WO2021040525A1

WO2021040525A1 - Method, system and tag for performing a task on an animal.

Info

Publication number: WO2021040525A1
Application number: PCT/NL2020/050534
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roxie Sabri Romero MULLER
Original assignee: Nedap N.V.
Priority date: 2019-08-29
Filing date: 2020-08-28
Publication date: 2021-03-04
Also published as: NL2023728B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the performance of a task on an animal by a user. The animal is provided with a tag, which is provided with a visual indication which can be wirelessly activated from a computer system. The tag is so configured that the visual indication can be deactivated. The method comprises the following steps. In the computer system a file is created comprising the at least one animal on which a task must be performed by the user. The computer system wirelessly activates the visual indication of the tag which is worn by the animal included in the file. The user proceeds to the animal whose visual indication has been activated. After the user has performed his task, the user reports directly or indirectly to the computer system that the task has been performed, whereupon in the computer system it is processed that the task has been performed, and the visual indication is deactivated.

Description

Title: Method, system and tag for performing a task on an animal.

The present invention relates to a method for the performance of a task on at least one animal by a user such as a farmer, such as inspecting and/or treating the at least one animal, the animal being provided with a tag such as an ear tag. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for carrying out such a method.

The daily care of groups of animals such as, for example, livestock on a farm is an intensive process that requires much attention from the farmer, especially when the number of animals is large. A number of aids, such as separation systems and proper registration systems, can help the farmer in creating order in this process so that the performance of care acts proceeds more efficiently. However, there is still much time lost in finding the animals on which a particular care act is to be performed.

One of the problems that the farmer or animal caregiver runs up against is that the location of a specific animal within the group is typically not directly known to him or her. When animals are kept indoors and various animals in the barn require care, the farmer typically does not know exactly what animal is where. The farmer or caregiver in that case walks around in the barn to determine at each animal individually whether it needs to undergo a treatment or not. This is highly time consuming, especially with large groups of animals, and this is still more difficult when the animals are not standing neatly in stalls or side-by-side in the barn, but dwell as a group together in a space. The animal then needs to be traced within the group by overlooking the group or moving through it. Another problem is that animals can move about within the group, so that they are still more difficult to find.

All in all, the problem can usually be resolved, but the tracing of animals is at the expense of efficiency. In the case of a large herd, this simply means that work is to be done by more caregivers or takes a single caregiver more time, but this in turn usually meets with yet other drawbacks, for example with regard to farm management costs. Moreover, this can lead to errors, for example, some animals may undergo a treatment twice while others are skipped unintendedly.

The problem may be obviated in part by making use of a system whereby the position of each animal can be accurately established. The animals that require treatment can thus be properly found within the group. Such systems, on the basis of this position determination, moreover provide much more functionality that can be used to advantage within farm management. However, the instahation of such systems is costly and for this reason is not desired in all cases. The system is too extensive in some cases, and that is why, depending on farm size, a need exists for a simpler solution. Accordingly, there is a need for a system whereby a user on site can quickly hnd within the group the animals that require a treatment.

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate the above problems and to provide a system that simplifies performing care tasks on groups of animals. In particular, the invention envisages providing the user instantaneously with insight as to which animals in a group require care.

To this end, the invention provides according to a first aspect thereof a method for the performance of a task on at least one animal by a user such as a farmer, as inspecting and/or treating the at least one animal, the animal being provided with a tag such as an ear tag, characterized in that the tag is provided with a visual indication which can be wirelessly activated from a computer system so that it is visible for the user that the indication has been activated and wherein the tag is configured such that the visual indication can be deactivated again so that it is visible for the user that the indication has been deactivated, the method comprising the following steps: a. in the computer system a file is created comprising the at least one animal on which a task must be performed by the user; b. the computer system wirelessly activates the visual indication of the tag which is worn by the at least one animal included in the file; c. the user proceeds to the at least one animal whose visual indication has been activated; d. after the user has performed his task the user reports directly or indirectly to the computer system that the task has been performed, wherein in the computer system it is processed that the task has been performed and wherein the visual indication is deactivated.

In the above method according to the invention, the animals are provided with a tag, such as an ear tag or collar, which is identifiable and is provided with a visual indication. The indication can be, for example, a lighting source, such as a lamp or a LED, or other type of visual indication that is easy to see for the user so that the animal can be found fast. The user can now perform the task or the act concerned and thereupon report the animal or task concerned as done or report this back to the computer system. The visual indication is thereupon switched off, and the user can trace and treat a next animal.

The system is supplied from a computer system, in which there are data regarding what tasks are to be performed on what animals. These data can be in a file or memory. When the user starts with the performance of the tasks, the computer system will consult the data of the animals and tasks as stored in the file and on the basis thereof activate the visual indication at one or more tags. The user can thus locate the animals in a simple manner and perform the tasks. As the visual indication upon completion of the task is deactivated at each animal, this prevents the user from erring and treating certain animals doubly or, conversely, skipping any.

