the transmitted signal is produced when the current moves through the coils making up the antenna .
  • the antenna may be attached to a tuning module which tunes the capacitance and/or inductance of the circuit so that its resonant frequency matches the frequency of the current.
  • the connecting wires are preferably coaxial, e.g. ethernet cables.
  • Coaxial cables have minimal field emission; it is desirable in the antenna system to concentrate the field to the loops - the connecting wires should not lose power by emitting unnecessary fields.
  • a tuning module can be used to adjust the values of capacitance and/or inductance to compensate for the capacitance and inductance present in the wires connecting the power source to the antenna. As with any arrangement where two field producing coils are placed in proximity to each other, the fields are affected by mutual inductance between the coils but as mentioned this is surprisingly not a problem. As mentioned, it is preferable to wind the wires making up the two loops in opposite directions.
  • the second loop is wound such that the portion nearest the first loop (comprising a leg of each n and a joining wire of the middle section) opposes it, i.e. it is wound anticlockwise.
  • This is illustrated in Fig. 8, and helps to avoid dead zones where e.g. energising a transponder is unlikely.
  • a tri-axial single phase antenna comprising two loops which provide an electromagnetic field capable of detecting all orientations of transponder without needing to introduce a phase shift between the loops or multiplex them.
  • cattle are identified by driving them through narrow races which allow only one animal through at a time. To speed up this process, several races may be used at once.
  • HDX half duplex
  • FDX full duplex
  • the antennae may issue conflicting instructions, e.g. if the top antenna wanted to listen for an HDX signal but the side antenna wanted to measure an FDX signal.
  • conflicting instructions e.g. if the top antenna wanted to listen for an HDX signal but the side antenna wanted to measure an FDX signal.
  • This aspect of the invention includes an antenna system as described, optionally combined with one or more of corresponding tuning module, power source, transponder reader system (which may be converted, or which may adopt the special configuration described: this is an independent proposal herein) .
  • the antenna loops in conjunction with or mounted in or on a shaped support causing them to take up the prescribed disposition relative to a detection zone.
  • a method of detection using the antenna system and particularly in which the antenna is used to excite transponders in the detection zone or path and the signals from the transponders are detected. This may be a method of monitoring livestock, for example, and the antenna system may be correspondingly adapted for mounting on/over the barriers of a livestock passage, race, restraint or other enclosure e.g. a stall or milking station.
  • a particular new proposal herein is a restraint cage or crush; this is a prefabricated and optionally portable restraint unit having side walls, top and bottom transverse supports supporting the side walls at a spacing appropriate to the animal concerned, preferably a built-in floor for the animal to stand on and restraint means for holding an animal in position in the unit, such as a pair of opposed side flaps which can be swung in to either side of the animal's neck behind its head.
  • an antenna for use in detecting an identification device on/in an animal is incorporated into the structure of the restraining cage, with the sides of the cage typically corresponding to the first and second sides as defined above and the transverse portions of the second loop traversing either above or below the space in which the animals stands when restrained.
  • restraints are normally used on a through-flow basis i.e. the animals enter at one end and leave at the other, and incorporation of a detection system is particularly valuable in view of the operations which are typically carried out in the restraint, which frequently will benefit from the ability to identify the animal on which the operation is carried out, and display and/or record the corresponding data in conjunction with the fact of that operation having been done, or data pertaining to it. Operations include weighing, testing for certain diseases, cleaning or clipping, trimming hooves, dehorning and the like.
  • the antenna system accords with the first aspect above, and the variants and preferences described above are applicable.
  • the wire(s) forming the antenna loops is/are enclosed in structural or protective elements of the restraint, to protect them against accidental damage. It may be for example contained between wall layers or passed through tubular frame elements.
  • what we propose in the second aspect of the invention is to subject animals to detection as they move off or onto a transporter (lorry, van or trailer) by means of detection apparatus on or adjacent the transporter.
  • the detection apparatus may be mounted at or adjacent the transporter door opening, either temporarily or as an integral part of the transporter entry/exit structure.
  • Transporters may be fitted with suitable detection apparatus on manufacture, or conventional transporters may be modified to include such apparatus.
  • Such data may include any one or more or all of transporter (lorry/trailer) identification, animal origin, destination, number of animals in the load, purpose of transport, date, time and duration of trip, time of rest stops etc, 'in addition to more routine data such as owner particulars.
  • transporter lorry/trailer
  • a first part of the second aspect of the invention is a method of detecting and/or identifying animals carrying electronic identifiers, in which the animals are subject to the action of a corresponding detection system as they leave or enter a transporter, at least part of the detection system preferably being mounted on or adjacent to the transporter's entry or exit structure.
  • a second part of the second aspect of the invention is a transporter entry/exit structure e.g. the doorway itself, or any one or more of ramp, gate or roof/canopy components mounted at the doorway, comprising (or comprising a mounting for) one or more detector system elements, especially one or more antennae.
  • a third part of the second aspect is a transporter having such entry/exit structure, and a fourth part of the second aspect is a method comprising adapting the entry/exit structure of a transporter by the incorporation of one or more said detection system elements.
  • Many livestock transporters have a doorway with one or more inner transversely-opening gates and a ramp door which opens downwardly.