In some embodiments of the invention, the user in step d. activates an input means such as a button or sensor of the tag by way of report that the task on the at least one animal has been performed, the tag being so configured that the tag wirelessly communicates to the computer system that the input means has been activated, and then deactivates the visual indication. The user can then direct his attention to a next animal on which tasks are to be performed, and only needs to focus on those animals where the visual indication has been activated.

The input means can for instance comprise one or more elements from a group comprising: a button, a switch, touch sensitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, a near field communication chip, or an optical sensor, such as an infrared sensor. Some of these input means make the further communication and processing of data possible, such as, for example, the transfer of data via near field communication (NFC) to a portable device, such as a tablet or mobile phone.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method comprises a step e. which is carried out prior to or during step d., step e. comprising: determining whether the user is within a predetermined distance from the at least one animal; wherein in step d. it is established that the user has performed his task on the basis of a result of step e. This distance can be, for example, within a radius r from the animal, where r is less than 5 meters, or preferably r is less than 2 meters, or more preferably r is less than 1 meter or where r is less than 0.5 meter. In some of these embodiments, step e. is carried out on the basis of a distance measurement between a portable device (such as a mobile phone) and the tag, to thus estabhsh whether the user is within the predetermined distance from the animal. The distance to the tag can be determined by having the tag or the mobile phone function as transmitter and receiver. The transmitter sends, for example, a signal having a known transmitted power (or including the original transmitted power sent along as data). The receiver measures the signal strength and compares it with the original signal strength at sending: the smaller the difference, the closer the transmitter. When the difference approaches zero (the received power is just about equal to the transmitted power), the distance is also nil.

According to further embodiments of the invention, the user in step d. communicates directly to the computer system that the task on the at least one animal has been performed, while the computer system is configured to then report wirelessly to the tag that the task has been performed, and wherein the tag, after reception of the report that the task has been performed, then deactivates the visual indication. For example, in some of these embodiments, the user can wirelessly communicate directly to the computer system that the task on the at least one animal has been performed by communication with the aid of a transmitter such as a transmitter of a mobile phone or tablet. Alternatively, the user can communicate directly to the computer system that the task on the at least one animal has been performed by activation of a sensor, such as a button or mouse of the computer system. The computer system may to this end, for instance, be centrally operable via a screen, keyboard, mouse or other input unit. Further, it is possible that the computer system includes a decentralized, that is, local input unit which is at a suitable location in the vicinity of where the care acts and other tasks on the animals are performed.

The computer system, according to some embodiments, is so configured that upon reception of the report that the task on the at least one animal has been performed, the computer system includes in the file that the task has been performed and/or removes from the file the respective animal on which the task had to be performed. Optionally, the computer system can process in the data file the received information regarding the task performed, possibly together with other relevant data and metadata. In this manner, the performance of the tasks is automatically recorded.

During the performance of the various tasks and care acts, the computer system may, according to some embodiments, be configured to provide to the user information representing the content of the file. This may be done, for example, in one or more of the following manners: via a screen of the computer system; via a portable screen of the user, such as for example a screen of a mobile device, for example a mobile phone or a tablet; or via a loudspeaker of the computer system or of a mobile device of the user. Providing the above-mentioned information may comprise, for example, at least one step from a group comprising: displaying of indicia via a screen, such as characters, colors, symbols, or light patterns; generating one or more audio signals, such as an alarm, tone signals or speech synthesis.

It is also possible to show information about the task performed, or to be performed, on the tag. In such embodiments, the tag may for instance be provided with further output means, such as a screen on which information can be shown; a loudspeaker; an alarm generator; or other indication means. The method, the system and the tag according to specific embodiments of the different aspects of the invention may then be further operative in one of the following ways. When the tag is to show information about a task to be performed, step b furthermore comprises a step of: the computer system sending data about the task to be performed to the tag which is worn by the at least one animal included in the file; and the tag providing the received data via the output means to the user. When the tag is to show information or feedback about the treatment performed, step d further comprises a step of the computer system sending data about the task performed to the tag, and the providing of these data via the output means of the tag.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system comprising at least one tag and a computer system, the system being configured for carrying out a method according to any one of the embodiments as described above. The system may to that end furthermore comprise a transmitter for carrying out the method according to any one of the above embodiments in which the user wirelessly communicates directly to the computer system that the task on the at least one animal has been performed. Such a transmitter may be a dedicated transmitter, belonging to such a computer system. Alternatively, it is also possible that the transmitter is a transmitter of a smartphone or tablet, which the user carries with him. Furthermore, the system may comprise a portable screen for carrying out the method where the system provides information concerning the tasks to be performed via the portable screen.