  • the gate(s) hold the animals in while the ramp is being raised or lowered, and when opened project out as side guide barriers for animals going up or down the ramp.
  • Antenna structures - e.g. one or both of transmitting and detecting antennae - may be mounted in or on a gate of this kind, in a manner analogous to their conventional mounting in the side barriers of the races referred to previously.
  • the entry/exit structure of the transporter may have other features to improve detection.
  • One preferred proposal is to adapt one or more side barrier elements of the structure (e.g. transversely- opening gates as mentioned above) so that they can be held so as to define a transverse exit opening narrower than the transporter doorway, reducing the number of animals passing the detector location at a time.
  • the corresponding width of the restricted opening would depend on what kind of animals, e.g. cattle or sheep, were involved. Typically it might be from 0.5 to 1.5 m. Typically the restriction might be to 50% or less of the full doorway width.
  • Various means may be provided for maintaining the restricted width, e.g.
  • a further option is to provide side barrier extension portions adapted to define a restricted-width corridor, e.g. beyond an initial convergence where initial side barriers reduce the width from the full doorway width to a restricted width.
  • Such extension portions may be separate barriers attachable to outer extremities of the initial barriers, or be pivotally mounted on the latter so that they can conveniently be folded in and out of position as needed.
  • the exit structure may also include an overhead portion.
  • One possible function for this, implying a corresponding necessary structure, is to carry a detector or part of a detector, especially an overhead antenna element or antenna element portion.
  • the overhead element may function as a mechanical spacer between side barriers, i.e. for a restricted-width opening as mentioned above.
  • the detection system is connected or connectable to a control processor in the transporter.
  • the control processor may be in a towing vehicle, the trailer having detection system connections for it.
  • an on-board control system will include one, more or all of: means for powering the antenna (e) , reader circuitry for converting received transponder signals into a storable form, and electronic storage means for recording received data relating to animals detected.
  • the above control/recorded features may also be available in the other aspects described.
  • FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a simple loop antenna
  • Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the antenna of Fig. 1;
  • Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an antenna system which is an embodiment of our proposals
  • Fig. 4 is a plan view of the antenna of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 is an end view of the antenna of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 6 is a side view of the antenna of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the antenna positioned in a race
  • Fig. 8 shows an example of how the loops are wound in the antenna of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 9 shows a schematic circuit diagram for the antenna of Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of a simple loop antenna located in a side wall of a race
  • Figs. 11 to 14 show (schematically) trailer exit structures in various stages of opening
  • Fig. 15 is a schematic perspective showing a disposition of detection system elements in one exit structure .
  • Fig. 1 shows a simple loop antenna.
  • the loop is made of several turns of cable and is connected in series to a tuning module and a power supply (not shown) .
  • This is then a series resonant circuit capable of tuning by the tuning module (which can vary the inductance and/or capacitance of the circuit compensate for inductance and/or capacitance) .
  • the antenna e.g. at resonance
  • an electromagnetic field is produced.
  • the field resembles a toroid around the axis of the antenna wire.
  • Figs. 1 and 2 show typical field lines.
  • the size of the current affects the size of the toroid; the curvature of the lines through the loop can be reduced by increasing the current.
  • a loop aerial could be mounted on the side of a race or other structure with its plane parallel to the transit axis thereof, having high enough current so that the field lines through its centre extend substantially horizontally across the race. This is the idea behind known antennae used for cattle identification.
  • the antenna shown in Fig. 3 is made up of two rectangular loops: a flat loop 1 and a saddle loop 2,3.
  • the saddle loop has two n-shaped ends 3 bent perpendicular to a middle section comprising joining wires 2 which extend perpendicularly to the plane of both ends 3 to connect corresponding legs of the n's.
  • Both loops are made of turns of twin core speaker wire.
  • the antenna is formed by positioning and supporting the loops adjacent each other so that the plane of the n-shaped ends 3 and the plane formed by the joining wires 2 are both substantially perpendicular to the plane of flat loop 1.
  • the plane formed by the legs of the ends 3 and the joining wire 2 closest to the flat side loop 1 is actually in the plane of the side loop 1.
  • the loops are wound in opposite directions as shown in Fig. 8. If side loop 1 is wound clockwise then the saddle loop is wound such that the part of it closest to the plane of the loop is wound anticlockwise. In other words the longitudinal saddle wire segment closest to the side loop 1 is wound in the opposite direction to the bottom part of the side loop 1. [Note : it is also possible to have the bottom of the saddle loop below the bottom of the side loop.]
  • Fig. 9 shows a schematic circuit diagram for the antenna.
  • the antenna is connected to AC power source via tuning module 5.
  • the tuning module 5 is positioned as close to the antenna as possible to minimise the power lost in the cables joining it to the antenna.
  • the connecting wires 6 are ethernet coaxial cables.
  • Flat loop 1 and saddle loop 2,3 are connected in parallel over the power source 4, but each form a series resonant circuit tuneable by the tuning module 5. In fact they can also be formed from a single wire.
  • Figs. 3-6 are schematic representations of the fields produced by the antennae when the antenna system is powered.
  • the flat side loop 1 provides field lines 7 across the antenna in a first direction from through its middle.
  • the saddle loop 2,3 provides field lines in two mutually perpendicular directions 8,9 both of which are perpendicular to the first direction.
  • the joining wires 2 act as if there is a loop in their plane, so produce field lines 8 extending upwards through the antenna system.
  • n-shaped ends 3 both act like loop segments to produce field lines 9 extending into the antenna system in directions substantially perpendicular to the other field lines 7,8.
  • Each field affects the other wires, i.e. mutual inductance occurs, but the arrangement of the system means the fields cooperate to provide an overall field of complex shape having components in all directions within the box-like zone enclosed by the saddle loop 2,3.
  • Fig. 7 shows how the antenna can be used in a cattle market.
  • a race 10 for guiding an animal 11 is shown.
  • the antenna is positioned so that the flat loop 1 is located in a side wall of the race with its plane parallel with the direction of the race.
  • the field lines 7 it produces laterally traverse the race from left to right as viewed in Fig. 7.
  • the saddle loop then spans the race, i.e. the joining wires 2 are located in the side walls of the race running parallel to the direction of the race, and the tops of the n-shaped ends 3 traverse the race above the head of the animal 11.
  • the antenna is positioned so that the animal 11 must pass through the box-like frame of the bent antenna 2,3 where the complex electromagnetic field is present.
  • an ear tag containing a transponder will be exposed to field lines in all directions, and will be energised and emit a response signal whatever its orientation.
  • the emitted signals are preferably read by the same antenna system, although a separate reader antenna may be provided if wished.
  • Fig. 11 is a top view of the rear of a trailer 101 whose conventional rear ramp door 102 has already been folded down to rest on the ground.
  • a pair of conventional overlapping inner doors 103a, b is shown, in their overlapping closed position.
  • Fig. 12 shows the inner doors 103a, b folded out, in a manner which is itself commonplace, to form side barriers.
  • a first distinctive adaptation is that one or more loop antennae 106,107 of a detection system are mounted on the side gates 103a, b so as to energize and detect the transponders of animals as they leave the trailer. By this means, there can be complete confidence that every animal in the trailer passes the detector.
  • the precise nature of the antennae 106,107 is not crucial; various types are known and may be used.
  • transducers and processing electronics connected to the antennae may in themselves be conventional, and are not shown. However they are preferably mounted in the trailer 101, or in a vehicle (not shown) that tows it, and connected via appropriate connecting cables.
  • a refinement indicated here is that the side gates
  • the gates 103a, b are held in a convergent position so that a relatively narrow exit opening 118 is defined between them. This prevents too many animals from leaving at a time, and perhaps confusing the detection system.
  • various forms of locking engagement may be used.
  • the gates may have locking bolts that drop down to engagements on the ramp 102.
  • one or more overhead connectors 141 e.g. cross-bars may extend between the tops of the gates to keep them in position.
  • Figs. 13, 14 show a refinement, in which each of the side gates 103c, d is pivoted at its distal end to a corresponding gate extension 131c, d by hinges 133.
  • these extensions 131c, d can be folded around to form a parallel-sided corridor whose width corresponds to that of the restricted opening 118 of Fig. 12, and ensuring a zone where animals are passing in single file for detection by the detection system.
  • the antennae 106, 107 of the detection system are mounted on the extensions 131 rather than on the main gates 103, so that they face onto the parallel- sided corridor.
  • various means may be used to hold the corridor to its restricted width against the push of animals trying to get through.
  • the main gates 103 - may be anchored e.g. as suggested above. Additionally or alternatively, connectors may extend in between the gate extensions 131 to hold their spacing.
  • the picture indicates schematically an overhead connector 142, which may be added separately, or more preferably is itself pivoted along the top edge of one of the side gate extensions 131.
  • the top connector 142 may provide (as indicated in Fig. 15) a carrier for the transverse elements of a loop antenna 108 extending across the top of the single-file corridor through which the animals pass.
  • a folded loop antenna in conjunction with a side loop antenna are described with reference to the first aspect herein and particularly with reference to Figs. 1 to 10.
  • a further possibility is for traversing segments of the top loop to be separable e.g. by unplugging cable sections, from the side section (s) of that loop so that they need be installed only when the detection/identification is needed.
  • the identity codes of the animals are stored in a data logging computer appropriate to the purpose in hand. It might be an onboard or hand-held processor, or a corresponding data control centre at a farm, abattoir, market or showground.
  • the data may be sent directly from the detector system to such a central control centre, or transferred via another store e.g. an on-board or hand-held processor.
  • Data may be sent via plugged cable connections or via wireless transmission. Particular data items of interest in transporting livestock were listed previously, and any one or more or all of these may all be entered for each movement of stock.
  • This logging system may include a clock system to verify loading and unloading times, dates etc.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Birds (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un système d'antennes de détection du bétail (11) portant des émetteurs de signaux électromagnétiques codés. Le système comporte deux antennes en boucle placées le long de l'itinéraire de détection, c.-à-d. du couloir emprunté par les animaux, la première antenne (1) se trouvant le long du couloir, et la deuxième (2, 3), comportant des parties arquées (3) traversant le couloir et placées soit au-dessus, soit au-dessous, et des parties latérales en forme d'ailes se trouvant le long du couloir et faisant un angle par rapport aux parties arquées, ce qui permet de créer un champ magnétique (7, 8, 9) de détection en 3 D sans nécessiter ni de troisième antenne, ni de déphasage entre les antennes, ni de multiplexage des boucles.
PCT/GB2003/004061 2002-09-20 2003-09-22 Appareil et procede de detection et identification d'animaux WO2004026025A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003269162A AU2003269162A1 (en) 2002-09-20 2003-09-22 Apparatus and method for the detection and identification of animals
EP03750942A EP1553820A1 (fr) 2002-09-20 2003-09-22 Appareil et procede de detection et identification d'animaux
NZ539082A NZ539082A (en) 2002-09-20 2003-09-22 Apparatus and method for the detection and identification of animals