According to a second aspect of the invention, this tag is suitable to be worn by or to be attached to an animal, as an ear tag or collar, characterized in that the tag is provided with a visual indication which can be wirelessly activated from a computer system, so that it is visible for the user that the indication has been activated and wherein the tag is so configured that the visual indication can be deactivated again so that it is visible for the user that the indication has been deactivated, wherein the tag is suitable to be operatively connected with a computer system for carrying out a method as described hereinabove in conformity with the first aspect.

The invention will be discussed below on the basis of specific embodiments thereof not intended as limiting, with reference to the appended figures, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of a system according to the invention for carrying out a method according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a method according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a tag according to an embodiment; Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a mobile device for use in a method according to the invention.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a computer system according to the present invention, for use in a method according to the present invention. The computer system 1 is comprised of a server 3 provided with a central processing unit 4, and is operatively coupled with an internal or external memory 5. The server 3 is further connected with input means (not shown), such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad or other input means for inputting data. Via a wireless or wired network, in Figure 1 schematically represented with connecting hne 6, the server 3 is in communication with antenna 18 with which wirelessly data signals can be transmitted and received.

Figure 1 shows furthermore a bounded space 7 in a barn, in which are a number of animals 20. In the present example, a number of cows 20-1 through 20-10 are shown, which are in the bounded space 7. The cows 20-1 through 20-10 are each provided with a collar 22 having thereon respective tags 23-1 through 23-10. Each tag 23-1 through 23-10 belongs to a cow 20-1 through 20-10 and contains a unique identification code so that each tag 23-1 through 23-10 is individually addressable. In heu of a collar 22 with tag 23, the tags 23 may also be implemented as ear tags (see, for example,

Figure 4) or may be attached to an animal 20 in a different way. The computer system 1 can, via the antenna 18, wirelessly exchange data signals with the tags 23, and then address each of the tags 23-1 through 23-10 individually. Each tag 23 is further provided with a visual indication 24 which can be wirelessly activated from the computer system 1, for example from the server 3.

The number of animals 20 that can be taken care of in this manner is unlimited; there may be tens, hundreds or thousands of animals involved. In the description, sometimes reference will be made directly to the animals 20-1 through 20-10 in Figure 1 or 20-1 and 20-2 in Figure 2, and sometimes simply to the animals 20 (intended to mean one or more animals such as 20-1 or 20-2). Similarly, reference can be made to the tags 23 or to one or more of the individual tags 23-1 through 23-10. Furthermore, the use of the invention is not limited to a particular species of animals, provided that the animals 20 can be fitted with a tag 23. Thus, with the method and the system according to the invention, livestock on a farm of any size can be taken care of, such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, horses, donkeys, geese, or other animals. Also, the method and the system can be used in other environments for taking care of groups of animals, such as a zoo, animal home or shelter.

A user 15, for example a farmer, is schematically represented from above in Figure 1. Also represented are the sight lines 17a and 17b, which schematically indicate the current field of view of the user 15. Accordingly, in Figure 1 the user's field of view encompasses the entire bounded space 7. Further, the user 15 has a mobile operating device 16 at his disposal. This mobile operating device 16 can be, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop. In the following, the use of a mobile phone as mobile operating device will be assumed, but the invention is not limited thereto. The mobile operating device 16 or mobile phone can, via wireless connection 12, also make a connection with the server 3. In Figure 1 this is represented in a manner to suggest that mobile operating device 16 communicates directly with computer system 1 via antenna 18. While the invention in accordance with some embodiments certainly does provide for this, the invention is not limited thereto. A data connection, in some embodiments, may also be established, for example, via a mobile telecommunication network, such as an ITU standardized telecommunication network: 3G (HSUPA, HSDPA, 3GPP), 4G (LTE) and/or 5G. The use of a mobile operating device 16 is optional, the system may, in a simple embodiment, already be operative with merely the computer system 1 and the tags 23. The user 15 then lacks a feedback, operation and/or input via the mobile device 16, but on the basis of the visual indicators 24 can readily find his way to the animals 20-1 through 20-10 to treat them. Starting from the embodiment shown in Figure 1, where the user 15 has a mobile operating device 16 by means of which contact can be made with the server 3, the method according to the invention can be carried out as follows.

When the user 15 starts with the performance of the tasks, such as care acts which are to be performed on the animals 20-1 through 20-10, there is created by the server 3 a file in which the necessary and desired data of the animal and of the tasks to be performed are included. By virtue of the animals 20 having been assigned a unique animal identification number (ID) which is included in the tag 23, the file can consist, for example, of a list of animal identification numbers and information regarding the task to be performed. The tags 23-1 through 23-10 are addressable by the server 3 on the basis of their unique ID or a correlated signal modulation. Information regarding the tasks to be performed may be recorded in the file in various ways. In the file, a task description or associated code may be included. When the tasks to be performed are standard tasks, it is alternatively or additionally also possible to simply refer to a type of task. For example, when the animals 20-1 through 20-10 are dairy hvestock, such as the cows in Figure 1, the type of task can be 'inoculate', 'pregnancy check', or 'health check' (or other standard task); this can be simply indicated with a type coding. When the tasks to be performed are not standard tasks, however, the file can contain a brief description of the task, for example: 'pregnant, specific health check'.

The method can be implemented in different manners. In the example of Figure 1, an embodiment will be described where the animals 20 can be identified by the user 15 at a single glance. The user will then approach them one by one for performing the task. In the embodiment of Figure 2, a possibihty has been worked out whereby the tasks are sequentially represented via the visual indicators 24. These will hence light up one by one so that the user can treat the animals 20 one by one. As the skilled person will appreciate, the implementation as described for and shown in Figure 1 can also ( mutatis mutandis ) be implemented in the embodiment of Figure 2 and vice versa.

In Figure 1, the server 3, at the start of the method, activates in one go all visual indicators 24 of the tags 23 of the animals 20 that are to be treated. In Figure 1, this involves animals 20-1, 20-5, 20-8 and 20-9, and this has been indicated in that the tags 23-1, 23-5, 23-8 and 23-9 show a visual indicator 24 lighting up. The visual indicator 24 can be, for example, a LED or other hght source, but may also be implemented differently.

The invention is not limited to a specific form of visual indication 24 on the tags 23-1 through 23-10. To save energy, for example, use can also be made of electronic ink, also: e-ink, where energy is required solely for the condition change. An additional advantage of e-ink is that it can serve as a display screen on which also extra information about a task performed or to be performed can be shown, as by means of alphanumerical signs, diagrams, figures or other information imageable with pixels. Less commonly, as a visual indicator 24, also a mechanical solution is possible, whereby, for example by means of a relay or transistor, a mechanical action is set going and a small color face on the tag changes color.

The user 15 sees at a single glance all animals 20 that are to undergo a treatment - so this involves animals 20-1, 20-5, 20-8 and 20-9. The user 15 then proceeds, for example, in the direction of the animal 20-1. When the user 15 has performed the task concerned on animal 20-1, the user reports this directly or indirectly to the server 3. This can again be done in different manners. For example, it is possible that the user 15, with the aid of an input means on the tag 23-1, for example a button or sensor, indicates that the task on the animal 20-1 has been performed. The tag 23 may also be implemented, for example, with a near field communication (NFC) chip or a Bluetooth transceiver, whereby via the mobile operating device 16 a report or instruction can be provided directly to the tag 23. A different switch, a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor also provides possibilities of passing on the report directly to the tag 23-1. The tag 23-1 can then, via wireless connection 19, report this back to the server 3, after which the visual indication is deactivated. Deactivation of the visual indication 24 can be done directly from the tag 23-1 in response to the report, or the tag 23 may be instructed to that effect by the server 3 via wireless connection 19.

In some embodiments, one of the units - the operating device 16 or the tag 23-1 - functions as transmitter and the other as receiver and they estabhsh mutually whether they are in each other's proximity. This can be done, for example, by comparing a sent transmitted power with a received signal strength. The system can thus establish whether the user 15 is in the immediate vicinity of the animal 20-1. In accordance with an embodiment, the server 3 can establish on the basis of the proximity of the user 15 to animal 20-1 whether the user has performed his task for animal 20-1. For example, the user 15 may receive on his mobile operating device 16 a request to confirm that the task has been performed. Establishing that the task has been performed can also take place entirely on the basis of the proximity of the mobile device 16 to the tag 23-1, whereby the user 15 does not have to send any confirmation and reporting takes place automatically. The distance to the animal 20-1 that is necessary to establish whether the task has or has not been performed may be predetermined, for instance by setting it on the server 3. For example, this distance can be within a radius of 5 meters, preferably within a radius of 2 meters, more preferably within a radius of 1 meter and still more preferably within a radius of 0.5 meter from the animal 20-1 to be treated.

In yet another embodiment, reporting that the task has been performed can take place directly from the mobile operating device 16 to the server 3. The server 3 is then so configured that thereupon it is wirelessly reported to the tag 23-1 via data connection 19 that the task has been performed, and after reception of the report from the server 3 the visual indication 24 of animal 20-1 is deactivated. The wireless communication between the mobile operating device 16 and the server 3 can take place via an own channel 12, or via a wireless telephony network as already described above. For example, the mobile operating device 16 can be a smartphone whereby the data exchange between the smartphone 16 and the server 3 proceeds via the mobile telephony network.

After reception of the report that the task has been performed with animal 20-1, the server 3 may be configured for accordingly updating the data in the data file stored in the memory 5. This allows completion of the task to be recorded in the file in a simple manner, for example with a Boolean parameter (flag). Also, if desired, the time at which the task was performed can be included in the file. Alternatively, it is also possible that the task and the animal identification number are removed from the file. The file will then merely contain information regarding any tasks yet to be performed. The skilled person will appreciate that various other registration methods are available for registering or not registering care acts which have been performed on the animals 20-1, 20-5, 20-8 and 20-9.