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0221887A GB0221887D0 (en) 2002-09-20 2002-09-20 Detection and identification of animals
GB0221887.3 2002-09-20

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004026025A1 true WO2004026025A1 (fr) 2004-04-01

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EP (1) EP1553820A1 (fr)
AU (1) AU2003269162A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB0221887D0 (fr)
NZ (1) NZ539082A (fr)
WO (1) WO2004026025A1 (fr)

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1667048A1 (fr) * 2004-12-01 2006-06-07 WestfaliaSurge GmbH Dispositif d'antenne ainsi que dispositif d'identification d'animaux avec un dispositif d'antenne
EP2000022A2 (fr) 2007-06-05 2008-12-10 Shearwell Data Limited Appareil et procédé de tri de bétail
EP2146304A1 (fr) * 2008-06-25 2010-01-20 Shearwell Data Limited Procédé de détection de transpondeurs RFID et système d'antenne pour celui-ci
GB2468587A (en) * 2009-03-10 2010-09-15 David Low Scott Radio frequency recording of livestock method and chute
WO2016176728A1 (fr) 2015-05-06 2016-11-10 Aleis Pty Ltd Appareil de type antenne
US20170049074A1 (en) * 2014-05-01 2017-02-23 Aleis Pty Ltd Animal Identification Systems
EP3301821A1 (fr) * 2016-09-29 2018-04-04 Continental Automotive GmbH Antenne pour un dispositif nfc et dispositif nfc
CN109301478B (zh) * 2018-08-16 2023-11-28 广东省现代农业装备研究所 一种带有天线的喂食槽