During the performance of the different tasks, information regarding the content of the data file may be provided to the user 15. This can take place in different ways. In the example of Figure 1, the information regarding the tasks to be performed can be reported to the user 15 via the mobile operating device 16. On the screen of, for example, a mobile phone 16 of the user 15, this information can be displayed. In an alternative embodiment, or in addition to the screen of the mobile operating device 16, the computer system 1 may comprise a local display screen in the barn (for example combined with the input unit which has been mentioned hereinabove) on which the information is displayed. Yet another possibility is that the computer system 1 comprises a loudspeaker (not shown) with which an audio signal can be generated. Displaying information on a screen or a portable screen such as the portable screen of mobile operating device 16, can take place by means of, for example, characters, colors, color patterns, symbols, hght patterns and other indicia. Audio signals can comprise, for example, tone signals or an alarm signal, or, for example, a speech synthesis indicating what task is to be performed or giving a description of the task.

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an embodiment of a system according to the present invention, for use in a method according to the present invention. The system comprises inter alia a computer system 1, positioning beacons 8, 9, 10, a tag 23 and a mobile operating device 16. The computer system 1 comprises a server 3 including a central processing unit 4, and is operatively coupled with an internal or external memory 5. The server 3 is further connected with input means (not shown) such as a keyboard, mouse, touch pad or other input means for inputting data. Via a wireless or wired network, in Figure 2 schematically represented with connecting lines 6, the server 3 receives data from the positioning beacons 8, 9 and 10.

The positioning beacons 8, 9 and 10 send out, for example, positioning signals having a frequency of 50 kilohertz. The carrier frequency on which the positioning signals are sent out is not essential, and may be a different frequency which is, for example, between 1 kilohertz and 10 gigahertz. The beacon signals are schematically represented by the reference numerals 13-1, 13-2 and 13-3 for the beacons 8, 9 and 10 respectively. The beacons 8, 9 and 10 may be placed at three (or more) different locations, for example in a barn, or around a meadow or other area where the livestock are.

The animals 20-1 and 20-2 to be treated, which are, for example, in the barn, are each provided with a collar 22 to which the tag 23 is fixed. In lieu of a collar 22 with tag 23, the tag 23 may also be implemented as an ear tag (see e.g. Figure 4) or be attached to the animal 20 in a different manner. The tags 23 receive the beacon signals 13-1, 13-2 and 13-3 and determine of each of the positioning signals 13-1 through 13-3 the signal strength (received signal strength indication - RSSI). By feedback of this RSSI to the server 3 via wireless communication 11, the position of each of the animals 20-1 and 20-2 can be determined by triangulation. Each tag 23 is further provided with a visual indication 24 which can be wirelessly activated from the computer system, for example from the server 3. In Figure 2, for that matter, only two animals 20-1 and 20-2 are shown, but the number of animals that can be taken care of in this way is unlimited; there can be tens, hundreds or thousands of animals involved. In the description, sometimes reference will be made directly to the animals 20-1 and 20-2 in Figure 2, and sometimes simply to the animals 20 (understood to mean one or more animals such as 20-1 or 20-2). Also, the use of the invention is not limited to a particular species of animals, provided that the animals 20 can be fitted with a tag 23. Thus, with the method and the system of the invention, livestock on a farm of any size can be taken care of, such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, turkeys, horses, donkeys, geese, or other animals. Also, the method and the system may be used in other environments for care of groups of animals, such as a zoo, animal home or shelter.

The user 15 has the mobile operating device 16 at his disposal. This mobile operating device 16 can be, for example, a mobile phone, a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop. In the following, the use of a mobile phone as mobile operating device will be assumed, but the invention is not limited thereto. The mobile operating device 16 or mobile phone can, via wireless connection 12, also make connection with the server 3. The use of a mobile operating device 16 is optional, the system may already be operative, in a simple embodiment, with merely the computer system 1 and the tags 23.

The user then lacks a feedback, operation and/or input via the mobile device 16, but on the basis of the visual indications 24 can readily find his way to the animals 20-1 and 20-2 in order to treat them. Starting from the embodiment shown in Figure 2, where the user 15 has a mobile operating device 16 at his disposal by means of which contact can be made with the server 3, the method according to the invention can be carried out as follows.

When the user 15 starts with the performance of the tasks, such as care acts which are to be performed on the animals 20 (e.g. 20-1, 20-2 and any other animals), there is created by the server 3 a file in which the necessary and desired data of the animals and of the tasks to be performed are included. By virtue of each of the animals 20 having been assigned a unique animal identification number (ID) which is included in the tag 23, the file can consist, for example, of a list of animal identification numbers and information regarding the task to be performed. The tags 23 are addressable by the server 3 on the basis of their unique ID or a correlated signal modulation. Information regarding the tasks to be performed may be recorded in the file in various ways. In the file, a task description, or code coupled thereto, may be included. When the tasks to be performed are standard tasks, it is alternatively or additionally also possible to simply refer to a type of task. For example, when the animals 20-1 and 20-2 are dairy cattle, such as cows, the task type can be 'inoculate', 'pregnancy check', or 'health check' (or other standard task); this can be simply indicated with a type coding. When, however, the tasks to be performed are not standard tasks, the file can contain a brief description of the task, for example: 'pregnant, specific health check'.

At the start of the method, the server 3 activates for the first task to be performed the visual indicator 24 of the tag 23 for the animal concerned. In Figure 2 this is indicated in that the tag 23 of the animal 20-1 shows a visual indicator 24 lighting up. The visual indicator 24 can be, for example, a LED or other light source, but may also be implemented differently. The invention is not limited to a specific form of visual indication 24 on the tag 23. To save energy, for example, also use can be made of electronic ink, or e-ink, where energy is required solely for the condition change. An additional advantage of e-ink is that it can serve as a display screen on which also extra information about a task to be performed or already performed may be shown, as by means of alphanumerical signs, diagrams, figures, or other information imageable with pixels. Less commonly, as a visual indicator 24, also a mechanical solution is possible, whereby, for example by means of a relay or transistor, a mechanical action is set going and a small color face on the tag changes color.

As the first task is to be performed on animal 20-1 in Figure 2, the server 3 has activated the visual indicator 24 of the tag 23 of animal 20-1. This visual indicator 24 is visible to the user 15, who then proceeds in the direction of the animal 20-1. In the embodiment of Figure 2, it is further possible that the user 15 can also see the location of the animal 20-1 on the screen of his mobile operating device 16. As indicated above, this is optional, and the user 15 can, if desired, also look with his own eyes for the animal 20-1 whose visual indicator 24 on the tag 23 has been activated.

When having performed the task concerned on animal 20-1, the user 15 reports this directly or indirectly to the server 3. This may be done in different manners. For instance, it is possible that the user 15, with the aid of an input means on the tag 23, for example a button or sensor, indicates that the task on the animal 20-1 has been performed. The tag 23 may be implemented, for example, with a near field communication (NFC) chip, whereby, via the mobile operating device 16, a report or instruction can be provided directly to the tag 23 by NFC. A different switch, a magnetic sensor or an optical sensor also provides possibilities to pass on the report directly to the tag 23. The tag 23 can then report this via wireless connection 11 to the server 3 as feedback, after which the visual indication is deactivated. Deactivation of the visual indication can take place directly from the tag 23 in reply to the report, or the tag 23 may be instructed to that effect by the server 3 via wireless connection 11.

In some embodiments, the mobile operating device 16 itself has positioning means, so that the mobile operating device 16 can pass on its position to the server 3. The server 3 provides, in addition to the visual indication 24 via the tag, information via the mobile operating device 16 to the user 15 about the location of the animal 20-1 or how the animal can be reached. This may be done, for example, via a map shown on a screen of device 16 or by indicating a direction. Additionally, the server 3 can estabhsh whether the user 15 is in the immediate vicinity of the animal 20-1. According to an embodiment, the server 3 can for instance estabhsh whether the user is within a predetermined distance from animal 20-1, and on the basis of the proximity of the user 15 to animal 20-1 establish whether the user has performed his task. For example, the user 15 may receive on his mobile operating device 16 the request to confirm that the task has been performed. Establishing that the task has been performed may also take place entirely on the basis of the proximity of the mobile device 16 to the tag 23, where the user 15 is not required to send a confirmation and reporting takes place automatically. The distance to the animal 20-1 that is necessary to establish whether or not the task has been performed may be predetermined, for instance by setting it on the server 3. For example, this distance may be within a radius of 5 meters, preferably within a radius of 2 meters, more preferably within a radius of 1 meter and still more preferably within a radius of 0.5 meter from the animal 20-1 to be treated.

In yet another embodiment, reporting that the task has been performed can take place directly from the mobile operating device 16 to the server 3. The server 3 is then so configured that thereupon it is wirelessly reported to the tag 23 that the task has been performed, and after reception of the report from the server 3, the visual indication 24 of animal 20-1 is deactivated. The wireless communication between the mobile operating device 16 and the server 3 can take place via an own channel 12, or via a wireless telephony network. For example, the mobile operating device 16 may be a smartphone, with the data exchange between the smartphone 16 and the server 3 proceeding via the mobile telephony network.