Citations (5)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1599120A (en) * 1978-05-19 1981-09-30 Philips Electronic Associated Detection system
EP0331269A1 (fr) * 1988-03-04 1989-09-06 N.V. Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NEDAP Système de détection électromagnétique
WO1998008182A1 (fr) * 1996-08-21 1998-02-26 A.T.L. Agricultural Technology Limited Appareil d'identification
WO2001003237A1 (fr) * 1999-07-02 2001-01-11 Acos Limited Dispositif d'antenne a bobines et procede servant a produire un champ magnetique variable
JP2002217635A (ja) * 2001-01-16 2002-08-02 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd アンテナ装置

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1599120A (en) * 1978-05-19 1981-09-30 Philips Electronic Associated Detection system
EP0331269A1 (fr) * 1988-03-04 1989-09-06 N.V. Nederlandsche Apparatenfabriek NEDAP Système de détection électromagnétique
WO1998008182A1 (fr) * 1996-08-21 1998-02-26 A.T.L. Agricultural Technology Limited Appareil d'identification
WO2001003237A1 (fr) * 1999-07-02 2001-01-11 Acos Limited Dispositif d'antenne a bobines et procede servant a produire un champ magnetique variable
JP2002217635A (ja) * 2001-01-16 2002-08-02 Matsushita Electric Ind Co Ltd アンテナ装置

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 2002, no. 12 12 December 2002 (2002-12-12) *

Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1667048A1 (fr) * 2004-12-01 2006-06-07 WestfaliaSurge GmbH Dispositif d'antenne ainsi que dispositif d'identification d'animaux avec un dispositif d'antenne
DE102004058068A1 (de) * 2004-12-01 2006-06-29 Westfaliasurge Gmbh Antennenanordnung sowie eine Tiererkennungsvorrichtung mit einer Antennenanordnung
EP2000022A2 (fr) 2007-06-05 2008-12-10 Shearwell Data Limited Appareil et procédé de tri de bétail
EP2146304A1 (fr) * 2008-06-25 2010-01-20 Shearwell Data Limited Procédé de détection de transpondeurs RFID et système d'antenne pour celui-ci
GB2468587A (en) * 2009-03-10 2010-09-15 David Low Scott Radio frequency recording of livestock method and chute
AU2020201382B2 (en) * 2014-05-01 2021-12-02 Allflex Australia Pty Limited Animal identification systems
US20170049074A1 (en) * 2014-05-01 2017-02-23 Aleis Pty Ltd Animal Identification Systems
KR20180003611A (ko) * 2015-05-06 2018-01-09 알레이스 피티와이 엘티디 안테나 장치
US20180131074A1 (en) * 2015-05-06 2018-05-10 Aleis Pty Ltd Antenna apparatus
EP3291669A4 (fr) * 2015-05-06 2018-05-30 Aleis Pty Ltd Appareil de type antenne
US10333196B2 (en) 2015-05-06 2019-06-25 Aleis Pty Ltd Antenna apparatus
WO2016176728A1 (fr) 2015-05-06 2016-11-10 Aleis Pty Ltd Appareil de type antenne
AU2020202460B2 (en) * 2015-05-06 2022-02-03 Allflex Australia Pty Limited Antenna apparatus
KR102607406B1 (ko) 2015-05-06 2023-11-29 알플렉스 오스트레일리아 피티와이 엘티디 안테나 장치
EP3301821A1 (fr) * 2016-09-29 2018-04-04 Continental Automotive GmbH Antenne pour un dispositif nfc et dispositif nfc
CN109301478B (zh) * 2018-08-16 2023-11-28 广东省现代农业装备研究所 一种带有天线的喂食槽

Also Published As

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NZ539082A (en) 2006-12-22
EP1553820A1 (fr) 2005-07-20
AU2003269162A1 (en) 2004-04-08
GB0221887D0 (en) 2002-10-30

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