After reception of the report that the task has been performed on animal 20-1, the server 3 may be configured to accordingly update the data in the data file stored in the memory 5. Thus, it is possible for the performance of the task to be recorded in the file in a simple manner, for example with a Boolean parameter (flag). Further, if desired, the time at which the task was performed may be included in the file. Alternatively, it is also possible that the task and the animal identification number are removed from the file. The file will then merely contain information regarding tasks yet to be performed. The skilled person will appreciate that various other registration methods are available for registering care acts performed on the animals 20-1 and 20-2, or not. It is also possible, for example, that regular daily tasks are not kept record of by the server 3, but that, for example, specific tasks do get registered in order to enable monitoring. In that case, for example, examination of a sick animal will be recorded by the server 3. The user may then, for example, pre-set what tasks he wishes to be recorded by the server 3. The server 3 can possibly carry out registration on the basis of task type.

During the performance of the different tasks, information regarding the content of the data file may be provided to the user 15. This can take place in different ways. In the example of Figure 2, the information regarding the tasks to be performed and the location of the different animals 20-1 and 20-2 can be reported to the user 15 via the mobile operating device 16. On the screen of, for example, a mobile phone 16 of the user 15, this information can be represented. In an alternative embodiment, or in addition to the screen of the mobile operating device 16, the computer system 1 may comprise a local display screen in the barn (for example combined with the input unit which has been mentioned hereinabove) on which the information is represented. Yet another possibility is that the computer system 1 comprises a loudspeaker (not shown) with which an audio signal can be generated. Representing information on a screen or a portable screen such as the portable screen of mobile operating device 16 can take place by means of, for example, characters, colors, color patterns, symbols, light patterns and other indicia. Audio signals can comprise, for example, tone signals or an alarm signal, or, for example, a speech synthesis indicating what task is to be performed or giving a description of the task.

In Figure 3 a schematic representation is shown of an embodiment of a method according to the present invention. The method is started in step 30. In step 32, by a computer system, for example the computer system 1 of Figure 1 or 2, a hie is created, comprising at least one animal, for example 20-1, on which a task is to be performed by the user 15. The file can comprise a multiplicity of tasks that are to be performed on one or more animals in a herd. In step 32, the computer system wirelessly activates the visual indicator 24 on the tag 23 of the animal on which a task, for example the first task in the hst, is to be performed. The computer system 1 addresses the respective tag 23 of the animal 20-1 by making use of the unique identification mark of the tag 23, that belongs to the respective animal 20-1. The activation of the visual indication 24 on the tag 23 takes place via a wireless connection.

In step 36, the user 15 proceeds to the animal 20-1 whose visual indication 24 has been activated. Also, it is possible that several visual indicators on different tags 23 of various animals are activated simultaneously. The user 15 can then, for instance, visit the animals one by one to perform a task and report it as done. In step 38, after the user 15 has performed his task, the user 15 reports directly or indirectly to the computer system 1 that the task has been performed. After reception of the report in the server 3 of the computer system 1, this input is processed, for example, by registration of the task performed or removal thereof from the file, as described above. Then, in step 42, the visual indication is deactivated. The deactivation of the visual indication may proceed directly from the tag 23, for example when reporting back that the task has been performed, but it is also possible for the tag 23 to be instructed from the server 3 to deactivate the visual indication. This depends on the chosen implementation of the computer system according to the present invention.

In step 44 it is estabhshed whether in the data file a next task to be performed is available, for example for a next animal. If so, the method continues in step 34. But when the last task on the last animal has been performed, the method can be ended in step 46.

Figure 4 schematically shows a tag 23' according to the present invention. The tag 23' in this case is an ear tag which is attached to the ear of an animal 20. The tags shown in Figures 1 and 2 are connected to the animals 20-1 through 20-10 via collars 22. However, the invention is not limited to a specific type of tag, the tag simply needs to be attachable to the animal 20. The tag 23' is provided with a unique identification number (ID) 25 by which the user 15 can recognize the animal. A digital representation of the unique identification number 25 may be stored in the memory of the tag, so that the tag can be addressed by the computer system 1. The physical mention of this ID 25 on the tag 23 as in Figure 4 is optional, the tag 23 might also contain the ID 25 or coding thereof merely digitally to enable the tag 23 to be addressed and invoked within the system 1.

The tag 23' is further provided with a visual indicator 24 which can be activated and deactivated remotely. This can take place upon instruction from the computer system 1, or indirectly via a processor on the tag 23'. The tag 23' is additionally provided with a sensor 28 with which the user 15 can report that the task has been performed. The sensor 28 can be a simple button or different type switch, a touch sensitive sensor, magnetic sensor, a near field communication chip or, for example, an optical sensor such as an infrared sensor. The invention is not limited to a specific type of sensor that can serve as input means for the tag 23. Preferably, the tag 23 has a sensor 28 that uses energy only to a limited extent.

In Figure 5, a mobile phone can be seen which can be used as a mobile operating device 16 in Figure 2. There is shown an application on the screen 50 of the portable device 16 with which the user 15 can carry out the method according to the invention. As already indicated earlier, the use of a mobile operating device 16 is optional, and the user can also carry out the method, in a simple embodiment thereof, entirely on the basis of the visual indicators 24 on the tags 23 of the animals 20. The mobile operating device 16 in Figure 5 should therefore be regarded as an optional aid, although this aid does provide additional advantages. On the screen 50, in a list 52, for instance information can be provided about the tasks to be performed and the respective animals. The list 52 shows the animal identification numbers and the types of tasks that are to be performed. Alternatively, it is also possible to describe the tasks in a different manner, or to work with e.g. color patterns or other marks. Also to be seen on the display screen 50 of the smartphone 16 is a small map 54 of the immediate surroundings of the user 15. The user 15 is schematically represented with icon 56. The location of the respective animal 20-1 (with ID number 1403) is represented by the indicator 55 on the map. With the aid of the map 54, the user 15 can simply proceed in the direction of the respective animal 20-1. As soon as the task has been performed, the user, with the aid of the virtual button 58 on the touch sensitive screen 50 of the smartphone 16, can report directly to the server 3 that the task has been performed. The button 58, in that case, forms an alternative to the button or sensor 28 on the tag shown in Figure 4. The system according to the invention simplifies to a large extent the performance of a large number of tasks on a large group of animals, and prevents errors. The skilled person will appreciate that the method according to the invention can also be carried out in an alternative way. The above-described specific embodiments of the invention are intended for illustration of the principle of the invention. The invention is only hmited by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for the performance of a task on at least one animal by a user such as a farmer, such as inspecting and/or treating the at least one animal, the animal being provided with a tag such as an ear tag, characterized in that the tag is provided with a visual indication which can be wirelessly activated from a computer system so that it is visible to the user that the indication has been activated and wherein the tag is configured such that the visual indication can be deactivated again so that it is visible to the user that the indication has been deactivated, the method comprising the following steps: a. in the computer system a file is created comprising the at least one animal on which a task must be performed by the user; b. the computer system wirelessly activates the visual indication of the tag which is worn by the at least one animal included in the file; c. the user proceeds to the at least one animal whose visual indication has been activated; d. determining whether the user is within a predetermined distance from the at least one animal; e. after, on the basis of the result of step d., it has been established that the user has performed his task, the user reports directly or indirectly to the computer system that the task has been performed, wherein in the computer system it is processed that the task has been performed and wherein the visual indication is deactivated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that in step d. the user activates an input means such as a button or sensor of the tag by way of report that the task on the at least one animal has been performed, wherein the tag is so configured that the tag wirelessly communicates to the computer system that the input means has been activated and then deactivates the visual indication.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the input means comprises one or more elements from a group comprising: a button, a switch, a touch sensitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, a near field communication chip, or an optical sensor, such as an infrared sensor.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that step d. is carried out on the basis of position data obtained from a portable device, such as a mobile phone.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in step e. the user communicates directly to the computer system that the task on the at least one animal has been performed, wherein the computer system is so configured that thereupon it reports wirelessly to the tag that the task has been performed and wherein thereupon the tag after reception of the report that the task has been performed deactivates the visual indication.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the user wirelessly communicates directly to the computer system that the task on the at least one animal has been performed, by communication with the aid of a transmitter such as a transmitter of a mobile phone or tablet.

7. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the user communicates directly to the computer system that the task on the at least one animal has been performed, by activation of a sensor such as a button or mouse of the computer system.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the computer system is so configured that upon reception of the report that the task on the at least one animal has been performed, the computer system includes in the file that the task has been performed and/or removes from the file the respective animal on which the task had to be performed.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that information representing the content of the file is provided in one or more of the following ways: via a screen of the computer system; via a portable screen of the user, such as for example a screen of a mobile device, for example a mobile phone or a tablet; or via a loudspeaker of the computer system or of a mobile device of the user.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that providing the information comprises at least one step from a group comprising: displaying of marks via a screen, such as characters, colors, symbols, or light patterns; generating of one or more audio signals, such as an alarm, tone signals or speech synthesis.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising, via the tag, providing information about a task to be performed or performed, wherein the method further comprises a step of: the computer system sending data about the task to the tag, and the tag providing the received data via the output means to the user.

12. A system comprising at least one tag and a computer system, wherein the system is configured for carrying out a method according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the system further comprises a transmitter for carrying out the method according to claim 6.

14. The system according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the system further comprises a portable screen for carrying out the method according to claim 10.

15. A tag suitable to be worn by or to be attached to an animal, such as an ear tag or collar, characterized in that the tag is provided with a visual indication which can be wirelessly activated from a computer system so that it is visible for the user that the indication has been activated and wherein the tag is so configured that the visual indication can be deactivated again so that it is visible for the user that the indication has been deactivated, wherein the tag is suitable to be operatively connected with a computer system for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1-11.